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10 things to do at the Knysna Oyster Fest
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival returns to the Garden Route town from 29 June-8 July 2018. Here is a list of 10 hand-picked things to do from more than 100 activities at this year's festival.
Foodie fun
The Fish Braai competition is a firm favourite, during which locals battle it out for bragging rights for the coveted title of ‘Best Fish Braaier in Knysna’ in the Pick n Pay Fish Braai Competition on 5 July 2018 from 4 - 6pm.The competition reaches boiling point on 6 July 2018 from 12–1pm, when competitors go head-to-head in their frantic bid to be crowned champion in the Oyster Shucking and Eating Competition. In a brand-new event, Pick n Pay Smart Shopper cardholders and their partners are invited to reserve a spot at the Fresh Taste of Pick n Pay. Look forward to being served scrumptious delights; and as you'd expect from Knysna hospitality, you'll be invited to indulge in fresh oysters, accompanied by Heinz Hot Sauce. This will be rounded off with the perfect wine or bubbly from Van Loveren wines on 4 July 2018 between 4 and 7pm at the Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre.
Mix it up
Mix up your festival fun with some of the many tourism activities on offer, such as a trip on the Knysna lagoon on a ferry, inflatable boat, yacht, or kayak. For the more adventurous, there’s paragliding and even bungee jumping. It takes less than an hour from Knysna to Bloukrans Bridge, where you’ll find the highest bridge bungee jump in the world at 216m. Take on the Harbour2Heads Lagoon Challenge on 1 July 2018, the marathon-style paddling on the beautiful Knysna Estuary or attempt the Momentum Knysna Lagoon Mile Swim on 2 July 2018.
Wine, wonderful wine
The Knysna Wine Festival presented by Pick n Pay may be an institution, but this year’s location on Thesen Island will be a first. Experience the best of South Africa’s wine farms on 2-3 July 2018 from 5-9pm. Wine lovers can choose from over 200 wines from more than 50 wine producers, as well as craft liquors from across the Cape Winelands and Garden Route.
Don’t forget the elephants
Get up close and personal with elephants in the Knysna Elephant Park and all manner of wildlife at numerous wildlife sanctuaries in the area, including Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay, which is the world’s first free roaming primate sanctuary.
Hit the road and trail
Knysna will be a cycler’s paradise during the first weekend of the festival. The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour MTB events kick off festivities on 30 June 2018 with challenging trails through the region’s forests and farmlands. The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour Road Races on 1 July 2018 feature a 115km and a 50km route. The 115km road race, as well as the 80km and 50km MTB races, will again be seeding events for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour. Also not to be missed are the family rides, kiddie’s ride and MTB X.
A splash of colour with a social conscience
In an exciting initiative, Knysna Municipality’s Economic Development team has supported local entrepreneurs to host events as part of the festival: Bulelane Memane will be hosting the Colour Splash Party – featuring well known Johannesburg DJ Bongs on 30 June 2018; Oliver Mabukane is organising the Ikasi Colour Fun Run on 1 July 2018, which will be followed by a street bash After Party; and Vuvu Ralushe’s will be host the Green Carpet Fashion Extravaganza at Club Vinyl on the Main Street of Knysna on 8 July 2018.
A breath of fresh air
Experience the wonders of nature with the whole family, by joining us on the FNB Forest Family Hike on either 2 July, 4 July, or 6 July 2018. The legendary Harkerville Trails provide people of all ages and fitness levels the chance to absorb the magic of these famous forests. There is a brisk hike over a 10km distance and shorter rambles of 6km and 2.5km. Look out for a Knysna Loerie or even an elephant. Share the ecological importance of the forests with children while enjoying the quality family time. An entertaining talk on the history of the area and its rare forest fauna and flora is part of the fun.
On your marks
The hugely popular Momentum BIG5 Challenge is taking place between 29 June and 7 July 2018. Athletes can choose between the Momentum BIG5 and Momentum BIG5Lite, both of which start and finish with the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour MTB and the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon’s Half Marathon. An additional three events form the full BIG5 and take place between those two events and include swimming, trail running and MTB X events.
Runners rule
Runners, as always, are in for a treat. The Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, two of South Africa’s most unique running races, take place on 7 July 2018. Runners can look forward to experiencing the incredible views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the Knysna Heads as they approach the finish line. On 3 July 2018, the Momentum Featherbed Trail Run provides an 11km Seahorse and a 15km Coelacanth option. The Houtkapper Trail Run on 8 July 2018 has 9km, 15 km and 27 km trails that provide the opportunity to experience single track and exciting terrain of the Garden Route National Park.
Just for laughs
The Comedy Chuckle is a festival highlight and will take place at Mitchell’s Brewery on 5 July 2018. This year’s line-up includes SA’s top funnymen Kagiso Mokgadi, Carl Weber, Yasseen Barnes, and Dalin Oliver. Also on the comedy lineup this year is the Emo Adams Evening of Comedy and Entertainment on 7 July 2018.
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