Gear up for action at the 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival!
Get ready to move, groove, paddle and pedal – the 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival is back from 4 to 13 July, bursting with thrilling sporting events for every age and ability, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, weekend warrior, or just looking for a fun family outing.
The festival sporting calendar is jam-packed with iconic favourites and new adventures that span forests, mountains, roads, waterways, and even wine farms – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Garden Route.
Hit the ground running
Lace up for the legendary Knysna Forest Marathon & Half Marathon (5 July) – a must-do event that winds through the mystical Knysna Forest. There are still entries available for the Full Marathon.
The Houtkapper Trail Run on Sunday, 6 July, with its forest magic and mountain air awaits! This event offers three distances, each winding through the lush indigenous forests and singletrack paths of Krisjan-se-Nek. It’s one of the festival’s most iconic off-road runs – and your perfect excuse to get a little muddy in the name of fun!
For a slightly more relaxed experience, join the 3 km Family Adventure Walk at Blackwaters River Lodge on Friday 4 July. If you’d rather spectate than participate, there are two soccer tournaments to look out for: the KLFA Soccer Tournament and the Street Soccer Tournament, as well as the SWD Touch Showdown touch rugby tournament, the Mini Hockey Tournament and Netball Tournament.
Join the 5km for CANSA (6 July) or bring the whole family for the festive RAP Knysna Colour Run (12 July) – it’s fitness with flair!
Continue your festival fitness journey and the Simola Sunset Wine Run (10 July). Or push your limits with the KnysnaX Trail Series Winter Run (10 July) and the Choo-Tjoe Ultra Trail Run (13 July) following the historic railway route.
Pedal power
Saddle up for one of the festival’s most exhilarating sporting spectacles – the Knysna Cycle Tour! Spanning three epic days, this year’s action kicks off on Friday 11 July with the three-day forest Enduro and Criterium Rides and continues on Saturday, 12 July, with mountain biking adventures through the scenic forests around Simola – choose from 86 km, 56 km or 30 km routes. On Sunday, 13 July, it’s time to hit the tarmac with road races starting from Waterfront Drive, including thrilling kids’ races. Sign up now if you’re chasing a podium or just pedalling for fun!
Make a splash
On 5 July, the Canoe Polo Tournament will bring fast-paced, team-focused action to the Knysna Waterfront. The Harbour 2 Heads Lagoon Challenge, on 13 July, is a spectacular 12 km or 24 km canoe race through Knysna’s sparkling waterways.
Game on!
Try something different with the Padel Challenge at Simola Country Estate or sign up for the Oyster Betterball Championship, 11 July, at Knysna Golf Club. Think fast and team up for The Amazing Race – Knysna Style, 9 July, a clue-cracking adventure around town. And don’t miss the Knysna Sports Fair, 10 July – an energetic celebration of youth sport and community fitness.
These are two 5 km Saturday Parkruns which are community-focused, and open to all ages and fitness levels. They start and finish at the Knysna High School Sports Field, part of the Festival Hub.
Join the action and be part of the festival whether you’re actively participating and competing or just cheering from the sidelines. Check out the full programme or enter online now at www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.
