Knysna Oyster Festival 2025 – an ‘out of your shell’ hit!
The 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival (4–13 July 2025) successfully built on its reputation as a premier winter celebration, offering festivalgoers ten days of culinary delights, sporting fun, cultural discoveries, and family-friendly entertainment.
Executive Mayor Cllr Thando Matika said that the past 10 days have been a whirlwind of celebration. “Under the engaging theme It’s time to come out of your shell! the event once again captivated locals and visitors alike. It was a celebration of sport, food, family, community and everything that makes Knysna so special. From the forest trails where marathon runners pushed their limits, to the rugby fields and netball courts where community spirit and friendly rivalry reigned, to the winding roads taken on by thousands of cyclists, and of course, to the cheerful clink of glasses over oysters and bubbly – this festival once again proved why it holds such a special place in South Africa’s heart.”
Sporting anchor events, the Knysna Forest Marathon and the Knysna Cycle Tour, were once again well supported. “Six thousand, two hundred and forty-seven runners finished the full and half Forest Marathons on 5 July. Entries for the Knysna Cycle Tour MTB and Road Races on the 12th and 13th showed 30% growth from last year. New events added to the cycle programme were the Crit and Enduro races, and the much-loved Kids Cycle Race. Race organisers said entrants came from all over South Africa,” said Cllr Matika.
Matika said they were thrilled with the return of a festival favourite – the Oyster Cooking and Shucking Competitions, presented by Stella Artois, which showcased both competitive flair and culinary creativity, much to the delight of food lovers. “The much-anticipated event did not disappoint as one of the gourmet highlights on the programme. I want to congratulate the winners – Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa walked away with the first prize in the Best-Dressed Oyster category, with Butterfly Blu in second place and 34 Degrees South in third place. Featherbed Company was awarded Best-Dressed Stand at the event.
“The Oyster Shucking competition was a fast-paced and exhilarating addition to the evening, and I want to congratulate the winner – local shucker, Patrick Sibeko from The Featherbed Company who shucked 12 oysters in one minute!”
Matika confirmed that the Festival Hub at Knysna High School Sports Grounds was a highlight for families. “It had a wonderful family-centric atmosphere, and the kids loved the inflatables, puppet workshops, clay art, and Wildlife Warriors zone.”
Other popular events included the Eden Classic Car and Motorcycle show in Sedgefield, the soccer, netball and rugby tournaments, the popular 5 km for CANSA, the Sunset Run & Walk at the Simola Golf Course, and the Oyster Festival Golf Tournament at the Knysna Golf course.
A special highlight was the newcomer appearance by the SANDF Band, whose presence and performances brought colour, rhythm and a renewed sense of occasion to the festival. They performed in various venues all over Knysna and were part of the Closing Ceremony at the Festival Hub. “The SANDF also had a stand at the Festival Hub and interacted with old and young alike – we hope to see them back next year!”
Entertainment and art and crafts events included the Montmartre pop-up by Knysna Arts Society, the Knysna Art Walk, the Gerard Supra variety show and various country markets, reflecting the festival’s rich cultural tapestry.
Matika said the Knysna Oyster Festival was created to stimulate the town’s sluggish winter economy, and this year it brought back the Neighbourhood Makers powered by Standard Bank tent, an initiative to create opportunities for local SMMEs to trade from the Festival Hub. “With media values to date of R5,596,553 for editorial and R13,122,493 for social media exposure, it shows how powerful events can be in marketing a destination. I want to acknowledge and thank our sponsors – without them none of this would have been possible – FoodLovers Market, Standard Bank, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Wesgro, Knysna Municipality, Algoa FM, SANParks and Visit Knysna.”
Dates for the next Knysna Oyster Festival have been confirmed as 3-12 July 2026. Make sure to book your accommodation early and come out of your shell in Knysna!
