Knysna Oyster Festival: An exciting programme for food, wine and art lovers

The eagerly anticipated Knysna Oyster Festival (21 June – 30 June) is less than three weeks away! This year’s festival promises a full programme brimming with events for lovers of food, wine, and the arts, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

FOOD & WINE EVENTS
The festivities kick off on Friday, 21 June, with a Bubbly & Oysters Party at the Turbine Hotel & Spa. Attendees can indulge in a selection of fine bubbly and fresh oysters in a festive atmosphere, setting the tone for 10 fun-filled days ahead.

On Saturday, 22 June, head to the Craft Beer & Burger Festival at 34 Waenhout Family Restaurant featuring a variety of craft beers and gourmet burgers accompanied by live music. Over at Hornlee Sports Field, the Potjiekos Competition invites chefs to showcase their skills in preparing traditional South African potjiekos stews. Wrap up the evening with another Bubbly & Oysters Party at the Turbine Hotel & Spa.

Sunday, 23 June brings the Oyster Festival Country Market at Totties Farm Kitchen, where visitors can browse local produce, crafts, and artisanal foods. Additionally, the Potjiekos Competition continues at Knysna High Sport Field.

The week ahead is filled with unique culinary events. On Monday, 24 June, join the Bagel Eating Contest at Jack’s Bagels. Tuesday, 25 June, offers the exciting new interactive Oyster Roast event, dubbed “Oysters: Roasted, Dressed, or Naked?” at Knysna High School Sports Field. That evening, indulge in a Honey-Inspired Evening with a three-course set menu at Island Café in the Turbine Hotel & Spa.

Wednesday, 26 June, spices things up with a Bagel Pairing event at Knysna Mall and a daring Chili-Eating Competition. Thursday, 27 June, promises a sensory journey with The Art of Spice & Tea Tasting and the elegant Waterford Wine Dinner at the Turbine Hotel & Spa.

The excitement continues with another Bagel Eating Contest at Knysna Mall on Friday, 28 June, followed by the final Bubbly & Oysters Party at the Turbine Hotel & Spa. Saturday, 29 June, features the Brenton Potjiekos Competition near On Brenton Local Eatery and a Build Your Burger Competition at 34 Waenhout Avenue.
A special treat awaits at an exclusive luncheon with culinary icon Ina Paarman in aid of Knysna Hospice. Guests will learn from her culinary expertise, hear inspiring stories, and enjoy a light lunch from her latest cookbook, My Favourite Recipes. Also on offer is the Quest of Township Cuisine Experience at Elegant Tshisanyama, with live music and African food.

The festival wraps up on Sunday, 30 June, with a full day of oyster tasting and activities at Oyster Alley, Knysna High School Sports Field. Enjoy Tea Tasting 101 and The Spice Route Tasting, perfect for tea and spice lovers alike.

Wine enthusiasts are in for a treat with events like the Fine Wine Festival at Simola Golf & Country Estate on Friday, 21 June, and Saturday, 22 June. Experience a bubbles tasting cruise with Ocean Sailing Charters on Monday, 24 June. The Simola Sunset Wine Run on Thursday, 27 June, combines fitness and wine tasting, followed by the Waterford Wine Dinner at the Turbine Hotel & Spa. The week concludes with Chenin & Pinotage Tasting with Ocean Sailing Charters on Friday, 28 June.

ART EVENTS
Art lovers are spoiled for choice with events such as Sip and Paint at The Queen on Friday, 28 June, and YAY! Art Workshops – Figure Drawing at The Old Goal Gallery. On Saturday, 29 June, the Firehart Augmented Reality exhibit will run at Old Gaol. Sunday, 30 June, features an Art Walkabout visiting various galleries in the CBD of Knysna, the Unblocked Art Exhibition at The Old Gaol Queen Street, and the Muddle Stick Decoration Competition Display at Cruise Café. Throughout the week, The Story Begins – Winter Group Exhibition at Knysna Fine Art will be open from Monday to Saturday.

With such a diverse and rich programme, the Knysna Oyster Festival is set to be an unmissable event, celebrating the best of local food, wine, and art. Join us for a week of culinary delights, fine wines, and artistic experiences.
For more information and details of how to book, visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za