Knysna Oyster Festival delivers strong economic boost for local businesses

More than 6 300 runners crossed the start line of the Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, while the Knysna Cycle Tour attracted numbers comparable with 2025. Visitors also enjoyed a packed programme of sporting events, live entertainment, family activities, the Festival Hub, oyster experiences and community initiatives throughout the festival.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said the festival continued to demonstrate the value of events that combine tourism with economic development.
“The 2026 Omoda Jaecoo Knysna Oyster Festival was an overwhelming success, and we are extremely proud of what this festival has achieved. As the Western Cape Government, we were proud to support this year’s festival, and we will continue to support it going forward.

“This festival does more than showcase the best of Knysna. It strengthens the local economy and creates real jobs in the region. That is exactly the kind of impact we want to see from events in our province.”
A post-festival business impact survey reflected positive trading conditions despite challenging economic circumstances. More than a third of respondents said their overall business performance was better than during the 2025 festival, while 40% reported trading at similar levels. Nearly 37% experienced turnover growth, including almost one in four businesses that recorded increases of between 10% and 30%. Seventy percent of respondents identified the festival’s sporting events as the biggest contributor to their business success.

The festival’s media profile also continued to grow. Editorial coverage across print, online and broadcast media increased in value from R5.9 million in 2025 to R7.8 million this year, extending the festival’s reach to audiences across South Africa and reinforcing Knysna’s position as one of the country’s leading winter event destinations.

The Standard Bank Neighbourhood Makers Hub continued its upward growth, with revenue increasing by more than 30% from R160,092 in 2025 to R208,956 this year. The hub also expanded its offering by 20%, introducing new attractions while creating additional opportunities for local traders and SEDFA-supported businesses. The Dessert War Fair recorded growth of more than 80% following its move to a larger venue and expanded programme.

The sold-out Stella Artois Oyster Cooking and Shucking Competition again proved to be one of the festival’s highlights, showcasing local restaurants, wine estates and oyster shuckers while raising R12,000 for the “Fur the Love of Animals” Sterilisation Project in partnership with CX Animals in Need and the Knysna Animal Welfare Society.

Knysna Executive Mayor Cllr Thando Matika said the festival once again highlighted the value of partnership and community participation.

“For 10 incredible days, our town welcomed thousands of visitors who filled our streets, supported our local businesses, embraced our hospitality, and reminded us why Knysna remains one of South Africa’s most loved tourism and sporting destinations.”

He said the South African National Defence Force had also helped broaden the festival’s reach by hosting activities in the Concordia community, bringing military displays, career guidance, skills development and community engagement to Knysna’s northern areas.

Knysna Oyster Festival organiser and Knysna Municipality Manager: Economic Development, Lungiswa Goya, said the results reflected the strength of a festival that continues to evolve while remaining focused on delivering benefits for the local economy and community.

“Our goal is to present a festival that offers something for everyone while creating opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, sporting clubs and community organisations. This year’s results show encouraging growth across several key areas, from the Neighbourhood Makers Hub and hub events to our media reach and business confidence.

“Equally important is the feedback we’ve received from businesses and visitors. It helps us understand what worked well and where we can improve as we begin planning for the 2027 Knysna Oyster Festival.”
Goya said planning for the 2027 Knysna Oyster Festival would begin in the coming weeks, with the organising team already reviewing feedback from participants, businesses, sponsors and visitors.

“Every festival gives us the opportunity to learn, improve and build on what we’ve achieved. We look forward to working with our partners, sponsors, sporting bodies, businesses and the community to make the 2027 Knysna Oyster Festival even stronger.”

Details of next year’s festival, including dates, programme announcements and opportunities to get involved, will be shared in the coming months. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Knysna Oyster Festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages and visit the festival website for regular updates: www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.