Psst! Scroll down for the hightlights coming up in and around Knysna or check out the Garden Route Events & Festivals Calendar for what’s hot and happening further afield as well!
Come to the heart of the Garden Route, and you’ll find Knysna and surrounding areas pulse with vibrant festivals and events all year round, offering something for nature lovers, foodies, culture seekers, and active families.
Knysna Oyster Festival (beginning of July)
This ten-day winter highlight blends sport, food and festivity on a grand scale. Highlights include the Knysna Forest Marathon, the Knysna Cycle Tour, oyster shucking, gourmet food experiences, live music and family entertainment.
Knysna Speed Festival and Simola Hillclimb (beginning of May)
Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss the annual Simola Hillclimb, where sleek supercars, classic racers, and heated competition charge up the Simola hill. Set alongside local motor shows, it’s one of South Africa’s most iconic motorsport weekends.
Leisure Isle Festival (early November)
Held on Leisure Isle, this craft-and-community event features artisan stalls, homemade food, family fun runs, live music, and beer and tea gardens. All proceeds support local charities – making it arts-filled and heartwarming.
Other Knysna highlights throughout the year:
- The Knysna Literary Festival in March – bringing writers together for talks, workshops and dinners.
- The Knysna Extreme (November) is a grueling, full-distance triathlon for elite athletes, combining a 4 km swim, 180 km cycle, and 42 km trail run through the scenic but punishing terrain of the Garden Route.
Why visit Knysna for events?
From high‑octane motorsport vibes to oyster feasts, literary conversations, jazz evenings and colourful Mardi Gras parades – Knysna delivers dynamic festivals in beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re chasing artful moments or adrenaline highs, there’s always something happening on the Knysna Waterfront, in the indigenous forests, and across the Knysna Lagoon.
So what’s happening in Knysna and surrounds in the upcoming months?
Here’s your Knysna Events & Festivals calendar:
Your Knysna Events & Festivals listed here?
If your event is quirky, fresh, or adds something new to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo scene (and you don’t have the budget for paid marketing 😉 ), we’d love to hear from you. Just email us at news@destinationgardenroute.co.za at least 4 weeks in advance.
What to include:
- What makes your event special;
- Date(s), time and location;
- Ticket price (if applicable);
- Website and/or Social media links; and
- Quality hi-res images or video.
If it’s a fit, our team will be in touch.