Join foodies from all over South Africa this July and head to the Garden Route to indulge in a delectable array of food events at the 2025 Knysna Oyster Festival. This year’s theme, running from 4 to 13 July, is “It’s time to come out of your shell”, setting the tone for a flavour-packed festival where culinary creativity takes centre stage.
Whether you’re a lover of street-style burgers, wood-fired pizzas, or fancy fine dining, you can expect this year’s food festival to be bursting with fun and flavour for every palate.
Dates to remember for this years Knysna Oyster Festival
4 July, Friday
- Exclusive Burger & Beer Indoor Street Party at 34 Waenhout: A one-night-only event pairing craft brews with artisanal burgers in a buzzing indoor market vibe
- Carbo-loading Pasta Evening at Island Cafè: Get your running body into gear with delicious pasta dishes for the weekend on Thesen Island at The Turbine Hotel
- Knysna Wine Festival at Simola Hotel: Enjoy tastings from 25 of South Africa’s top winemakers in an elegant, scenic setting
5 July, Saturday
- Main Burger & Beer Festival Day: Enjoy interactive competitions like “Build your burger” and “Big burger eating”
- Oysters & Bubbles at the Turbine’s Gastro Pub: Free entry for all to enjoy bubbly and oyster pairings in a relaxed and chic setting
- Fairytale Fest in the Forest: Taking place on multiple days, guests are invited to enjoy intimate dinners under the forest canopy, with local chefs serving wholesome cuisine in an enchanting setting
6 July, Sunday
- Oyster Festival Country Market at Totties Farm Kitchen: Bringing families together with deli treats, hot food, and live music
- Oyster Alley at the Festival Hub: Get your fix of Seattle coffee, local food stalls, and mouth-watering snacks
8 July, Tuesday
- Knysna Oyster Cooking and Shucking Championships: Presented by Stella Artois, watch chefs compete for oyster glory as the fastest shuckers battle it out for bragging rights, all while others sip on tastings from the finest wine estates
9 July, Wednesday
- Pizza Perfect Big Mouth Semi-finals: Enter the pizza-eating showdown (not for the faint-hearted)
- The Dessert War Fair: Invites you to sample an array of sweet treats and cast your vote for the sweetest champion
12 July, Saturday
- Pizza & Pasta Festival Day at 34 Waenhout: Features a build-your-own pizza fun and pasta eating competitions for the brave
- End of Oyster Dance Party: Shake off all you’ve eaten this evening and dance it out
Oyster mania dotted around town
- Enjoy an array of freshly shucked oysters at the Stella Artois oyster hotspots dotted around town, offering daily attractions
- Pop into 34 South for four dressed oysters and a glass of Laborie Brut
- Visit Black Loerie at Blackwaters River Lodge for their fried BBQ oysters smothered in bacon and blue cheese sauce
- Daniela’s at Leisure Isle Lodge is going gourmet with ceviche oysters, G&T-infused oysters and Panko-crumb delights
Whether you’re in it for the oysters, the competition, or the mouth-watering adventure, the Knysna Oyster Festival 2025 is your time to shine. Come hungry, come happy – and come out of your shell! For more information about all of these events, visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za
