This July, foodies from all over South Africa will be heading to the Garden Route to indulge in a delectable array of food events at the 2025 Knysna Oyster Festival. Running from 4 to 13 July, this year’s theme, “It’s time to come out of your shell,” sets the tone for a flavour-packed festival where culinary creativity takes centre stage.
From street-style burgers and wood-fired pizzas to gourmet pasta nights and honey-infused fine dining, the festival’s food programme is bursting with fun and flavour for every palate.
Kicking off the delicious action on Friday, 4 July is the 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.
In Thesen Harbour Town, the newly renovated Island Café at the Turbine Hotel will set the mood with a Carbo-Loading Pasta Evening, getting runners (and hungry visitors) into high gear for the weekend. Wine lovers are also in for a treat, with the Knysna Fine Wine Festival at Simola Hotel on Friday and Saturday, offering tastings from 25 of South Africa’s top winemakers in an elegant, scenic setting.
Saturday 5 July ups the flavour with the Main Burger & Beer Festival Day, including interactive competitions like “Build Your Burger” and “Big Burger Eating” – perfect for the competitive (and hungry) among us. Later that evening, Oysters & Bubbles at the Turbine’s Gastro Pub offers a bubbly and oyster pairing in a relaxed, chic setting – all with free entry.
For something more rustic, the Fairytale Fest in the Forest, taking place on multiple dates, invites guests to enjoy intimate dinners under the forest canopy, with local chefs serving wholesome cuisine in an enchanting setting.
On Sunday, July 6, the Oyster Festival Country Market at Totties Farm Kitchen will bring families together with deli treats, hot food, and live music. Meanwhile, foodies can also look forward to a daily dose of goodness at Oyster Alley at the Festival Hub—think Seattle coffee, local food stalls, and mouth-watering snacks.
Tuesday 8 July brings the excitement of the Knysna Oyster Cooking and Shucking Championships presented by Stella Artois, where chefs compete for oyster glory and the fastest shuckers battle it out for bragging rights – all while wine estates offer tastings of their finest vintages.
On Wednesday, July 9, the Pizza Perfect Big Mouth Semi-Finals will feature a pizza-eating showdown that is not for the faint-hearted.
The Dessert War Fair invites you to sample an array of sweet treats and cast your vote for the ultimate dessert champion.
On Saturday 12 July, it’s full-on flavour at the Pizza & Pasta Festival Day at 34 Waenhout, featuring build-your-own pizza fun and pasta eating competitions for the brave. And if that’s not enough, you can dance it all off at the End of Oyster Dance Party that evening.
For oyster lovers, the Stella Artois Oyster Hotspots dotted around town are a not-to-be-missed daily attraction. These local favourites are dishing up oyster specials in every conceivable way — from freshly shucked ‘naked’ oysters to decadently fried or baked versions with creative toppings.
Pop into 34 South for four dressed oysters and a glass of Laborie Brut, or 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-crumbed delights. With a spread like this, you’ll want to sample your way through them all!
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
