What's on in and around Knysna
Festivals, Shows, Fairs and other Events
(17th) Bush Lapa Music Festival
Herold's Bay Resort, Herold's BayTuesday 16th December 2025 - Monday 2nd January 2026
Since it's inception in 2007, Die Bush Lapa has been described as the Home of Music in the Garden Route! It is George's Premium Family Friendly Concert Venue and offers a great vibe, excellent food, good pricing and picturesque views – it promises to impress all! Come and enjoy your favourite thirst quencher, try our famous potjiekos, sit back and relax with the family or besties and enjoy an entertainment experience by some of SA's top music talent!
Atlantic Rail Heritage Trips
Hartenbos to Great Brak RiverTuesday 16th December 2025 - Sunday 4th January 2026
We depart from Hartenbos station where our gleaming steam locomotive with her vintage coaches awaits you. Our destination is the picturesque Great Brak River station where our passengers can disembark for 1 hour while the thirsty beast receives a much-needed water supply in her tender by the crew. Passengers can enjoy a short stroll to the lagoon or enjoy a coffee/cooldrink or snack at the adjacent restaurant and stalls located on the lawns. The train driver’s whistle signals his readiness for our departure time and our journey back to Hartenbos station, where we will disembark.
Floaty Fun Days
Blackwaters River Lodge & Mashie Golf Course, GoukammaFriday 2nd January 2026
Join us for our very first “Floaty Fun Days” - the ultimate family-friendly water experience on the beautiful Goukamma River! Bring along your favorite inflatable - whether it’s a majestic unicorn, a giant flamingo, a trusty rubber duck, or even a pineapple float - and enjoy drifting gently within the scenic stretch of river that runs through the lodge property. This event is all about good vibes, family fun, and making summer memories. Perfect for both kids and adults, it’s a laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors and the magic of the river in a safe and supervised environment.
50 Shades of Green Colour Run / Walk
Blackwaters River Lodge & Mashie Golf Course, GoukammaSaturday 3rd January 2026
Get ready for a vibrant, fun-filled morning in nature! Join us for a 2.5km or 5km GREEN Colour Run / Walk that’s perfect for the whole family. This is a family-friendly event and is suitable for all ages, whether you’re running, walking, or just enjoying the atmosphere. Exciting green colour stations will get you doused in powder at each 1km station along the route. It’s not just a race - it’s a festival of green, nature, fun, and laughter!
Sin & Salvation : The Story of Johnny Cash
White House Theatre, Plettenberg BayFriday 9th January 2026
Think you know Johnny Cash? Think again! ‘Sin & Salvation - The Story of Johnny Cash’ isn’t just another tribute show ... it’s a powerful piece of musical theatre It goes beyond the hits ... it’s a raw and riveting journey into the heart, soul and struggles of The Man in Black.
Sin & Salvation : The Story of Johnny Cash
Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa, KnysnaSaturday 10th January 2026
Think you know Johnny Cash? Think again! ‘Sin & Salvation - The Story of Johnny Cash’ isn’t just another tribute show ... it’s a powerful piece of musical theatre It goes beyond the hits ... it’s a raw and riveting journey into the heart, soul and struggles of The Man in Black.
Cars@Coffee
Wilderness Common, WildernessSaturday 10th January 2026
Join us ‘for the LOVE of CARS’ at our meet-and-greet in the heart of the Garden Route! Our Cars@Coffee events are open to everyone, and offer a display of collectible, classic and performance cars. You can bring your own special vehicle to put on display, or just come along to look at the cars and to meet and greet owners and other enthusiasts. Coffee and refreshments available at the various lovely cafes and restaurants around the common!
(20th) Veteran Tour
Prince Albert to GeorgeFriday 13th February 2026
2025 information - The entry list already includes a 1902 Peugeot and a pair of vintage Rolls-Royce cars, as well as Model-T Fords and at least five vintage motorcycles.
(29th) George Old Car Show
Eden Technical High School, GeorgeSaturday 14th February 2026
Under this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Motoring”, we pay tribute to the visionaries and innovators who shaped the automobile’s remarkable journey from its earliest days to the classics we cherish today. The George Old Car Show has grown into one of South Africa’s most celebrated motoring exhibitions, attracting collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across the country. It offers a nostalgic showcase of veteran, vintage, and classic cars, along with historic motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and tractors - each telling its own story in the evolution of motoring. Join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation, adventure, and the enduring beauty of classic motoring.
(2nd) Italian Street Festival
Thesen Harbour TownSaturday 21st - Sunday 22nd March 2026
2025 information - The festival, a fundraiser for Hospice, will transform the end of Long Street into a bustling Italian piazza, filled with authentic Italian food, fine wines, live music, Italian car display, Vespas and entertainment for the whole family. The Knysna Education Trust will run the “Bambino Boulevard” with lots to do for the smaller Italian fans. From mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and fresh handmade pasta to decadent gelato and artisan cheeses, delectable desserts like Tiramisu, Canoli and Lemoncello flavoured Cheesecake - every bite will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!
Iconic Wellness Expo
Town Hall, Mossel BaySaturday 28th March 2026
2025 information - Join us as we bring together a community of wellness enthusiasts, health professionals and holistic experts for an incredible day of healing and self-care. From inspiring talks and workshops to interactive exhibits and live demonstrations, we aim to empower you with tools and knowledge to lead a happier and healthier life. Discover the latest trends in nutrition, fitness, mental wellness and spiritual growth from leading experts in their respective fields. Join the wellness movement and let us inspire you to nourish your body, expand your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
(30th) Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
OudtshoornSaturday 28th March - Saturday 4th April 2026
2025 information - Good art, in all its forms and genres, makes one forget life's troubles for a while. Art is medicine for the soul. This festival is a chance to get away for the whole family with a program for everyone's taste. As well as outstanding drama, comedy, dance and visual art, there are also lifestyle experiences and discussion series that make for great conversation and polemics. The festival offers lots of free and cheap entertainment, not only in more formal venues, but also in the streets of Oudtshoorn. It's your health clinic for total wellness! Add to that the natural beauty and fresh air of the Klein Karoo and you have the ideal place to recharge.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Simola Hotel & Country ClubFriday 3rd - Saturday 4th April 2026
A tribute show centred around one of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful albums Rumours (1977) that spent 31 weeks at No 1 on the Billboard charts. Rumours remains a candid songwriting triumph that cemented Fleetwood Mac’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Featuring a full band made up of some of Cape Town's top musicians, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac takes the audience into an audio landscape filled with ‘classic time-capsules of memories’.
Knysna Yacht Club Closing Cruise
Knysna Yacht ClubSaturday 25th April 2026
2025 information - Come and join us at the closing of the 2024 / 2025 Sailing Season. 15h00 Sail past from Thesen.
(16th) Simola Hillclimb
KnysnaThursday 30th April - Sunday 3rd May 2026
2025 information - The Knysna Speed Festival’s vision is to host and organise the premier motorsport event in the country that is recognised as a premier event internationally. Our goal is to attract an ever-increasing number of visitors to the beautiful town of Knysna to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of entertainment, motorsport, motoring activities and the natural beauty of the region. The festival not only boosts economic activity in the town, but also benefits charities in the area.
(16th) Simola Hillclimb - (4th) Fan Fest
*tbc* Hedge Street, KnysnaThursday 30th April - Friday 1st May 2026
2025 information - Classic Car Friday, catering exclusively for historic, classic and vintage cars, kicks off on Thursday at the Fan Fest where cars will be scrutineered and on public display until it closes with the very popular and entertaining parade in Waterfront Drive. The King of the Hill cars will be scrutineered and on display at the Fan Fest on Friday. The parade for these tyre smoking, roaring cars closes proceedings in front of thousands of spectators lining the road.
(53rd) Outdtshoorn & (33rd) George Kennel Club Championship Shows
Oudtshoorn High School Grounds, OudtshoornSaturday 13th - Monday 15th June 2026
2024 information - There will be around 270 entries in the show this year and participants from all over the country will take part in the show. There will be so many different breeds ranging from rottweilers, German shepherds, bulldogs, pomeranians and so much more. There will also be several food stalls.
43rd) Knysna Oyster Festival
KnysnaFriday 3rd - Sunday 12th July 2026
2025 information - With its delectable oysters, vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling sporting events, this year’s festival promises plenty of excitement and a full programme for attendees. The full festival lineup boasts a plethora of events designed to cater to diverse interests and ages. From live music performances and cooking competitions to wine festivals and arts and crafts markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, we are working on bringing the oyster back to centre stage and ensuring that this popular mollusc will be readily available at venues throughout the Knysna area.
(5th) Fine Wine Festival
Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa, KnysnaFriday 3rd - Saturday 4th July 2026
2025 information - A premium wine-tasting experience. Festivalgoers can taste the best produce of 25 winemakers as they bask in the breathtaking coastal and forest views.
(13th) Plett ARTS Festival
Plettenberg BayFriday 25th September - Sunday 4th October 2026
2025 information - Connect in Plett. Plett Arts Festival kicks off with the Twilight Meander on Plett’s Main street, and the next 10 days are packed with music, fine art, jazz, the Plett Land Art Route, collaborative installations, workshops and talks, cultural performances and exhibitions.
Psyshores
Buffelskop Caravan Park, Buffalo BayThursday 1st - Monday 5th Otober 2026
Dive into the magic of Psyshores Festival, a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community set against the stunning oceanfront of Buffalo Bay. Our mission is to craft an unforgettable, immersive experience that sparks creativity, fosters self-expression, and builds lasting connections, all framed by the beauty of the sea. Psyshores is more than a festival; it’s a movement to inspire and connect.







... TripAdvisor reviews