Your Garden Route Event Guide - 2 July
Winter on the Garden Route is peaking, and this week kicks off our biggest fortnight of the season as the Knysna Oyster Festival and the Plett Ocean Festival both launch this Friday, July 3rd. Between Knysna’s Forest Marathon, the Fine Wine Festival, and the Gin Jol, the lagoon side is going to be packed, while just down the road, Plett is launching the iconic Wedge Classic bodyboarding competition as whale season gets underway.
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Let's dive in!
Knysna
Knysna Oyster Festival
The legendary multi-discipline winter festival returns with ten action-packed days of sport, delicious culinary experiences, and outdoor adventures under the theme "A feast of family fun." This landmark regional celebration hosts everything from world-class running and cycling challenges to lively community food markets, interactive youth activities, and outstanding local entertainment.
- Date: 3 - 12 July
- Click below for more info and the full schedule
Knysna Fine Wine Festival 2026
A premium, sophisticated wine tasting experience held in conjunction with the annual oyster festival. Discerning guests can sample select vintages from top South African wine farms, accompanied by fresh oysters and local gourmet bites.
- Date: 3 & 4 July
- Time: Program schedules vary daily
- Venue: Simola Golf and Country Estate
Knysna Gin Jol featuring CH2
Award-winning guitar duo CH2 brings their iconic blend of instrumental pop, classical virtuosity, and fiery Spanish flamenco to the stage. This high-energy musical performance offers an unforgettable acoustic experience paired with local craft gin tastings.
- Date: 3 & 4 July
- Time: 8:00 pm daily
- Venue: Knysna Gin Distillery, Knysna
Knysna Forest Marathon
One of South Africa's most scenic and popular running challenges, taking runners deep into the pristine, indigenous Knysna forest. Part of the broader festival program, this sporting showcase offers both full and half marathon distances with a breathtaking, challenging course.
- Date: 3 - 4 July
- Time: 7:00 am
- Venue: Knysna High School Sports Fields, Knysna
Knysna Cycle Tour
A major sporting highlight featuring competitive and family-friendly cycling disciplines. The weekend festival includes grueling road races, technical mountain biking routes through local timber plantations, and dedicated childrens fun rides.
- Date: 11 & 12 July
- Time: Registration from 06:00 am, races commence from 08:00 am
- Venue: Knysna Oyster Festival Fields, Waterfront Drive, Knysna
Oyster Festival Deep Intentions
This premier electronic music after-party delivers an unforgettable late-night experience with top deep house and techno grooves, stellar visuals, and cozy covered spaces. Attendees can enjoy a fully licensed bar alongside custom burger and pizza stations to keep the energy going well into the morning.
- Date: 4 July
- Time: 7:00 pm to 1:00 am
- Venue: 34 Waenhout-Live Venue, Knysna
Unblocked Art Exhibition 2026
The flagship annual showcase of the Knysna Arts Society, featuring highly creative works created on uniform 30cm x 30cm blocks. Local artists employ painting, sculpture, and mixed media to deliver an eclectic visual feast representing the diverse creative spirit of the region.
- Date: 2 July - 2 August
- Time: Monday - Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm); Saturday - Sunday (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)
- Location: The Foundation, 53 Main Road, Knysna Mall
Ready Steady Go Art Walkabout Launch
The official, celebratory launch of the Knysna Oyster Festival Art Walkabout, bringing together visual artists, residents, and visitors. This collaborative and cultural gathering showcases curated fine art while setting a festive, creative tone for the wider winter festival.
- Date: 3 July
- Time: 5:00 pm
- Venue: The Art Café on Queen, Knysna
Mossel Bay
Prime Circle Live at ReedValley
An outstanding live concert by South African rock royalty Prime Circle. This intimate performance showcases their classic chart-topping anthems along with brand-new tracks in a beautiful, rustic indoor setting.
- Date: 9 July
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, performance starts at 8:00 pm
- Venue: ReedValley Wine Estate, Mossel Bay
"Songs of the Soul" Cat Stevens & Rodriguez Tribute
A soulful tribute show celebrating the timeless masterpieces of Cat Stevens and Rodriguez. Audiences can enjoy live acoustic performances of classic sing-along anthems that shaped generations, paired with premium estate wines.
- Date: 11 July
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm
- Venue: ReedValley Wine Estate, Mossel Bay
George
Prime Circle Live Concert
South African rock royalty Prime Circle takes the stage in an intimate, open-air styled rustic arena. This performance offers a powerful live musical journey featuring their classic chart-topping anthems alongside fresh tracks from their latest musical releases.
- Date: 11 July
- Time: 6:00 pm
- Venue: Die Bush Lapa at Herold's Bay Resort, George
Candlelight: Long Live the Rock Legends
A candlelit string quartet performs rock anthems in Fancourt's historic hall, part of the international Candlelight series.
- Date: 4 July
- Time: 6:00 pm
- Venue: Fancourt, George
Footloose - The Musical
A high-energy local theatrical production capturing the spirit of youth, rebellion, and rhythm. This stage adaptation of the classic film features stellar local performers, choreography, and live musical arrangements that bring the dancing-banned town back to life.
- Date: 1 July to 11 July
- Time: 7:00 pm evening shows with select 2:00 pm matinees
- Venue: George Arts Theatre, George
Plettenberg Bay
Plett Ocean Festival
A landmark winter celebration of marine life, conservation, and coastal adventure held under the inspiring theme "Observe. Conserve. Preserve." This premier regional festival features family-friendly beach activities, citizen science initiatives, and marine excursions, serving as the umbrella event for Plettenberg Bay's top winter ocean happenings.
- Date: Friday, 3 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Time: Program sessions vary daily from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Venue: Various coastal and community venues, Plettenberg Bay
- Full event details here: https://www.plettoceanfestival.co.za/
The Wedge Classic
South Africa's legendary and longest-running bodyboarding and surfing competition. This iconic contest draws top national wave-riders to Plett's famous shore break, featuring competitive heats, junior surf clinics, and a vibrant beachside atmosphere.
- Date: Monday, 7 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily
- Venue: Wedge Beach, Bull Street, Plettenberg Bay
Winter Surf Fest
A major multi-day competitive and recreational celebration of wave-riding culture, bringing together the top local surfers and bodyboarders. The festival features live beach commentary, environmental awareness hubs, and public surf clinics.
- Date: Wednesday, 8 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
- Venue: Robberg 1 Beach, Plettenberg Bay
Deep Blue Volume 2
A premium musical fundraiser supporting regional ocean conservation efforts, featuring deep house sets by prominent local DJs. Proceeds go toward funding marine mammal rescue, beach patrols, and education programs.
- Date: 10 July
- Time: 8:00 pm to 2:00 am
- Venue: Plett Quarter, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
Plett Marine Science Symposium
A prestigious public-facing scientific platform showcasing crucial marine research and conservation efforts. Facilitated by renowned marine biologists and conservationists, this series of talks bridges the gap between academic research and community conservation.
- Date: Friday, 10 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily
- Venue: Beacon Island Resort, Beacon Island Crescent, Plettenberg Bay
Sedgefield
South African Army Band Music Concert
A collaborative symphonic performance combining the grand brass power of the South African Army Band, the Knysna Community Band, and the Knysna Orchestra. This special concert serves as a community bridging performance during the winter festival season.
- Date: 10 July
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Venue: Sedgefield Community Hall, Sedgefield
Oudtshoorn
Stockcars Klein Karoo Championship
A high-intensity dirt oval track motorsport event bringing together top regional drivers. Spectators can expect action-packed, close-contact racing across multiple vehicle classes under the stadium floodlights.
- Date: 11 July
- Venue: Arnold de Jager Oval Track, Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn Youth Festival
A prestigious three-day national youth cycling showcase featuring top junior talent. The festival brings together young riders competing across multiple high-energy disciplines, including road races, mountain bike cross-country, and criteriums.
- Date: Wednesday, 15 July to Friday, 17 July 2026
- Time: Races commence daily from 09:00 am
- Venue: Various road and dirt tracks, Oudtshoorn
That’s a wrap!
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Best,
The ONTHEROUTE Team
Save The Date
- Glacier Storms River Traverse: A highly scenic three-stage mountain biking adventure tracing pristine forestry paths and coastal fynbos trails in the Tsitsikamma region. Storms River. 31 July to 2 August 2026.
- SOX 3-Day Trail Run: A spectacular multi-stage wilderness trail run traversing the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, deep indigenous forests, and dramatic coastal paths. George, Wilderness, and Knysna. 7 to 9 August 2026.
- Cape Pioneer Trek: A legendary, grueling multi-stage mountain bike race taking elite and passionate amateur riders through the rugged Klein Karoo desert and coastal ranges. Oudtshoorn and surrounding Klein Karoo. 22 to 26 September 2026.
- South African Motorcycle Film Festival: A curated cultural showcase celebrating motorcycle heritage, travel, and lifestyle through independent film screenings, exhibitions, and local dining. De Rust near Oudtshoorn. 25 to 27 September 2026.
- Meiringspoort Marathon: One of South Africa's most scenic road running events, taking athletes through the spectacular towering rock cliffs of the historic Meiringspoort gorge. De Rust near Oudtshoorn. 10 October 2026.
- Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay: A world-class half-ironman triathlon featuring a golden-mile bay swim, rolling coastal cycling route, and a vibrant multi-lap run along the shoreline. Mossel Bay. 15 November 2026.
- Die Grootvoël Rally: A massive, festive annual motorcycle gathering bringing together riders from across the country for custom displays, group out-rides, and live entertainment. Oudtshoorn. 2 to 5 December 2026.
