Your Garden Route Event Guide - 25 June
Winter has settled into the Garden Route, but our community calendar is far from frozen. This fortnight, we’re tracking a packed lineup of local markets, live performances, and outdoor adventures keeping our coastal towns alive despite the chill.
From the return of the legendary Knysna Oyster Festival to vital coastal conservation efforts over in Plettenberg Bay, we’ve mapped out the very best of the region.
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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
- Time: Program schedules vary daily
- Venue: Festival Hub at Knysna High School Sports Fields, and various other locations
- Click below for more info
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
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
Plettenberg Bay
The Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboard Contest
The thrilling return of the legendary Wedge Classic, showcasing elite wave maneuvering, aerial maneuvers, and high-stakes surfing in Plett's iconic shorebreak. Alongside professional divisions, families can enjoy the fun 'Grom Games' and 'Granny Groms' workshops on coastal safety and boarding.
- Date: 6 - 12 July
- Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Venue: Wedge Beach, Plettenberg Bay
The Michael Jackson Tribute Show
A spectacular, high-energy live stage celebration of the legendary King of Pop. Audiences will embark on a continuous musical journey through classic hits and iconic dance routines, delivered by stellar performers with remarkable precision.
- Date: 27 June
- Time: 5:00 pm
- Venue: Plett Primary School Hall, Plettenberg Bay
Mossel Bay
Skuur Skoffel Dans
Dust off your dancing shoes for a lively evening of music and social dancing at the Reedvalley barn. This gathering offers locals and visitors a warm, festive space to enjoy traditional and modern beats, sharing great regional wine and a rustic atmosphere.
- Date: 27 June
- Time: 6:00 pm
- Venue: Reedvalley Wine Estate, Mossel Bay
RAAF Live at Seeplaas
Afrikaans rock artist RAAF brings "unieke energie, stories en kragtige musiek" for a coastal sunset session.
Mot Returns – Jazz and Old-School Rock
After a sold-out month, Mot plays a blend of jazz and classic rock from early afternoon.
- Date: 28 June
- Time: 2:00 pm
- Venue: Café Vintcent, Shop 14 Prince Vintcent Building, 14 Vincent Street, Mossel Bay
George
Harnsel and Gretel - A Family Comedy
A fresh, hilarious, and comedic retelling of the classic fairy tale that is perfect for the whole family. In this unique theatrical adaptation, the famous siblings find their way back home with the whimsical assistance of the Three Little Pigs.
- Date: 25 - 27 June
- Time: Shows at 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:30 pm daily
- Venue: Market Community Theatre, George
Moonlight Maze 2026
Grab your flashlights for an unforgettable night of fun and adventure at Redberry Farm's annual evening challenge. Participants will test their navigation skills under the night sky, working to locate all seven hidden stations tucked within the massive hedge maze.
- Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
- Time: Various timeslots
- Venue: Redberry Farm, Blanco, George
Footloose - The Musical
An energetic, high-octane stage production following the story of a teenager who challenges a small town's strict ban on rock music and dancing. Featuring classic anthems, dynamic choreography, and powerful performances, this musical highlights the unifying and expressive power of performance arts.
- Date: 1 - 11 July (Shows within this fortnight run July 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8)
- Time: 7:00 pm (with an afternoon matinee on 4 July 2:00 pm)
- Venue: The George Arts Theatre, George
Wilderness
Wildfarm Winter Festival
A weekend of live music, DJs, yoga mornings and techno nights set on a working farm. Tickets include camping and breakfast, with family-friendly activities throughout.
- Date: Friday–Sunday, 27–29 June 2026
- Time: all weekend
- Venue: Wildfarm, Wilderness
That’s a wrap!
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Best,
The ONTHEROUTE Team
Save The Date
- Prime Circle Live on Stage: A highly anticipated rock show featuring one of South Africa's most prominent bands performing their chart-topping hits at a forest-canopied venue. George. July 11, 2026.
- Klein Karoo Klassique: A premier winter celebration of classical music, art, and local gastronomy in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Oudtshoorn. August 7 to 9, 2026.
- Windhoek Home of Golf Cup: A highly anticipated amateur golf tournament gathering players from across the region to compete on world-class greens. Knysna. September 4, 2026.
- Lions Karoo to Coast: A grueling but spectacular 100km off-road mountain bike challenge winding from the Uniondale Karoo over the Prince Alfred Pass to the coast. Knysna. September 27, 2026.
- Garden Route Kite Festival: A vibrant family gathering celebrating the wind, featuring massive and colorful kites in the sky, artisanal food stalls, and local crafts. Sedgefield. October 11, 2026.
- Leisure Isle Festival: A delightful community-focused weekend gathering featuring local arts and crafts, delicious homemade foods, and fun activities for the whole family. Knysna. November 7 to 8, 2026.
