Starting on the 1st of July in Knysna, The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is a 10-day celebration meant for foodies, sports buffs and families. During the festival, activities such as oyster eating, oyster shucking, oyster farm tours, and oyster recipe challenges are held.
Attended by more than 50,000 visitors annually, the venue offers countless oysters along with mouth-watering molluscs that are cooked in different ways. Beyond these, the festival features world-class sporting events for an absolute adrenaline rush. The two major ones are the Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon (half marathon), and Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour.
This family-centric festival has something for everyone! Events like Bingo! With Local Celebrity, Imperial Auto Festival of Golf: Parent and Child, The Rockets Concert, and Kids Pavement Art entertain people of all age-groups. Coffee lovers should participate in the ‘Marley Coffee Orientation Courses’ to learn about the origin of coffee and the different processes it goes through before reaching potential customers. An information booklet will be given to each person participating in this course. For an amazing night, dinner and dance with the SA Navy Dance Band is a must!
All in all, 100 mid-week events are there, including certain new ones such as the Geo Oyster Geocaching Competition, Navigation Drift Dive Challenge, Pick n Pay Fun Event for the disabled, and Night of 1000 Pictures.
History and Significance
This festival was first celebrated in 1983 and, over the years, it has successfully established itself as one of the most popular events in the Western Cape. The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival also acts a prominent charity platform to ensure everyone benefits out of it!
How To Get There
By Road
Knysna, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Garden Route’, is accessible from Cape Town (500Km) via the N2 National Road. Its neighbouring towns are George and Plettenberg Bay. While driving, stick to the speed limit. There are speed cameras on the N2 National Road.
By Plane
One may board flights via Johannesburg or Cape Town for landing in George Airport – the nearest airport to Knysna.
Accommodation
Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is internationally famous. Thus, travellers coming from any corner of the world should book their accommodation in advance. There are multiple online websites that’ll assist them in finding the room of their choice! Those planning to stay overnight can check out the accommodation options on the Garden Route. These fulfil the requirements of both luxury and budget travellers.
Town Attractions
After commemorating the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, tourists should explore the various magnificent hotspots of the town. Some of them are the Garden of Eden, Prince Alfred Pass, Scarab Village, Margaret’s Viewpoint and Bollard Bay.
