Knysna Oyster Festival remains key economic driver for Garden Route
The Western Cape Government is proud to continue partnering with the Knysna Oyster Festival, as the Garden Route expands into a sporting, cultural and culinary hub, marking a lively 10-day programme filled with a variety of experiences. Taking place from 3 to 12 July 2026, this year’s programme highlights Knysna as a special destination and one of South Africa’s much-loved winter locations for sport, arts and culture.
The festival programme included the flagship Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon which took place on Saturday, 4 July. With a scenic route through the indigenous Knysna Forest, this year marks the 41st edition of one of the Garden Route's most iconic races.
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is supporting several team sports tournaments and engaging various community leaders across the region throughout the festival week. Through the Department’s support, basketball is once again part of the festival programme. The success of the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments is made possible through strong partnerships between government, municipalities, sporting federations, and organisers.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, congratulates all participants of the Knysna Forest Marathon, the Knysna Basketball Tournament and other sporting codes. “As the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, we remain committed to supporting events and festivals that encourage young people to participate in sport and contribute to job creation and the economy. Well done to all athletes and to everyone who continues to invest in and strengthen sport across the region,” said Minister Mackenzie.
The Minister also joined passionate spectators at the Springbok Bok Tent for the Nations Championship on 4 July, as part of the Knysna Oyster Festival celebrations. The crowds were buzzing, proudly singing our national anthem, and celebrating a successful 45 – 21 victory over England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Knysna Oyster Festival serves as a catalyst for a much broader celebration of sport and community leadership across the Garden Route.
During this period, the Minister also opened the 2026 Growthpoint Properties Jarvis / Kaplan National Squash Championships in Mossel Bay. This marks the start of one of South Africa’s premier national squash tournaments, and for the first time ever, the tournament is being played on an all-glass court. The all-glass feature enables spectators to have a full, uninterrupted view of the game from all angles. The department welcomes all athletes from across the country and wishes those competing in the championships every success. “The upcoming week will be a showcase for sport and for our country”, says Minister Mackenzie.
By supporting events such as the Knysna Oyster Festival and its sporting tournaments, as well as sporting events across the broader Garden Route region, the department continues to strengthen the Western Cape’s sporting ecosystem – investing in sport as a catalyst for youth participation, community development and job creation.
The Garden Route’s packed sporting calendar is a testament to the region’s vital role in hosting significant national sporting events during the winter season. The full festival programme is available on knysnaoysterfestival.co.za and we encourage everyone to visit the Garden Route and support this festival and other activities in the region.
Media Enquiries:
Eslynn Apollis
Acting Media Liaison Officer
Provincial Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
Cell: 072 615 3665