Shell-shocked to learn about a festival dedicated to oysters? Entertaining various ideas on how you’d like your first oyster served?  Then come along and immerse yourself in this beloved aphrodisiacal fiesta! This year’s festival will be held from the 28^th June – 7^th of July 2013.

Consider sliding a succulent pepper and tabasco sprinkled oyster down your throat like the pros do – or if that sounds too daring for your first try, perhaps a fragrant bowl of oyster soup would be a better introduction.

Don’t despair if seafood in any form makes you shudder and shy away, as there will be other food options available too. And if that’s not enough of a draw, there will also be over 100 entertainment options on offer – so watch, try, buy, and participate! After all, with a slogan that boasts “The Best 10 Days of Winter” you’ll be hard-pressed to not enjoy yourself.

Overview of the Oyster Festival:

The annual Knysna Oyster festival is a 10-day festival extravaganza with plenty of sporty outdoor activities available. It also offers a lovely variety of activities for families, including the child-friendly Pick ‘n Pay Young Oyster Festival. For visitors or tourists reading this, Knysna is a very popular family getaway during June/July as it coincides with the South African school holidays.

Origins:

This festival started in 1983, and was originally dubbed the Knysna Winter Festival. It promoted sports and outdoor fun, with a marathon, rugby game, squash, bowls, and golf, in an attempt to entice visitors into visiting Knysna during the cooler winter months.

Sports:

From the Big Five Challenge, Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon (half marathon), and the Pick ‘n Pay Argus Rotary Cycle Tour, to new additions such as the Geo Oyster Geocaching Competition, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. And speaking of something for everyone, 2013 sees the start of the Pick ‘n Pay Fun Event for the Disabled, because everyone deserves a chance to participate in the fun and games! The Waterfront Challenge is a must for golf enthusiasts. Those who participate will need to try and land the environmentally-friendly golf balls onto the floating green in the middle of Knysna Harbour.

Culture

Apart from craft stalls and markets galore, the Night of 1,000 Pictures is certain to be a hit, with 2 nights dedicated to showcasing local talent in the forms of paintings, photographs, and illustrations. By supporting these South African artists, you’ll also be raising much-needed funds for the Knysna Hospice.

The wine and whiskey tastings are always popular, and cruises around the Knysna harbour are a great way to unwind while soaking up the energizing atmosphere.

Township tours will be available for the duration of the festival, and if you enjoy Reggae music, don’t miss out on the Rastafarian Earth Music Splash.  For a list of all the events happening, visit the official website.

Children

Humpty Dumpty Eggs will be hosting an entertainment section just for children. Expect to see fun activities like sand art, cooking classes, and face painting. Children of 6 years and up can test their coordination by participating in the Yard Skate and BMX Park with boards and safety gear available. Parents can accompany children 2 – 9, at the Spur Steak Ranch Rotary Knysna Childrens Cycle Tour happening on Leisure Island; each child who tries this will receive a goody bag and a medal.

Accommodation

Don’t wait a moment longer – book your Knysna accommodation today (or you may wind up sleeping in your car). We recommend Cabin 16 at Phantom River View which is a four-star graded log cabin, perfect for groups of up to 8 guests with beautiful views over the indigenous Knysna forest. If you can’t find accommodation in Knysna, try booking an establishment along the Garden Route. Even though you may have to drive a bit, you’ll still get to participate and enjoy this beloved event.

Let us know what your favourite event or cultural activity at the Knysna Oyster Festival is!

Main image courtesy of avlxyz (Flickr)