Don’t fret if you missed out on the Knysna Oyster Festival. The following ocean and seafood inspired festivals will provide you with plenty of fun, sun, sand, and fresh seafood!
- The Oceana Hout Bay Seafood Festival – Hout Bay
Where: The Republic of Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: 24 – 28 September 2014
Contact: Visit Facebook or call +27(0)83 269 9545
With a gorgeous view of the ocean, and 4-days of jam-packed adventure planned, there’s no good reason not to pop in to The Oceana Hout Bay Seafood Festival. Seafood specials will be offered from most of the Hout Bay restaurants, while live cooking demonstrations are set to be presented by some of the top chefs in the area. Parch your thirst by visiting the adjacent beer and wine stalls, and browse the Arts and Crafts exhibitions.
Entertainment on offer includes live music by local bands, the Hout Bay Heritage Grande Parade, a concert with the finalists of the “Hout Bay’s Got Talent’ competition, and appearances from the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as several jazz, rock, and classical bands.
The most exciting part of the festival will be the 1795 reenactment of the Battle of Hout Bay, taking place on Wednesday 24th of September between 12:00 – 13:00. This battle will use the Hout Bay cannons, located at the East and West forts, which will fire at the ‘attacking’ boats coming in to dock. If you can, snag some pics of this, as these cannons have the grand distinction of being the “Oldest Working Battery of Original Guns in the World”!
The beautiful setting of the festival will be well used by those participating in the Xtreme Sports event, which includes a swim in the icy ocean, to the more enjoyable Lucky Star 5-Aside soccer matches.
- Crayfish & Seafood Festival – Paternoster
Where: Paternoster, West Coast
When: 29 November 2014
Contact: Visit Facebook or call Paternoster tourism +27(0)22 752 2323
The fishing village of Paternoster, which translates to “Our Father”, has one of top locations in South Africa, and those who visit this little West Coast gem delightedly note their surprise and love of its authentic ‘frozen in time’ atmosphere.
Expect to arrive to a welcoming glass of wine, before you head in to browse stalls selling popular dishes like seafood potjiekos, snoek and crayfish braais, with sides such as garlic potatoes, coleslaw, and farm breads. Arts and craft stalls will also abound, with items like sea-inspired ornaments, paintings, and sculptures that you can take home.
Take time away from the hubbub in the beer garden or enjoy a boat ride with one of the locals to spot seals and penguins. Face painting, jumping castles, and other entertainments are on offer for children, while adults can dance the day away or picnic on the lawn as fast paced and slow ballads are played by the DJ.
- Hawston Sea Festival – Hermanus
Where: Hawston Camp Site, Hermanus
When: Date TBA, early December 2014
Contact: Call Augusta on +27(0)72 533 7313
The annual Hawston Sea Festival is a delight to the local community, as it’s one of the top places to enjoy freshly made paella, with fish such as snoek, crayfish, and perlemoen.
Other activities over this period include line dancing, taking a dip in the Olympic sized swimming pool to beat the December heat, or relaxing and enjoying the magical tunes of the Kaapse Klopse minstrels.
Which of the above seafood festivals will you attend?
Main image of Abalone House Boutique Guest House.
