Knysna Calendar of Events 2020

This year’s event calendar is jam-packed with exciting festivals, sporting events and showcases highlighting the beauty of Knysna and the Garden Route.

Take a look at the not-to-be-missed events coming up in 2020.

2020 Knysna Bull

Date: 19 to 22 February

⁣The 2020 Knysna Bull, made personal by Constantia Insurance, is set to take place from 19 to 22 February in the spectacular Garden Route forests. It will once again boast a massive, winner-takes-all, prize of R100 000 for the elite men’s and elite women’s winner. Knysna Bull is South Africa’s first individual-only mountain bike stage race.

Knysna Literary Festival

Date: 6 to 8 March

The Knysna Literary Festival will take place between March 6 to 8 2020 and the programme will include festival favourites such as the ‘Fate of the Nation’ debates, economic panel and the Delicious Word Journey. There are also some exciting new events happening this year.

Pam Golding Properties Knysna and Plettenberg Bay will sponsor the festival, which remains a firm favourite on the Garden Route events calendar.

Knysna Heads Marathon

Date: 8 March

The annual Knysna Heads Marathon organised by the Knysna Marathon Club will take place 8 March 2020, brought to you by RE/MAX. This race is a Two Oceans and Comrades Qualifier and online entries close Thursday 5 March.

42.2 km and 21.1 km: start time 06h00
10 km and 5 km: start time 06h30

Outeniqua Quest 4 Day Trail Run

Date: 12 March

The Outeniqua Hiking Trail is a spectacular trail which can be conquered as a series of day walks or over a full seven day period. The trail starts at Beervlei in the upper reaches of the Park and ends at Harkerville in the east between Knysna and Plett.

The Outeniqua Quest is a 4 day trail run on the 108 km Outeniqua Hiking Trail in the Garden Route National Park. More than 100km of trails will take you through sections of the Outeniqua Mountains and the indigenous forests of Knysna. There are a few very shy Knysna elephants along the hiking trails, you might just spot them between the indigenous trees.

Knysna Timber Festival

Date: 13 to 15 March

In March 2020, the Knysna Timber Festival celebrates its 8th anniversary as a showcase of local excellence where South Africa’s timber industry first took root.

The festival is an end-to-end showcase of local timber and woodworking materials, machinery, manufacturers, products, services and industry innovations. Knysna’s renowned cabinet making, wood turning and wood carving skills are on display.

Knysna Motor Show Pagoda Weekend

Date: 1 to 3 May

The Knysna Motor Show will take place on Sunday, 3 May 2020 at the Knysna High School Sports grounds on Waterfront Drive.

For further information contact Chairman, Peter Pretorius by email at peterp@afrihost.co.za

Jaguar Simola Hillclimb

Date: 7 to 10 May

The 2020 Simola Hillclimb will run over four days – from Thursday 7 May to Sunday 10 May and will include the following events:

Classic Car Friday
King of the Hill Car Display & Waterfront Drive Parade
The King of the Hill Shootout

Contact info@speedfestival.co.za for more info.

Pink Loerie Festival

Date: 12 to 16 June

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival is back, bigger and bolder than ever, to take over Knsyna for another glittery weekend from 12 to 16 June.

You can find out more about the weekend events calendar here.

Knysna Cycle Tour

Date: 27 to 28 June

With a range of races on offer, the Knysna Cycle Tour is the annual event for the whole family. Here is a breakdown of what’s on offer:

23 June: Children’s Events
27 June: Mountain Bikes across 15km, 30km, 50km and 80km
28 June: Road Races 50km and 116km

Knysna Oyster Festival

Date: 28 June to 5 July

Arguably the most popular and highly anticipated event of the year, the Knysna Oyster Festival takes place between 28 June and  5 July 2020 with a host of fantastic events and activities.

Keep an eye on the Knysna Oyster Festival Facebook Page for live updates on what you can look forward to. As people flock to the festival from all over South Africa, it’s imperative to book accommodation early – so visit our website or email book@turbinehotel.co.za.

Knysna Forest Marathon

Date: 4 July

The Knysna Forest Marathon is a tough, but stunningly beautiful track that offers scenery found nowhere else in the world.

Whether you choose to participate in the Half Marathon course (21km) or face the Full Marathon distance (42km), participants can expect truly incredible views across the Knysna Lagoon and The Knysna Heads.

Entries open 29 February 2020 and typically sell out fast.

Eden to Addo Great Corridor Hike

Date: 4 to 25 September

Be part of one of the most adventurous hikes in Southern Africa. The Eden to Addo Trek covers about 400km over 20 days and starts in the Garden of Eden, Knysna.

The trail crosses the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site and the Tsitsikamma National Park and ends in Addo Elephant National Park. The route traces centuries old elephant paths, before their migration were interrupted by humans.The hike takes you to walk through multiple biomes such as forest, fynbos, succulent karoo, nama karoo and thicket.

The Great Corridor Hike is limited to 20 nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts. Find out more info here.

Dr. Evil Classic

Date: 17 to 19 September

The Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race will be 9 years old this year and has become the best reason to head to the Garden Route in September. The 2020 Dr Evil Classic is set to take place from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 September.

Karoo to Coast

Date: 20 September

The Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is a 100km off road race from Uniondale to Knysna via the Prince Alfred’s Pass.

The 2020 date is set for South Africa’s favourite single day mountain bike event: 20 September 2020.

Knysna Film Festival

Date: end of October (dates to be confirmed)