As we bid farewell to the first month of the year, it’s safe to say that 2020 is in full swing. This means that we still have 11 months of what is sure to be an exciting and eventful year to look forward to.
Knysna is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, eclectic and exciting towns on the Garden Route. This little slice of paradise also has a calendar full of exciting, fun, educational and inspirational events lined up for 2020!
We’ve put together a lost of some of the most anticipated events taking place in Knysna this year – and you definitely don’t want to miss out!
Take a look at the list below and make sure to mark your calendars for one or two (or all!) of these amazing events.
7 – 10 May 2020
This year will see the 11th edition of this thrilling event, which has become a favourite on the Knysna events calendar for petrol-heads and those who just love the thrill of grumbling engines and thrilling stunts.
WIth speciality cars driven by some of the biggest names in motorsport, this year, the event is partnering with multiple car brands to bring a bigger variety to the event.
The event includes a Fan Fest, a not-to-be-missed parade of cars and a stunning, classic car display. It’s no wonder that it is hailed as one of South Africa’s premier motor sporting events.
19 – 20 February 2020
Known as the Knysna Bull, this MTB race offers everything any mountain biking enthusiast can think of.
It is South Africa’s first individual-only mountain bike stage race and comprises of beautiful trails through the magnificent forests that surround Knysna.
Prizes are also thoroughly worth it with a total of R260 000 in prizes to be won.
12 – 15 March 2020
Now in its 8th year, the Knysna Timber Festival is an annual festival hosted by the Knysna Timber Initiative.
The aim of the festival is to showcase the local talent and ingenuity of the timber industry in the area. All proceeds from the festival will help to enable the Knysna Timber Initiative to rejuvenate the timber industry in and around Knysna – so it’s a good cause and a showcase of beautiful local timber works.
The festival will include log sawing skills exhibitions, physical endurance and strength demos, as well as live music shows. The festival will take place at the Timber Village in Welbedacht in Knysna.
1 – 10 May 2020
So many car events! The Knysna Car Week includes the Jaguar Simola Hill Cim event, which is a highlight of the week, as well as other events that are sure to get your engines revving.
The week includes the Knysna Motor Show and the Speed Festival.
This is one week you definitely do not want to miss if you consider yourself a petrol-head!
6 – 8 March 2020
The Knysna Literary Festival looks to celebrate all things literature. Considering that famed South African author, Daleen Matthee, based many of her famous books in the forests surrounding Knysna, it’s only apt for the village to celebrate literature.
The festival will have a host of speakers at this years event, including Moeletsi Mofokeng and Pieter du Toit, amongst others. The festival will also help in facilitating creative writing workshops at local schools in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
In addition to a celebration of literature, there will also be yummy food events during the festival.
30 April – 3 May 2020
Undoubtedly Knysna’s most beloved and most famed event, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival is one of the biggest LGBTQI+ events in the world.
The festival is a celebration of art, culture and acceptance and is fabulously fun.
The festival includes performances by several musicians and artists, as well as film screenings and culinary events.
The highlight of the festival, however, is the street parade, where a barrage of floats come down Knysna’s main road for all to wonder at.
27 – 28 June 2020
The Knysna Cycle Tour is a favourite of mountain bikers and road cyclists alike.
The tour features both mountain biking events and road races, all set in a beautiful setting in and around Knysna. The MTB events comprise of 80km, 50km, 30km and 15km races as well as a fun kiddies MTB race.
For those on the road, they can choose between a 116km race or a 50km race.
26 June – 5 July 2020
One of the most famous festivals in Knysna, the Oyster Festival is truly fun for the whole family.
Besides indulging in the multitude if culinary events – where the Knysna oyster takes centre stage of course! – the festival also offers a slew of other events.
The Knysna Cycle Tour coincides with the Oyster Festival and there are several other sporting events taking place during the festival, including the Knysna Forest Marathon.
There are amazing artists performing at venues throughout the 10-day festival and a number of kiddies activities to keep the whole family entertained.
20 September 2020
Another mountain biking event not to be missed!
The Karoo To Coast MTB Event sees cyclists tackling a 100km off-road MTB race from Uniondale in the Karoo to Knysna.
It is one the most beautiful MTB events in the Western Cape, as the trail runs through some exquisite parts of the Karoo and Garden Route.
14 November 2020
A favourite for runners, the Knysna Half Marathon is challenging but rewarding.
It takes place at the beautiful Knysna Waterfront and comprises of a 21.1km half marathon and a 10km road race. There is also a 5km fun run.
21 November 2020
This is definitely not a triathlon for those faint of heart!
The challenging triathlon will see competitors tackle a 5km swim, a challenging 174km cycle and a 50km run through the Knysna Forest.
A challenge for sure, but oh-so rewarding.
Of course, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa offers amazing accommodation for the whole family – so if you’re planning on attending one or a couple of these events, make sure to book your luxury accommodation with us.
Make sure to check out our offers page for exclusive deals, too!