Knysna Oyster Festival 2011

Guaranteeing you and your family the best 10 days of your winter in South Africa

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The picturesque Garden Route town of Knysna attracts more than 65 000 sporting enthusiasts, food and wine lovers, families and adrenalin junkies - the festival offers something for everyone from running, cycling, golfing, bowling and adventure racing to wine and whiskey tastings, cooking competitions, food and wine pairings, gala evenings, live music, a specialized children’s programme and of course not to forgot the oysters!

• Click here to see what's happening at the 2012 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival

The hub of this year’s festival is back at Loerie Park in George Rex Drive and is set to be the biggest yet, with over 100 sporting and lifestyle events for both young and old, jam- packed into the 10 days of the festival.

A highlight of the festival is The Big 5 Challenge, in which competitors are put to the ultimate test by participating in five grueling events throughout the festival.

And while moms and dads are playing in nature’s playground youngsters have a smorgasbord of activities to keep them fully entertained. Throughout the entire 10 days of the festival children of all ages can take part in cycling races, dance, music and drama workshops for the energetic.

For the more creatively inclined there are craft and art classes, sand art workshops and fun cooking classes to keep them happy. Activities also include puppetry making workshops, dress up and face- painting classes, puppet shows, and drama workshops.

And of course not to forget the very reason for the festival – the oysters! With over 200 000 oysters shucked, dressed and swallowed during the festival – it is 10 days of pure oyster indulgence.

The Pick n Pay Oyster and Wine Mardi Gras takes place on July 6 and brings together top restaurants in the greater Knysna area, calling on them to create the ultimate oyster recipe which guests then get to sample at the culinary event of the festival.

Other culinary and wine events include The Wade Bales Wine festival held at Pezula Private Estate, Whisky and Jazz on the Paddle Cruiser and the Tabasco Oyster Eating competition.

With over 100 events to choose from there is something for everyone at this year’s festival , which also includes township tours, the Pick n Pay Oyster Festival Soccer Tournament, the Oyster Festival Dog Show, a Lazer Quest for the kids, an Athletics Fun Run, the Scottish Leader Bowls Tournament, the Protea Knysna Quays Waitron Race, Golf Digest Bell’s Knysna Classic Day and the Disabled Fun Event.

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For all annual festivals happening throughout Cape Town and surrounds in 2011, be sure to check out our Events Section.

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