The Oyster festival attracts thousands of visitors to Knysna every July for out door leisure adventure. Events include the Knysna forest marathon, a grueling 85km mountain bike race , a 50km road race and children's events. There festival also hosts a disabled fun run presented by the department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In 2008 the Knysna Oyster festival raised R.1.16 million for charity.

Every year Knysna turns a different colour when the Pink Loerie comes to town. Acknowledged as the biggest Mardi Gras staged on the African continent. The pink Parade performed along the Knysna main street is the entertaining highlight where most of the locals enjoy the carnival atmosphere. All in all it is a great weekend where people travel from across the country to party in Knysna for the weekend packing clubs and accommodation venues throughout.

Gastronomica brings together healthy local food and entertainment showcasing an array of events and demonstration workshops. Guests can participate in wine tasting and learn secrets from culinary wizards while listening to live music.

Every autumn the tough 100km Karoo to Coast mountain bike races commences in Uniondale and finishes in Knysna. The scenic route travels over the Prince Alfred pass and through the Knysna indigenous forest. Money raised through the event is donated to Sight first a charity assisting sight restoration for the poor.