Tapas & Oysters, Thesen Harbour Town

Love LIVE music?

Get your dancing shoes on and hit the streets for live music in and around Knysna.

Holidays in Knysna are for getting away from it all, relaxing with friends and family, discovering new adventures and letting your hair down (or getting it done). The best way to cut loose on a weekend is by enjoying some quality tunes and appreciating the talent of live musicians at one of the area’s hot entertainment spots.

Many restaurants and bars host events, parties and live entertainment throughout the year. Be sure to keep an eye on the events calendar for these and to see what’s on while you’re enjoying your vacation in Knysna.

These venues in Knysna regularly host live musicians:

Tapas & Oysters

Tapas & Oysters on Thesen Harbour Town is a vibey restaurant with an exciting atmosphere, delicious tapas, fresh oysters and fun adult drinks. Visit their Facebook page to see who’s performing next.

Music at Tapas & Oysters, Thesen Harbour Town

Red Bridge Brewing Co

Red Bridge Brewing Co is one of the area’s premier craft breweries and a popular Friday night venue. Enjoy their rustic atmosphere, great beer and live music in their comfortable courtyard on Friday nights. Live acts are announced on their Facebook page.

The Friday Market at Knysna Montessori

The Friday Market at Knysna Montessori has become a local institution. Taking place on Friday evenings during the summer months, the market is a local favourite where you can find great food and adult beverages, where you can shop for arts and crafts and where the kids can play and enjoy themselves. It’s also where you’ll find the best musicians of the area entertaining you while you relax on a Friday evening. You can see who’s playing next on their Facebook page.

Blend Country Restaurant

Blend Country Restaurant sprawls beneath trees in a real country setting. The restaurant boasts a varied menu and the venue is family friendly. Blend hosts a range of artists on Friday nights – as well as throughout the week. Their Facebook page shows their schedule of live music.

MUSE Fusion Food

MUSE Fusion Food is known for their pizzas and fun, friendly atmosphere. A favourite hangout for locals and a family friendly venue, watch their Facebook page to see who’ll be playing live next Friday.

Drydock Food Co

The lagoon side restaurant is situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque Knysna Waterfront.

With live music every Saturday from 1pm-4pm this is one of the best spots for a lunch on the weekend. Here you can enjoy an array of mouth-watering dishes including the freshest seafood, tempting salads, sushi, fusion cuisine and sinful desserts. For more information on special offers and what entertainment is lined up, visit their Facebook page.

The view from Drydock Food Co

Pili Pili Beach Bar

Pili Pili Beach Bar in Sedgefield has a faithful support-base amongst locals and holidaymakers, and for good reason. The food is fantastic, the beers are cold and the atmosphere is relaxed. While they don’t host live acts every Friday night, they often host fun events, parties and local musicians. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s on during your holiday.

Useful information:

  • Although some places that serve alcohol late into the evening may not be suitable for children, many local venues are. If you plan on bringing the kids, maybe check with the venue first.
  • South Africa has stringent laws regarding drinking and driving. If you’re looking forward to a fun night out, consider appointing a designated driver or making use of one of the reliable taxi services on offer. Ask your hosts for their details.
  • The online events calendar is updated regularly. Keep an eye on it to see what’s happening while you’re visiting.