What's on in Knysna...
Free movie time for kids
At Bloo Bistro, Memorial Square, Knysna on Saturdays at 12:30. We will offer popcorn and a cold drink (Fanta, Cream Soda or Coca-Cola) at a minimal charge of R50 optional but not compulsory. Due to limited seating, bookings are essential, at 082 923 1185. Dates: 21 April: Coco; 28 April: The Croods; 5 May: The Incredibles
St George’s Market & Craft Fair
Saturday, 21 April, 09:00 to 13:00. Enjoy your Saturday and spend a relaxing morning in the lovely gardens of St George’s Anglican Church, corner Main and Queen streets, Knysna. Start with breakfast or a cup of tea and cake in the Tea Garden, before browsing the large variety of stalls selling homemade goodies including preserves, curries, frozen foods, pancakes, boerewors rolls, as well as needlework, linen, white elephant and famous bookstalls. A number of local artists and crafters will also display and sell their work. More info: Karol 079 248 9414
Join the fight
Substance abuse is said to be the cause of 70% or more of community-related crime and disruptive social behaviour. Come along to the AGM of Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre (KADC) and join the fight against substance abuse. When? Tuesday 24 April, 12:45 for 13:00 at The Rock Church, corner Main Road & Queen Street, opposite the Old Gaol. A wise but true quip says, “Addiction is like an iceberg – it’s bigger than you think! Reservations/info: Kevin 087 095 3126 / info@kadc.co.za.
Knysna Garden Club meet
On Wednesday 25 April at Barrowdale Nursery on the N2, between Knysna and Plett, at 09:45 for 10:00. The nursery is about 3km past Stromboli’s turnoff (going towards Plett), Plot HH13. A beautiful nursery specialising in aloes and waterwise plants. Bring comfy chairs, hats and refreshments. Visitors welcome. Info: 044 387 1966.
When legends get together
Auldfield (Wendy Oldfield and Robin Auld) @ Bloo Bistro, Memorial Square, Knysna on Friday 27 April at 21:00. R100pp. Enquiries: 082 923 1185
Jazz in George
Cape jazz pianist Ramon Alexander will be performing at the George Arts Theatre on Monday 30 April (Tuesday 1 May is a public holiday). Cape jazz is a fusion of indigenous sounds mixed with Western and European music flavours, originating from early colonial times when slavery was rife. Alexander is especially inspired by Abdullah Ebrahim and has performed at the Cape and Grahamstown jazz festivals as well as the Borneo Jazz Festival. He will include a free workshop before the show. (Enquiries: Luna Paige 082 859 2420). Doors open for pre-drinks and ticket sales at 19:00, show
Album launch at Blend
SA singer-songwriter Rowan Stuart will support the release of his fifth studio album, Faraway (Deluxe), with a special Knysna album launch on Wednesday 25 April at 19:00. at Blend Country Restaurant, George Rex Drive. The songs from the album tell tales of the complex and chaotic modern world from which the protagonists dream of places ancient and free, and encapsulate Rowan’s passion for creating music that is a sanctuary from the harshness of modern life. Entrance R60 prebooked or R80 at the door. Book through Jackie 084 587 6665 / jackie@betterlive. co.za. The new album will be on sale at the venue. More info: www.rowanstuart.com for more information. starts 19:30. Tickets R100pp, R70 for theatre members, R40 for school learners. Tickets/ bookings: Jolien 044 874 3142
New art exhibition
Knysna Arts Society presents its second exhibition for the year, consisting of 40 works by society members, which were selected by a panel of three judges. Monochromatic was the brief, and pieces were created using only one hue or a black-and-white colour scheme. Currently at the Knysna Art Gallery in the Old Goal complex in Queen Street.
Fine art for connoisseurs
Visit Knysna Fine Art gallery at Thesen House to view works by established and new artists.
Artfully floral
The Garden Route Floral Art Club meet every third Tuesday of the month. Enquiries: Jill Fraser 082 776 0410
Weeding Wednesday
Help with the control of alien vegetation and learn more about our local indigenous plants at Pledge Nature Reserve every Wednesday from 09:30 to 10:30. More info: 082 773 4118.
Concordia free pet clinic
Every first Wednesday outside the Concordia library from 09:00 to noon. Free inoculations for dogs and cats.
Birding
Lakes Bird Club outings every first Saturday of the month, also other outings and talks. Info: Pat 044 382 0638 / Steve 082 785 6152 / lakes.bird.club@gmail.com.
Rotarians get together
The Rotary Club of Knysna meets at the Knysna Yacht Club every Tuesday from 12:30 onwards for the lunch meeting from 13:00 to 14:00. All visiting Rotarians are welcome as well as potential new members.
Make it snappy
The Knysna Photographic Society holds meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at the Belvidere Manor conference centre at 18:30. Visitors are most welcome to attend. More info: Jacqui Johnston 082 4587598 / www.knysnaphotosociety.com.
Network in Knysna
Knysna Networking, a group of dynamic individuals looking to help each other grow their business, meet twice a month on a Wednesday. Interested to join? Call Gudrun on 072 699 4174.
Time in nature
Visit Pledge Nature Reserve – 10 hectares of pure nature in the heart of Knysna. Open every day from 07:00 to 19:00. Entry off Main Road between Postnet and Steers. Dogs on leashes welcome. Ticket sales at Knysna Tourism, Polvo Coffee and Wayside Inn. For yearly/monthly tickets, call the manager on 083 629 9201.
Steenbok Nature Reserve, Leisure Isle, Knysna (all year). Dog friendly. Info: Knysna Tourism 044 382 5510
Park it at the market
The Friday Market @ Knysna Montessori School, 16:00 to 20:00, for good food, live music, licensed bar and crafters. Follow the scarecrows on N2 then up Welbedacht Lane. Info/enquiries: Liezel 044 382 5316
Sedgefield: Wild Oats Community farmers’ market every Saturday morning (an award-winning market with over 60 stalls of the finest local farm produce, home bakes, plants and flowers, outdoor breakfast and live music), Scarab Craft Village and Mosaic Market, all in close proximity along the N2.
Plettenberg Bay: Harkerville Saturday Market every Saturday morning offers food, art and craft and more, on the N2 midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Find it online!
For a comprehensive listing of what to enjoy in the Greater Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area, from sport and entertainment, nature walks and cycling, places to stay and dining, to arts and culture, go to the Knysna Tourism website on www.visitknysna.co.za/ things-to-do. Plett Tourism’s Daily Diary and Calendar of Events are also updated on a daily basis – visit www.plett-tourism.co.za/ do/event and www.plett-tourism.co.za/do/ daily-diary.
Matjiesfontein revisited
On Thursday 26 April Dr Dean Allen will enthral with War, Cricket and the Empire, the sequel of his first introduction to Matjiesfontein. A fascination for the history of this remarkable Karoo town led to a PhD that was completed in 2008. All welcome at the U3A general meeting in Brenton community hall. Doors open 09:00 when tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Members R5, visitors R10 towards hall hire. More info: Judy Dixon 072 390 6667.