Organisers have ensured there’s something for everyone at this year’s Ocean Festival, taking place in Scottburgh from 1 to 3 May 2026. Families can take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy the festival’s vibrant programme, starting with early morning runs and yoga sessions, high-quality sports and boat excursions, finishing off with live music and iconic film viewings.
“We’re now in our fourth year of Ocean Festival and are proud to build on what works while including even more for residents and visitors to enjoy,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “This year there’s even more opportunity for the public to engage with the ocean in fun and exciting ways, all while promoting conservation through our three pillars of engagement, education, and economics.”
Community and Ocean Connection
The long weekend programme begins each day with energising, community-led experiences. The popular Scotties Striders Run for the Ocean morning runs set the tone at sunrise, welcoming runners of all levels to enjoy the coastal route, while the vibrant Veranda Panda Wake & Shake Tour at Wild Coffee will combine movement, coffee, and connection in an awesome beachfront setting.
Started by local entrepreneurs and surfers, Matt Matchell-Cox, Stephen Morris, and Gavin Roberts, Wild Coffee taps into the surfing, diving, and active outdoor lifestyle for which the town is renowned. Commenting on the Ocean Festival activities, Stephen said:
“At Wild Coffee, we have tried to make an inclusive setting where everyone feels at home and a sense of community. It’s a privilege to be part of the Ocean Festival, and as surfers ourselves, ocean conservation is something we love to get involved with. It’s awesome that this festival has gone strength to strength, and it’s great that we can showcase what our small town has to offer and the way we live our lives daily.”
The Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session brings together Scottburgh’s spirited senior ocean enthusiasts, showcasing that the love of the ocean spans generations and abilities. Beachgoers can also look out for the Mission Blue Hope Spot Sand Art Display along Scottburgh Main Beach throughout the festival.
A standout experience across the weekend is the Ocean Experience Boat Rides, departing from the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark. These guided excursions take visitors out to the renowned Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, a globally recognised dive site and Mission Blue Hope Spot, offering the chance to witness dolphins, whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Wellness, Learning & Entertainment
The ocean is renowned for its wellness properties, and organisers are celebrating this with Beach Nia and Beach Yoga sessions. This is a great way to start the day grounded in movement and mindfulness, with the soothing sound of the Indian Ocean as the perfect backdrop.
Festivalgoers can also engage more deeply through the Mission Blue Hope Spot Conservation Talks, a series of accessible discussions centred on ocean health, conservation, and community impact given by local experts.
As the sun sets, the programme shifts to relaxed social experiences, including the Ocean Festival Movie Night, which brings ocean storytelling to life on screen in a unique coastal setting.
Saturday evening culminates in the Live Music with Leatherback Rum at the Premier Resort Cutty Sark, blending ocean energy with live entertainment. The evening will open with DJ Jordon Cassimiro, followed by performances by popular live bands Shore Break, as well as the Black Lapels. Expect a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere overlooking the ocean.
Sporting Highlights
Alongside the incredible lifestyle programme, Ocean Festival 2026 features a strong line-up of competitive ocean sports. Don’t miss out on any of the action taking place on Scottburgh Main Beach.
1. Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival
Date: Friday, 1 May
Registration: 9.30am | Starts: 10am
Entry: R50 at https://shorturl.at/Mtz5A
2. Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
Date: Friday, 1 May
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Entry: https://forms.gle/yHKzt8fz3uXgqDfK9
3. Ocean Festival Surf Pro
Date: Saturday, 2 May
Entry: R350 at https://shorturl.at/nJ5Ap
4. Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
Date: Sunday, 3 May
Registration: 7am | Race: 9am
Race Options: Long Course 16km | Short Course 8km
Entry: R400
Keep Updated!
Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
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Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ocean Festival.
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