Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival 2023

Africa’s most colourful gay event – in the heart of the Garden Route

Set in “South Africa’s Favourite Town of the Year”, the spectacularly colourful affair basically shuts down the tranquil Garden Route hub with five raucous days of shows, entertainment, a mini-market and heaps of over-the-top, flamboyant fun.

• The Mardi Gras weekend is very popular. Knysna is a small town and hotels are limited. The best ones fill up fast, so book well in advance. Stay at the Villa Castollini, host venue for several of the parties.
• Knysna is a stunning five and a half hour drive from Cape Town or one hour flight to George GRJ airport and then one hour shuttle.

Unquestionably a global highlight for the LGBTQ community, the festive carnival also appeals to anyone else who wants to celebrate diversity and acceptance.

Pink Loerie Festival Program

• Awaiting the 2022 program. 
• Pink Loerie typically kicks off on Thursday with a cocktail party at Knysna Fine Art. Other events include a Bears, Beer and Drag event. Vinyl on Main hosts the Meet and Greet Party to make sure everybody gets to know each other.
• The VIP Dinner and Fundraising Auction will be hosted at Villa Castollini, while the very popular Mr & Miss Gay Mardi Gras will take place at Vinyl on Main, followed by the official S&M Party at the same venue.

The Pink Loerie Concerts

• The Saturday kicks off with two events: PinkFootFWD for Brenton, a fun morning filled with sport activities and music, and the Pink Loerie #KnysnaRises Fundraising Concert at the Loerie Park Sport Stadium, which will feature a number of drag acts and musicians.

The Pink Loerie Parade

• The always popular street parade starts at 3pm on Sunday and will proceed from Queen Street to Pledge Square and back,  followed by a street party.
• Drydock Food Co. will host an After Parade Sunset Ibiza Party for the more mature in the crowd, while the official after party is at Vinyl on Main.

The Venues

• Drydock Food Co – Fine dining restaurant, offering a mouth-watering array of the freshest seafood, tempting salads, fusion cuisine and sinful desserts.
• Vinyl on Main – Small, independent, veteran-owned and operated record store and host to special pop-up parties.
• Villa Castollini – a magnificent Tuscan-style luxury retreat set at the top of Western Head. It features an outdoor pool and a library.
• Knysna Fine Art – Art in various media from South Africa & around the world is showcased in a spacious, historic home.

Where to stay in Knysna

The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the Mardi Gras festivities:

Turbine Hotel,   Madison Manor,   38 Crab Claw,   Augusta Bay.