Ocean Festival 2026 Returns to Scottburgh With a Bigger Long Weekend Watersport and Lifestyle Programme

KZN South Coast Welcomes 4th Ocean Festival this May with Bigger 2026 Line-Up

The much-anticipated Ocean Festival is set to return to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast from 1 to 3 May 2026, with organisers taking advantage of a long weekend to expand on its programme of oceanside events to celebrate World Ocean Day.

“Following the incredible success of last year’s Ocean Festival, we’re proud to be expanding the programme with a bigger line-up and more diverse experience,” says Barry Lewin, Event Organiser. “There will be even more opportunities for the public to engage with the ocean while remaining true to our three pillars of conservation engagement – education, and economics.”

Visitors to the Scottburgh can expect an exciting combination of sport, wellness, education, and entertainment designed to connect people with the ocean while supporting conservation and coastal community initiatives.

What to Expect at Ocean Festival 2026

The three-day festival, for a fourth year running, transforms Scottburgh into a vibrant hub of activity, with events taking place at Scottburgh Main Beach and the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark.

Day 1: Friday, 1 May

• 6am: The programme kicks off bright and early with a Scotties Striders run.
• 8am: Get moving while grabbing a hot beverage at the Veranda Panda session taking place at Wild Coffee.
• 8.30am: Join the popular Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session.
• 9am: Mural reveal at Wild Coffee by local artist, Giffy.
• 10am: Watch the Lifesaving Contest at Scottburgh Main Beach.
• 10am to 2pm: Visitors can enjoy Ocean Experience Boat Trips running out of the Cutty Sark, offering a unique way to explore the coastline.
• 1pm to 5pm: The next generation of surfers take to the waves in the Schools Surfing session.
• 6.40pm to 7pm: The day concludes with the Ocean Festival Movie Night at the Cutty Sark.

Day 2: Saturday, 2 May

• 7am to 4pm: The day delivers a full day of action, headlined by the Ocean Festival Surf Contest at Scottburgh Main Beach.
• 7am: Wellness enthusiasts can start their day with a Pilates session on the beach
• 8am to 2pm: Ocean Experience Boat Trips continue from the Cutty Sark.
• 10am to 12pm: Festivalgoers can engage in Conversation Talks on the grass in front of the lifesaving club, focusing on ocean health, conservation, and community impact.
• 5pm to 10pm: The day wraps up with the Ocean Festival Music Evening at the Cutty Sark, promising great live entertainment in a relaxed coastal setting.

Day 3: Sunday, 3 May

• 7am: The day begins with a rejuvenating yoga session on the beach.
• 9am: One of the festival’s premier sporting events, the Leatherback Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, attracts top paddlers from around the country.
• 8am to 12pm: Ocean Experience Boat Trips run from the Cutty Sark for a final trip.
• 9am to 10am: The final session of Conversation Talks takes place
• 2pm: The official festival conclusion.

Connecting People to the Ocean

As with previous years, the Ocean Festival continues to align with the World Ocean Day mission by focusing on three key pillars:

Engagement: Creating memorable experiences that connect people to the ocean through sport, wellness, and adventure.

Education: Hosting talks and activations that raise awareness about ocean conservation and sustainability.

Economics: Supporting local tourism and businesses by attracting visitors to the KZN South Coast during the winter season.

Lewin concluded: “Ocean Festival is about celebrating the ocean in all its forms, from exciting water-based competition to quiet moments of reflection and learning. We invite everyone to join us in Scottburgh this May to be part of something truly special.”

Check @theoceanfestival on Instagram and Facebook, and www.oceanfestival.co.za website for the most updated Ocean Festival programme details

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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ocean Festival.

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