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The 4th edition of Ocean Festival is returning to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast, and this time it’s going to be a long weekend escape! Running from 1 to 3 May 2026, with most of the action taking place at Scottburgh Main Beach and the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark, this is the most exciting Ocean Festival programme yet.
The three-day coastal celebration that promotes ocean health through a combination of water sports, wellness, live music, film viewings, and conservation-focused experiences… all with that laid-back KZN South Coast energy.
Programme of events this year
Friday, 1 May
Kick things off early with a sunrise run, then ease into the day with beachside coffee sessions, a mural reveal by local artist Giffy, and the always-fun Granny Grommets Bodyboard Session. The afternoon brings Schools Tag Team Surf Contest, ocean boat trips to explore the nearby Aliwal Shoal – a Marine Protected Area and Hope Spot – plus the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival, before wrapping up with an open-air movie night at Premier Hotel Cutty Sark.
Saturday, 2 May
This is a full day of action anchored by the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, alongside beach Pilates, conservation Conversation Talks, and more ocean-based experiences. As the sun sets, the energy shifts to a live music evening at Premier Hotel Cutty Sark.
Sunday, 3 May
Slow things down with sunrise yoga, then catch one of the weekend’s standout events - the Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge, drawing top paddlers from across the country. Final talks and ocean experiences round off the festival before it wraps at 2pm.
Sports events to watch or enter
Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival
Featuring Nipper, Junior, Senior, and Masters divisions, competitors will take part in a range of disciplines including run, swim, board, ski, flags, and the crowd-favourite dash for cash.
- Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
- Date: Friday, 1 May
- Time: Registration at 9.30am | Starts at 10am
- Cost: R50
- Enter: https://shorturl.at/Mtz5A
Schools Tag Team Surf Contest
Teams of five surfers will take to the water for the School Tag Team Surfing event at Ocean Festival. Mixed boy-girl teams and boys-only teams compete in a fast-paced format where each surfer catches their waves before racing back to the beach to tag the next teammate.
- Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
- Date: Friday, 1 May
- Times: 1pm to 5pm
Ocean Festival Surf Pro
With categories ranging from U10 through to Open Men’s and Ladies, as well as a Masters (35+) division, the contest ensures a full day of high-energy surfing action.
- Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
- Date: Saturday, 2 May
- Cost: R350
- Enter: https://shorturl.at/nJ5Ap
Leatherback Rum Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
This race offers both a 16km long course and 8km short course. Competitors will navigate the ocean route along the Aliwal Shoal, a globally recognised Marine Protected Area known for its rich biodiversity.
- Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach
- Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
- Time: Registration at 7am | Race Start at 9am
- Entry: R400
Keep Updated!
- Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
- Follow on Facebook: @theoceanfestival
- Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za
- WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C
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