kawarthaNOW | News, events, and community information for residents, visitors, and cottagers in Peterborough and The Kawarthas

Lakefield Youth Unlimited crafts limited edition ‘Love Lakefield’ tote bags in support of local families in need

$20 tote bags come with a matching magnet and support the non-profit organization's annual Christmas gift card drive

Megan Gallant - December 4, 2025

Peterborough rockabilly musician Nicholas Campbell and his band The Metre Cheaters perform at Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough on Friday night. (Photo: Mikki Simeunovich)

nightlifeNOW – December 4 to 10

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) is presenting a winter concert called "Going Home for the Holidays" at 6 p.m. on December 7, 2025 in Wesley Hall at the New Canadians Centre on Romaine Street in downtown Peterborough, with donations supporting the non-profit organization's programs to nurture the next generation of musicians. (Photo: KYO)

Young musicians take centre stage as Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents ‘Going Home for the Holidays’ on December 7

A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Luminary Awards celebration at the Great Hall of Trent University's Champlain College on May 8, 2025, which saw awards in five categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers presented to Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Nominations are open for the second annual Luminary Awards for women in business

Drone shows offer a cleaner, quieter alternative to fireworks through the use of synchronized LED-equipped drones, which can be also powered by renewable energy. Pictured are some of the resulting patterns during a drone show in the City of Ottawa. (Photo: Binita Ann Mathew / GreenUP)

Keeping the spirit of celebration alive without the environmental drawbacks of traditional fireworks

As public attitudes shift, eco-friendly drone light shows, laser displays, and low-noise pyrotechnics are becoming increasingly popular alternatives

GreenUP - December 4, 2025

Cobourg police chief Paul VandeGraaf providing an update to the police service board in July 2024. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Cobourg Police Service video)

Cobourg police chief Paul VandeGraaf is retiring in June 2026

One of Northumberland County's most significant road safety improvements in 2025 was the Welcome intersection in the Municipality of Port Hope, which included upgrades to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, including two new pedestrian crossings as well as new sidewalks, curbs, upgraded signage, and enhanced streetlighting. Pictured in early October 2025, intersection construction will be completed in early December with final asphalt and line painting to be completed in the spring. (Photo: Northumberland County)

Northumberland County reflects on a year of major infrastructure upgrades and prepares for more in 2026

Clarington councillor Corinna Traill speaks during a regular council meeting on November 17, 2025. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Municipality of Clarington video)

Clarington councillor charged after Peterborough police investigation into alleged voicemail threats

A horse-drawn wagon ride through Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene is one of the many activities available during the family-friendly "Christmas by Candlelight" event taking place from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 6 and 7, 2025. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)

Step back into a 19th-century Christmas at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene this weekend

'Christmas by Candlelight' returns December 6 and 7 with horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, settler traditions, Father Christmas visits, and more

kawarthaNOW - December 3, 2025

Three-time Mann Cup lacrosse champion, Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Famer, and Peterborough Century 21 Lakers board member Len Powers is a grateful patient of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). Powers and his family experienced anxieties while they were waiting for lab results to confirm whether he had prostate cancer and needed to begin life-saving treatment. He is sharing the story of his healthcare journey in support of the PRHC Foundation's $70 million Campaign for PRHC, which includes bringing digital pathology to the regional hospital so future cancer patients will not face those same anxieties. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)

Digital pathology at Peterborough Regional Health Centre will have a transformative effect on care for cancer patients like Len Powers

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the City of Peterborough present the third annual tree-lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square from 5 to 7 p.m. on December 5, 2025. Te event will also feature family-friendly activities, festive entertainment, and local vendors. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

Downtown Peterborough lights up with festive celebrations this weekend

Sacha Lai-Svirk, volunteer board chair of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), addresses Peterborough city council during a meeting on December 1, 2025 to consider a proposed by-law that would see the City of Peterborough assume administrative control of a $150,000 annual payment from the city to the DBIA as part of a 20-year settlement agreement made in 2017. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)

After fierce pushback, Peterborough city council rejects by-law to assume control of DBIA funds

Lakefield Youth Unlimited crafts limited edition ‘Love Lakefield’ tote bags in support of local families in need

Megan Gallant - December 4, 2025

$20 tote bags come with a matching magnet and support the non-profit organization's annual Christmas gift card drive.

Cobourg police chief Paul VandeGraaf is retiring in June 2026

December 3, 2025

Snow squall watch in effect for northern Kawarthas region Wednesday night into Thursday

December 3, 2025

Northumberland County reflects on a year of major infrastructure upgrades and prepares for more in 2026

December 3, 2025

Clarington councillor charged after Peterborough police investigation into alleged voicemail threats

December 3, 2025

Shop the Boro: Find sustainable and trendy one-of-a-kind gifts at The Neighbourhood Vintage in downtown Peterborough

Megan Gallant - December 2, 2025

Jacquelyn Craft's Water Street shop offers curated high-quality vintage clothing from a collective of vendors as well as vintage sunglasses and BAGGU bags.

Give the gift of local this holiday season by shopping at Watson & Lou on Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Focusing on products handmade by artists and makers in the Peterborough area and from across Canada, the shop features a wide selection of candles, bath products, jewellery, stationery, artwork, and holiday-themed goods. During the First Friday art crawl on December 5, 2025, shoppers are also invited to browse and purchase work by Watson & Lou studio members and featured artists. (Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou)

Shop the Boro: Find local handmade gifts this holiday season at Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough

December 1, 2025

The Neighbourhood Vintage and First Friday Peterborough are teaming up once again to host the fourth annual Holiday Night Market, held in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street in downtown Peterborough on December 5, 2025. The outdoor market will feature 24 local artisans and makers selling art and homemade goods, as well as live music from five local musicians, and holiday treats and drinks from five downtown restaurants. (Photo: Luke Best)

First Friday Holiday Night Market returns to downtown Peterborough on December 5

November 30, 2025

Shop the Boro: Get hooked on fibre art gifts at Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough

November 29, 2025

Established in 2003, Potash Creek Farms in Omemee is one of 11 tree farms located in or near the greater Kawarthas region where people can cut their own or buy pre-cut fresh, locally grown trees. Potash Creek Farms will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 29 until December 21, 2025. (Photo: Potash Creek Farms / Facebook)

Where to find cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas trees in the Kawarthas

November 26, 2025

nightlifeNOW – December 4 to 10

kawarthaNOW - December 4, 2025

Featuring live music listings at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region.

Young musicians take centre stage as Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents ‘Going Home for the Holidays’ on December 7

December 4, 2025

encoreNOW for December 1, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Peterborough Theatre Guild's "The Emperor's New Clothes" at the Guild Hall, "Quartom Sings Noel" with the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra at Emmanuel United Church, New Stages Theatre's "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Peterborough's Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, "Elvis' Wonderful World of Christmas" featuring Steve Michaels at Lindsay's Academy Theatre, and the Foley family's "A Cozy Christmas" as Peterborough's Showplace Performance Centre. (kawarthaNOW collage)

nightlifeNOW – November 27 to December 3

November 27, 2025

The entire original cast from New Stages Theatre's 2023 production of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show" will be reprising their roles when the show returns to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough for six performances from December 10 to 14, 2025. From left to right: Brad Brackenridge, Megan Murphy, director Mark Wallace, Kerry Griffin, M. John Kennedy, Ordena Stephens-Thompson, and musical director Gabriel Vaillant. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)

New Stages Peterborough brings back ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ in December with the original cast and set

November 24, 2025

Nominations are open for the second annual Luminary Awards for women in business

kawarthaNOW - December 4, 2025

Presented by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, awards are expanding for 2026 with two additional categories.

Inside Charlotte Products' Peterborough facility, staff oversee the packaging of environmentally responsible cleaning products. The company uses a supply chain that emphasizes Ontario-based materials and partnerships to minimize emissions and cost. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Products)

Charlotte Products in Peterborough leads by example in greening the supply chain

November 13, 2025

Peterborough's Cormor and Bracebridge's 3DCP Muskoka have partnered to create a unique line of 3D printed products available at Stony Lake Furniture Co. in Lakefield. The founders of the two 3D printing construction companies are encouraging customers to think outside the box and challenge them on architectural design products that can be made through 3D printing. (Photo courtesy of Cormor)

Cormor and 3DCP Muskoka create unique 3D printed home decor products for Stony Lake Furniture Co. in Lakefield

November 7, 2025

Allison Adam, entrepreneurship officer at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), will deliver a free ideation and business planning workshop in Havelock on January 21, 2026 as part of the CFP Business Advisory Centre's "Entrepreneurship 101: County Edition" series. The three-part series also includes a marketing and branding workshop on February 4 in Millbrook, and a funding and cash flow workshop on February 18 in Lakefield. (Photo courtesy of CFP)

Community Futures Peterborough expands popular ‘Entrepreneurship 101’ workshop series to Peterborough County

October 24, 2025

A panel discussion on agritourism during the inaugural Regional Tourism Summit hosted by Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope on October 21, 2025. With a keynote address, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the event saw tourism operators and partners from across the Kawartha Northumberland region gather for a day learning about the challenges and opportunities that exist in the industry regionally, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and collaborations. (Photo courtesy of RTO8)

Collaboration was the focus of the inaugural RTO8 Regional Tourism Summit

October 24, 2025

Keeping the spirit of celebration alive without the environmental drawbacks of traditional fireworks

GreenUP - December 4, 2025

As public attitudes shift, eco-friendly drone light shows, laser displays, and low-noise pyrotechnics are becoming increasingly popular alternatives.

Step back into a 19th-century Christmas at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene this weekend

December 3, 2025

Downtown Peterborough lights up with festive celebrations this weekend

December 2, 2025

Speech-language pathologist Ida Lloyd at Five Counties Children's Centre displays a few of the books that clinicians at the regional treatment centre recommend parents and caregivers put under the tree for children this holiday season. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre encourages families to skip the gadgets this year and put books under the tree

November 30, 2025

The Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards recently gathered at the GreenUP office for an end-of-season lunch. Pictured here taking a break from reflection and goal setting to show off their newly printed T-shirts, the group tends to 13 fruit orchards planted in neighbourhoods around Peterborough. (Photo: Tegan Moss / GreenUP)

Peterborough’s community orchards are growing more than fruit

November 27, 2025

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