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

This week's edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series highlights 13 Halloween-related events across the greater Kawarthas region, including Haunted Halloween for Kids at Hutchison House in Peterborough, Ghouly Goat Spooktacular at Haute Goat in Port Hope, Haunted Halloween Forest at Winterdance Dogsled Tours in Haliburton County, Project Skyharvest at Escape Maze in Otonabee-South Monaghan, Halloween in Haliburton, Chaos Carnival's "The Dark Circus" forest walk, and more. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Have a spooktacular Halloween at these 13 events across the greater Kawarthas region

From supernatural investigations to haunted forests, fundraisers, and trunk-or-treating, here's your guide to local Halloween events

Megan Gallant - October 27, 2026

Members of the Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival planning committee, Survivors Abreast members, team captains and paddlers, volunteers, and sponsors, along with representatives from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and the PRHC Foundation, gathered on October 27, 2026 to celebrate a $382,518.01 donation to the regional hospital, representing funds raised during the 25th anniversary festival in June. Attendees included the festival's top three fundraisers, Patty MacDonald ($14,299), Mary-Jane Pilgrim ($4,585), and Marilyn Shaw ($3,755), who are all members of the Tastefully Talented Water Warriors, the top fundraising team at $47,877.84. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival raises more than $382,000 for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre

After being elected as the next mayor of Peterborough on October 26, 2026, Michael Eamon addresses his supporters at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

“A better Peterborough begins now”: Mayor-elect Michael Eamon promises to restore civility and collaboration at city hall

Robert Winslow at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook in 2019. The founder of 4th Line Theatre and a playwright, actor, director, and artistic leader, he died unexpectedly on September 12, 2026 at the age of 73. Along with two world premieres, 4th Line's 35th anniversary season in 2027 will include special events to honour and celebrate Winslow. (Photo: Bianca Nucaro / kawarthaNOW)

4th Line Theatre in Millbrook to celebrate Robert Winslow’s legacy with two world premieres for 35th anniversary season

Peterborough's mayor-elect Michael Eamon celebrates his victory at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on October 26, 2026. Eamon is one of several new mayors across the greater Kawarthas region, with some incumbent mayors losing their seats. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

Unofficial election results for 17 municipalities across the greater Kawarthas region

Voters elect new mayors in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Port Hope, Minden Hills, and more

Bruce Head - Updated October 27, 2026

Political newcomer Michael Eamon reacts to the election results as they came in around 9:20 p.m. on October 26, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, showing him with a substantial lead over fellow political newcomer Neil Morton in the race to be Peterborough's next mayor. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)

Political newcomer Michael Eamon elected as the next mayor of Peterborough

The Canadian Canoe Museum on the shores of Little Lake in Peterborough has been named Attraction of the Year at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence. The museum welcomed more than 116,000 visitors in 2025, its first full calendar year at its new waterfront home. (Photo: Justen Soule)

businessNOW: Awards, anniversaries, and new beginnings across the region

A cross-union solidarity rally took place at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on October 21, 2026 in support of paramedics with Peterborough City-County Paramedics (PCCP) represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4911, who will be in a legal strike position on October 31. (Photo: CUPE / Facebook)

‘We don’t want to strike’: Peterborough paramedics push for a deal before legal strike position on October 31

Once again clad in their yellow and purple velour tracksuits, Linda "The Liquidator" Kash and Megan "The Mauler" Murphy are gearing up to host the fifth annual Cancer Takedown on November 5, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. The fundraiser for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and "spirit-raiser" for anyone touched by cancer will include music from Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Kate Brioux, Beau Dixon, The Weber Brothers, Nicholas Campbell, Brandon Munroe, Ian McKeown, Anthony Bastianon, and Good Medicine. (Photo courtesy of Amy Kemp)

Cancer Takedown fundraiser and spirit-raiser returns to Market Hall in Peterborough on November 5

Hosted by Linda Kash and Megan Murphy, uplifting evening of song, story, and solidarity will see Kate Brioux return to the stage after her own cancer journey

Megan Gallant - October 25, 2026

United Way Peterborough & District has launched its annual "Coats for Community ... and More!" campaign in partnership with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) to accept donations of new and gently used winter clothing and cold-weather gear. A community-wide collection day will take place on November 7, 2026 where new and gently used coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, and other cold-weather essentials can be dropped off at PATH's community hub at 385 Lansdowne Street East in Peterborough. (Photo: United Way Peterborough & District)

Peterborough residents invited to donate winter gear for those in need at November 7 Coats for Community collection day

Public Energy Performing Arts is partnering with Sara Porter Productions to present "Bad Poetry: Live in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough" for two performances on October 30 and 31, 2026 at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. Featuring musical accompaniment by musician Benj Rowland, Sara Porter's upbeat performance combines lecture-demonstration, contemporary dance performance, and queer clowning to explore how failing can lead to self-acceptance. (Photo: Omer Yukseker)

Sara Porter celebrates the art of getting it wrong in ‘Bad Poetry’ at The Theatre on King

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. (Photo: SIU)

SIU investigating death of man in Lindsay who fled Kawartha Lakes police and drowned early Friday morning

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival raises more than $382,000 for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre

kawarthaNOW - October 27, 2026

25th anniversary event exceeded its fundraising goal by $57,500 and pushed its 25-year contribution to local cancer care beyond $5.3 million.

“A better Peterborough begins now”: Mayor-elect Michael Eamon promises to restore civility and collaboration at city hall

October 27, 2026

Unofficial election results for 17 municipalities across the greater Kawarthas region

Updated October 27, 2026

Political newcomer Michael Eamon elected as the next mayor of Peterborough

October 26, 2026

‘We don’t want to strike’: Peterborough paramedics push for a deal before legal strike position on October 31

October 26, 2026

Kawartha Localist: Have a spooktacular Halloween at these 13 events across the greater Kawarthas region

Megan Gallant - October 27, 2026

From supernatural investigations to haunted forests, fundraisers, and trunk-or-treating, here's your guide to local Halloween events.

To mark Small Business Week from October 19 to 25, 2026, this week's edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series highlights 10 small businesses across the greater Kawarthas region as selected by our readers, including Peterborough businesses Take Cover Books, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, The Doggery, Living Local Marketplace, and Watson & Lou, as well as Millbrook Mercantile in Millbrook, The Roost Farm & Market in Kawartha Lakes, The Old Tin Shed in Bancroft, Centre & Main Chocolate Co. in Warkworth, and Heart N Soul Gifts in Lindsay. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: 10 small businesses worth celebrating in the greater Kawarthas

October 19, 2026

Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal presents a certificate of recognition of five years of family ownership from the City of Peterborough to The Venue owners April Sendel (left) and Kevin Sendel (second from right) and general manager Tiffany Daskewich (right) during a celebration at the downtown Peterborough event space on October 13, 2026. (Photo: Joshua Gillis)

The Venue in downtown Peterborough celebrates five years of family ownership

October 16, 2026

This week's edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features 10 must-try sandwiches across the greater Kawarthas region as selected by our readers, including at The Grape and Wedge in Apsley, Muster Point in Bobcaygeon, Mindful Crowe Lunchbox in Marmora, Milk and Honey Eatery in Lindsay, Tobi's Grab and Go Sandwiches in Bancroft, the Cardiff Country Store, Corner Bites Eatery in Lindsay, Sam's Place in Peterborough, The Counter on King in Colborne, and Wattle & Daub in Bancroft. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Sink your teeth into 10 standout sandwiches across the greater Kawarthas

October 13, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features 14 family-friendly activities and destinations across the greater Kawarthas region for the Thanksgiving long weekend, including the Fenelon Falls Turkey Trot and the Northumberland Turkey Trot, Duff Acres in Keene, the Buckhorn Harvest Craft Show, Back Forty Farmstead near Bancroft, the Norwood Fall Fair, Harvest Market in Stirling and other local farmers' markets, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and Kawartha Dairy, Sir Sam's in Haliburton County, Robin's Nest Farm Market in Warkworth, Ganaraska River in Northumberland County, Leahy's Farm and Market in Douro-Dummer, Frosted Flour Co. in Port Hope, and more. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: 14 things to do with your family on Thanksgiving weekend across the greater Kawarthas

October 6, 2026

4th Line Theatre in Millbrook to celebrate Robert Winslow’s legacy with two world premieres for 35th anniversary season

kawarthaNOW - October 27, 2026

Outdoor theatre company's 2027 season will feature hockey comedy 'Waiting for Gainey' and western 'The Legend of Pearl Hart', along with special events honouring its late founder.

Sara Porter celebrates the art of getting it wrong in ‘Bad Poetry’ at The Theatre on King

October 24, 2026

Peterborough indie alt-rockers The Dead Crowd (Tina Romo, Peter Romo, Adam Murray, Tim van de Ven, and Lauren Hughes), who just released their debut five-song EP, are performing at Eldorado Music Bar & Social Pub in downtown Peterborough on Saturday night along with Toronto alt-rockers Whisper Gang. (Photo: The Dead Crowd)

nightlifeNOW – October 22 to 28

October 22, 2026

Melanie Buddle, board chair for the ReFrame Film Festival, speaks during a preview and donor appreciation event held at Ashburnham Ale House in Peterborough on October 18, 2026. During the event, donors, supports, and volunteers welcomed new creative director Ryan Barnett, saw a preview of films that will be featured during the 2027 festival, and learned more about the recently updated strategic plan, which is focused on ensuring the festival's sustainability. (Photo: Megan Gallant / kawarthaNOW)

ReFrame offers first glimpse of 2027 film festival at donor appreciation event

October 20, 2026

encoreNOW for October 19, 2026 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Taylor Lovelace's "I'm Every Woman" Whitney Houston tribute at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre, the Northumberland Players' production of Kristen Da Silva's comedy "Hurry Hard" at the Best Western in Cobourg, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra's season-opening "Strength + Sparkle" concert at Peterborough's Showplace Performance Centre, Public Energy's presentation of Sara Porter's "Bad Poetry" at Peterborough's The Theatre on King, the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of the First World War drama "Bluebirds" at the Guild Hall in Peterborough's East City, and Roch Voisine's tribute to the legendary Gordon Lightfoot at Showplace. (kawarthaNOW collage)

businessNOW: Awards, anniversaries, and new beginnings across the region

Jeannine Taylor - October 26, 2026

The Canadian Canoe Museum earns provincial recognition, Millbrook Mercantile celebrates seven years, The Hippie Chippie prepares to move into Peterborough's former Nostimo location, and more.

David Feeley of Cogeco YourTV receiving the 2026 Business Citizen of the Year award from Susan Dunkley, board chair of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, at the annual Business Excellence Awards gala at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville on October 22, 2026. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce)

Cogeco’s David Feeley named Peterborough’s 2026 Business Citizen of the Year

October 23, 2026

Rob Arkell, mission leader for the Wild Again initiative at Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough, accepts a used item at the trade-in desk, where customers can keep high-quality products in circulation by trading in their used merchandise for store credit. This credit can be used to purchase new or used products, or the trade-in value can be donated to the organization's ComPassion Project. (Photo: Jeff Faulds / Wild Rock Outfitters)

From outdoor gear to farm soil, Peterborough businesses put the circular economy into practice

October 22, 2026

For Small Business Week 2026, the Innovation Cluster is opening its downtown Peterborough workspace to local entrepreneurs, professionals, and small business owners for a free day of coworking on Wednesday, October 21. Participants can use hot desks, high-top tables, and shared work areas, with coffee and light snacks provided, while learning more about the Innovation Cluster’s workspace and membership options. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)

Small Business Week brings workshops, networking, and celebrations to Peterborough and the Kawarthas

October 16, 2026

One of the region's largest suppliers and processors of steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic materials, Kawartha Metals Corp. in Peterborough is receiving $500,000 from the federal government toward a $1-million project to expand its advanced steel-processing capabilities through specialized equipment. The company is one of 10 in Eastern Ontario receiving a total of nearly $6.6 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to modernize operations, strengthen competitiveness, and expand products and services. (Photo: Kawartha Metals Corp.)

Five businesses in the Kawarthas region receive more than $2.5 million in federal funding

October 15, 2026

Healthy school-year routines start with small steps at home

Dr. Thomas Piggott - October 19, 2026

Lakelands Public Health's medical officer of health highlights sleep, screen limits, nutritious food, and outdoor activity as families navigate stress and financial pressures.

October is Walktober - a month to highlight the benefits of walking - as well as the month in which municipal elections are happening. Ensuring safe conditions support active transportation around schools, hospitals, recreation centres, and retirement homes are often the responsibilities of the local government. (Photo: Pete Rellinger)

This Walktober, consider how your municipal vote shapes the streets you walk

October 15, 2026

A recently completed garage project built through Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre's Beaver Homes & Cottages program. The program offers more than 500 pre-designed garages and carriage homes, which can be altered to fit each customer's lifestyle and preferences. In addition to providing premium-grade materials for the build, the program includes support from a local consultant to finalize designs, navigate permits, and find a local contractor. (Photo courtesy of Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre)

Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre helps bring your dream garage to life

October 11, 2026

Heat pumps are installed and maintained by Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) businesses like 123 HVAC, based in Selwyn Township and serving the broader Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes region. Owner Cory Rawn (left), pictured with business partner Mike Baker, dispels some common myths about heat pumps in advance of GreenUP's inaugural Heat Pump Week from October 13 to 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of 123 HVAC)

Too noisy, too costly, too cold? A local HVAC contractor addresses common myths about heat pumps

October 8, 2026

Hannah Bailey, an early childhood educator who works as Quality Inclusion Coach at Five Counties Children's Centre, with her son Max and husband Tom. During the free "Listen With Love" concerts on October 20 and 21, 2026 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, Hannah will share in story and song her own family's inclusion journey, shaped by Max, who was born with a rare genetic condition. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

‘Listen with Love’ concerts on October 20 and 21 bring a family’s journey of inclusion to the Market Hall stage

October 7, 2026

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