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

Peterborough rockers The Ilk will be performing an EP release show at Sadleir House in downtown Peterborough on Friday night with Tristan Konkle and Allura opening. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

nightlifeNOW – July 30 to August 5

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

kawarthaNOW - July 30, 2026

Les Smith and Amberley Beatty perform as country music legends Garth Brooks and Shania Twain at a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on August 1, 2026. (kawarthaNOW collage of promotional photos)

Garth Brooks and Shania Twain tribute brings new country’s golden era to Peterborough Musicfest Saturday night

For a limited time, through Natural Resources Canada's Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, homeowners may qualify to receive a heat pump, which offers both energy efficient heating and cooling. A contractor is pictured here installing a heat pump at a residence. (Photo: Gabe Rivett-Carnac / EnviroCentre)

Energy-efficiency programs help local households cut costs and improve comfort

Camp Kirk empowers neurodivergent children and youth to reach new heights and achieve personal growth by providing uniquely tailored recreational and mentorship programs at its overnight summer camp in Kirkfield near Balsam Lake. Proceeds from a concert featuring Bruce Springsteen tribute band The Last of the Duke Street Kings on August 22, 2026 at FLATO Academy Theatre in Lindsay will help subsidize camp fees. (Photo: Camp Kirk)

Benefit concert for Camp Kirk at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre will help subsidize camp fees for neurodivergent children and youth

Karen Parker and Diana Frances perform as traditional housewives from the 1950s confronting the modern world in their interactive comedy "Leave it to Cleavage" at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon from July 30 to August 1, 2026. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)

Retro housewives confront modern expectations in interactive Globus Theatre comedy

Award-winning improvisers Diana Frances and Karen Parker return to Bobcaygeon for three performances of 'Leave it to Cleavage' from July 30 to August 1

Bruce Head - July 29, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features our favourite food trucks and roadside shacks in the Kawarthas, including Mikey D's Fire'd Up Food Truck in Apsley, Two Fat Greeks in Selwyn, Leo's Food Truck in Bird's Creek, The Highland Chip'py' in Haliburton County, Skippy's Chip Truck in Bridgenorth, Momma Dukes in Omemee, Smokin' Chip Wagon in Bancroft, J's Place Chip Truck in Trent Hills, Chemong Chuck Wagon in Selwyn, Mammoth Barbeque in Douro-Dummer, The Hippie Chippie in Woodview, Pit Stop 62 in Hastings County, Mrs. Christie's Wrench Fries in Asphodel-Norwood, and La Mesita Mexican Grill in Buckhorn. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Roadside eats in the Kawarthas worth pulling over for

The seven candidates running for two councillor positions in Ward 5 (Northcrest) in Peterborough's municipal election, as of July 28, 2026, are (left to right, top and bottom) incumbent Andrew Beamer, Debbie Halstead, Phil Jolicoeur, Paul Lawton, Charmaine Magumbe, Gavin Muir, and Jim Wasson, (kawarthaNOW collage of photos from candidate websites and social media)

Peterborough Northcrest Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

Cobourg police service board chair Adam Bureau (left) and retired sergeant Don Missen, who led the Cobourg police's former canine unit from 1997 to 2003, presented Constable Amrit Gill and German shepherd Atos with the K-9 badge at a ceremony during the police service board's meeting in council chambers at Victoria Hall on July 28, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Cobourg Police Service)

Canine unit returns to Cobourg police after 23-year absence

Peterborough County Tourism has designed four traveller personas that highlight different ways to experience The Kawarthas based on what you enjoy, what inspires you, and how you like to spend your time while you're visiting this region. The Bee represents cultural travellers who go from place to place, seeking authentic experiences and eager to collect and share every story they find. (Graphic: Peterborough County Tourism)

Travel like A Bee in The Kawarthas

The Bee traveller persona will find meaningful experiences in The Kawarthas through outdoor theatre, art workshops, culinary events, and lakeside stays

Megan Gallant - July 28, 2026

Some of the 25,714 pens, markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and other plastic-based writing tools collected during the June 2026 Writing Instrument Challenge organized by Clean Up Peterborough. Plastic-based writing instruments are generally too small and complex to be processed through recycling systems and consequently often end up in landfills. TerraCycle accepts pens, markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and other plastic-based writing tools through its free recycling program at Staples stores. (Photo courtesy of Clean Up Peterborough)

Clean Up Peterborough’s June challenge collects more than 25,000 used writing instruments

Peterborough City Hall. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

Peterborough youth organize to take civic engagement into their own hands

encoreNOW for July 27, 2026 features (from left to right, top and bottom) the Daniel Lanois Trio at Lindsay's FLATO Academy Theatre, "Wild Irish Geese" at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, "Fly Me to the Moon" at Bobcaygeon's Globus Theatre, the Port Hope Arts Festival, 10 Minute Sunday at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, and Trans-Canada Highwaymen at Peterborough Musicfest. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Benefit concert for Camp Kirk at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre will help subsidize camp fees for neurodivergent children and youth

Paul Rellinger - July 29, 2026

Bruce Springsteen tribute band The Last of the Duke Street Kings headline August 22 concert supporting overnight summer camp in Kirkfield.

Peterborough Northcrest Ward candidates introduce their campaigns ahead of October’s municipal election

July 28, 2026

Canine unit returns to Cobourg police after 23-year absence

July 28, 2026

Clean Up Peterborough’s June challenge collects more than 25,000 used writing instruments

July 28, 2026

Peterborough youth organize to take civic engagement into their own hands

July 27, 2026

Kawartha Localist: Roadside eats in the Kawarthas worth pulling over for

Megan Gallant - July 28, 2026

Gluten-free and vegetarian bites, a meat lover's dream, ice cream, and fun games and activities can be found at these food trucks and roadside shacks.

Travel like A Bee in The Kawarthas

July 28, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features our favourite craft breweries in the Kawarthas, including 100 Acre Brewing Co. and Bobcaygeon Brewing Company in Peterborough, Old Dog Brewing in Bobcaygeon, Bancroft Brewing Company, Haliburton Highlands Brewing, Northumberland Hills Brewery in Cobourg, and Belmont Lake Brewery near Havelock, along with Ashburnham Ale House craft beer cafe in Peterborough. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Sip on a cold one brewed right here in the Kawarthas

July 21, 2026

Jordan Lyall is an award-winning documentary-style photographer who works across Peterborough and the Kawarthas to capture authentic, real-life moments that families will cherish for years to come. She is currently booking for flexible sessions at cottages, family reunions, and other events throughout the summer and fall. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Know Your Locals: Capture authentic family moments with documentary-style photography by Jordan Lyall

July 19, 2026

This edition of kawarthaNOW's "Kawartha Localist" editorial series features our favourite ice cream and frozen treat destinations in the Kawarthas, including Central Smith Creamery in Selwyn Township, Reclaimed Garden Co. in Burleigh Falls, Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon and beyond, Canoe Co. Café in downtown Peterborough, Violet's Frozen Yogurt in Kinmount, Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria in Cobourg, and The Little Frozen Yogurt Company in Douro. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Kawartha Localist: Get the scoop on ice cream made right here in the Kawarthas

July 14, 2026

nightlifeNOW – July 30 to August 5

kawarthaNOW - July 30, 2026

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

Garth Brooks and Shania Twain tribute brings new country’s golden era to Peterborough Musicfest Saturday night

July 30, 2026

Retro housewives confront modern expectations in interactive Globus Theatre comedy

July 29, 2026

Pop-rock music time machine that is Dwayne Gretzky returns to Peterborough Musicfest on Wednesday night

July 26, 2026

Peterborough’s KADEX Aero Supply is ready to soar to new heights after warehouse expansion

Megan Gallant - July 27, 2026

Renovated warehouse adds 10,000 square feet for more aviation parts while consolidating shipping, receiving, and inventory operations.

Attendees at Green Economy Peterborough's fifth annual Leadership in Sustainability Celebration on June 11, 2026 collaborate on a visioning exercise where they shared ideas on what a healthy, sustainable version of Peterborough and the Kawarthas in 2050 means to them. Responses included vibrant neighbourhoods, thriving local businesses and a resilient low-carbon economy. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

Green Economy Peterborough celebrates five years of leadership in building a more sustainable local economy

July 9, 2026

The youth team behind Empire Beez in Trent Hills (left to right: Sebastian Smith, Owen Musson, Eloise Smith, and Penelope McEvoy) stand with the beehive they installed at the Simpson Street Community Garden in Campbellford. The group launched the small business last year with the aim of raising awareness around honeybees and installing community beehives. The team will be unveiling the beehive during a garden talk held by IncrEdible Trent Hills on July 9, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Blythe Weber)

Youth-run small business Empire Beez installs beehive at community garden in Campbellford

July 1, 2026

Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard at the podium during the not-for-profit economic development organization's annual general meeting on June 23, 2026 at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Community Futures Peterborough marks record year for lending and business advisory services

June 23, 2026

The recipients of the "4-Under-40" awards at the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Business Excellence Awards with Karen Auger (middle) of award sponsor MNP Peterborough. Left to right: Adeilah Dahlke, Meagan McLaren, Amy Muir, and Michael Riseley. (Photo: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce)

Nominations open for Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Business Excellence Awards

June 22, 2026

Energy-efficiency programs help local households cut costs and improve comfort

GreenUP - July 30, 2026

Peterborough and Kawarthas residents may qualify for free assessments, insulation, appliances, heat pumps, or financing for home upgrades.

Selwyn Beach Conservation Area is located on the northeast shore of Chemong Lake. It is best known for its excellent swimming with a gently sloping sandy beach. Parents and caregivers are advised that the beach and swimming area are not supervised. (Photo: Otonabee Conservation)

The Beach Report for July 24 to 30, 2026

Updated July 30, 2026

Five Counties Children's Centre CEO Scott Pepin races client Hamish down the hall after he completed one of his recent treatment sessions at the Peterborough-based children's treatment centre. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre helps kids reach for the stars during record-setting year

July 27, 2026

A naturalized playscape was the latest addition to The Children's Garden, installed in Ecology Park in 2023. GreenUP is looking for help from the community to extend the current play space and revive environmental learning opportunities for children and families. (Photo: GreenUP)

GreenUP seeks community support to reimagine the Children’s Garden at Ecology Park in Peterborough

July 23, 2026

Families enjoying Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)

The Beach Report for July 17 to 23, 2026

Updated July 22, 2026

Weather

For more local weather, environmental conditions, and travel resources, visit our Weather & Travel page.

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