kawarthaNOW.com Publisher Jeannine Taylor gives her top 10 choices for events happening in the Kawarthas during the Civic Holiday long weekend. From Bancroft down to the Lakeshore, take this whirlwind tour of what’s on now.
10. The Rockhound Gemboree in Bancroft until Sunday
It’s worth the drive to Bancroft, “The Mineral Capital of Canada”, to experience the uniqueness of this show and all of the events offered for rock collectors and for the uninitiated.
There’s something for everyone here: the kids, the rockhounds — and, yes, even mom, with lots of unique jewellery! The show is on now until Sunday afternoon.
For a map, times and details, see our event listing.
9. 4th Annual Party for Peck in Campbellford on Saturday
A local memorial concert started by Jesse Archer’s family, Party for Peck is a fundraiser for Blues in the Schools in the Trent Hills area and also raises awareness for organ donations.
Bands this year include the Lindsay Barr Band, Grainne Ryan, Balls and Jane, New Speak, Muddy Hack and more. The event runs Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight, with rough camping available.
For more information, see our event listing and make sure you read our feature article by Jane Archer.
8. Live music at The Riverhouse in Lakefield
You might know the Riverhouse Co. as a fine dining establishment in a lovely location in Lakefield. They are changing their name to The Riverhouse Kitchen and Drinkery — and they now have live music from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.
They’re featuring local musicians with a lineup of all-star local names throughout the remaining summer weeks. This weekend, the Riverhouse patio hosts multi-instrumentalist Benj Rowland on Friday and The Bonus Numbers (featuring Trevor “Tiny” Davis and Wyatt Burton) on Saturday.
Check out Riverhouse’s ongoing listings in our Pubs & Clubs column and in in our Concerts & Live Music column.
7. Driftwood Theatre Group’s “The Tempest” in Bobcaygeon and Peterborough on Friday and Sunday
Driftwood Theatre Group and the Bard’s Bus Tour is currently touring through the Kawarthas with their traveling production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece “The Tempest”.
They’ll be appearing at Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon on Friday evening, and again on Sunday evening at Peterborough Museum and Archives.
6. Free Concert at the Peterborough Zoo on Sunday afternoon
Every Sunday afternoon all summer long, the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough presents live music concerts at the Gazebo.
This Sunday, The Great Potentials plays pop classics. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy!
5. Cobourg Sandcastle Festival at the Cobourg Beach on Saturday
The Cobourg Beach has many fans and those who love it do not need a reason to visit.
But this Saturday, Cobourg Tourism presents the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival starting at 9 a.m. There’ll be a sandcastle competition, a sandsculpting lesson, a fun park, scavenger hunt, and more — topped off by an evening screening of The Lego Movie on the beach!
The Cobourg Sidewalk Sale is also running this weekend, so when you’re not at the beach you can check out sales from downtown Cobourg businesses as well as family activities.
4. Golden Rescue Fundraiser BBQ at Viamede Resort at Stoney Lake on Saturday
A great event at a great location, the Golden Rescue Fundraiser BBQ is on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake (near Woodview).
Viamede is a proud supporter of Golden Rescue, which provides rescued Golden Retrievers with health care, fostering, and adoption to their forever homes.
You can help, too. Bring your best furry friend, because Viamede is donating $10 to Golden Rescue for every dog who attends the BBQ. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
3. Peterborough Musicfest presents Monkeyjunk at Del Crary Park on Saturday
In six short years, the swamp roots rock band Monkeyjunk has risen to notable acclaim across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Awards have been flooding in over the past few years culminating in 2012, when they took home the Juno for Blues Album of the Year.
They are a great band to see live — so make sure to check them out on Saturday at this free concert at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough.
2. Final performances of “Do You Take This Man?” at Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon
Treat yourself to a lovely drive to Bobcaygeon and its beautiful lakeside setting, because this Friday and Saturday evenings are your last chances to see the Globus Theatre’s production of “Do You Take This Man?”.
This is a play that Sam Tweedle, our theatre reviewer, says is “the finest piece of theatre that I have seen in the Kawarthas this year“.
1. Chelsey Bennett live on the patio at the Publican House in Peterborough on Friday
This Friday night, Chelsey Bennett performs at 9 p.m. at the Publican House Brewery. If you haven’t yet seen Chelsey perform, you need to treat yourself! We’re calling her a local rising star.
Update – Due to weather conditions, Chelsey will not be performing at Publican House on Friday night. Instead, she and Eric Peterson will open at The Spill for Carling Stephens, Kevin Siena, and Lonesome Pines at 8 p.m. ($5 cover).
Another great female vocalist, Bridget Foley, is also appearing at the Publican House on Saturday afternoon, with local favourites Rick and Gailie on stage Sunday and Monday afternoon.
If you miss Chelsey this weekend, you can see her with Rob Phillips on Thursday evenings at The Black Horse or at Carpe Diem Café next Wednesday. You can also catch her music on Trent Radio on Sundays this summer.
For updates on gigs by local musicians like Chelsey, visit our Pubs & Clubs column and check out our Concerts & Live Music column for Kawartha-wide regional live music listings.
