Now that August has arrived, in just a few short weeks it’ll be time to send the kids back to school, pull out the sweaters and long pants, sip a pumpkin spice latte, and fully embrace the coming of fall.
But, for now, the sun is still shining, the leaves are still on the trees, and the water is still warm — so don’t say goodbye to summer just yet! There is still lots of summer fun to be had in the Kawarthas in August, with everything from outdoor concerts, weekend festivals, live theatre, and good food still in store for us all month long.
Check out this list of events happening throughout the Kawarthas during the month of August.
1. “The Cavan Blazers” at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook (August 1 – 26)
Throughout the month of August, Millbrook’s outdoor theatre company 4th Line Theatre is returning to their roots with the sixth remounting of The Cavan Blazers.
The production was the first to ever be produced at the Winslow Farm in 1992 and it’s back once again by popular demand. Written by 4th Line’s founder Robert Winslow, The Cavan Blazers chronicles the 19th-century conflict between Protestant and Irish Catholic settlers in Cavan Township.
Opening night of The Cavan Blazers is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 3rd, with preview nights on August 1 and 2. Performances at 6 p.m. continue Tuesdays to Saturdays until August 26. Tickets can be purchased online at www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca for $50 ($45 for children and youth ages five to 16), with $38 tickets available for preview nights.
2. Peterborough Musicfest (August 2 – 19)
Continuing the lineup of great music we saw in July, Peterborough’s free-admission outdoor summer concert series at Del Crary Park continues every Wednesday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. for three more weeks in August.
On August 2, Honeymoon Suite takes the stage, followed by the British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Freddie Mercury) on August 5, Glass Tiger on August 9, Big Wreck on August 16, and Tim & the Glory Boys closing out the festival on August 19. The performer for the August 12 concert is yet to be announced.
Visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca for the latest updates.
3. Two plays at Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre (August 2 – 24)
Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre still has two productions in store to wrap up the theatre company’s 20th anniversary summer season.
The musical comedy Tip of the Iceberg by Chris Rait, Mark Williams, and Jeannine Bouw follows two Newfoundland fishermen and lifelong friends as they set out on an icy adventure. Performances are at 8 p.m. on August 2 to 5 and 8 to 12, with matinee performances at 2 pm on August 5 and 10.
Next up is the comedy Hurry Hard by Kristen Da Silva beginning August 16. The play follows a divorced couple as they reunite with their curling team seven years later. Performances will be at 8 p.m. August 16 to 19 and 22 to 26, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on August 19 and 24.
An optional dinner is available before evening performances. Tickets for both productions cost $45, or $90 for theatre and dinner, and can be purchased at globustheatre.com/globus-current-season.
4. Outdoor Concert Series at ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery (August 2 – 30)
Head over to the ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery near Bailieboro before it closes for good as of Thanksgiving. After four years of hosting its outdoor summer concert series, ZimArt is presenting the last of the concerts in August.
The Weber Brothers (August 2), Al Lerman (August 16), and Jackson Delta (August 30) will make history as the final musical acts to play at the unique gallery.
You won’t want to miss out on the last chance to spend a summer night of live music surrounded by Zimbabwean sculptures. Tickets cost $40 in advance and can be purchased by emailing musicatzimart@gmail.com. Bring your own chair, beverages, and food for the shows.
5. Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree (August 3 – 6)
Visit Canada’s mineral capital from Thursday, August 3rd to Sunday, August 6th for the Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree, the country’s most celebrated gem and mineral show. Over a hundred dealers of fine minerals, gemstone, and jewellery will come to the weekend of keynote speakers, demonstrations, and workshops.
Visitors can browse exhibits of minerals, crystals, gems, fossils, one-of-a-kind jewellery, and art pieces. Events will be taking place at the Bancroft Curling Club, North Hastings Community Centre, and in the outdoor arena.
One- to four-day tickets are available, ranging from $10 to $32. To purchase tickets and for the full schedule, including event locations, visit www.bancroftrockhoundgemboree.ca.
6. Westben Concerts in Campbellford (August 1 – 6)
Campbellford’s Westben is wrapping up its summer festival of music in early August, starting with the final two performances of Les Mis in Concert, featuring an all-star cast performing all the favourite musical moments from this international hit, at The Barn at 2 p.m. on August 1 and 2.
Les Mis in Concert will be followed with performances by Lennie Gallant (August 4 on Willow Hill) and Jill Barber (August 5 at The Barn). Laila Biali & the Brian Barlow Big Band (August 6 at The Barn) will be closing out the 2023 concert season performing hits from Joni Mitchell and more.
Tickets cost $55 ($53 for seniors) for all the shows, except for Laila Biali & the Brian Barlow Big Band which is is $65 ($63 for seniors). More information and tickets can be found at www.westben.ca/season-2023.
7. Music @ the Gardens in Haliburton (August 11 – 13)
Who doesn’t love live music outdoors? For the third year, Abbey Gardens is hosting their weekend festival, bringing Canadian artists for a weekend of good music under the garden marquee tent from Friday, August 11th to Sunday, August 13th.
Musicians and groups include folk rock band Great Lake Swimmers, bluegrass string band Peter Porcelain and the American Standard, Celtic ballad singer John McDermott, comedy magic duo Brent & Sarah, and Inuk singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $100. Visit abbeygardens.ca/atthegardens/ for more information and to purchase tickets.
8. “Living with Shakespeare” at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (August 12 – 13)
The Peterborough Museum & Archives will be the stage for Picton’s Driftwood Theatre Group as their celebrated Bard’s Bus Tour comes to a close. Living with Shakespeare is a love letter to the works of William Shakespeare, created by Jeremy Smith and Steven Gallagher.
The production weaves scenes, passages, and music from Shakespeare’s greatest works with personal stories from Smith, who will be performing alongside musical accompaniment from Tom Lillington.
The performance will run August 12 and 13 on Armour Hill outside the museum, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with pay-as-you-can ticket options available ($15, $35, $50, $75). Every $75 ticket purchase will unlock a pair of free tickets to be distributed to organizations representing underserved members of communities. Find more information and purchase tickets at www.driftwoodtheatre.com/see/bardsbustour/.
9. “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Bancroft Village Playhouse (August 16 – 27)
Head to the Bancroft Village Playhouse for a new production of one of the most classic family-friendly musicals, presented by Tweed & Co. Theatre. From August 16 to 27, stunning sets and costumes will be taking over the stage during Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Evening performances run at 7 p.m. from August 16 to 27, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on August 17, 19 and 20, 24, and 26 and 27. Every performance will have ASL interpretation, and the August 27 matinee performance will be a “relaxed” performance for those who prefer a calmer theatre experience.
Tickets are priced at $39.50 for adults, $34.50 for seniors, $27.50 for arts workers, and $24.50 for students/youth and can be purchased at www.villageplayhouse.ca/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat.
10. Peterborough Folk Festival (August 17 – 20)
Returning for its 34th year, the Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with two ticketed concerts featuring the East Pointers with guests Mimi O’Bonsawin and Irish Millie at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on August 17, and Angelique Francis with Emily Burgess at the Gordon Best Theatre on August 18.
The festival continues on August 19 and 20 with an admission-by-donation weekend at Nicholls Oval Park featuring four stages of live music, a family-friendly children’s village, artisan village, food village, and more. Visiting performers include Broken Social Scene, Loreena McKennitt, Splash’N Boots, Dan Mangan, The Sadies, Dizzy, My Son The Hurricane, Skye Wallace, MOONRiiVR, Bad Actors, Reggaddiction, and Mr. Sauga. Local performers include Evangeline Gentle, Matthew Holtby, Brooklyn Doran, Sarah McInnis, Charlie Glasspool, DOSES, VANCAMP, Victoria Yeh, Nicholas Campbell, Little Fire Collective, and The Lucky Ones.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the concerts at Market Hall and the Gordon Best, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.
11. Hastings Waterfront Festival (August 19)
The Hastings Waterfront Festival on Saturday, August 19th will bring a full day of summer festivities and fun for the whole family. Activities for kids will include crafts, cookie painting, games, Medieval knight duel shows, axe throwing, and lots more. Show off your big wheels at the car show, with registration beginning at 7 a.m., before visiting the north shore of the Trent River for the Antique Boat Show, courtesy of the Trent Severn Antique and Classic Boat Association.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through a mix of unique finds from local vendors, artisans, and small businesses at the Vendor Village on Front Street East, before enjoying live music while loading up on crispy fried breaded pickerel at the fishy fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Live music from Chante Savoy, Harley and the Howlers, and Storm the Palace will continue late into the evening.
More information can be found at hastingsfestival.ca.
12. Roseneath Country Fest (August 19)
On Saturday, August 19th, the Roseneath Fairgrounds will be hosting the Roseneath Country Fest. Gates open at noon for performances by Hicktown, Tyler Cochrane and band, Jeremy Macklin and band, and Little Lake. The music runs from 1:30 to 10 p.m. (bring a lawn chair).
There will also be a craft show in the arena building, with food and beverage vendors operating all afternoon.
Gate admission cost $30 for adults and $15 for youth aged 13 to 17. Rough camping costs $25 per site with a limit of six people. All proceeds will support the Roseneath Fair taking place from September 29 to October 1.
13. Bobcaygeon Craft Beer and Food Festival (August 19)
Also on Saturday, August 19th from 12 to 7 p.m., a craft beer and food festival will be taking over Kawartha Settlers Village in Bobcaygeon with live entertainment from The Limestone Cowboys, Kelly Burrows, and Shannon Roszell.
The Bobcaygeon Craft Beer and Food Festival includes featured breweries include Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, Old Dog Brewing Co., Archibald Estate Winery, Haven Brewing Co., Two Blokes Cider, Old flame Brewing, Dusk to Dawn Brewing Co., Fenelon Falls Brewing Co., and more.
This is an age-of-majority event and children are not permitted. Advanced general admission tickets for $20 are currently on sale, with designated driver tickets available for half price at www.bobcaygeonbeerfestival.ca.
14. Buckhorn Festival of the Arts (August 19 & 20)
Admire beautiful works of art from over 70 artists in a range of mediums at the Buckhorn Festival of the Arts on Saturday, August 19th (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, August 20th (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Buckhorn Community Centre. Art work will be available to browse and purchase.
Several new artists will be featured this year, ranging in mediums including mixed media, oil and acrylic painting, photography, graphite drawings, and more. The weekend will also include live music, food, and an art activity zone.
Admission is by donation. Visit www.buckhornartfestival.ca for more information.
15. Lakefield Lakefest (August 25 & 26)
Celebrate local talent and crafts with the first annual Lakefield Lakefest happening August 25 and 26 at the Lakefield Fairgrounds.
Performances on Friday beginning at 5 p.m. include Irish Millie, Ty Wilson, and Patio Stones, while Saturday’s performers are SJ Riley, The Acoustically Hip, Tyler Cochrane, Hippie Chics, Amanda Thomas, Jacques Graveline, Hunt the Hare, and Bootleg XXX.
Tickets are $20 for adults or $10 for students/seniors for a one-day pass or $35 for a weekend pass (free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult). Visit lakefieldlakefest.org to purchase tickets. All proceeds from the event will be going to Lakefield Fairgrounds, Lakefield Foodbank, and the Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association.
16. Port Hope Jazz Festival (August 25 – 27)
Since 2001, Port Hope Jazz has been giving a stage to Canadian jazz talents during their annual event. This year, from Friday, August 25th through Sunday, August 26th, the performances will be taking place across Port Hope’s well-known establishments including Haute Goat, Beamish House, Ganaraska Hotel, The Village Sage, Trattoria Gusto, Hotel Carlyle and Restaurant, TwentySix, and more.
Performers include Shannon Butcher, Jive Bombers with Johnny Max, Jocelyn Barth, Kalabash, Jack de Keyzer, Colleen Allen, Whitney Ross-Barris, Carlos del Junco & the Blues Mongrels, Bernie Senensky, and more.
Most shows have a $10 door cover, except for the Village Sage and Ganaraska Hotel shows which are ticketed. For the full schedule and for tickets, visit www.porthopejazz.com.
17. Lock & Paddle at the Peterborough Lift Lock (August 26)
VIDEO: Lock & Paddle 2017 at the Peterborough Lift Lock
Parks Canada is inviting everyone to celebrate Peterborough’s Lift Lock National Historical Site when the Lock & Paddle event returns for the first time in three years on Saturday, August 26th beginning at 3 p.m.
Paddle alongside hundreds of canoes and kayaks along the Trent-Severn Waterway towards the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock, where the two tubs will be packed full as everyone is sent 65 feet in the air.
The event was last held from 2016 to 2019. This year’s theme is “Lift Your Spirits,” and Parks Canada is encouraging all participants to decorate their vessels and wear costumes for the event. No registration is required, and Lock & Paddle is open to people of all ages and skill levels. Visit parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/activ/eclusez-pagayez-lock-paddle for rules and guidelines.
18. Corn Roast at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene (August 27)
As the summer winds down, get excited for the fall season by ringing in the harvest with a Corn Roast at the Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on Sunday, August 27th.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the grounds at the historic village will be turned into a festive celebration with demonstrations including threshing and rug-hooking, horse and wagon rides, live traditional music, a homecraft show from the Peterborough Agricultural Society, and — of course — plenty of fire-cooked corn.
Admission is $15 for adults, 10 for students and seniors, $7 for 5 to 14 year olds (free for children under 5), and $40 for a family pass (two adults and up to four youth). Advance tickets are now available for purchase at www.langpioneervillage.ca/plan-your-visit/events/corn-roast/.
