Crystal clear lakes, awe-inspiring landscapes, outdoor adventures, family fun activities, summer theatre, finger-licking good food — you will find all this and more in the Kawarthas Region.
Peterborough Musicfest
Contents:
- Summer Festivals & Events
- Summer Activities and Places to Visit
I. Summer Festivals & Events
1. Check out the Peterborough Musicfest
Head to Del Crary Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays to explore the soundtrack to your summer. The Peterborough Musicfest offers free concerts all summer long. This year’s lineup features artists like Gowan, Sass Jordan, Lighthouse, Tyler Joe Miller, and Crash Test Dummies. Crowd favorites such as Dwayne Gretzky and Trans-Canada Highwaymen bring high-energy performances, alongside themed tributes to Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Bon Jovi, and Styx.
When: June 27 to August 19, 2026
2. Fish Ontario Licence Free
Cast a line and enjoy free fishing without a license on license-free fishing days.
When: June 27 – July 5, 2026
3. Grove Amphitheatre
The Grove’s outdoor amphitheatre hosts repertory theatre productions, Canadian guest artists, community events and a new youth drama camp. Upcoming highlights include Same Time, Next Year, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, and concerts by Tanika Charles, Chantal Kreviazuk and Alan Frew.
When: Summer, Various dates. @ The Grove Theatre, 27 Veterans Way Fenelon Falls
4. Trent Valley Archives Walking Tours
Trent Valley Archives offers engaging history workshops, guided tours and re-enactment-style events in Peterborough. Summer highlights include the Peterborough Perpetrators true crime tour on July 10 and 24, Tragic Tales at Little Lake Cemetery on July 17 and 31, and the new 19+ Mainstreet Music tour on August 7 and 21.
5. Fun at Hutchison House Museum
Visit Hutchison House Museum and enjoy Scottish Tea, various workshops and more!
When: Summer
6. Go Ghost Hunting
Join the Paranormal Seekers for a paranormal investigation of Kawartha Settlers’ Village using equipment that you may have seen on TV, and the chance to use it yourself. Or you can join for a Spooky Scavenger Hunt through the village and & Verulam Cemetery.
When: Public Paranormal Investigation Event — July 17 & 18
August 28 & 29, 2026
7. Lock & Paddle
Join Parks Canada at this free community paddling event, and celebrate the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site and take a ride to the top. Enjoy a paddle on the waterway alongside hundreds of colourful canoes and kayaks, before we pack the World’s Tallest Hydraulic Lift Lock and send you 65ft into the air.
When: July 18 @ Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, Peterborough
8. Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival
Visit Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield to enjoy a wide variety of Jazz music, colourful works for sale by artisans and crafters, local food and beverage vendors!
When: Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ Isabel Morris Park, Lakefield
9. Norland Summer Festival
The Norland Summer Festival returns on the second weekend in July with a full day of community activities, including the Ingram Wessell Memorial Horse Pull, a horseshoe tournament, vendor market, children’s activities, chili cook-off, SuperDogs and more.
When: Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ Isabel Morris Park, Lakefield
10. See a show at the Lakeview Arts Barn
The Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn offers a highly entertaining summer season of dramas, mysteries, and comedy nights. If you’re looking to laugh, get excited, and get entertained, head to this reworked cattle barn just outside the picturesque village of Bobcaygeon.
When: Summer Season
11. Lindsay Concerts in the Park
Spend an evening at Victoria Park in Lindsay listening to concerts by local artists for free!
When: July and August (weather permitting)
Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.
Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. @ Frank Banks Gazebo, Victoria Park, Lindsay.
12. Ontario Parks Free Use Day
Visit Ontario Parks for free on Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
When: July 17, 2026
13. Test your endurance at Lindsay Milk Run
Run 5K or 10K during the annual Lindsay Milk Run.
When: Sunday July 26, 2026 @Lindsay Recreation Complex, 133 Adelaide Street South, Lindsay
12. Have a Family Fun Time at the Fair
Fenelon Fair
Fenelon Fair is back once again this summer. From Midways, Demolition Derby and fun carnival games, you can always find something new in this grand old tradition!
When: July 17, 18, & 19, 2026
14. Chemong Lodge Margaritaville
Margaritaville returns to transport you to the tropics with Alida Tequila specialty Margaritas, a fully loaded Taco Tiki Bar, Live Music by Jimmy Buffett tribute artist Brian Neale, alongside live sets from festival favorites Jukebox Jordo and Jonni X to keep the island vibes going all day long.
When: Sunday, July 18, 2026 @ Chemong Lodge, 764 Hunter St, Bridgenorth
15. Burn some rubber!
When: Various dates
16. Ennismore Shamrock Festival
Experience the time-honored tradition of the Ennismore Shamrock Festival, a beloved event nestled in the heart of Ennismore since its inception in 1967 as a jubilant Centennial year celebration. Engage in spirited ball hockey, soccer, and rookie ball tournaments, while bouncing gleefully on vibrant castles. Delight in the tantalizing aromas of the sizzling BBQ, and immerse yourself in the wonders of a petting zoo and much more.
When: July 18 to 19, 2026 @ Robert E. Young Recreation Complex
553 Ennis Road, Ennismore
17. Buckhorn Festival of the Arts Show
Experience a weekend of art, music, food and great company at the Buckhorn Community Centre.
Buckhorn Festival of the Arts Show will feature beautiful works of art by over 70 artists specializing in many different mediums.
When: August 15 & 16, 2026
18. Special Events at Lang Pioneer Village
Visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum for special summer events.
The Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, July 12 features antique and classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and offers a chance to win over 25 trophies. The event also includes historic demonstrations, live music, wagon rides, and more.
If you can not make it on that weekend, visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum on any other summer day to explore the original 1800’s buildings like David Fife’s 1820’s log cabin, fully-operational Lang Grist Mill, and the S. W. Lowry Weaver Shop & Jacquard Loom Interpretive Centre which houses one of only a handful of authentic Jacquard looms on display in North America.
When: Various dates
19. Attend the Peterborough Folk Festival
Listen to incredible folk artists, along with a fantastic range of live music workshops, artisan craft vendors, and food vendors during the annual Peterborough Folk Festival.
2026 Lineup: Bahamas, The Pairs, The Young Novelists, Dean Johnson, The Naysayers, The Watched Pots, Moondoggy
When: August 13-16, 2026!
20. Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour
The Annual Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour offers scenic routes for all skill levels, full route support, stocked rest stops, motorcycle safety assistance and a complimentary Boston Pizza lunch. Hosted at Oakwood Lion’s Mariposa Community Hall, the event celebrates cycling, community and Kawartha Lakes’ beautiful landscapes.
When: August 29, 2026 | 7:00 am – 10:00 pm @ 1008 Eldon Road, Kawartha Lake
21. Kawartha Ribfest
Enjoy the best barbecue in Peterborough at the Kawartha Ribfest. Join us for a fun-filled weekend of lip smackin’ food, great music and beverages.
When: August 28 to 30, 2026 @ Del Crary Park, 100 George St N, Peterborough
22. Conman’s Annual Lobsterfest
Lobsterfest returns with live music, a pipe band, BBQ pop-up, hot sauce, beer and wine tents, kids’ activities, ice cream, a silent auction, fresh Maritime lobsters and fireworks. Proceeds from the silent auction support Oceans Initiative, honouring Connor “Conman” Brown’s passion for the ocean.
When: August 30, 2026 @ Chemong Lodge, 764 Hunter St, Bridgenorth
23. Watch a play at the outdoor 4th Line Theatre
Staging their plays on the Winslow Farm, the 4th Line Theatre aims to bring history to life. Head out and sit in the barnyard and prepare for an amazing line-up of plays as you bask in the beautiful Canadian summer.
Kawartha Pyrofest (fireworks festival returns in 2027).
II. Summer Activities and Places to Visit
Canadian Canoe Museum
1. Explore the Canadian Canoe Museum
Explore the Canadian Canoe Museum at your own pace with a self-guided tour or join one of the daily guided tours to delve into the new exhibit collection. The interactive, hands-on galleries holds more than 600 canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft.
The museum’s location offers breathtaking views of Little Lake and direct access to the Trans Canada Trail.
2. Voyageur Canoe Tour
Discover what is beyond The Canadian Canoe Museum’s docks during a one-of-a kind paddling experience! This fun and engaging tour is for all ages and paddling abilities! Don’t forget – this is a participatory tour and you will be asked to contribute what you can as part of the crew.
3. Road trip Trent-Severn Waterway
Drive along Trent-Severn Waterway and explore all the towns along with Canada’s engineering marvel.
Parks Canada locations are free to visit as part of the Canada Strong Pass.
4. Explore Highway 7
Take your time and discover the many delights along the route as you drive from Peterborough east to Ottawa.
5. Go paddling on one of the Kawarthas’ rivers or lakes
With many impressive paddling routes, a trip on one of the 10 signature paddling routes is a must-do in the area. Each offers a different difficulty level and distance, and of course, dramatic sceneries of wetlands and other wildlife habitats.
6. Paddle or hike at the Eels Creek Canoe Park
Located on Northey’s Bay Road, this popular park offers hiking trails and a canoe launch spot into Eels Creek. After a challenging one-hour hike or upstream paddle, you can reach the High Falls of the creek, wild, sliding falls surrounded by a rocky slope.
7. Explore Kawartha Settlers’ Village
What was once a thriving family farm, Kawartha Settlers’ Village is now home to a fascinating collection of over 20 historic homes and buildings. Experience what life was like for pioneers in the Kawarthas as you stroll leisurely through the Village and discover artifacts from 1830 – 1935.
8. Visit the animals at the Riverview Park & Zoo
Having attracted over a quarter of a million visitors per year for decades, the Riverview Park and Zoo continue to expand and diversify – featuring more than 25 exhibits with over 48 species, including the Emu, the Squirrel Monkey, and the Two-Toed Sloth.
9. Go on an apiary tour
Join for Beekeeping Tour at Hunnabees Honey Co. and learn about honeybee biology + lifecycles, colony jobs, honey production, pollination, challenges within an apiary, and more!
10. Step back in time
Visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum to explore the original 1800s buildings like David Fife’s 1820s log cabin, fully-operational Lang Grist Mill, and the S. W. Lowry Weaver Shop & Jacquard Loom Interpretive Centre, which houses one of only a handful of authentic Jacquard looms on display in North America.
11. Explore the Peterborough Lift Lock
To Do Canada
Situated on the Otanabee River area of the Trent Canal, this big structure is made to lift boats up to nearly 20 meters in the air. This greatly engineered piece of history is a fantastic way to learn about a significant attraction – the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.
If you rather do a boat tour, then book Liftlock Cruises.
12. Heritage Blooms U Pick Flower Farm
Visit this u-pick farm in Norwood. You get to customize your bouquets to your own taste with so many varieties of cut flowers; with different shapes, textures and colors to choose from.
Heritage Blooms U Pick Flower Farm
13. Visit the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
Protecting and conserving Ontario’s native turtles and their habitats is what the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre aims to do; operating a turtle hospital and encouraging visitors to participate in their education and outreach program.
14. See Fenelon Falls
Take Hydro Dam Trail to see the falls that are partly obscured from above by a bridge, so you can enjoy the sight and sound of the water.
15. Explore Stoney Lake
Explore Stony Lake on a rented jet ski from the Kawartha Adventure Rentals – an outdoor sports rental serving Peterborough and the Kawartha that will guarantee you lasting summer memories on the lake.
16. Sanctuary Flower Fields
Visit Sanctuary Flower Fields in Ennismore to pick your own flowers, or participate in wellness events.
17. Plan a weekend Getaway at Rice Lake
Photo Credit: Rice Lake Tourism
If you are looking for a getaway to the water, you should consider Rice Lake. It is a beautiful lake, ideal for camping and boating and there are several small towns surrounding the lake that offer sightseeing, shops, restaurants and other amenities.
18. Make friends with a horse at The Mane Intent
The Mane Intent stands by the saying that “Horses are nature’s best coaches.” Whether you are a beginner or a horse veteran, spending a day with one of these majestic creatures will guide you through a day out in nature to truly connect with your senses.
19. Hike Doube’s Trestle Bridge
Drive to Orange Corner Road to hike Doube’s Trestle bridge, which is part of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. The bridge stands about 100 feet above the valley floor.
20. Tour the Harley Farms
The Harley Farms offers farm-fresh products at their farm store, including free-range eggs, homemade BBQ sauces and salad dressings, and assorted pork, beef, and lamb. When the weather permits, visitors can take a full tour around the farms and see how the animals live on-site in these well-groomed natural environments.
21. Shop at Whetung Ojibwa Centre
Get Indigenous art, moccasins, jewelry, jams and jellies from the Whetung Ojibwa Centre located on the Curve Lake First Nation.
22. Have a cold one!
Visit Belmont Lake Brewery located on the northeast end of Belmont Lake, just south of Deer Bay in Havelok, to try craft beers inspired by local places and experiences.
23. Grab a cone at the Kawartha Dairy Limited
Proudly Canadian and running for over 80 years, the Kawartha Dairy Company has been passed down generations and offers a taste of the past and the future in their ice cream to the Kawartha region and beyond.
24. Play a unique escape game on a 130-acre farm at Escape Maze
As the concept of the escape room continues to become popular, Escape Maze offers something a little bit different – 4 escape rooms, a haunted adventure, and 4 outdoor adventure games.
25. Grab a butter tart at Buttertarts ‘N More
Selling around 8 varieties of gooey butter tarts, pick up a sweet treat at this cute country bakery in Lindsey to compliment a picnic in the park, for a snack on a road trip, or just because.
26. Take a Drive Where The Dinosaurs Roar!
Head to Canada’s Dinosaur Park – the only dinosaur park in Canada that offers a drive-thru chance to explore the world of pre-historic dinosaurs and ancient reptiles.
27. Go climbing at the Rock and Rope Climbing Centre
At the core of Peterborough, the Rock and Rope Climbing Centre is the perfect place for quality indoor climbing. Several routes and bouldering problems will challenge visitors on all difficulty levels – body and mind.
28. Bike Victoria Rail Trail
The Victoria Rail Trail is an 85-kilometer rail trail in Kawartha Lakes with corridors linking Kinmount to Bethany, through Fenelon Falls and Lindsay.
29. See “the teaching rocks”
Visit Petroglyphs Provincial Park and see the largest concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada , depicting turtles, snakes, birds, humans and more. The park is also home to bright blue/green McGinnis Lake – one of only a handful of meromictic lakes in Canada.
30. Walk the forest trails at the Gamiing Nature Centre
This 100-acre property is surrounded by amazing wetland, forests, and meadows, seeking to encourage people to take in the nature around them and learn about how to work towards a sustainable ecosystem. The young forest is dense, and trails are walkable and teeming with wildlife, making it a prime spot to hike to your heart’s content.
31. Take a fishing trip with the Williams Outfitters
A fishing trip with the Williams Outfitters is all you need for a summer fishing experience out on the water. 4 to 8 hours on a fully loaded tournament bass boat on a lake of your choice makes for an exciting experience on the Kawartha Lakes.
32. Go camping at the Selwyn Beach Conservation Area
The Selwyn Beach Conservation Area features 6-kilometers of hiking trail, plenty of fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and a sandy beach and swimming area on Lake Chemong. You can book a camping spot by calling in to make a reservation.
33. Try axe-throwing at the Peterborough Axe Club
Crack open a cold one and try your hand at axe throwing at the Peterborough Axe Club. If you’re looking for a bit of competition, you can compete for a leaderboard ranking against friends and other visitors of the Axe Club.
34. Take an alpaca for a walk
Visit Wanderlight Alpaca Experience and go on a private, guided trail walk over the rolling hills and shaded forests of the farm.
35. Go berry-picking at the Mclean Berry Farm
Get geared up for berry season and head to the McLean Berry Farm. With nearly 300 acres of land, 220 of it is covered with fruits, vegetables, and maple syrup.
36. Pick up some baked goods at Stickling’s Specialty Bakery
Family-owned and operated since 1939, Stickling’s bakery has since been known for its organic and rustic sourdough breads. Now, they additionally offer sweet treats like shortbread, biscotti, and incredible grain pizza crusts.
37. Visit the Warsaw Caves
Lower yourself into the Warsaw caves and explore the depths of the caving world. Conquer your fears or go for the thrill at any of the seven caves found at the park. These very caves were formed at the end of the last ice age, thousands of years ago. Details
38. Head to the Peterborough Farmers’ Market
Rain or shine, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market still operates at Morrow Park, giving those in the area access to fresh and local produce and goods in a friendly and lively environment. In the summer months, live musicians compliment your market shopping experience.
39. Support local art at the Avant-Garden shop
Shop for the perfect gift or trinket at the Avant-Garden shop, where you can find gardening and home items from over 75 Canadian artists in the shop, or online. Items include garden décor, gardening accessories, and backyard birding supplies.
Details
Credit: Destination Ontario
40. Go on a Canadian Signature Experience
Enjoy a 15-minute sightseeing flight in a floatplane and dine overlooking Rice Lake with Locavore Luncheon featuring fresh ingredients produced on Elmhirst Resort farm or from local providers. This is a designated Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission.
41. See giant trees
Take a leisurely walk through Mark S. Burnham provincial park that is home to some of the oldest trees in Canada. Then, come back in the fall for a dramatic fall colour hike.
42. Cycle through the Kawarthas and Peterborough
“Grab life by the handlebars” and cycle through the landscape of the Kawarthas. From city to country, on endurance trails or leisurely ones, the diversity of cycling trails entices many to ride around the area.
43. Snack on pub food on Riley’s Pub’s rooftop patio
Riley’s pub is a multi-faceted business – serving big portions, exceptional cocktails, and 19 pool tables, Riley’s additionally has a rooftop patio for you to enjoy your meal on.
44. Sip on some sangria at Kettle Drums
Kettle Drums’ large patio overlooks the Café District, allowing diners to enjoy a cold drink and the summer food menu, and bask in the summer breeze.
45. Explore Ken Reid Conservation Area
Ken Reid offers several loop trails that lead through forests, meadows, and wetlands. A favourite route includes the floating boardwalk that winds through the provincially significant MacLaren Creek Wetland bordering Sturgeon Lake. Details
46 Get a cup of a pick-me-up
Visit Kawartha Coffee Co. at Bobcaygeon to enjoy fantastic local grub!
47. Play a round of golf on the Woodview Golf Course
Housed by the scenic North Kawarthas, the design and architecture of the Woodview Golf Course complement the natural features of the land and a great summer day out on the course. A food truck is available to keep you going on the 9-hole, par 35 courses.
48. Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Area
Enjoy a walk and explore Trent University’s largest and oldest Nature Area. Located in the southeast corner of Symons Campus, this Nature Area includes many types of ecosystems and 3 trails crisscrossing the area.
49. Bike Tour
Follow this scenic cycling route through southern Peterborough County features challenging climbs, panoramic views, and delicious local pastries. Highlights include Rice Lake, Elmhirst’s Resort, Sharpe Line, and stops in Keene, Bailieboro, and Millbrook—perfect for photos, food, and memorable rides.
50. Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Located in the Kawartha Lakes region, Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers excellent canoeing and kayaking via the Trent-Severn Waterway, scenic hiking and cycling trails, and abundant birdwatching and fishing. With beach amenities, boat rentals, and varied camping or cottage stays, it’s perfect for day trips or extended getaways.
51. Take a riverboat cruise on the Trent-Severn Waterway
Why go on a cruise to distant lands when you have one in your backyard? Hop onto a cruise and tour one of Ontario’s magnificent waterways – the Trent Severn. This five-day tour on the “Kawartha Voyageur” includes five days of beautiful scenery and fun adventures. Details