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Summer starts here.

Long lake days, small-town strolls, outdoor adventures, can’t-miss events, and unforgettable places to stay are all waiting in The Kawarthas. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or making the most of a summer close to home, find your next story here.

Explore all things summer in The Kawarthas.

Road Tripping in The Kawarthas

Plan Day Trips or Weekend Getaways Here

Road Tripping in The Kawarthas is a partnership between kawarthaNOW, created to showcase the unique and distinct townships of The Kawarthas.

Whether you’re returning to a place you hold dear or visiting for the very first time, every road trip through The Kawarthas adds another chapter to your story.

Grab a Bite or Brew on the Patio

Find your perfect patios wherever you may wander.

Visit the Farm This Summer

Pick-your-own strawberries, animal encounters, and open-air wellness await!

Events in The Kawarthas

Margaritaville
Event

Margaritaville

July 18 at 12:00 pm—$12 – $20

🏝️ Set your clocks to Island time… ☀️ Alida Tequila presents The 3rd Annual Margaritaville on Saturday, July 18th! 🎤 We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back festival favourites Jukebox…

764 Hunter Street
Bridgenorth, Ontario K0L1H0 Canada
Live Music @ Bellys
Event

Live Music @ Bellys

July 18 at 6:00 pm

Set right on the water’s edge, the laid-back lakeside patio at Bellys is the ultimate summer destination for good times and amazing views. It’s a place where long days turn…

17 Fire RTE 82b
Buckhorn, K0L1J0
Live Harness Racing & Family Fun Night
Event

Live Harness Racing & Family Fun Night

July 18 at 6:00 pm—Free

Join us for our first ever Family Fun Night supporting CAMP KAWARTHA!!!! Let’s help send kids to camp Local vendors will be on hand for unique buys and don’t miss…

1328 County Road 28
Fraserville, ON K0L 1V0
Peterborough Musicfest – Julian Taylor (Main Stage)
Event

Peterborough Musicfest – Julian Taylor (Main Stage)

July 18 at 6:30 pm—Free

Peterborough Musicfest is one of Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival and a highlight of the summer season for visitors exploring Peterborough County and the Kawarthas. The series takes place…

2 George Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 3H1 Canada
Ennismore Shamrock Festival
Event

Ennismore Shamrock Festival

July 19

Get ready for one of the most anticipated summer events in the region, the 2026 Ennismore Shamrock Festival in beautiful Ennismore, part of Selwyn Township. This long-running community festival returns in July…

553 Ennis Rd
Ennismore, ON K0L 1T0
Music at Lock 31!
Event

Music at Lock 31!

July 21 at 6:00 pm—Free

The highly anticipated outdoor summer event is back! ☀️ Grab your lawn chair and blankets, and head to Lock 31 of the Trent-Severn Waterway for a musical performance Tuesday nights…

1961 Lakehurst Road
Buckhorn, ON
Tuned Up Tuesday
Event

Tuned Up Tuesday

July 21 at 6:30 pm—$49.95

Every Tuesday from June 30 to August 25, for Tuned Up Tuesdays, Elmhirst’s summer music series on the boardwalk overlooking beautiful Rice Lake. Enjoy a BBQ brisket dinner prepared fresh…

1045 Settlers Line
Keene, Ontario K0L 2G0 Canada
Peterborough Musicfest – Matthew Good and His Band (Main Stage) & Graeme Jonez (Future Sound Series)
Event

Peterborough Musicfest – Matthew Good and His Band (Main Stage) & Graeme Jonez (Future Sound Series)

July 22 at 6:30 pm—Free

Matthew Good is a multi-platinum selling Canadian recording artist, best known for his signature vocal style, guitar-driven melodies, and cinematic lyrics. He began his career as the frontman for the…

2 George Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 3H1 Canada
Kinmount Music in the Park
Event

Kinmount Music in the Park

July 23 at 8:00 am—Free

Kinmount Music in the Park 2026! Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Austin Sawmill Park along the Burnt River. July 9 – The Marc Ekins Band July 16 – Keith Auty…

5 Station Rd
Kinmount, K0M 2A0
Live Music @ Bellys
Event

Live Music @ Bellys

July 24 at 6:00 pm

Set right on the water’s edge, the laid-back lakeside patio at Bellys is the ultimate summer destination for good times and amazing views. It’s a place where long days turn…

17 Fire RTE 82b
Buckhorn, K0L1J0

How Far is it to The Kawarthas?

  • Toronto, ON: 1h10min (108 km)
  • Huntsville, ON: 1h16min (108 km)
  • Barrie, ON: 1h20min (112 km)
  • Mississauga, ON: 1h20min (130 km)
  • Kingston, ON: 1h22min (127 km)
  • Hamilton, ON: 1h45min (175km)
  • London, ON: 2h40min (287 km)
  • Ottawa, ON: 2h30min (218 km)
  • Niagara Falls, ON: 2h30min (235 km)
  • Montréal, QC: 4h20min (406 km)
  • Buffalo, NY: 2h30min (165 km)
  • Rochester, NY: 3h45min (224 km)
  • Detroit, MI: 5h (310 km)