Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
If you’re starting to feel like summer is slipping away, don’t panic — summer isn’t over yet!
There are still plenty of warm evenings, weekends on the water and local events to enjoy before September arrives. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a date-night idea, a day trip or simply an excuse to get outside, Peterborough and the Kawarthas still have plenty on the calendar.
So before we trade patio season for pumpkin spice, here’s your end-of-summer bucket list for the area.
🎭 Catch an Outdoor Theatre Performance
📍 4th Line Theatre, Millbrook
📅 Through August 29
If you haven’t experienced theatre under the stars at 4th Line Theatre, there is still time.
Wild Irish Geese, written by Megan Murphy and directed by Kim Blackwell, is running through August 29 at the 4th Line Theatre grounds at 779 Zion Line in Millbrook. Performances run Tuesday through Saturday evenings, making this a great option for a summer date night or an evening out with friends.
There’s something particularly special about watching live theatre surrounded by the countryside — and it’s a very Kawarthas way to spend a summer evening. Find more info here.
🛍️ Visit a Local Farmers’ Market
📍 Lakefield-Smith Community Centre
📅 Thursdays through September 17
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Make a morning of it in Lakefield.
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market continues every Thursday into September, with local produce, baked goods, handmade products and artisans. Grab a coffee, wander the stalls and pick up something for dinner while enjoying a little small-town summer atmosphere.
Upcoming dates include August 27, September 3, September 10 and September 17. Find more info here.
And if you’re staying closer to Peterborough, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is another great Saturday morning stop in downtown Peterborough. Find more info here.
🚗 Head to Apsley for the Car & Bike Show
📍 Apsley
📅 Sunday, August 23
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
If classic cars are your thing, make a trip to Apsley this weekend for the 4th Annual Apsley Car & Bike Show.
The free event takes place Sunday, August 23, and is a fun excuse to explore one of the Kawarthas’ smaller communities while checking out some seriously polished vehicles.
Make a day of it: grab lunch locally, wander around town and enjoy a scenic drive through the area. Find more info here.
🔨 Step Back in Time at Lang Pioneer Village
📍 Lang Pioneer Village Museum, Keene
📅 August 22 & 23
Want something a little different?
On August 22 and 23, Lang Pioneer Village is offering Forged in History: Introduction to Heritage Blacksmithing. The hands-on workshop takes place in the historic Blacksmith Shop and offers participants the opportunity to learn traditional blacksmithing techniques.
It’s definitely not your average Saturday activity — and that’s exactly what makes it worth adding to the list. Find more info here.
🚲 Take a Ride from Peterborough to Lakefield
📍 Peterborough–Lakefield Rotary Greenway Trail
You don’t need a big event to have a memorable summer day.
The Peterborough–Lakefield Rotary Greenway Trail connects Peterborough with Lakefield along a mostly flat, multi-use route. Pack some water, hop on your bike and make your way toward Lakefield for lunch or an ice cream before heading back.
Don’t want to tackle the full route? Pick a shorter section and turn it into a casual evening ride instead. Peterborough-Lakefield Rotary Greenway Trail
🏖️ Squeeze in One More Beach Day
📍 Beavermead Park, Peterborough
The calendar might be creeping toward September, but that doesn’t mean beach season is finished.
Head to Beavermead Beach for one more afternoon of swimming, sunshine and lounging by Little Lake. It’s a particularly easy option for families because you can combine the beach with the park, trails and surrounding waterfront.
And if you don’t want to spend an entire day at the beach, even an hour or two after work can feel like a mini vacation.
🛶 Get Out on the Water
📍 Peterborough & the Kawarthas
This one doesn’t need a date on the calendar.
Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Take the boat out. Go fishing. Swim. Explore a new lake. Or simply sit beside the water with a picnic.
We live in a region surrounded by lakes and connected by the Trent-Severn Waterway, so take advantage of it while the weather is cooperating.
If you’re looking for something a little more structured, the Canadian Canoe Museum offers Voyageur canoe tours during the summer, with departures on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
🦁 Visit Riverview Park & Zoo
📍 1300 Water Street, Peterborough
If you have kids — or you’re simply looking for an easy summer afternoon — put Riverview Park & Zoo on the list.
It’s free to visit, and you can easily turn it into several hours of summer fun with the zoo, playground, splash pad, trails and park space all in one location.
It’s also a great reminder that some of the best summer activities in Peterborough don’t have to cost a thing.
🚪 Go Behind the Scenes During Doors Open Peterborough
📍 Locations throughout Peterborough
📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Technically, this event is in September — but we’re counting it because summer doesn’t officially end until September 22!
Doors Open Peterborough is one of those events that locals can easily overlook. On September 12, a number of buildings and sites that aren’t normally open to the public will welcome visitors.
This year’s locations include the Peterborough Lift Lock area, Sadleir House, the Old Peterborough Examiner Building, Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough & County Military Museum and several other unique sites.
It’s a great opportunity to see a side of the city you might normally drive right past. Find more info here.
🌈 Make a Day Trip to Lakefield Pride Picnic
📍 Cenotaph Park, Lakefield
📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Another great way to spend one of the final weekends of summer is at the 6th Annual Lakefield Pride Picnic.
The event includes live music, a kids’ area, bouncy castle, vendors, food and a drag story time with Betty Baker. It’s a community-focused afternoon and a great excuse to spend some time exploring Lakefield while you’re there. Find more info here.
🌅 And, Of Course, Watch One More Kawartha Sunset
📍 Anywhere there’s water
This one is free, requires no planning and might end up being your favourite.
Grab a blanket, pick a spot along the water and watch the sun go down. Head to Little Lake, find a quiet waterfront spot, sit beside the Trent-Severn Waterway or take the boat out for one last evening cruise.
Because while the calendar says we’re getting closer to fall, there are still plenty of summer evenings left to enjoy.
☀️ Don’t Pack Summer Away Just Yet
It’s easy to start mentally moving into fall once August hits. Back-to-school shopping starts, routines return, and the days begin getting noticeably shorter.
But summer isn’t over yet.
There are still farmers’ markets to browse, trails to explore, lakes to swim in, patios to enjoy, events to attend and sunsets to watch.
So pick a few things from the list, put them on your calendar and make the most of these final weeks of summer in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
After all, one of the best things about living here is that you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation.
