Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14, 2025, as Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival returns to Del Crary Park for its 24th annual celebration. This vibrant event combines exhilarating races with community spirit, all in support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation

🚣 What to Expect

Hosted by the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team, the festival features:

• Dragon Boat Races: Teams paddle across Little Lake, showcasing teamwork and endurance.

• Artisan and Food Vendors: Explore local crafts and savor diverse culinary delights.

• Family Fun Zone: Engaging activities for children and families.

• Beer Garden: Relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the festivities.

• Breast Cancer Flower Ceremony: A poignant tribute honoring those affected by breast cancer.

The festival is more than just a race; it's a community gathering that has raised over $4.5 million since its inception in 2001, directly benefiting cancer care services at PRHC. 

🏆 Get Involved

Team registration opens on February 15, 2025, at ptbodragonboat.ca. The first three teams to register will receive a complimentary dragon boat lake practice. 

Whether you're paddling, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation supports vital cancer care advancements at PRHC, ensuring patients receive top-tier treatment close to home.

📍 Event Details

• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

• Time: Starting at 7:00 AM EDT

• Location: Del Crary Park, 1 Rink St, Peterborough, ON 

Join the community in making waves for a cause. For more information and to register, visit the official Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival 2025 page.

Gear up for an adrenaline-packed day as the Monster Madness Tour roars back into Kawartha Downs on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This family-friendly event promises heart-pounding excitement with two spectacular shows at 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Showtimes: 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM

• Location: Kawartha Downs Events, 1382 County Rd 28, Fraserville, Ontario

Prepare to feel the ground shake as powerful monster trucks perform jaw-dropping stunts and gravity-defying jumps. The Monster Madness Tour is renowned for delivering high-octane entertainment that captivates audiences of all ages.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available for purchase online. Secure your spot early to witness this electrifying event.

Additional Attractions:

Beyond the monster truck action, attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging activities suitable for the whole family. Stay tuned for more details on additional entertainment and attractions.

Plan Your Visit:

Kawartha Downs offers ample parking and a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of monster trucks, the Monster Madness Tour is an event you won't want to miss.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of unforgettable thrills at Kawartha Downs on May 3rd!

Get your forks ready, Peterborough! One of downtown’s most mouth-watering events is back for 2025 — and it’s bigger, cheesier, and more exciting than ever. From April 1 to 26, the award-winning Mac & Cheese Festival is returning to the heart of the city, bringing comfort food fans on a delicious adventure through 17 participating restaurants.

Organized by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), this fourth edition of the festival is introducing some exciting new features, including a Grand Finale Celebration at Quaker Foods City Square and a Judge’s Choice Award to crown the city’s top cheesy creation.

A Month-Long Celebration of Comfort Food

The festival kicks off April 1st, and for nearly four weeks, downtown restaurants will serve up creative and crave-worthy mac & cheese specials. From homestyle classics to gourmet reimaginings, each dish is an ode to one of the world’s favourite comfort foods.

Returning to defend its cheesy crown is The Vine, winner of the 2023 festival. This year, they’re serving a fiery fan favourite: jalapeño popper mac & cheese.

“We figured why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” says The Vine’s owner Tyrone Flowers. “It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour, and has just the right amount of heat.”

Also on the menu? Bold twists like The Dirty Burger’s mac & cheeseburger samosa, and The Boardwalk Game Lounge’s French onion mac & cheese, dreamed up by owners Connor and Dylan Reinhart.

New for 2025: The Grand Finale Celebration

This year’s biggest addition is a festival-closing event on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square (Charlotte Street). Expect a full day of food, fun, and flavour with:

• Live performances by Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VanCamp

• A beer garden on the rink pad, featuring local faves like 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer, and Maple Light

• Vendor booths, entertainment for all ages, and of course — mac & cheese galore

“The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent of our downtown restaurants,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum. “It’s a great way to support local businesses and kick off spring with a full day of food, music, and community fun.”

Two Ways to Win

In addition to the fan-favourite People’s Choice Award — voted on by diners online starting April 1 at theboro.ca — this year also introduces the Judge’s Choice Award, where a panel of local celebrity judges will select the ultimate cheesy champ during the grand finale.

Whether you're a diehard cheese fan or just love trying new things, the Mac & Cheese Festival is your chance to explore some of Peterborough’s best eats — one bite at a time.

Mark Your Calendar: 📅 April 1–26, 2025 – Mac & Cheese dishes at 17 downtown restaurants
🎉 April 26, 2025 (11am–7pm) – Grand Finale at Quaker Foods City Square
🧀 Online Voting Opens April 1 – Cast your vote for the People’s Choice!

More info and full list of participating restaurants available at theboro.ca.

Let me know if you’d like a social media blurb to go with this or want to highlight specific restaurants!

As March Break approaches, Peterborough offers a variety of engaging activities for families and individuals. Here's a curated list of events happening around town during the week:

Peterborough Public Library Programs

The Peterborough Public Library offers a variety of programs for different age groups. Here are some highlights:

Preschool Story Time

📅 Date & Time: Monday, March 10, at 10:15 am
📖 Description: A session designed for preschoolers to enjoy stories and develop early literacy skills.
📝 Registration: Not required.
🔗 Program Details

Tech 1 on 1 - Digital Collection Help

📅 Date & Time: Monday, March 10, at 2:00 pm
💻 Description: Personalized assistance to navigate the library's digital resources.
📝 Registration: Required.
🔗 Program Details

Toddler Time

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, at 10:15 am
🎭 Description: Interactive stories and activities tailored for toddlers.
📝 Registration: Required.
🔗 Program Details

LEGO Club

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, at 4:00 pm
🧱 Description: A creative session for children to build and play with LEGO bricks.
📝 Registration: Not required.
🔗 Program Details

Coding Club

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 pm
💡 Description: An opportunity for kids to learn and practice coding skills.
📝 Registration: Required.
🔗 Program Details

For a complete list of events and registration details, visit the Library's Program Calendar.

Peterborough Museum & Archives March Break Camp

🏛 Description: The Peterborough Museum & Archives offers educational and fun activities for children, engaging them with the city's history and culture through interactive sessions.
🔗 More Info & Registration: School Break Camps

Camp Kawartha March Break Camp

📅 Dates: Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily
🌿 Description: A variety of outdoor and environmental activities aimed at fostering a connection with nature.
💲 Cost: $400 for the week
🔗 More Info & Registration: Event Page

Hutchison House Museum Activities

🏰 Description: Hutchison House is hosting a series of fun crafts and activities over March Break.
📅 Dates & Times: March 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
🎨 Themes: Each day features a unique theme with hands-on activities for children aged 6 to 12.
💲 Cost: $25 per program
📝 Registration: Required
🔗 More Info: Event Listing

Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre March Break Camp

📅 Dates: Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
👦 Ages: 4 to 11 years
🎾 Description: This full-week program includes:

• Daily recreational swims
• Themed activities and games
• Indoor and outdoor challenges
• Special guests
• Gymnasium play
• Arts and crafts, drama, and more!

📝 What to Bring: Swim gear, indoor running shoes, lunch and snacks, outdoor weather gear, and a water bottle.
🔗 More Info & Registration: Recreation Programs

Art Gallery of Peterborough March Break Camp

📅 Dates: Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
🎨 Ages: 7 to 11 years
🖌 Description: Children will engage in creative art projects, exploring various mediums and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.
🔗 More Info & Registration: Art Gallery of Peterborough

Plan your child's March Break with these fantastic activities in Peterborough! Register early to secure a spot. 🚀

As the holiday season draws near, communities across Peterborough and the Kawarthas are gearing up for one of the most magical traditions of the year: the Santa Claus parades! These festive events bring together families, friends, and neighbors, filling the streets with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and holiday spirit. Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting for the season, attending a parade is the perfect way to kick off your celebrations and catch a glimpse of Santa himself. In this guide, we’ll share where and when you can experience these joyful parades across the region, so mark your calendars and get ready for some holiday cheer!

Buckhorn Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• More Information: Visit the Buckhorn District Lions Club website.

Lindsay Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• More Information: For parade details and route information, visit the Lindsay Santa Claus Parade website.

Fenelon Falls Santa Day Parade

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 5:00 PM
• More Information: Check out the schedule of events at the Fenelon Falls Santa Day website.
• Parade Notes: Fenelon Falls goes all out with a Santa Day event. From 11:00 AM there are various downtown activities. The parade takes place in the evening, from 5:00-6:00 PM. And then a 6:00 PM there’s a fireworks display over the falls.

Norwood Santa Clause Parade

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 7pm
• More Information: Check out the schedule of events at the Norwood Santa Claus Parade
• Parade Notes: Theme is Rock Around the Christmas Tree Royal Bank Staff will be walking in the parade
  picking up letters to Santa. They will have Royal Bank Hockey Jerseys on.  

Douro-Dummer Santa Clause Parade

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 5pm
• More Information: Check out the schedule of events at Douro-Dummer Santa Parade 
• Parade Notes: This years theme is Love, light and Peace.  Tree Lighting Ceremony to follow

Apsley Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• More Information: Visit the Township of North Kawartha Special Events page.
• Parade Notes: The parade will end at the North Kawartha Community Centre, where there will be hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, loot bags for kids 10 and under, and a visit from Santa.

Omemee Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 7th 2024
• Time: 1:00 PM
• More Information: Visit the Omemee Santa Claus Parade 
• Parade Notes: This parade starts at Scott Young School with Christmas tree lighting in the evening

49^th Annual Peterborough Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024
• Time: 4:45 PM
• More Information: The theme this year will be Rockin’ Christmas! 

Millbrook Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
• Time: 1pm
• More Information: Parade starts at Millbrook Christian Assembly.  More info at Millbrook Santa Parade

Bobcaygeon Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
• Time: 5:00 PM
• More Information: The parade will be followed by a Super Nova Firework Show at 6:30 PM at Beach Park. Visit the Events page on the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce website for more parade details.

Keene Santa Claus Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
• Time: 10am
• More Information: For more information at Keene Santa Parade .

Enjoy!!!

The holiday season in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is a magical time filled with festive cheer, and one of the best ways to get into the spirit is by exploring the many Christmas markets, craft shows, and bazaars in the region. These events are the perfect opportunity to find unique, handcrafted gifts, enjoy local treats, and support small businesses. Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind pottery, cozy winter décor, or fresh seasonal goodies, the area offers something for everyone. From Millbrook’s Christmas Market to the charming holiday sales at the Kawartha Potters Guild, there's no shortage of places to shop, celebrate, and enjoy the season. Here’s a roundup of some of the best holiday markets, craft shows, and bazaars you can visit in the Peterborough and Kawarthas area this December!

Check out these fantastic events and make the most of your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and businesses!

A Very Merry Little Christmas Market

• Dates: November 17–19
• Location: Burleigh Falls Inn, Burleigh Falls
• This cozy event offers a selection of handcrafted items, food, and festive decorations.

Holiday Sip & Shop Market

• Dates: November 17–19
• Location: Rolling Grape Vineyard, Bailieboro
• Enjoy holiday shopping along with seasonal beverages like mulled wine in a scenic vineyard setting.

Apsley Holiday Extravaganza

• Date: November 16
• Location: Apsley
• A festive gathering of local vendors offering handcrafted gifts and holiday treats.

Christmas Bazaar at Lang Pioneer Village

• Date: November 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Lang Pioneer Village, Keene 
• Shop unique handmade gifts and enjoy the historical ambiance at this heritage site.

Christmas Craft and Vendor Market 

• Date: November 17th, 10am-2pm 
• Location: Burnt River Community Centre 
• Free activities for the kids, cookie decorating, make and take Christmas decorations, magic reindeer food and coloring contests. 

Modern Makers Holiday Market

• Dates: December 1st
• Location: The Morrow Building
   This indoor market features local makers, holiday décor, and food options.

Christmas Market

• Date: November 23rd, 2024
• Location: Hutchinson House Peterborough 9am-12pm
• A festive market with home baking, shortbread, fruit pies, jams, jellies and preserves, along with other special seasonal treats. 

Millbrook Farmers’ Market Holiday Market

• Date: November 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Millbrook Arena, Millbrook
   A special holiday market with local vendors, crafts, and seasonal foods.

Candy Cane Corner Christmas Craft Market 

• Date: December 7th from 10am-5pm
• Location: Ennismore Community Center, Selwyn

 A holiday market supporting crafters, bakers, artists and small business owners.