Special Events

There is always lots to see and do in North Kawartha. Below, is a chronological listing of various fun, exciting, and informative events. Beyond this page, you will find additional information and listings on the following pages: Area Attractions, Community Calendar, Community Centre Events and Activities - Recurring, Community Groups, Recreation Programs, and in the North Kawartha Library's Community Directory. Click here for some helpful hints (the links are active) on how to get the most out of your visit to the website.

Apsley Lions Club Winter Carnival

Each year, on the fourth Saturday in January (27/24), the Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the Apsley Winter Carnival at the NKCC. There is plenty to see and do throughout the day. Beginning at 10 am events may include: Face Painting, the Lions' Food Booth, Clowns, Zoo to You, Apsley Minor Hockey Tournament, North Kawartha Knights Jr. C hockey game, and more!

Kawartha and Haliburton Trappers Carnival

Each year, on the first Saturday in March (02/24), the Trappers Carnival takes place at the NKCC. First held in 1976, the Carnival is a fun and interactive way to promote education, and increase awareness about fur harvesting and trapping.

The Carnival features all-day fur handling demonstrations, door prizes, games, and numerous skills competitions including trap-setting, pelt preparation, nail-driving, and more. In addition, guests can access services such as on-site knife sharpening, fur remodeling and repair, new and custom fur creations, trapper information, and numerous vendors offering a variety of trapping and hunting-related equipment and supplies.

The Trappers Carnival is open from 9 am to 4 pm, and is held in conjunction with the AMHA's Minor Hockey Tournament which runs from 8 am to 7 pm. A fun and educational day for all!

North Kawartha Figure Skating Club Annual Show

Each year on the fourth Saturday in March (23/24), the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club presents its annual Skating Show. This is a chance for the skaters to showcase the new skills they have learned, and practiced all season. The show is always highly entertaining, with a choreographed musical theme, charming costumes, wonderful back-drops and the infectious enthusiasm of the participants.

Community Care and Apsley Lions Casino Night

Each year on the third Saturday in June (17/23) Community Care Apsley and the Apsley Lions Club hold their annual Casino Night. The event is held at the NKCC with the Social from 6 to 7 pm, followed by an evening of gaming, delicious food, drinks, and great company! All proceeds go to Community Care Apsley and the Apsley Lions Club.

Canada Day Parade and Celebrations

On July 1st each year, the Apsley Lions Club hosts the Canada Day Parade and Celebrations. The Parade starts at 4:00 pm at the Apsley Public School, continues along Burleigh Street to Wellington, then along Jack Lake Road to McFadden Road, ending at the Lions Park where the festivities continue until 6:00 pm. Games, and the Lions food booth are just a couple of the things that make this day great. Starting at dusk, the fireworks show begins. Come on out and celebrate Canada!

Apsley Lions Club Giant Flea Market

On the third Saturday in July (15/23), the Apsley Lions Club hosts the Giant Flea Market, which features bargain prices on everything from toys to TVs, furniture, appliances, sporting goods, and all manner of things you didn't know you needed. There are also vendors and auctions (silent and otherwise). This is a one-day-only event, so plan your strategy, and be prepared to line up around the NKCC, early in the morning, to have a chance of getting the best bargain. There is bound to be something for everyone. Don't miss out!
Donations of items are accepted prior to the event.

Apsley Firefly Band Dinner and Concert

Each year on the second Tuesday in August at the NKCC, the Apsley Firefly Band hosts a dinner, followed by a concert, which showcases the talents of the musicians who comprise the Apsley Firefly Band. The evening is a fundraiser for the Apsley Central School music program and for Trinity United Church.

Yuk Yuk's Fundraiser for the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club

On the second Saturday in August (12/23), the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club presents an evening of professional comedy, delivered by the Yuk Yuk's stable of touring comedians. This is an age of majority event and there will be food available. The show takes place at the NKCC and proceeds benefit the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club. Doors open, refreshments and meals available at 6:30 pm. The first of three great comedians takes to the stage at 8 pm. A great time is had by all! Tickets are sold at the NKCC.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride (2016)

The RCMP Musical Ride is a spectacle known and performed throughout the World. It consists of a full troop of 32 riders and their horses, executing intricate figures and drills, choreographed to music. The RCMP receives thousands of requests from communities, small and large, to host the Musical Ride in their town or city. In 2016, North Kawartha was fortunate and honoured to have been chosen as one of the select few to host the Ride. This was largely due to the efforts of the Apsley Lions Club, and in particular, retired RCMP officer, Lion Jack Nelson. This very special event took place at Lions Park on Labour Day, Monday, September 5, 2016. To view this once-in-a-generation event, as it occurred in the village of Apsley, please click here.

Creekside Music Festival

The vision of the Creekside Music Festival is to bring people together through music, and to shine light on the incredible community we have here in Apsley, Ontario. Through supporting local artisans, musicians, food vendors, and community organizations, we hope that our little festival can be of benefit to all! We are always happy to support some great organizations by donating proceeds from the festival. Past beneficiaries have included Apsley Minor Hockey, the Apsley Public School Music Program, Apsley Community Care, and the North Kawartha Food Bank. The Festival is held on the second weekend in September (Friday and Saturday, September 8^thand 9^th, 2023). Complete information at the Creekside website and follow the Festival on Facebook.

Apsley Autumn Studio Tour

The Apsley Autumn Studio Tour is renowned for the quality of the artists working in a variety of disciplines. Located in the North Kawarthas, many of the studios are tucked away in beautiful, scenic locations where our local artists and guests present new and exciting works created specifically for this annual event.

From the molten heat of the glass furnaces to the cool, smooth feel of carved stone and all points in between, our self-guided tour is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists in person.

This year's tour includes 12 studio locations presenting 29 artists and artisans whose work encompasses a wide spectrum within the disciplines of painting, jewellery, glass art, sculpture, fabric art, pottery, felting, and metalwork.

Immerse yourself in a weekend of interesting and engaging art set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colour. Come for a day or for the weekend; stay in local accommodation and enjoy a leisurely tour of our countryside and a warm welcome at our studios.

Replacing the traditional full-sized brochure, this year the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour app augments your ability to enjoy the tour by allowing you to view event details, artist profiles, and selected artwork. It includes an interactive map so you can easily explore while touring and save your favourite locations.

And you don’t have to worry about spotty cell service when you’re in the rural locations of the tour — the app will continue to function even if you don’t have an internet connection. Find out more, and download the free app at the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour's website.

The annual tour takes place the third weekend of September; this year's dates are Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

North Kawartha Food Bank Loonie Auction

Each year, on the first Saturday in October at the NKCC, the North Kawartha Food Bank hosts a dinner, followed by a "Loonie Auction". The auction features all manner of items which you "bid" on, by purchasing tickets for a dollar a piece. The ticket that is drawn "wins" the item. You can purchase more than one ticket for any item, but it is possible to get something of considerable value for just a Loonie! The evening is a fundraiser for the North Kawartha Food Bank. Lots of fun, great items, and a worthy cause.

Apsley Holiday Extravaganza

The Apsley Holiday Extravaganza is held on the third Saturday in November (18/23) and is an explosion of sophisticated, locally created items. It is a juried event, bringing the best and most unique creations to the public just in time for the holidays. A wide array of items, all handmade by local artisans and makers is available and may include: pottery, jewellery, glass work, local farm produce, wreaths, fabric art, soaps - bath - body care, metal work, wood work, handmade chocolates, clothing, paintings, Native American art, food goods and more. These items are a perfect way to start your Holiday shopping (and maybe a little something for yourself). There is also a special Christmas Café to enjoy while you browse or even take dinner home. Admission is $2, or a non-perishable food item for the North Kawartha Food Bank. The event is one day only and runs from 10 am to 4 pm, so be sure not to miss out! And follow the Apsley Holiday Extravaganza on Facebook.

Santa Claus Parade

On the last Saturday in November (25/23) the Apsley Lions Club hosts the annual Santa Claus Parade and Children's Party. The Parade starts at 2:00 pm at the Apsley Public School, continues along Burleigh Street to Wellington Street, then along Jack Lake Road to the North Kawartha Community Centre, where more festivities ensue. Everyone is invited to come to the NKCC where refreshments (hot chocolate, coffee, tea) are served along with "Loot" bags for kids 10 and under. If everyone has been good, there just might be a visit from Santa himself! Come on out and join in the fun!

Community Care Jingle & Mingle

Each year on the first Saturday in December (2/23) Community Care Apsley holds its annual Jingle & Mingle. This event is held at the NKCC. Beginning at 6 pm, enjoy a wonderful evening that includes fine dining, dancing, beverages, a 50/50 draw, and most of all, mingling! Join your friends in the photo booth to share fun memories! All proceeds go to support the work of Community Care Apsley.