Special Events

Each year, on the fourth Saturday in January, the  Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the Apsley Winter Carnival at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC).

Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day for all ages. There is plenty to see and do throughout the event, including Zoo to You, games, a raffle table, popcorn, candy floss, the Lions’ food booth, the new cake walk, cookie decorating, demonstrations, and more.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Each year, on the first Saturday in March, the Trappers Carnival takes place at the North Kawartha Community Centre (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. Guests can also access services such as on-site knife sharpening, fur remodeling and repair, new and custom fur creations, trapper information, and a variety of vendors offering trapping- and hunting-related equipment and supplies.

In 2026, the Trappers Carnival will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Event hours and additional programming details will be confirmed closer to the event date.

The Trappers Carnival continues to be a fun and educational day for all ages.

Each year on the last Saturday in March, the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club presents its annual Skating Show at the North Kawartha Community Centre.

The show provides an opportunity for skaters to showcase the new skills they have learned and practiced throughout the season. Always highly entertaining, the Skating Show features a choreographed musical theme, charming costumes, creative backdrops, and the infectious enthusiasm of its participants.

The 2026 Skating Show will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Show information to be announced. 

Each year in June, Community Care Apsley and the Apsley Lions Club hold their annual Apsley Gaming Night.

The event is held at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC), with a social hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by an evening of gaming, delicious food, drinks, and great company.

All proceeds support Community Care Apsley and the Apsley Lions Club.

Details for the 2026 Apsley Gaming Night to be announced by Community Care Apsley. 

On July 1st each year, the Apsley & District Lions Club  hosts the Canada Day Parade and Celebrations. The Parade traditionally starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Apsley Public School, continues along Burleigh Street to Wellington, then along Jack Lake Road to McFadden Road, ending at Lions Park where the festivities continue until 6:00 p.m.

Games and the Lions’ food booth are just a few of the activities that make this day special. At dusk, the fireworks show lights up the sky. Come on out and celebrate Canada!

Details for the 2026 Canada Day Parade and Celebrations to be announced. 

On July 18 and 19, 2026, the Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the Giant Flea Market at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC). The event features bargain prices on everything from toys to TVs, furniture, appliances, sporting goods, and all manner of items you didn’t know you needed.

There is also an auction, so be sure to plan your strategy and arrive early to have the best chance at the top bargains. There is truly something for everyone. Don’t miss out!

Donations of items are accepted prior to the event. 

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, 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 food and refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

The show takes place at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC), with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for meals and refreshments. The first of three comedians takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the North Kawartha Figure Skating Club.

Tickets for the 2026 show will be available for purchase closer to the show date. Don’t miss a night of laughter, great food, and fun!

In late August, the Jack Lake Film Festival (JLFF), in association with the TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Film Circuit, transforms the Boat Barn at the Forest Glen Marina on Jack Lake into a charming outdoor movie theatre. Strings of lights overhead, seating for 150, and of course, popcorn, create a unique cinematic experience.

Films are shown over two nights, with an afternoon matinee included. There may be guest appearances by filmmakers or other persons associated with the films, who provide insights and answer audience questions. Past guests have included Don Carmody, Anne Dagg, Patrick Sambrook, and Apsley’s own Vicki Lean.

The JLFF is a volunteer-run, community-focused event, with all proceeds supporting the North Kawartha Food Bank.

The 2026 festival takes place Friday, August 28 to Saturday, August 29, 2026. Details on ticket sales for 2026 will be announced. 

The Apsley Autumn Studio Tour takes place annually, the third weekend of September, and 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.

Each year, on the first Saturday in October, the North Kawartha Food Bank hosts a dinner followed by a “Loonie Auction” at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC).

The auction features a variety of items, which you can “bid” on by purchasing tickets for a dollar each. The ticket that is drawn wins the item. You can purchase multiple tickets for any item, making it possible to take home something of considerable value for just a loonie!

The evening is a fundraiser for the North Kawartha Food Bank, offering lots of fun, great items, and a worthy cause. The 2026 Loonie Auction will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Ticket and event details will be announced.

Each year on the first Saturday in November, the  ABC Seniors hold their most important fundraising event of the year at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC).

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, with an assortment of gently-used toys, books, DVDs, puzzles, crafts, and household items. There are also baked goods, preserves, a raffle, and a White Elephant Sale. Something for everyone on your list, all at bargain prices!

The 2026 Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Event details and offerings will be announced closer to the date.

The Apsley Holiday Extravaganza is a celebration of locally created, handcrafted items and is traditionally held on the third Saturday in November at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC).

This juried event brings the best and most unique creations to the public just in time for the holidays. A wide array of items is available, including pottery, jewllery, glasswork, local farm produce, wreaths, fabric art, soaps and bath/body care products, metalwork, woodworking, handmade chocolates, clothing, paintings, Native art, food goods, and more. These creations make a perfect start to your holiday shopping, and maybe a little something for yourself!

A special Christmas Café is also available to enjoy while you browse, or take dinner home. Admission is traditionally $2 or a non-perishable food item for the North Kawartha Food Bank.

The 2026 Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure not to miss out, and follow the Apsley Holiday Extravaganza on Facebook for updates.

The Holiday Hop takes place in early winter and is a tour of small businesses located throughout Apsley.

The Hop is designed to provide a unique shopping experience, while supporting local businesses and helping you find the perfect holiday gifts. Don’t miss out on special offers, exclusive items, and more!

Details for the 2026 Holiday Hop to be announced. 

On the last Saturday in November (30/24) the Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the annual Santa Claus Parade and Children's Party. The Parade starts at 2:00 pm at 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!

On the last Saturday in November, the  Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the annual Santa Claus Parade and Children’s Party. The Parade traditionally begins at 2:00 p.m., starting at Apsley Public School and continuing along Burleigh Street to Wellington Street, then along Jack Lake Road to the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC), where more festivities take place.

Everyone is invited to the NKCC to enjoy refreshments, including hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, along with “Loot” bags for children 10 and under. And if everyone has been good, there may even be a visit from Santa himself!

The 2026 Parade will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Additional details, including start time and parade route, will be announced by the Apsley & District Lions Club on their Facebook.

Each year in early December, Community Care Apsley holds its annual Jingle & Mingle at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC).

The event traditionally begins at 6:00 p.m. and features an evening of fine dining, dancing, beverages, a 50/50 draw, and most of all, mingling! Capture fun memories with friends in the photo booth while supporting a great cause. All proceeds benefit the work of Community Care Apsley.

Details for the 2026 Jingle & Mingle to be announced.