Guide to Entertainment in Cobourg
For a list of recommended single day events, see the Featured events page.
The Town has issued a Fall and Winter Leisure Guide for 2024.
Experience Cobourg
The Town also has a website devoted to Experiences called Experience Cobourg. On that site is a special page listing "Festivals & Events". Worth a visit.
There are two major events each summer:
There were four but the Highland games has moved to Port Hope and the Sandcastle Festival did not happen in 2024 although it is once again planned for 2025.
Waterfront Festival 29 June to July 1 - 2024 - mostly in Victoria Park 2025 dates not yet available.
Rib Fest - August 16, 17, 18 - 2024 - a fundraiser for Rotary - in Victoria Park
Other 2024/2025 Special Events
- First Night - New Year's Eve celebration - Join us on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Rotary Park on the Waterfront outdoor skating on the rink behind Victoria Hall (a DJ provides music), Horse and Wagon Rides and Fireworks at 9 pm POSTPONED - new date - 17 February - details here.
- Eye to Eye Film Festival - June 6 - an annual film event featuring films and talks by producers, diirectors etc.
Web sites by Entertainment Organizations
Organizations with Multiple Events
Entertainment in Cobourg is provided by a number of organizations - some are more active and prolific than others. Here are the most active organizations:
Rainbow Theatre (First run Movies) - at Northumberland Mall
Northumberland Players (Dinner Theatre at Best Western, intimate specialty theatre at Firehall Theatre, Christmas special in Victoria Hall and annual Musical Comedy at the Capitol)
Loft Productions - events produced by Ken Prue - live Jazz - venue is Victoria Hall
Les Amis Concerts (World class quality Classical) - venue is Trinity Church
Northumberland Film Sundays - Alternative films from TIFF - Venue is Rainbow Cinema
VOS (live Musicals) - Venue is Victoria Hall
Northumberland Learning Connection
Cobourg Legion - regular events plus occasional parties.
Northshore Lanes - 5 pin Bowling - Northumberland Mall - lower level
And here are some others (fewer events).
- Film Access Northumberland - one 3 day event in June. Promoting the Art of Film.
- Northumberland Orchestra and Choir - struggling financially, they need your support!
- New Ventures Band - from beginners to veterans
- Oriana Singers
- La Jeunesse Choir - 3 choirs for different ages
- Venture 13 - mostly educational
- NHH Hospital Foundation Fundraising Events - Check with web page.
- Canadian Women in Film Events Calendar - regular screenings of vintage films at Dressler House
- Art Gallery of Northumberland.
General Calendars
Concert Hall | It is actually their booking calendar but they manage bookings for many (but not all) of Cobourg’s events - good source of info. |
Experience Cobourg | A good listing of "Festivals & Events" in Cobourg. User friendly. |
Town of Cobourg | Only Town managed events. Not very useful and not user friendly. Dominated by Library events and includes many educational events. |
Northumberland County | As you'd expect, covers whole county. Not user friendly. |
Northumberland News | Newspaper site - Covers Northumberland County - one of the better calendars |
My FM Radio Station | One of the better calendars |
The Bulletin | Lists submitted events - includes some Northumberland events - not user friendly |
Victoria Park Events - Free
Concert Band in the Park. Concerts Tuesdays in July and August: 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Movies in the Park. 3 or 4 evenings in summer 8:30 pm
A note to movie goers that waterfront parking is free after 8 pm, and downtown parking is free after 6 pm. Washrooms will be open for the duration of the films.
Port Hope Events
Not Cobourg but close enough that it's easy to get there.
- Capitol Theatre - programming all year
- Float your Fanny Down the Ganny - canoes, kayaks and crazy craft race down the Ganaraska river in April,
- Vintage Film Festival (at Capitol Theatre) - Late October each year.
Parades
- July 1st Parade each year 11:00 am
- Santa Parade at 6:00 pm - November 30 in 2024.
Mailing Lists for Entertainment
Some organizations have free e-mailing lists to let you know what they have on. Here are their links:
- Town of Cobourg - Experience Cobourg - go to bottom of page.
- Cobourg Loft Productions
- Northumberland Film Sundays (TIFF films at Rainbow)
- Northumberland Learning Connection - bottom of page - quite active
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Art Gallery of Northumberland - subscribe at bottom of page.
Town of Cobourg Festivals and Events application
To get details of what permissions are needed and to apply to have a Festival or Event in Cobourg, go to Town's page here.