Exciting Events in Peterborough This Spring and Summer

After another long cold winter, the world seems like it’s coming back to life. As the days get longer, we see more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Nowhere is feeling the excitement of springtime like the city of Peterborough. What is going on this season that has residents out and about again? Here are just a few upcoming events in Peterborough that we can once again look forward to:

Live Entertainment

Indoor and outdoor concerts are back, with a live music scene that is the envy of big cities like Toronto.

Blue Rodeo, Jann Arden and the Glorious Suns are a few of the artists that have performed at Peterborough Memorial Centre in the past.

If you prefer your music a little more up close, The Venue downtown books headline acts and a steady stream of tribute shows, we’ve seen headline acts like Big Wreck and Juno-winning country star Brett Kissel. You can also enjoy a series of tribute bands to make you feel like you’re experiencing the real thing. Enjoy the excitement of major concert events and the musical stylings of artists like Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi and KISS. While The Venue is amazing, if you are looking for something more intimate, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Charlotte Street is the spot!

Concerts aren’t the only form of entertainment making a comeback for Spring. Hardly a day goes by without something exciting happening.

Spring isn’t the only exciting time in the city of Peterborough. Here are some other events throughout the year you can enjoy:

Social Events

In Peterborough, residents love coming together to enjoy festivals, workshops and other special events. There will be painting classes, children’s sing-a-alongs, and other events to bring family and friends together.

Saturdays at the Farmers’ Market

Few things say spring in Peterborough like the farmers’ market moving back outdoors. From May 1st through October, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market sets up every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM in the Memorial Centre parking lot, rain or shine, and parking is always free.

It is a tradition that goes back more than 185 years, and once the outdoor season starts you will find more than 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, maple syrup, honey, baked goods (we personally love the fresh butter tarts!) and crafts, with local musicians playing while you browse. It is part grocery run, part social outing, and one of our favorite ways to ease into a spring weekend

Free Art, Family Sundays, and the Library

Looking for a slower afternoon? The Art Gallery of Peterborough is a bit of a hidden gem. Tucked into Del Crary Park beside Little Lake, it offers free admission and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from local, regional and national artists. It is especially good for families thanks to its free, drop-in Family Sunday on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 PM, with seasonal art-making activities for the kids.

And do not overlook the library. The Peterborough Public Library runs a steady stream of spring programming, from children’s story times, teen nights, and seniors trivia to author talks, clubs, and workshops. If you have not checked their calendar lately, you may be surprised by how much is going on beyond the bookshelves.

Rotary Club Victoria Day Fireworks and Family Fun Night

Fun is back on the calendar for May as the spectacular annual fireworks show returns. The event begins early evening and features a series of live musical performances by local artists. The young ones can jump to their heart’s content in the bouncy castles and get their faces painted afterwards. The best part? Free ice cream and popcorn while supplies last! The fireworks begin usually around 9:45 after the sun goes down.

Hiawatha First Nation Annual Pow Wow

You and your family are officially invited to celebrate the culture of the First Nations people with traditional singing, drumming and intertribal dances. The Hiawatha First Nation Annual Pow Wow begins at noon at the Lakeview Ceremonial grounds on the Saturday and Sunday of Victoria Day weekend. Vendors will be available to provide a taste of the delicious and traditional First Nation cuisines, and you could spend hours browsing all of the unique crafts on display!

Maple Syrup Festivals

Take a trip to the Kawarthas for a sweet celebration of Canadian maple syrup. Watch how the syrup is made through one of the many demonstrations. And be sure to bring your sweet tooth and your appetite. The agenda includes a pancake breakfast and vendors offering maple treats of every kind imaginable. Check out the Kawarthas Northumberland website to find out what sweet festival is coming soon near you.

Get Moving as the Weather Warms

After a winter cooped up indoors, spring is the season to get active again. The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is the go-to for indoor swimming, fitness and rec programs, which is a real lifesaver on those spring days when the weather cannot quite make up its mind.

And when the sun does cooperate, families flock to the Riverview Park and Zoo. This free, community-run zoo along the Otonabee River is a beloved local treasure, with animals, gardens, a miniature railway and plenty of room for the kids to run. It is one of those simple Peterborough pleasures that reminds you why this is such a special place to put down roots.

Doors Open Peterborough

If you’re uncomfortable facing the crowds outside, you can still enjoy Peterborough’s rich and exciting heritage. Doors Open Peterborough is a digital event that allows residents of any age to appreciate the history of our city. Explore the Canadian Canoe Museum, The Commerce Building, Lett Architects Studio, and the wonders of the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. Take a digital walk-through of Peterborough’s most culturally significant landmarks without leaving the comfort and safety of your own backyard. There’s even a downtown walking tour hosted by local historian Don Willcock. A lawn chair, cool drink and a laptop are all you need to explore the historical wonders of George, Water and Aylmer Streets.

Peterborough is a great place to live no matter what the season! Take a look at some of our other posts about the area:

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival

The race will soon be on! Registration has begun for participants aged 13+ to race their dragon boats across Little Lake to the loud cheers of their supporters on the shore. The festival is a blast for all ages, with a family fun zone and a Vendor’s Village featuring locally sourced products and cuisine. No matter what happens, everyone is a winner as all proceeds support breast cancer research. So far, the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival has raised over $4.9 million to improve cancer screening and treatments!

Peterborough Museum and Archives

For a dose of local history, the Peterborough Museum and Archives sits atop Armour Hill with some of the best views in the city. Beyond its permanent exhibits on the region’s past, it hosts rotating displays and events through the spring, and it pairs perfectly with a walk up the hill on a sunny afternoon.

A Taste of What’s Coming

Spring is also when the city starts buzzing about summer. The big one is Peterborough Musicfest, Ontario’s largest free outdoor music festival, returning to Del Crary Park for another season of Wednesday and Saturday evening concerts spanning rock, country, folk and tribute acts. The shows are a summer affair, but the anticipation builds all spring long.

Whether you’re downsizing, going to school or looking for more space, Peterborough’s friendly and supportive community makes it one of the best cities in the province to call home.

Want to know more? Check out our community guide.

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