If there’s one thing we love in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, it’s Halloween. As the leaves change colour, there are signs of spooky festivities throughout the area. Residents are already scaring up some good times with their creative Halloween outdoor decorations, and children can almost taste the bonanza of candy that’s about to come their way.
For the next few weeks, we can look forward to fun activities with varying levels of terror, from light-hearted costume parties to scream-inducing haunted ghost walks.
What’s on the agenda for this Halloween season? Let’s check out a few events coming up that are so scary, they’re fun!
The Keene Pumpkin Festival
It’s not Halloween until you hit up a pumpkin festival. That’s why you’ve got to mark October 15 on your calendar. The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a great reason to visit the Kawarthas.
It’s a day of celebration of all things festive and ghostly and includes a parade, a strawbale maze, and even axe throwing. There will also be a vendor’s market showcasing goods from local businesses, contests, live music and fantastic food.
And, of course, don’t miss the great pumpkin weigh-off at noon.
What else is there to look forward to throughout the year in Peterborough and the Kawarthas? Take a look for yourself!
- Autumn in the Kawarthas: Prepare to Fall in Love!
- The Joy of Cycling in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- The Lakes in Kawarthas You Have to Visit
Eerie Ashburnham Tour
Are you brave enough to venture into the city’s most haunted areas after the sun goes down? The Eerie Ashburnham Tour takes place on October 20, starting at 7 p.m. It turns out, one of Peterborough’s beloved structures, the Lift Lock, may have quite a haunted history.
The nightmare doesn’t stop there, however. You’ll also hear stories of unexplained happenings at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital and all the way up Armour Hill.
The tour has no age limit, but young children may find some of the stories unsettling. A fair amount of walking will be involved, so be sure to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. And keep your eyes open for ghosts! You never know when one will tap you on the shoulder or whisper in your ear.
Haunted Gingerbread Houses
Peterborough Public Library is really getting into the Halloween spirit this year! Haunted Gingerbread is one of several ghoulish events they are hosting in 2022. On October 22, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., scare up a delicious treat–by making a haunted gingerbread house decorated with Halloween candy.
The event is ideal for children from 7 to 12 years old, and a sweet tooth is the only prerequisite.
Paint Night: Halloween Cats
Unleash your inner artist to bring home a delightfully adorable and spooky masterpiece during Paint Night on October 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is held at St. Louis Bar and Grill, where you can unwind while enjoying snacks and laughing with friends. A highly skilled instructor leads you step-by-step to create the perfect painting of Halloween cats. You may just be astounded by your own talent.
Halloween Make and Take Craft Station
Let your child’s creativity come alive at the Halloween Make and Take Craft Station this year. This family-friendly event is perfect for children from 5 to 12 years old. Together, you will sit down and create your own creepy crafts to decorate your home for Halloween.
It’s just one more fantastic event to enjoy with your family. It takes place at the Peterborough Public Library on October 27 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s free of charge!
Historic All Hallow’s Eve
On Friday, October 28, why not take a trip out to the Kawarthas? That’s when Lang Pioneer Village hosts their annual Historic All Hallow’s Eve. The event is just eerie enough to be suitable for all ages and is both fun and educational.
Come out and enjoy the magic, with games, fortune telling, tractor and wagon rides and other fun activities. It’s a chilling and thrilling way to discover the origins and history behind our favourite Halloween traditions.
How does living in Peterborough compare with other cities? See our side-by-side comparison with Toronto right here.
Halloween in the Booro
Don’t look now, but downtown Peterborough might be haunted! At least it will be on the night of October 29 when participating local businesses get together to throw the party of the season. From 5 to 8 p.m., the event is family-friendly with a variety of activities, including:
- Businesses staying open for late-night shopping and handing out candy for trick-or-treaters.
- A “Save the Simcoe Street Skeleton” Scavenger hunt, with 13 stops in total and a prize for those who find all items.
- From 8-11, the night takes a terrifying turn when a fully-immersive zombie escape game kicks off. Realistic makeup and prosthetics make the undead seem so real, which is why this part of the night is open only to those 18 and older.
Whatever fright level you’re comfortable with, Peterborough is happy to accommodate you!
The spooky festivities are fun, but there are many other reasons to consider moving to Peterborough. Find out more right here.
Planning a move? Check out our latest featured listings here.
