By day, Peterborough is a breathtaking city to call home. Beautiful trees along peaceful residential streets, scenic parks and trails and a fabulous waterfront are just a few sights that greet you as you go about your routine. At night, the city really comes alive, with an entertainment scene that makes all natural-born nighthawks feel as if they’ve stumbled straight into paradise. So grab your dance shoes or your bowling ball. Alternatively, get ready for a great night of theatre, comedy, dancing, and music. There is no limit to the memorable experiences Peterborough offers, day and night.
Support a Local Artist
Peterborough is known for its vibrant music and arts scene. Whether you like blues, jazz, classical, hip-hop, or good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll, Peterborough has got the beat! You can get out to support local talent at numerous nightclubs and other venues, including:
- The Black Horse Pub, one of Peterborough’s top venues, featuring live music seven days a week.
- Jethro’s Bar + Stage, the former Sapphire Room, is now a favourite stomping ground for some of Peterborough’s top local bands and musicians.
- Puck ‘N Pint Sports Pub, a cozy pub with great food and a warm atmosphere that showcases live performers every Friday night.
And let’s not forget the famous Peterborough MusicFest that takes place every summer. It’s the longest free music festival in all of Canada!
There are too many fun things to do in Peterborough to mention! Discover even more in the posts below:
- 5 Fun Things To Do In The City Of Peterborough Right Now
- The Joy of Cycling in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- How Peterborough’s Entertainment Scene Rivals That of Toronto
Dance the Night Away
As home to Trent University and Fleming College, Peterborough understandably boasts a hopping nightlife. However, it isn’t just students who want to get out and show off their dance moves. You will find vibrant nightclubs and dance venues all over the city that are perfect for shaking your stress away and enjoying a fun night out with friends.
- The Junction Nightclub, where the party happens every Friday and Saturday night. Located in Riley’s Pub, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite, shoot some pool, and then head out onto the dance floor.
- White House Hotel, the largest bar in Peterborough! Whether you’re out for a night on the town, celebrating a special occasion or ringing in a new year, you have just found the perfect venue.
- Club One 7 Two, if it’s Saturday night, the party happens here! Grab a couple of friends, leave your worries behind, and get ready to move to the music until the wee hours of the morning.
Enjoy a Live Show
Perhaps it’s because you feel like part of the show, or that you’re up close and personal with talented stage performers, but there’s just something about live theatre you can’t get from movies and television shows. If you’ve been bitten by the theatre bug, you will feel right at home in Peterborough.
From laugh-out-loud comedies to tear-jerking dramas and “keep ‘em on the edge of your seat” mysteries, there is something coming to a small stage near you. Here are just a few of Peterborough’s top venues to watch a live play or comedy show:
- Showplace Performance Centre, your one-stop shop for concerts, tribute bands, magic shows, ballets, and more.
- Peterborough Theatre Guild, featuring six highly-anticipated shows each year. Enjoy a classic performance of favourites such as “Fiddler on the Roof” or discover a new story from one of Peterborough’s up-and-coming playwrights.
- Gordon Best Theatre, comedy shows and dance camps, album release parties and game nights, every event is different at this small, intimate venue. Come for the food, stay for the entertainment!
- The Theatre on King, for when you’re looking for something thought-provoking and a little out of the box. This tiny theatre delivers big performances from professional and amateur artists across multiple platforms, including theatre, dance, film, visual arts, and music.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Peterborough? Learn more about the local market in the posts below:
- A Guide to the Current Peterborough Housing Market
- Is It Better to Buy or Sell First in Peterborough?
- A Walk Through the Neighbourhoods of Peterborough
Family Friendly Outings
It isn’t just all nightclubs and pubs in Peterborough. This city is also home to plenty of family-friendly events that everyone can enjoy. Whether you decide on a simple dinner and a movie or a rousing game of laser tag, the fun and laughter never need to end. Galaxy Cinemas is the primary theatre which showcases the latest blockbusters and independent films. It’s the perfect way to keep it simple or host a birthday party everyone will remember for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for something a little more off the wall to enjoy with your family, Peterborough has the answers! Here are just a few ideas to keep your routine exciting:
- Test your climbing skills at Rock and Rope Climbing Centre.
- See how well you strategize under pressure at Lift Lock Escape or Escape Maze.
- Bowl a strike at Lakeview Bowl. Five and ten-pin lanes are available, and a youth program allows children from 3 to 19 to play, earn rewards, and even have the chance to compete in a national championship.
- Tackle an obstacle course made up of light beams at Zap Attack Laser Tag.
- Teach your children to get a hole-in-one at On Par Golf and Lounge, an indoor golf simulator.
As a fast-growing community, Peterborough is a safe and vibrant place to live, full of exciting activities for all ages around every corner.
Should you make Peterborough your next home? We’d love to answer all of your questions about our favourite city! Reach out today to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 for more information.

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