EXPLORE – City of Peterborough

A city shaped by water and creativity, Peterborough is the largest urban centre along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, and home to a spectacular selection of waterfront attractions and experiences. Known since time immemorial as Nogojiwanong, the place at the foot of the rapids’, Peterborough is an established gathering place where people come together to share knowledge, culture, and connection.

Today, the City continues to be a place where innovation meets nature: where students, artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers come to make waves. It’s a place where you can paddle in the morning, explore attractions, public arts and trails in the afternoon, and settle in for live music or a local brew by night.

Arriving by boat, bike, or car, you’ll find a walkable downtown and vibrant waterfront centred around Little Lake, with easy access to experiences like the world-class Canadian Canoe Museum, the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock, and many festivals, restaurants, shops, and urban creature comforts.

Each season offers something new. Summer brings paddling, patios, and live events like the award-winning Peterborough Folk Festival and Peterborough Musicfest (Wednesday and Saturday nights). Fall transforms spaces like Jackson Park into a canvas of colour alongside markets and studio tours. Winter invites you to slow down with skating in Quaker Foods City Square, holiday markets, and cozy spaces, while spring renews the city with fresh energy along the waterfront – and events like CANCAST Fishing Show that get folks excited for the season ahead.

What do you say to a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and discover something unexpected around every corner – where cottage country vibes meet city culture, and people are as welcoming as the views?

You can start by saying hello.

Check out the Hot List of Attractions & Destinations Travel Guide Online at www.cottage.rocks or in print at one of our 100 drop locations

The Great Canadian Cheese Festival
June 13 – June 14
The reinvented Great Canadian Cheese Festival (GCCF), Canada’s most anticipated celebration of artisan cheese and Canadian food culture, is returning for its second year – this time in Peterborough, Ontario. Sample small batch dairy, discover artisan food and drink from breweries, cideries, wineries, bakers, and craft producers, and enjoy unlimited access to a curated lineup of flavours.
Peterborough Memorial Centre,  151 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough

Gowan
June 27 @ 8:00pm
Canadian rock legend Gowan will headline the opening night of Peterborough Musicfest 2026. Known for hits like A Criminal Mind and (You’re A) Strange Animal.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Neon Nostalgic
July 1st @ 8:00pm 
More than 100 different covers from the 1980s to today. Prince, Bon Jovi, INXS, U2, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson, The Killers, Duran Duran, The Cure and many more.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Good Lovelies
July 4th @ 8:00pm
Award-winning harmonies, heartfelt folk-pop, and songs from their acclaimed new album We Will Never Be the Same.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Sass Jordan
July 8th @ 8:00pm
Bursting onto the scene with her debut album Tell Somebody in 1988, Sass quickly became one of the most respected voices in blues and rock, earning multiple Junos.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Lighthouse
July 11th @ 8:00pm
Their unique blend of rock, jazz and classical influences made them one of the most dynamic concert acts of their time. Between 1970 and 1974 they were awarded 4 Junos, 9 gold records and 3 platinum.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Tyler Joe Miller
July 15th @ 8:00pm
Gold-certified debut single, “Pillow Talkin’,” in 2019, earning him a #1 spot at Canadian country radio.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Julian Taylor
July 18th @ 8:00pm
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Dwayne Gretzky
July 29th @ 8:00pm
High-energy set of classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Garth Brooks/Shania Twain (Tribute)
August 1st @ 8:00pm
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Crash Test Dummies
August 5th @ 8:00pm
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Trans-Canada Highwaymen
August 12th @ 8:00pm
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Peterborough Folk Festival
August 13-16
More than 15,000 people come together to enjoy our region’s second largest cultural event.
Nicholls Oval Park in Peterborough www.peterboroughfolkfest.com

Crystal Faith – The Best of Styx/Bon Jovi
August 15th @ 8:00pm
Del Crary Park 100 George Street N, Peterborough

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
September 26 & 27
From painting and sculpture to ceramics, textiles, photography, and more, KAST offers a rare opportunity to experience art in the place where it is created.
www.kast.agp.on.ca

Hometown Heroes National Tour
Dean Brody & The ReKlaws
November 21
Peterborough Memorial Centre
151 Lansdowne St., Peterborough, Canada

 

#Peterboroughmusicfest
#TheChocolateRabbit
#ptbomuseumarchives
#ptbotoday
#HutchisonHouseMuseum
#NeilJohnstonHeating

Photo credit Justen Soule