Downtown Holiday Night Market Hits Peterborough Dec. 6

Get into the holiday spirit, as the third annual Downtown Holiday Night Market will hit Peterborough on Dec. 6.

Photo courtesy of The Neighbourhood Vintage.

The market will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Bankers Commons Courtyard of the Commerce Building at Water and Hunter Streets downtown. The courtyard will turn into a marketplace filled with twinkling lights, over 25 vendorslive music.

Hosted by The Neighbourhood Vintage and First Friday Ptbo, the free, family-friendly event has local vendors, makers, musicians and food and drink purveyors.

“We are so excited to bring this collaborative market back to the community this December,” said Jacquelyn Craft market organizer and Neighbourhood Vintage. “Peterborough is lucky to have so many talented local creatives, and this market is an opportunity to get together with friends and family, get into the holiday spirit and support local all in one.”

“The winter months can be a quiet time of year for the First Friday Ptbo art crawls, with the colder weather and other holiday obligations pulling folks away from art-centred evenings. It's been so excellent to see these markets come to life over the years and bring our community together to celebrate local art and music,” said Emma Scott, local graphic designer and First Friday volunteer committee member. “We are so lucky to live in a city where small businesses, restaurants, and volunteers collaborate wholeheartedly with the arts community for events like this. When we help each other, we all thrive.”

Highlights of the Downtown Holiday Night Market include:

• Local Makers & Vendors: Discover handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind crafts, and artisanal goods from over 25 local creators. From jewelry and clothing to home decor and artwork, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

• Live Music: Enjoy the sounds of talented local musicians performing throughout the evening. Featuring local performers Kayla Mahomed, VanCamp, and Brad Renaud. From holiday classics to upbeat tunes, their performances will add to the festive atmosphere and provide a soundtrack to your shopping and dining experience.

• Delicious Food & Drinks: Savor seasonal flavors from local restaurants St. Veronus, Love You, Mean It, La Hacienda, and Vanilla Room. Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine or cider, gourmet street food, or sweet treats, there’s something to warm everyone up on a chilly night.

• Family-Friendly & Accessible: We are committed to making the Downtown Holiday Night Market an inclusive and accessible event for the entire community. Bring the whole family out to enjoy this special holiday market.

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Lang Pioneer Village Hosting Annual Christmas Bazaar Nov. 16

Get ahead on holiday shopping as Lang Pioneer Village is hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar taking place on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of HEather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village.

This market is being held indoors and outdoors at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. Various local vendors will sell hand-crafted gifts.

Several handmade items will be available for purchase at the bazaar. The kitchen will also sell food and drink such as soup, hot dogs and refreshments.

A photo booth and raffles are other available amenities at the event.

Admission is by donation on a pay-what-you-want basis.

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Lang Pioneer Village Museum Bringing Halloween of the Past to Life With 'Spooky All Hallows' Eve'

Lang Pioneer Village is inviting everyone to an evening of fun and games with origins of some favourite Halloween traditions at the Spooky All Hallows’ Eve On Oct. 25 and 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village.

The night features a 19th-century All Hallows’ Eve celebration with a modern twist.

Events and amenities include a wagon/tractor ride, history of confines, party games, graveyard stroll, a witch’s lair, Pirate Hall with a treasure hunt, potions/poison class, shopping, magic show, fortune telling and more.

Listen to the Michi Saagiig people’s tale of the Wendigo. Learn about paranormal investigations undertaken at Lang Pioneer Village Museum by ghost hunters, the Paranormal Seekers and see some of the specialized equipment they use to make their discoveries. Warm up by the fire and witness the magic of the Samhain Celtic fire festival.

Take a break by the Cider Barn for some delicious hot chocolate and monster cookies or visit the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (PCAHB) for a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich (additional fee applies). You can also purchase candy and sweet treats in the General Store as you learn about the origins of trick-or-treating.

Remember to come disguised to blend in with the spirits and ghosts lurking in the Village or have your face painted in the PCAHB Great Hall by Faces by 2. At the end of the evening, children will receive treat bags to enjoy on their way home.

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Peterborough Museum & Archives Marking 57th Anniversary With 'Beyond the Galleries ' Tour

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) will mark the anniversary of its opening 57 years ago on Oct. 27 with Beyond the Galleries tours.   

File Photo.

Visitors will look in-depth at rarely-seen items in the PMA’s extensive collection. The tours, guided by the knowledgeable PMA Curatorial Team, promise an intimate experience with a collection that reflects the Peterborough community's heritage, art and culture. 

Tours start at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person (plus HST) and available for purchase online in person at the PMA or by phone at 705-743-5180.

Each tour will last 45 minutes and can accommodate up to 20 participants.  

In addition to Beyond the Galleries, the Holodomor Mobile Classroom will be on-site on Oct. 27, offering visitors even more opportunities to explore and engage.

The Holodomor National Awareness Tour (HNAT) is a project of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization. According to the foundation, the mandate of the project is to build bridges among communities to promote inter-culture understanding, awareness and respect for the democratic values that Canadians hold dear. This includes the importance of human rights, the rule of law and human dignity, told through the lens of the Holodomor Famine-Genocide in Ukraine of 1932-1933.

Visits to the Holodomor Mobile Classroom are free of charge.

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2024 Norwood Fair Sees Record-Breaking Numbers

The 2024 Norwood Fall Fair saw record-breaking one-day attendance on Saturday when 23,718 people came through the gates to enjoy the various attractions, shows and entertainment, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Norwood Fair.

Overall, the fair saw its three-day attendance hit 45,524 according to press release.

This year’s theme was ‘Country Roads Take Me Home.’ It celebrated the fair’s agricultural roots with all roads leading home to make memories with family and friends over Thanksgiving.

“The fair was a tremendous success,” said Paul Quinlan, Norwood Fair General Manager. “We want to thank our fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors and volunteers.”

The event featured the popular heavy and light horse shows, poultry show, steer show and sale, sheepdog demonstrations, 4-H Beef, Goat and Dairy Calf and Junior Shows, antique tractor display and show, lawnmower races, musical entertainment, vendors, school fair and home crafts, Antique Classic Car Show and midway. It also featured the new Junior Fair Ambassador Competition.

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Right to Heal Launches Fundraiser ‘Friendsgiving’ At 100 Acre Brewing Co. On Oct. 20

Right to Heal is hosting a free fundraising event ‘Friendsgiving’ held at 100 Acre Brewing Co. from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20th.

Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal (left) and Tim Farquharson, Port Hope Police Chief (right) before a mural with Indigenous roots painted by Brogan O'Rouke, the former's cousin. Shaughnessy-Rowe's former business, The Whistle Stop Café, would often feed those who could not afford meals daily. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is in collaboration with the brewery and Dream Team concerts. Live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and a corn hole tournament are the attractions slated for the fundraiser.

Acts include SJ Riley, Joslynn Burford, Mike Kidd and Brad Renaud for live music performances.

There is no goal but every dollar counts according to Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal.

“The universe is the limit on this one so the more the merrier and any amount, we're grateful for,” she said. “We're about to launch sponsorships so the community can sponsor what we're doing monthly instead of just once in a while, donating money.”

Right to Heal receives limited funding. The provincial government provides $275,000 annually, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

“It's creating community, it's creating connection and something that we all need and something that some of our clients struggle with is connection with others,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “They're so disconnected, and they're so lost that these events connect them with the community and make them feel human again.”

All other expenses are not funded so the organization has to be creative in obtaining funds to keep afloat.

Shaughnessy-Rowe also receives help from the Rotary Club of Peterborough, her self-run moon circle events and money from Whitepath Consulting; her mother’s for-profit business that trains frontline workers for Indigenous communities.

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Peterborough Police Urge Head of the Trent Attendees to Celebrate Safely; Heightened Police Presence During Weekend Festivities

With Head of the Trent homecoming running this weekend from Friday until Sunday, first responders are urging the community to celebrate safely during Trent University’s festivities.

Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant (left) and Julie Davis Trent Vice-President, External Relations & Development (right) addressing the media of having a safe homecoming during the weekend’s festiviites. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first responders include the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Emergency Management, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough City-County Paramedics, Trent University, and the City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police have developed a coordinated response to help navigate the weekend over the coming months. As a result, a heightened police presence will be present throughout the city and additional police officers will be hired to patrol the campus.

“During large events, we often see an influx of 911 calls,” explained Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant. If you are seeing things in the community that pose a risk or a danger, we're asking people to call in so that we're aware of it and can respond appropriately. Ultimately with people's safety and well-being our primary concern.”

He continues to state that during these events, Police typically receive calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, damage to property and impaired driving.

While the Police say they have an all-hands-on-deck situation for the weekend, it will not affect any day-to-day calls that are not affiliated with the homecoming weekend.

Police are asking the community to be safe while celebrating, ensure everyone gets home safely and be good neighbors and community members. 

“We know that this is a time of celebration and we would like to see a positive and safe experience for all,” said Ressor.

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'Halloween in the Booro' Hits Downtown Peterborough Streets On Oct. 26

The streets of downtown Peterborough will come alive again with frightful fun and sweet surprises on Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the ‘Halloween in the Booro’ celebration.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Almost 30 local businesses will participate in this family-friendly free event, which will offer downtown trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt for kids and late-night shopping. 

According to a press release, the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) organizes the event, which is designed to bring the community together and spotlight the local businesses that make downtown Peterborough a special and unique destination.

Participating shops across Charlotte, George, Hunter, Sherbrooke, and Water Streets will be decked out in Halloween spirit, handing out sweet treats and offering exclusive experiences. The trick-or-treating tour will culminate with a spooky and sweet surprise for those who complete the scavenger hunt.

“Our Halloween in the Booro event is not only great for families but also plays a vital role in supporting our local business community,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It encourages residents to get out and explore our downtown, discover something new, and further strengthens the connection with our downtown businesses.”

“This event is always a highlight for us. It’s amazing to see families out enjoying and exploring our downtown. The energy it brings is contagious,” said Lisa Couture, Couture Candy Peterborough owner. “We’re so excited to welcome everyone back this year and to be part of such a fun and engaging community event. It’s a great way to connect with our customers and celebrate the spirit of downtown Peterborough.” 

Families can view a trick-or-treating map to plan their adventure for the event. On the night of the event, they’ll be greeted by haunted characters stationed throughout downtown, adding to the eerie atmosphere. With many businesses participating, there will be plenty of treats and surprises in store.

Participating Businesses:

• Charlotte Street: T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles, Cozy Home, Bobo Tea, The Toy Shop, Gather Home Goods, Lavender Moon

• George Street: Iceman Video Games, Couture Candy PTBO, Chumleighs, Boardwalk Board Game Lounge, Kollect This Inc., Green Street, Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, Lift Lock Escape, John Roberts Clothiers

• Hunter Street: NAKA Japanese, Plant Goals, The Dirty Burger

• Sherbrooke Street: Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, Avant Garden Shop, The Vine

• Water Street: The Neighbourhood Vintage, Needles in the Hay, Statement House, Birdhouse Tattoo, Watson & Lou, Vanilla Room

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Contemporary Dance Company "Le Patin Libre" to Perform at Peterborough Memorial Centre

Public Energy Performing Arts is bringing the internationally-renowned contemporary dance company Le Patin Libre and their performance ‘Murmuration’ to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Public energy performing arts supplied photo

Le Patin Libre of Montreal has assembled a company of 15 virtuoso skaters from 7 countries to perform the original dance on ice, ‘Murmuration’, based on the aerial ballets of swarms of birds.

According to a media release, the dancers move at high speeds around the rink, nearly careening into each other, coming together as one, instantly changing directions and splitting up into separate flocks.

Tickets for the event are available from the Peterborough Memorial Centre Box Office.

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Events and Programs to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

city of peterborough photo

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity to reflect on our histories, learn about the injustices committed against Indigenous communities and dedicate ourselves to contribute toward reconciliation,” stated mayor Jeff Leal. “As a community, we need to take meaningful action to fulfil our collective commitment to reconciliation. I encourage everyone to take part in the activities organized by groups across our community.”

The Every Child Matters flag will be flown at City Hall for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Programs and Activities:

Peterborough Public Library

Adults and Teens

• Sept. 24: Adult Book Club - Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

• Sept. 27: Quilling with Sandra D. Moore

• Oct. 10: Just Get Over It: Exploring Stereotypes, Biases and Racism Between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers

• Oct. 17 - 22: Secret Path Film Viewings

Children

• Sept. 27: PA Day: Rabbit & Bear Paws - The Way with Chad Solomon

• Oct. 17: Indigenous Bilingual Story Time

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives is offering an Every Child Matters and reading centre and children’s activity during the month of September.

It’s also providing Every Child Matters stickers, buttons and bookmarks to encourage participation and learning through its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The exhibition “Watershed” is on display until Oct. 6.

It features work by Mary Anne Barkhouse, John Boyle, Brad Copping, Liz Magor, Stan Olthuis, Amanda Strong and Olivia Whetung.

Other Activities

Canadian Canoe Museum - Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: reading, Q&A and book signing of “North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” with Marie Wilson, the 2024 Jack Matthews Fellow.

GreenUP and Kawartha Land Trust - Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Saving Native Seeds is a two-part workshop series.

Learn how to collect and save seed from a variety of native trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses and sedges.

Part I is at Ecology Park and Part II is a field trip to the Dance Nature Sanctuary.

Artspace - Sept. 27 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.: launch and celebration of the Maker Space Mural, Niimikaage: she/he dances for a purpose, by Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin)

Curve Lake First Nation - Sept. 28 (all day): 5th annual Mnoominkewin Gathering at Lime Kiln Park.

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