Featured Events in Peterborough in August 2025 (July Updated)

Join a day trip to Young’s Point during their outdoor commemoration of ‘200 Years on the Water’. The bus will arrive for the Nine Canoe Flotilla from the landing spot of Francis Young to Lock 27, followed by opening ceremonies. Celebrate Irish Heritage with musicians & dancers, recognize the support and friendship of the First Nation Community from the earliest arrival of Francis Young. At your leisure, enjoy exhibits on traditional hunting, trapping, etc. and take a self-guided walk of historical sites. On route to Young's Point, the bus will first make the scenic drive along River Road to Lakefield where you’ll enjoy a foray into the region’s literary roots at Christ Church Community Museum. Good to Know: This bus trip requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from Holiday Inn and a light box lunch from local business, The Cheesy Fromage. The event in Young’s Point is an outdoor event hosted by the community group of Young’s Point: 200 Years on the Water, that requires some walking to different activities. Recommended to bring a foldable lawn chair (as seating options will be limited) and your own water in a non-disposable vessel. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club presents this historic boat tour, in celebration of its 50th anniversary and also in tandem with commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson Irish emigrants to the region. With commentary by historian Don Willcock, imagine the journey settlers took as they paddled scows (shallow flat bottomed boats) up the Otonabee River. The final stretch of their grueling and months-long journey from home communities in Ireland in 1825, to what is now known as Peterborough. While aboard this modern vessel, enjoy scenic views and live entertainment in comfort.   Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. A cash bar and snacks available on board for purchase.  Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Spend the day visiting with the keepers of museums and heritage sites in Peterborough City and County, in connection with the Peter Robinson immigration. At Peterborough Museum & Archives , view original passenger lists for the nine ships, along with some of Peter Robinson’s emigration documents. At Lang Pioneer Village , enjoy the open air museum offering a glimpse of life in the region during the 19th Century. Take time at the exhibit, “Aabnaabin: Looking Back to Where We Come From”, shining a light on ‘the major impacts that settlement had on the local indigenous population’. Other stops include the village of Keene and Hope Mill on the scenic Indian River. Good to Know: This bus tour requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from Holiday Inn, entrances to museums and a light lunch. Please Note : you can visit these locations independently during your stay. Please visit their websites directly or refer to the Multi-Day & All-Week Activities listed at www.nineships1825.com for more details. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club presents the Grand Irish Gathering, celebrating its 50th anniversary in tandem with commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson Irish emigrants to the region. Come for an evening of socializing and sumptuous appetizers within Peterborough’s iconic Canadian Canoe Museum, overlooking Little Lake. An opening Honour Song will be performed by the Indigenous Women’s Hand Drumming and Singing Quartet, “Naandewegaan - Healing With Drums”. Other musical highlights include harpist Anne Norman, traditional Irish dancers from the Kelly School of Irish Dance and modern celtic band, ‘Hunt the Hare’. During the event, enjoy after hours access to the museum exhibits. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include appetizers and museum entrance for self-guided tours. A cash bar is available. This is a stand-up event with limited seating available. Attire recommendation is ‘smart casual’. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Welcome to the All Request Benefit Dance ! Join us for a night of music, dancing, fun and FUNdraising. All money goes directly to Our Daughter's Home which is providing immediate, permanent, safe, supportive housing in Peterborough for adult women who have developmental disabilities. These women will be provided a home where they will live with dignity, be actively engaged in the community, have a high quality of life, and develop life skills in an enriching environment. I Think we can all dance to that! Where? Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront, an IHG Hotel . Get ready to hit the dance floor and groove to your favorite tunes all night long. Petrock Radio will be braodcasting live to the world all night while taking your requests. But wait-There's more! There will also be an appearance from a MYSTERY BAND with one goal...To make you dance! Information Source: Our Daughter's Home | eventbrite

Join a bus trip to enjoy the activities happening in Downeyville at their annual ‘Homecoming & Jamboree’. This is the settlement area where the largest group of Peter Robinson Settlers made their home. Highlights include their beloved jamboree with music under a canopy tent, outdoor BBQ with food and drinks for purchase, local vendors and artisans and a wonderful historical display of Downeyville and the Peter Robinson immigration to the area inside the hall. The bus trip will first include a visit to Kawartha Settler’s Village in Bobcaygeon and Downeyville’s Pioneer Cemetery.   Good to Know: This bus trip requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from Holiday Inn and entrance to Kawartha Settler's Village. No entrance fee required for Downeyville Homecoming & Jamboree. A BBQ dinner option is available on site but NOT included.  Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Best Case Ontario 2 Tour Date: Aug 3rd 2025 Location: The Venue Get ready for the Best Case Ontario 2 Tour ! headlinging this event is the one and only Canadian artist from death row records MERKULES, joining him is another Canadian artist Icarus and Harley G. Join us for an unforgettable in-person event at The Venue . This tour promises to be bigger and better than ever, with amazing performances, special guests, and a night full of surprises. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this epic experience. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! Information Source: Harley G | eventbrite

Come join us for a special outdoor film screening at the Westraven Community Garden ! Grab your blankets and snacks for a cozy night watching this fantastic film. See you there. BBFC Rating: U Adults: £3 Children £2 About The Wild Robot (2024) The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. About Westraven Community Garden https://www.westraven.co.uk/about About Gateway Film Festival https://www.gatewayfilmfestival.co.uk Funded by BFI FAN and National Lottery. Information Source: Gateway Film Festival | eventbrite

Peterborough’s First Cemetery was set aside in 1825 and in use until 1854. It was located in what is now Confederation Park, the Armouries and the former Peterborough Collegiate. This tour highlights the history of the cemetery, and its subsequent histories as fallow ground, a militia drill hall, the local fair, the current buildings and the extraordinary War Memorial and other monuments. Tour will be led by Elwood Jones and Don Willcock of Trent Valley Archives. Hosted by Trent Valley Archives. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

In 1859, thirty-four years after the emigration, St. Peter’s Cemetery opened for burials and has served the Catholic community in Peterborough City and County ever since, becoming the final resting place of some of the Peter Robinson emigrants and their descendants. On this tour you’ll learn their names, their stories, and the overall impact their legacy has had on our region in the 200 years since their arrival. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. The cemetery is approx. a 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk from downtown Peterborough. It is NOT located at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Nearby parking is available at Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. (5 min. walk from Cemetery). Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Discover the compelling details of the 1825 British sponsored emigration scheme and what made it unique. Topics include; the social and economic conditions in Ireland, the opportunity for change, and the challenges the Irish faced during their arduous journey arriving to the backwoods communities they established in the Peterborough region. This talk will be co-hosted by Elwood Jones, historian and archivist at Trent Valley Archives and Dennis Carter-Edwards, former historian and cultural resource manager at Parks Canada. Following the talk, enjoy a fascinating musical presentation by musician Glen Caradus, “The Nogojiwanong By Song”, featuring local folk songs, including his ‘Crankie Theatre’. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Details: Enjoy an afternoon tea and tour in storied Hutchison House , one of Peterborough’s oldest stone buildings. Initially inhabited by the town’s first resident doctor; John Hutchison provided care for some of the Peter Robinson immigrants after their arrival. During the course of this bus tour you'll also partake in more intriguing visits. Kawartha Ancestral Research Association (KARA) is 'a genealogy and heritage site for family historians' researching in the region. While there, you'll have an opportunity to view KARA's photography exhibit, Descendants in Our Time, curated for visitors for this Bicentennial year. Trent Valley Archives (TVA) will also welcome the group. TVA is an organization advocating for the preservation and accessibility of historic archives of the region, housing more than 1000 cubic feet of ‘documents relating to the people, events and places connected with the Trent Valley.’ This intriguing afternoon will include a view of the magnificent Peterborough Lift Lock , a National Historic site and part of the Trent Severn Waterway. The Lift Lock represents engineering feats of the early 20th century, as well as the immense grit of those who took part in its construction, including grandchildren of the Peter Robinson Emigrants. Good to Know: This bus tour requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include transportation from Market Hall and return to Holiday Inn, entrance to museum and archives visit and a light afternoon tea-time fare. Please Note : you can visit these locations independently during your stay. Please visit their websites directly or refer to the Multi-Day & All-Week Activities listed at www.nineships1825.com for more details. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Explore the communities of Ennismore & Young’s Point, established by Peter Robinson Irish Emigrants and steeped to this day in regional heritage and folklore. Hosted by community members, you’ll visit key locations that provide both historic and present day contexts for those looking to reconnect with the land and people of their ancestral roots in the region. Good to Know: This bus tour requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from the Holiday Inn and lunch. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Explore the community of Downeyville, established by Peter Robinson Irish Emigrants and steeped to this day in regional heritage and folklore. Hosted by community members, you’ll visit key locations that provide both historic and present day contexts for those looking to reconnect with the land and people of their ancestral roots in the region. Good to Know: This bus tour requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from the Holiday Inn and a light lunch. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Ready to take the next step in your education journey? Connect with the Durham College (DC) student recruitment team in your community – drop in to get more information, apply for free and start your journey with DC! Join a vibrant community of students, gain hands-on learning from industry-connected faculty, and build a future you are proud of. The first 20 people to attend at each of the community visits and apply to a full-time DC program will have the $150 application fee waived! Our team will be in Peterborough on August 7th, and look forward to meeting you and helping you discover what’s possible! Information Source: Durham College (DC) | eventbrite

Experience a captivating evening of theatre with the World Premier of Wild Irish Geese , written by Megan Murphy. A portrayal with social and political perspectives of the impoverished Irish emigrants’ journey to settle in the region in 1825 and Peter Robinson, the face of the emigration scheme. This play, of epic historical proportions is set in the breath-taking backdrop of 4th Line Theatre’s open air stage. Good to Know: This event WITH transportation requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include theatre performance and return transportation from Holiday Inn. Light dinner options available on site but NOT included. Please Note : you can experience 4 th Line Theatre's production of Wild Irish Geese independently during other evenings of your stay. Purchase theatre tickets directly at: https://www.4thlinetheatre.on. ca/2025-summer-season Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Explore the communities of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Asphodel-Norwood and Douro, established by Peter Robinson Irish Emigrants and steeped to this day in regional heritage and folklore. Hosted by community members, you’ll visit key locations that provide both historic and present day contexts for those looking to reconnect with the land and people of their ancestral roots in the region.  Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from the Holiday Inn and a light lunch.  Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Trod on yet another compelling place along the Peter Robinson emigrants’ journey in 1825, following their Atlantic crossing. Experience first hand the grounds at Fort Henry and Point Frederick where the Irish migrants encamped for over a month in the blazing summer heat, waiting for the next leg of their journey to Cobourg and on to Peterborough. Exhibits and displays portray hardships faced by the Irish during their stay. Following this guided tour, enjoy a cruise - in modern-day comfort - through the spectacular Thousand Islands . Good to Know: This bus tour requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from Holiday Inn, admission to Fort Henry and Thousand Islands boat cruise. This is a full day experience with casual lunch and dinner options available for purchase (but NOT included). Please Note : you can visit Fort Henry or take Thousand Island Cruise independently during your stay. Please visit their websites directly or refer to the Multi-Day & All-Week Activities listed at www.nineships1825.com for more details. You can also contact Marlin Travel if you'd like assistance with arrangements in the Kingston area. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Locally based historians Elwood Jones and Don Willcock will lead a leisurely walk from Confederation Park along Water Street to Millennium Park. The focus is on what Peterborough (known to Peter Robinson as ‘the Depot’) looked like in 1825. The tour will end in the aptly named ‘Peter Robinson Room’ of Princess Gardens for light refreshments. This tour is hosted by Trent Valley Archives. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Ptbo Friends Presents: The Starlit Garden Ball Date: Friday, August 8, 2025 Time: 6:30–11:00 PM Location: Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter St W, Peterborough, ON K9H 2M1 We are ecstatic to invite you to our first ever big event — The Starlit Garden Ball — join us for what is sure to be a magical evening of fun with Friends. There will be music, dancing, art, light refreshments, and more! This special occasion also marks the exciting conclusion of our logo contest! We will be kicking off our celebration with the highly anticipated unveiling of our new Ptbo Friends logo and the winners of our contest! Dress Code: Come dressed in your best and/or your most creative to fit the theme! Formal Fancy dress (fantasy costumes/accessories) Note: Please avoid bringing any weapons, wearing body glitter, or large accessories that may bump into people and/or knock things over. What to Expect: Doors open at 6:30 PM Live acoustic music performance by Brett Wilson from local band, No Small Affair Contest winners announced & our brand-new logo unveiled Short remarks followed by a DJ dance party to carry us into the night! Music by Otonabeats with DJ Isla, Chattell Motherboard, and Purdon Opportunities for door prizes A silent auction to help support future Ptbo Friends initiatives! Throughout the night, enjoy: A photo booth to capture the moment A quiet chill room with board games and space to relax and connect Light refreshments and a cash bar An outdoor area (smoking permitted) Fully accessible venue with bathrooms on site You also have the option to pre-order a canvas bag, sticker(s), and a poster featuring the winning logo, available for pickup at the event. Questions? Reach us at friendsinpeterborough@gmail.com Let’s light up the night together — we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Information Source: Ptbo Friends | eventbrite

Join us for the Steve Ball Disco! Steve Ball Discos are back. Come and join us for food, bar, dancing and raffle. A disco for the disabled and neurodivergent community. Let's have some fun :) Please buy the ticket with the food choice you would like. Either sausage and chips, jacket potato or nothing. Carers £2 (carers that want food please book a food ticket for £6) ** Please note If you require support at our events then bring support with you. If you are attending independently a emergency contact needs to be given upon entry. You can also buy tickets with the link below https://inclusive-parties-cic.sumupstore.com/ Contact us on info.inclusiveparties@gmail.com for more information Information Source: Inclusive parties CIC | eventbrite

Known traditionally as Kinoomaage Waapkong , the Teaching Rocks is home to the largest concentration of pre-contact First Nations petroglyphs in Canada. Managed in partnership with Curve Lake First Nation and Ontario Parks, this significant site is recognized as a sacred and spiritual area for many First Nations. With over 1000 different carved images, ranging in age from 600 to 6000 years old, these petroglyphs speak to the rich cultural and spiritual life of the Anishinaabeg who carved them to provide teachings for our current and future generations. A guided tour of the Teaching Rocks will provide a glimpse into the spiritual lives of the Anishinaabeg through oral teachings surrounding traditional clan systems, responsibilities to one another and the land, the sacred connection between Anishinaabeg and the earth, and the spiritual and cultural history of Anishinaabeg of this area. Join us for an opportunity to experience this unique site and gain teachings that have been passed from one generation to the next for thousands of years. Good to Know: This event requires ticket purchase in advance and is subject to availability. Tickets include return transportation from Holiday Inn, guided tour and a light box lunch from local provider Cheesy Fromage that can be enjoyed on site after the tour. There will be approximately 30 minutes of easy walking on accessible and level trails. Please note : you can visit Kinoomaage Waapkong and Petroglyphs Provincial Park independently during your stay. Visit their website directly or refer to the Multi-Day & All-Week Activities listed at www.nineships1825.com for more details. Information Source: Nine Ships 1825 | eventbrite

Come join us for a special outdoor film screening at the Westraven Community Garden ! Grab your blankets and snacks for a cozy night watching this fantastic film. See you there. BBFC Rating: PG Adults: £3 Children £2 About A Minecraft Movie (2024) A group of misfits are pulled through a portal to a mysterious world and embark on a magical quest to help save the land from the grips of an evil ruler and her army in this animated adventure, based on the Minecraft video game. About Westraven Community Garden https://www.westraven.co.uk/about About Gateway Film Festival https://www.gatewayfilmfestival.co.uk Funded by BFI FAN and National Lottery. Information Source: Gateway Film Festival | eventbrite

Learn to make your own headdress from scratch. You will make a wire headdress similar to the ones in the pictures. Whether you are struggling to find the right hair accessories for your wedding or prom or even a festival or you want to make and sell unique handmade headdresses this course is for you. These beautiful headdresses are also perfect for those festivals and summer parties… or just to stand out and look amazing! These Circlets can be worn as tiaras or crowns and as chokers. Take a look at the pictures to see examples of the circlets made on this course. Techniques covered in this class include: How to measure your headdress to your size How to design your headdress or use free hand Creating wire headdress’s How to create loops and manipulate wire How to make a fastening How to add a drop stone gem or sculpture a gemstone within the headdress Hammering to work harden and add pattern How to add bead and crystal accents You use a selection of pearls, crystals, beads and a gemstone combined with wire to make your headdress. All materials are included in the cost of the class as well as drinks and biscuits! Extra beads and stones will be available on the day for purchase A great class for a fun day experimenting with a new jewellery skill or even a new business opportunity. This class is kept small so you receive all the one-to-one support you need throughout. Please park in the carpark at Sacred Heart School, Tollgate, Peterborough PE3 9XD , access is through the gate into the workshop! Look for the Sign next to the disabled parking spaces! See you there! Dee x Information Source: Dee-zyn Jewellery | eventbrite

Come join us for a special outdoor film screening at the Westraven Community Garden ! Grab your blankets and snacks for a cozy night watching this fantastic film. See you there. BBFC Rating: U Adults: £3 Children £2 About the film Narrated by Björk and presented by Merlin Sheldrake A British biologist seeks a rare blue mushroom in Tasmania's ancient Tarkine rainforest, revealing fungi's extraordinary abilities. Fungi may provide solutions to humanity's problems, with millions more species yet to be discovered. About Westraven Community Garden https://www.westraven.co.uk/about About Flourish https://www.flourishpeterborough.co.uk About Gateway Film Festival https://www.gatewayfilmfestival.co.uk Funded by BFI FAN and National Lottery. Information Source: Gateway Film Festival | eventbrite

Join local historian Karen Carter-Edwards in Little Lake Cemetery to meet some of the women who lived and worked in Peterborough during the 19th and 20th centuries and helped shape the city into the thriving community it is today. This tour features women of different backgrounds and walks of life, including pioneer Frances Stewart, senator Iva Campbell Doyle Fallis, philanthropist Charlotte Nicholls, artist Katherine Wallis and military nursing sister Agnes Campbell Neill. This is a walking tour in Little Lake Cemetery that covers a large portion of the cemetery grounds. It stays on the main roadways whenever possible, but covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404. The tour begins in front of the chapel in Little Lake Cemetery. Please come 5-10 minutes before the start of the tour with either a printout or screenshot of your ticket to show the tour guide. Information Source: Trent Valley Archives | eventbrite