When it comes to exciting things to do in this province, our communities and their festivals really stand out. That’s why we wanted to put together this resource to help you experience the best of festivals and events in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, no matter the time of year.
Part of what we love about Peterborough & the Kawarthas is that there’s always something going on. Whenever we visit, it seems like it coincides with a festival or event that we’re more than happy to hop on board with, largely because their events do a brilliant job of both highlighting and supporting the local community.
We are big fans of festivals here at Ultimate Ontario, so if you’re on the hunt for more exciting festivals then be sure to check out our articles about the best music festivals in Ontario, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), or Hamilton’s Barton Village Festival, to name a few.
In theory, we all want to leave our cozy homes and venture out and explore this province, but we don’t always have that one reason in our back pocket to justify packing up the car and heading off. Well, festivals and events provide that reason, as many events are seasonal in nature, so you’ve got to act on those offerings, or those experiences will pass you by.
More than anything, festivals and events promote community and empathy for the small business owners who work day in and day out to provide for a city and region at large. You may not have been to a restaurant before, but something like the PTBO Hot Chocolate Fest can give you that reason to open up a new door, even just to see their take on a winter classic. Then, if you like the vibe, you can grab a bite as well.
It’s not easy to plan and execute festivals like Peterborough & the Kawarthas does with such remarkable regularity, so today, we’re going to break down what’s typically on offer each season for you to take part in and enjoy.
We’ll be covering some of the larger festivals and events, but do note that it’s worth consulting their up-to-date events guide before visiting to see if there’s something on while you’re there!
Winter Festivals in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Our bodies and minds pretend they want to go into hibernation mode, but do they really? Nope, they want to be out and about, connecting with new people, sounds, tastes and flavours. What should you have on your radar for winter in Peterborough?
Snofest Peterborough
Typically occurring in mid to late February around the Family Day Weekend, Snofest is all about encouraging families to embrace the outdoors, even (and especially) in the heart of winter.
There are sports drop-ins, snowsuit story times, crafts to be made, and a pancake breakfast. There has even been a public skating event with a DJ, face painters, and free hot chocolate at Quaker Foods City Square.
PTBO Hot Chocolate Fest
We were in town just recently to take part in the wonder that is this festival. Basically, it’s a fantastic excuse to explore Downtown Peterborough through its sweet offerings. 19 different venues took part, putting their own spin on the hot chocolate as we know it, and the creativity was palpable.
We also loved to see that participants were rewarded. If you collected 3 stamps on the app, you were automatically entered into a weekly draw for a $25 Boro gift card.
This event ran all February long, and we can see this being a staple for future winter fun in Peterborough & the Kawarthas!
PolarFest
PolarFest is run by Selwyn Township, typically taking place in early February. They have a variety of winter fun on offer each year, ranging from their snowman building challenge to polar paddles, and charity hockey games to ice carving activities.
The crown jewel of the festival in our humble opinion? The BEL Rotary Club Polar Plunge, which takes place on the Sunday to wrap up the festival. As they note, it’s all about “Freezin’ for a Reason.”
Brrr-O-Licious
How about rounding out winter the right way?
In early March every year, you can book your table at participating restaurants (many of them are on our Can’t Miss Restaurants in Peterborough list), and take part in a culinary escape. Many of the restaurants on the list put together three-course prix fixe menus starting at just $35.
To take advantage of this, we personally visited The El (P) during Brr-O-Licious, and have rave reviews about what they have on offer. Their menu was $50 per person, but was absolutely exceptional. Here’s what they had for us to choose from:
For our first course, we could choose from:
- Thai Green Curry Shrimp: Shrimp poached in their coconut green curry sauce, sliced red onions and pickled red peppers, topped with bean sprouts toasted coconut and cilantro.
- Caprese Flatbread: Garlic oil base, mozzarella, blistered cherry tomatoes and finished with fior de latte balsamic drizzle spinach arugula pesto and basil
- Brussels Sprouts: Fried Brussels sprouts drizzled with bacon chive aioli, house pickled onion, parmesan and crispy jalapeños.
For the second course, the choices were:
- Seared salmon served atop basmati rice, sun-dried tomato, and grilled zucchini, which is finished with an herb and olive tapenade – balsamic drizzle.
- Leek Pesto Pappardelle: Leek pesto & Truffle pappardelle with shallots and cremini mushrooms.
- Beef Udon Bowl: Marinated AAA Beef sautéed with onions, red peppers, carrots, and broccoli tossed in a sweet and spicy sesame sauce, chopped peanuts and cilantro.
And to round it all out for the third course? Chef’s Cheesecake!
We tried the entire menu (lucky us!), and loved it. Again, this is a festival where you’re using it as an excuse to try a place you may not have yet. I hadn’t been to the El (P), but now this visit convinced me it’s a place we’d happily return to during our next visit.
Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (Indoor)
A farmers’ market in winter? Why yes, indeed. They do have an Outdoor Summer Market (which we’ll cover below), but this is the Indoor Market at Peterborough Square, typically running from early November until late April.
Usually, they are open on Wednesdays from 10am – 1pm, and the bigger day for visitors is on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Think primary producing food vendors, bakers, artists and community groups.
ReFrame Peterborough International Film Festival
The ReFrame Film Festival is a community celebration of documentary film and media art, with a focus on social and environmental justice. The festival aims to build socially active, engaged community audiences through the curated presentation of documentary film and media art.
They recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, which is no small feat. They have now blended some in-person programming (typically 4 days), with a full week of on-demand viewing from home after, which is a neat little idea.
The festival typically takes place in late January or early February.
Festival of the Trees & Holiday Market
When it’s late November, the Buckhorn Community Centre is transformed into “the North Pole” for the annual Festival of Trees! Basically, community members and businesses sponsor and decorate trees to be won by visitors. This past year, they had over 44 items to be won when counting all the trees and holiday decor.
They also had tea on offer, so you could enjoy a savoury treat plate and have some tip to sip on as well. Talk about appreciating the holiday season.
Spring Festivals in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Hiawatha First Nation Annual Traditional Powwow
Held annually at Serpent Mounds Park in Keene, Ontario, this powwow typically takes place in the spring months, around the long weekend in May. It attracts visitors from near and far to experience the rich traditions of the Hiawatha First Nation.
The powwow is open to everyone and offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional drumming and dance exhibitions. Visitors can also shop and dine at the local craft and food vendors on site.
Kawartha Craft Beer Festival
This festival typically takes place over two days (typically in late May to early June) in Del Crary Park. There’s music, food, a marketplace, and, of course, plenty of cold beer. This year’s event is sponsored by Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, but they’re far from the only brewery you’ll find there.
Expect to see and taste beers from:
- 100 Acre Brewing Co.
- Bancroft Brewing Co.
- Boshkung Brewing Co.
- Dusk to Dawn Brewing Co.
- Town Brewery
- Bobcaygeon Brewing Company
As the festival itself notes, “Take the time to visit each brewery to experience a range of flavours and taste the difference of true Craft Beer.”
The Peterborough Home, Garden & Cottage Show
This show has been going strong for almost 45 years now, which is no small feat. This isn’t as much a “festival” as a showcase or marketplace, but we figured some readers may want to have this on their radar. Nowadays, it takes place at The Healthy Planet Arena, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
It features home, garden, cottage and outdoor products galore.
The last weekend of March or the first weekend of April is typically the time for this event (this year being April 6th and 7th). It’s Peterborough’s original (and still the largest) home show. Over 150 vendors are expected to attend!
Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the beginning of May to the end of October each year. It’s an amazing place to come for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local flavours in the heart of the city at Quaker Foods Park.
It’s also worth noting that they’re a verified Farmers’ Market, so you know that you’re buying directly from the farmers who grew, raised or foraged their goods. When you visit, there’s also a good chance you’ll hear some live music and possibly see some artisans at work in their stalls crafting their goods.
Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival
When it’s early June, that means it’s Dragon Boat Festival time in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. What makes this event so special is that it’s a huge fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation. They’ve raised over 4 million dollars so far!
Support your friends, family, and neighbours, take part in the touching breast cancer flower ceremony, explore shopping opportunities, play games, or relax at the Thirsty Dragon beer garden.
The Millbrook Fair
This festival has almost 175 years under its belt (with some reports that it actually started as early as the 1830s). It takes place in early June, so mark your calendars.
The Agricultural Society of Millbrook brings together people of all ages from rural and urban communities for this annual weekend of fun in a charming small town.
Summer Festivals in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
In summer, this region becomes a veritable playground for Ontario festival lovers. What should you have on your radar for this upcoming season?
Peterborough Musicfest
Welcome to Canada’s longest running free concert series! With almost 40 seasons to their name, Peterborough Musicfest takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the end of June until the middle of August.
They attract some big names, like Canadian stars such as Metric this season, and past performances from the likes of City & Colour, Crash Test Dummies, Carly Rae Jepsen, Big Wreck, Tegan and Sara, Our Lady Peace, Tom Cochrane, The Reklaws, Kiefer Sutherland, Walk Off the Earth, Tyler Shaw, Randy Bachman, Chad Brownlee, and many more.
At the end of the rapids, on the shores of Little Lake, it all happens for eight-weeks, and you do not want to miss it. You can’t beat the price of admission for your free ticket to amazing live music here.
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest
The best barbecue in Peterborough, all located in and around the area of Millennium Park!
It takes place in early July, and features plenty of free entertainment to go along with free admission. As you might imagine, there’s a charity component to this as well, as it’s sponsored by the Rotary Club. It’s all about a weekend of entertainment, delicious food, and all with family fun at the forefront.
Lakefield Literary Festival
Count down the days until July, my friends! The Lakefield Literary Festival is an annual event that celebrates the wonders of (and talent in) Canadian literature. For nearly 30 years, it has provided a platform for Canadian writers and readers to connect and share ideas (something you know we appreciate here at Ultimate Ontario).
One thing that’s neat about this festival is that you can get your fill of ideas and knowledge, and then ruminate about all that information in the surrounding natural beauty of the region. You can spend time both in and outdoors!
If this is right up your alley, then consider also marking the Lakefield Jazz, Art, & Craft Festival on your events calendar, as it often takes place just weeks after the Lakefield Literary Festival in the summer.
Peterborough Folk Festival
The Peterborough Folk Festival is all about celebrating music, arts, and community in Peterborough in August each year. Taking place in Nicholls Oval Park, the festival offers folk music enthusiasts and newcomers a plethora of acts to see.
It has multiple stages and performances, and the musical lineup typically features folk, roots, and indie music from across Canada and beyond. The pillars of this treasured festival are its commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, and who can’t get behind that?
Lock & Paddle
Lock & Paddle is an exciting annual outdoor adventure taking place on the last Saturday of summer at the famous Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site.
This event provides visitors with a unique experience: you can ride the World’s Tallest Hydraulic Lift Lock in your kayak or canoe on the Trent-Severn Waterway! Participants are encouraged to decorate their boat or wear a costume, and can rent from a local outfitter if they don’t have their own equipment. This is great way to get outside and have fun.
Make sure you plan in advance for this popular event, and check the information provided by the event organizers at Parks Canada.
Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival
The Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is the world’s first and only Indigenous Fringe Festival, taking place in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong in late June of each year. Before the city became known as Peterborough, it was called Nogojiwanong, which is Ojibwa for “place at the end of rapids.”
This festival is a celebration of Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling. It showcases a diverse range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and visual arts, all created and presented by Indigenous artists in whichever way they choose.
All are welcome to attend this important festival in town, which provides a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard and celebrated.
Autumn Festivals in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Whether it’s celebrating a fruitful harvest or the strength of community spirit, the fall festival and events circuit in Peterborough is well worth checking out as the temperatures shift for the cooler.
Peterborough Vegfest
The Peterborough VegFest is an annual celebration of the vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, taking place in September. VegFest promotes plant-based living through a variety of activities, including food vendors, cooking demonstrations, guest speakers, and educational workshops.
Visitors can explore a wide range of plant-based products, from delicious vegan cuisine to cruelty-free clothing and beauty products. This festival really helps to highlight just how many vegan and vegetarian community members and business owners are in Peterborough!
The Keene Pumpkin Festival
The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a well-known and loved annual festival celebrating the spirit of fall and community in the small hamlet of Keene, Ontario. It takes place in October every year, and it’s known for its stunning displays of carved pumpkins and pumpkin-themed competitions. Visitors can also expect there to be live music, delicious food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
In addition to admiring the pumpkin displays, visitors can also purchase their own pumpkins, enjoy the local car show, kids can get their faces painted, and more!
Peterborough/Nogojiwanong Pride
Peterborough/Nogojiwanong Pride takes place in late September every year, and it’s an annual festival celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community of this city.
In the span of this 10-day festival, there are a range of events and celebrations that the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are welcome to attend. Such events include a flag raising ceremony, community bike rides, markets, community paddles, workshops, discussions and more. Events are held throughout the day, from morning to night, and offer something for everyone.
PTBO/NOGO offers an inclusive and affirming space for all to come together and celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance, and is well worth checking out while you’re in Peterborough.
That’s a Wrap on Festivals in Peterborough
We know this isn’t an exhaustive list of every festival and event in and around Peterborough & the Kawarthas, but we tried to include a solid variety in this list to showcase just how much Peterborough has going on.
No matter the time of year you plan on visiting Peterborough, it’s a guarantee that something exciting will be taking place, which is well worth experiencing for yourself.
We’ll be sure to keep this post updated with more new and exciting festivals over the years to come. In the meantime, we hope this list helps you get out and celebrate with the bustling city of Peterborough and its community members.
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Christopher Mitchell is the Cofounder of Ultimate Ontario. He’s visited over 80 countries, and has lived on 4 continents, but now has his eyes set squarely on exploring this incredible province, and helping others do the same.