Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Third-Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Friday Evening

Quaker Foods City Square is getting a little brighter as the community is invited to the third-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy ofthe Peterborough DBIA.

Put on by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the City of Peterborough, the event features family-friendly activities, festive entertainment and local vendors.

Attendees can browse goods from local makers, enjoy hot chocolate and BeaverTails pastries, and celebrate with live DJ entertainment throughout the evening.

“The tree lighting has become a cherished gathering point for our community to kick off the holiday season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There is something very special about gathering together downtown on a December evening to enjoy local treats and warm drinks, discover unique gifts from our businesses, take in the music and watch the tree light up downtown with your neighbours.”

Mayor Jeff Leal will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. The event will also feature the return of the illuminated ‘Peterborough’ sign.

“The tree lighting ceremony is a wonderful reminder of the warmth, connection and generosity that define our City,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I invite everyone to join us at Quaker Foods City Square as we come together to share in the holiday spirit, celebrate one another and welcome a season filled with light and hope.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

26th Anniversary of "In From The Cold" Benefit Concert Returns In Support of YES Shelter

The ‘In From The Cold’ benefit concert is celebrating its 26th anniversary with two performances at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 5 and 6 in support of the YES Shelter.

Photo courtesy of Yes Shelter.

The shows run on at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The performances gather local musicians to perform holiday music with a blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs.

This year's lineup features:

• Carried Away – an acoustic string and vocal band known for rich harmonies and creative arrangements of seasonal favourites.

• Convivio Chorus – a dynamic choral ensemble whose performances fill the hall with warmth and joy.

• The Claveer Cousins – bringing lively, heartfelt energy to the stage.

• Special guest Benj Rowland – nationally known, locally-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brings a haunting voice and an innate gift for melody to his unique brand of alt-folk music.

“I’m so pumped to have Benj join us this year,” says John Hoffman, In From the Cold co-founder. “His take on any song is always interesting and distinctive so he fits right in with our ongoing passion to present great, rootsy seasonal music you won’t hear at any other Christmas show. I know our audience is going to love what Benj brings to the table.”

The proceeds go to YES Shelter for Youth and Families, to help provide safe shelter, support and hope for youth and families experiencing homelessness in our community. 

In From The Cold tickets are available for purchase at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre or online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Century 21 United Realty's ASCEND 2025 Conference to Empower Real Estate Professionals

Century 21 United Realty is hosting its ‘ASCEND: The Century 21 United Realty Conference,’ to educate and equip real estate professionals at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Century 21 United Realty.

The conference features insights from leading industry experts, covering current real estate trends, financial planning and business strategies according to Century 21. Guest speakers include Virginia Munden, Ben Rabidoux, Kathleen Black, and Marc Lafleur. They will address today’s challenges and opportunities in real estate.

“This conference is a fantastic opportunity for real estate professionals to gain fresh perspectives and practical tools for success,” said Vanessa Oake Hogan of Century 21. “Attendees will walk away with actionable insights that they can apply directly to their businesses.”

Event Highlights Include:

• Expert-Led Panels and Keynotes – Engaging sessions designed to provide a deep understanding of market dynamics and growth strategies.

• Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow real estate professionals, industry leaders, and peers from across the region.

• Exclusive Venue – Experience the Canadian Canoe Museum, a cultural landmark celebrating Canada’s heritage and located in the heart of Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Toronto Blue Jays Watch Parties To Be Held at Quaker Foods City Square Starting Saturday

The City of Peterborough is cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays with a World Series watch party at the Quaker Foods City Square starting on Saturday and for the duration of the postseason.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Events on Saturday will take place rain or shine with a live stream of the game beginning at 8 p.m., following Halloween in the Booro festivities already planned throughout downtown Peterborough. The World Series Watch Party is being organized by the Peterborough DBIA, with the City of Peterborough providing financial support for the screen, sound and servicing to the Park. 

“Downtown Peterborough is at its best when people come together to celebrate and connect,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “We're thrilled to partner with the City of Peterborough to host these community watch parties for the Toronto Blue Jays as they advance to the World Series. This is a wonderful example of how downtown can serve as a place where people come together to share in special moments of excitement, pride and celebration.”

The public square on Charlotte Street will feature a mega screen live-streaming the game as the Toronto Blue Jays compete against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the World Series Championship. Snacks, vendors, and a ‘The Boro’ merchandise booth will be available. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. along the street and in the adjacent King Street Parkade.

“We’re looking forward to joining communities across Canada in cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays in a proudly Peterborough way – surrounded by community in downtown’s Quaker Foods City Square,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage community members and visitors to don their blue and white and mark this historic sports moment as we watch the Jays compete to become World Series Champions.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets and dress for the weather. All attendees are encouraged to wear their blue and white and/or or Blue Jays apparel while cheering for the team.

World Series Watch Parties are planned at the Quaker Foods City Square for Game 3 on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. Additional watch parties are scheduled for games five to seven, depending on the results of the first four games.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough DBIA's Halloween In the Booro Returns This Saturday

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts its annual Halloween in the Booro event, offering an evening of trick-or-treating and downtown fun on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The family-friendly free event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as over 45 local businesses in the Downtown and East City will hand out treats, have characters will roam George Street and a Family Friendly Zone. The zone includes a Halloween-themed photobooth and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

“Halloween in the Booro is one of our favourite events. It brings local families and merchants together for a safe, welcoming night of family-friendly fun that highlights everything we love about our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It makes our city feel like home and creates the kinds of memories that keep people returning to the downtown as a destination for their family to enjoy unique activities.” 

By drawing hundreds of families to the core, the event creates opportunities for residents to discover local businesses, increases evening foot traffic, and supports the small business community that is central to Peterborough’s economy according to Dylan Reinhart, Boardwalk Game Lounge co-owner.

“We’ve loved seeing how Halloween in the Booro has continued to grow each year, bringing more families downtown and shining a light on local businesses,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for many, and events like this are a great reminder of how vibrant and welcoming our downtown really is.”

Families can plan their route using the official trick-or-treat map which lists all participating businesses, accessible entrances, and family-friendly stops.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough's Tim Jeffries Brings His Dino Extravaganza Tour Home to St. James United Church On Oct. 25.

Entrepreneur Tim Jeffries is excited to bring his national tour back home to Peterborough as he brings his ‘The World of Dinosaurs’ tour to St. James United Church on Oct. 25.

In 2024, Jeffries held over 50 talks across Canada and this year he expanded his tour to include PEI and Newfoundland in his cross-Canada tour, with more expansion already booked for 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Jeffries will be bringing an extensive collection of real dinosaur bones with him, including T. rex teeth, Triceratops horns, Diplodocus vertebrae, Saurolophus Eggs and more.

The museum’s collection so far houses over 350 dinosaur bones and counting as he is in Alberta for fossil hunting.

“It is important to me to recognize the importance of my community and a great way to do that is to let them have the first look at the dinosaur fossils I find. But also, this lecture will have the most dinosaur bones on display that any other lecture so far,” said Jeffries. “It is important to me to help spark curiosity and inspire wonder and dinosaurs defiantly do that.”

The presentation will cover how dinosaurs ruled the planet, including facts about some of its most well-known species and how some of them survived the asteroid impact. A fully interactive museum presentation that informs, involves, and inspires all attendees.

Jeffries is a recent graduate of Community Future Peterborough’s Starter Company Plus program. He is grateful for what he has learned as he expands his business across Canada.

“This program and its team have been such a game changer for me,” he said. “I am so grateful for the guidance that I am receiving that is helping my company grow to something I couldn’t have even dreamed for myself.”

Tickets are $10 per Adult, $5 per Child or $20 for a Family.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

“Carnivorous Dinosaurs” Exhibit Roars Into the Peterborough Museum & Archives

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has announced its next upcoming major exhibit, ‘Carnivorous Dinosaurs,’ opening this Saturday.

File Photo.

The PMA will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend until Monday. The exhibit runs until March 22.

The event offers activities for all ages and admission is a suggested donation of $20 per group.

Developed by Research Casting International, visitors will come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome predators ever to walk the earth. Highlights include life-sized skeletons, dramatic skull displays, and engaging bilingual interpretive panels that explore the fascinating world of theropods, a group of meat-eating dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus, Albertosaurus and Deinonychus. 

“We’re excited to bring this high-calibre exhibit to our community,” says Susan Neale, PMA director. “Dinosaurs have universal appeal, and this exhibit not only captures the imagination but also shares cutting-edge paleontological science in a fun, family-friendly way.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

54th Head of the Trent Weekend Rowing Its Way For Oct. 3 to 5

A major university tradition is back as the 54th annual Head of the Trent (HOTT) Weekend takes place from Oct. 3 to 5, featuring world-class rowing, spirited varsity competition, alumni gatherings and family-friendly activities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Head of the Trent is a time-honoured tradition where generations of Trent pride and spirit converge,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “It brings together our alumni, students, and community along the river and across campus to celebrate what makes Trent University so special. It’s an experience unlike any other, and we invite everyone to be part of it.”

The Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Since its inception in 1971 with just 13 boats, the regatta has grown into one of the largest head races in North America, with over 800 boats and 1,400 athletes competing along the five-km course on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

This year, regatta spectators can enjoy premium riverside viewing from the revitalized Founders Walk along the Otonabee River and a licensed area inside and outside of the Ceilie Pub in Trent’s Champlain College. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also providing livestream coverage and commentary available throughout the weekend.

The event pays tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70, who is considered a ‘founding father’ of the rowing community in Peterborough. He led the charge to establish the inaugural Head of the Trent Regatta in 1971 and was a founder of the Trent Rowing Club and Peterborough Rowing Club. The Trent University Rowing Club will sell a commemorative mug featuring one of Leach’s quintessential quotes as part of their annual merchandise sales at Head of the Trent in support of Trent’s renowned rowing program.

With premium rowing, varsity games, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities, the Symons Campus has activities for everyone all weekend. Featured activities include:

• Rowing Recognition: Join the Trent Alumni Rowing Social on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring the christening of a new single rowing shell and a tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70.

• Alumni Gatherings: Visit the Alumni Welcome Tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the upper Bata Podium to activate your Trent Alumni Perks and enjoy giveaways, family games, and exclusive perks.

• Family Fun: Bring the kids to the expanded Kid’s Zone Children’s Area (Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Lady Eaton College lawn for play zones, giant games, Bluey & Bingo appearance with The Play Spot Peterborough and animal encounters with Zoo to You. This event is free to attend and brought to you by the Trent University Alumni Association.

• Food and Refreshment: Enjoy a range of cuisine in the food truck area in the parking lot near Bata Library, or enjoy eats with prime riverfront views at the Ceilie, the only licensed location on campus (no cover, and all ages are welcome).

• Varsity Competition: Cheer on the Trent Excalibur with a full schedule of varsity games throughout the weekend, including men’s and women’s rugby, volleyball and soccer. Don’t miss Saturday’s pep rally at 11 a.m., led by the Trent Pom Team, designed especially to get Trent fans fired up.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough DBIA's Halloween in the Booro Returns on Oct. 25

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts its annual Halloween in the Booro event on Oct. 25, offering an evening of trick-or-treating and downtown fun, as announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The family-friendly free event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as over 45 local businesses in the Downtown and East City will hand out treats, have characters will roam George Street and a Family Friendly Zone. The zone includes a Halloween-themed photobooth and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

“Halloween in the Booro is one of our favourite events. It brings local families and merchants together for a safe, welcoming night of family-friendly fun that highlights everything we love about our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It makes our city feel like home and creates the kinds of memories that keep people returning to the downtown as a destination for their family to enjoy unique activities.” 

By drawing hundreds of families to the core, the event creates opportunities for residents to discover local businesses, increases evening foot traffic, and supports the small business community that is central to Peterborough’s economy according to Dylan Reinhart, Boardwalk Game Lounge co-owner.

“We’ve loved seeing how Halloween in the Booro has continued to grow each year, bringing more families downtown and shining a light on local businesses,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for many, and events like this are a great reminder of how vibrant and welcoming our downtown really is.”

Families can plan their route using the official trick-or-treat map which lists all participating businesses, accessible entrances, and family-friendly stops.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Euphoria Wellness Spa Celebrates 19 Years of Business With Spa & Sip Beauty Event This Wednesday

A downtown Peterborough mainstay, Euphoria Wellness Spa, is celebrating 19 years with its signature Spa & Sip Beauty Event held on Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Euphoria Wellness Spa.

The following are the event’s highlights for the celebration:

• Exclusive 20 per cent Off All Products & Services – Guests can shop Euphoria’s top-of-the-line beauty products and services, including future-use gift cards (excludes medi treatments and massage therapy).

• Complimentary Spa Experiences – Attendees can indulge in mini spa treatments by appointment, offering a first-hand taste of the spa’s luxury services.

• Live Physician Demonstrations – Certified physicians will showcase live Botox and CoolSculpting treatments, providing insights into the latest trends in non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

• Rooftop Celebration at U4 – The event culminates with an exclusive rooftop cocktail party featuring a guest DJ, complimentary beverages, and gelato tastings.

• Giveaways, Tours & Gift Bags – Guests will enjoy curated gift bags and exciting draws throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 19 years with our amazing clients and community. Spa & Sip is our way of saying thank you while giving everyone a taste of the latest in beauty and wellness trends,” said Simone Dobson, Euphoria Wellness Spa president and director.

Event offering email orders can be given to anne@spa-euphoria.com thsi Mondya and Tuesday. Orders and gift bags will be reserved for pick-up after the event.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.