New Walking Tour Explores Peterborough’s Music History

By Scott Arnold

A new Trent Valley Archives walking tour will take residents through the stories, venues and memories that helped shape Peterborough’s music scene over the decades.

one of the focal points of the walking tour will be the brock street ballroom/arena, picture here pre-1950 (photo courtesy of trent valley archives)

The Mainstreet Music Stroll will debut on Friday, August 7th, with a second tour scheduled for Friday, August 21st, both beginning at 7 p.m. The guided downtown walk will explore some of the iconic music venues that played a role in the city’s cultural history.

Led by music enthusiast and tour guide Maddie More, the tour will focus on the latter half of the 20th century, highlighting the places where musicians performed, audiences gathered and local music communities grew.

Stops will include the former Brock Arena, which has ties to Hank Williams history; the King George Hotel, where Canadian country music legend Stompin’ Tom Connors adopted his famous nickname; and The Spill, a venue that helped support Peterborough’s alternative music scene into the 21st century.

Along the way, participants will also hear stories about lesser-known venues that may no longer exist but remain memorable for the musicians and music lovers who spent time there.

The walking tour covers several blocks through downtown Peterborough, following mainly flat sidewalks. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and dress for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance through Trent Valley Archives, either online at trentvalleyarachives.com/events or by calling TVA at 705-745-4404.

The tour begins at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, and attendees are asked to arrive 5–10 minutes early with a printed ticket or screenshot of their registration.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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