Peterborough DBIA Making Downtown Spooky With Its Annual 'Halloween in the Booro' On Oct. 24.

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Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky again, as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) invites families to bring their costumes and grab their trick-or-treat bags for the annual ‘Halloween in the Booro’ on Oct. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Over 50 local businesses throughout Downtown Peterborough and East City will welcome trick-or-treaters with decorated storefronts, treats and Halloween surprises. Costumed characters will roam George Street and surrounding blocks, while the Family Fun Zone will offer a Halloween-themed photo opportunity and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

New this year after trick-or-treating is a free screening of Goosebumps at the Quaker Foods City Square at 6:30 p.m. This movie will be cancelled if it rains.

“Halloween in the Booro has grown into a real downtown tradition for local families, and we’re excited to keep building on it,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There’s something so special about seeing so many local businesses, families and community partners all get involved. Adding a movie this year extends the celebration beyond trick-or-treating and gives families one more reason to make a night of it downtown.”

World’s Finest Chocolate is helping bring Halloween treats to participating businesses throughout the event.

“Chocolate has a special way of bringing people together,” says Jennifer King, World’s Finest Chocolate’s director of Canadian sales. “We’re proud to support Halloween in the Booro and celebrate the local schools, teams and community groups that use fundraising to make great things happen all year long.”

Families can plan their Halloween in the Booro route using the official event map, available at theboro.ca and on Instagram and Facebook at @theboroptbo. The map identifies participating businesses, accessible entrances and family-friendly stops.

Halloween in the Booro is free and open to the public.

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Peterborough DBIA Hosting Watch Parties of Peterborough Lakers In MSL Final At Quaker Foods City Square

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As the Peterborough Lakers battle the Six Nations Chiefs in the 2026 MSL Finals, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting watch parties at Quaker Foods City Square on three dates.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The outdoor watch parties will broadcast the road games live on the big screen on:

  • Sunday, Aug. 23 — Game 3 at 7:00 p.m.

  • Thursday, Aug. 27 — Game 5 at 8:00 p.m. (if necessary)

  • Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Game 7 at 8:00 p.m. (if necessary)

“Lakers Nation is one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in lacrosse!” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships. “When the team hits the road, Quaker Foods City Square will be the next best place to be aside from the Memorial Centre. We’re excited to team up with the DBIA and the City of Peterborough to create a big-game atmosphere downtown, where fans can gather, make some noise and cheer on the blue and red together. Talking with our players they can feel the support from all the flags around town and this just adds to the vibe.”

“We know how much the Lakers mean to Peterborough and there’s nothing quite like the energy that comes from a playoff run,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “This will give fans a great reason to come together, cheer for the Lakers, and make a full night of it by dining out and exploring downtown Peterborough before faceoff.”

The DBIA reminds the public that watch parties are outdoor events and may be cancelled in the event of rain.

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Peterborough DBIA Launches Expanded Second Season of Movies at the Park

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back Movies at the Park for a second expanded season, a free movie screening series held at Quaker Foods City Square for eight dates, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The series features eight weeks of movies every Tuesday evening from July through August.

Movies will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m in July and 8:00 p.m in August) and are free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends to enjoy the movies.

2026 Movies at the Park Schedule:

  • July 7 – Secret Life of Pets

  • July 14 – Dirty Dancing

  • July 21 – Grown Ups

  • July 28 – Jurassic Park

  • August 4 – Paddington in Peru

  • August 11 – Back to the Future

  • August 18 – 007 Skyfall

  • August 25 – How to Train Your Dragon

In addition to the screenings, local businesses are offering snacks, beverages and treats. Admission is free and no registration is required.

“Downtown should be a place where people gather, connect, and create memories together,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “Movies at the Park helps bring that vision to life by transforming Quaker Foods City Square into a welcoming community gathering place for all ages. We're proud to offer a free and accessible experience that brings people downtown and creates opportunities to connect with one another throughout the summer.”

Movies at the Park is made possible through the support of Peterborough Tourism, the City of Peterborough destination marketing program, sponsors and community partners.

“Creating high-quality visitor experiences means ensuring our public spaces and events are welcoming, accessible, and easy to enjoy,” said Stoyan Barakov, City of Peterborough Manager of Cultural Services. “Initiatives like this strengthen community connections while enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike. Peterborough Tourism is pleased to support the Peterborough DBIA in creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for Movies at the Park by providing the outdoor screen and promotional support.”

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Four Dates For This Year's Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back the Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales, held on four dates on George Street, to showcase shopping, entertainment, patios and community activities in downtown Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The dates are June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. George Street is closed to vehicle traffic between Hunter and Simcoe Streets, creating expanded pedestrian space for shopping, dining, live entertainment and outdoor activations during the event.

Visitors can explore sidewalk sales, artisan vendors, special promotions, patios, and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown core.

“Second Saturdays have become one of the signature features of a lively summer downtown,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “These events create an incredible atmosphere on our streets while directly supporting our local businesses. They encourage people to explore the core and see firsthand why downtown Peterborough remains the heart of our community.”

According to the DBIA, the event series is designed to support economic activity in the downtown while encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses and amenities. Businesses throughout the core will expand their presence outdoors through sidewalk displays, promotions, interactive experiences and special-event offerings.

“Downtown Second Saturday is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with our downtown core, support local businesses, and bring the community together,” says Shelby Leonard-Watt, S.O.S. Save Our Soles owner. “By creating a recurring event throughout the summer, Second Saturday gives residents and visitors a reason to return downtown and discover something new each month.”

Businesses interested in participating through a sidewalk activation or pop-up experience are encouraged to contact the DBIA for more information.

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Mayor Jeff Leal and Other Organizations Endorse New Event Centre In Downtown Peterborough

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Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed the approval and construction of a multi-sport and Event Centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough, announced at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“A new Event Centre would revitalize the City’s downtown and transform the Waterfront, drive economic growth and investment, and cement Peterborough’s reputation as a regional hub and tourism destination for decades to come,” said Leal.

The Event Centre would take over the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. While Leal acknowledges that the PMC has served the City well during that span, it would be costly to maintain and cannot perform the same functions as a new Event Centre.

“It (PMC) is already unable to host modern events and that capability will continue to deteriorate as it ages,” he explained. City staff have found that it will take at least $22 million over the next 15 years just to keep its doors open.”

Leal says Peterborough needs to think about the next 70 years and dubbed the Event Centre project ‘Vision 2096.’

“This is a generational opportunity for our community. A new Event Centre will revitalize our downtown by driving foot traffic and encouraging investment,” he said. “It will transform our waterfront and stimulate economic growth and development, and it will make Peterborough a regional hub and tourism destination for the next 70 years.”

Leal assured that the building’s cost would not be a burden on the taxpayer but rather would be a plus.

“Other communities that have embarked upon this path have seen an assessment uplift,” The City of St. Catherine's with the Meridian Centre is a case in point.”

City Council has previously approved the building's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street. If construction were to be done, Leal estimates 30 months for the project to be completed.

“When we built the PRHC, we started construction on that in July of 2005 and the official opening occurred in the spring of 2008,” said Leal.

@ptbo_canada Mayor Jeff Leal is endorsing construction of a new event centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce echoed Leal’s sentiments and also endorse the construction of a new Event Centre.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, this is about more than a building. It’s about economic opportunity,” said Brenda Whitehead, Peterborough Chamber president and CEO. “Aging infrastructure limits our ability to attract major events and stay competitive. A modern events centre strengthens Peterborough’s role as a regional hub while driving the kind of downtown activity that supports businesses across the entire region, and promotes opportunities for growth and further community development.” 

“Investing in a Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre is an investment in the future of our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Facilities like this bring consistent energy, attract visitors and create the conditions for local businesses to grow and thrive. The DBIA strongly supports moving this project forward as a catalyst for long-term economic development and vibrancy in Peterborough’s core.”

City Council will consider a report on options for next steps for the Event Centre project at their meeting on Monday night.

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Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Festival Returns This April With Downtown Grand Finale Event

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The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This month-long celebration invites residents and visitors to explore a lineup of limited-time mac & cheese features from 20 restaurants, culminating in the Grand Finale Event on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square. Attendees can sample dishes from select vendors and watch as a panel of local celebrity judges crowns the 2026 Mac & Cheese Champion.

According to the DBIA, some of the participating restaurants are taking the classic cheesy dish in bold and unexpected directions. Lola’s Cakes and Coffee is offering a Mac and Cheese Tiramisu, the first time a dessert is being served in the festival’s history.

“People are going to ask if there is really macaroni in the tiramisu and the answer is yes. It sounds crazy, but one bite and you’ll be hooked,” says Nino Ante, Lola’s Cakes and Coffee owner. “It’s the dessert adventure you didn’t know you needed. We decided to push the boundaries and make people smile with every bite.” 

Throughout April, locals and visitors are encouraged to try as many dishes as possible and vote online for their favourite to determine the People’s Choice Award winner.

Restaurants offering in-store features this year include:

  • Agave by Imperial

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • The Back 40 Smokehouse

  • By the Bridge

  • Cork and Bean

  • Dreams of Beans

  • La Mesita

  • Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

  • Love You, Mean It

  • McThirsty’s Pint

  • Pappas Billiards

  • The Revy

  • Bar Vita

  • Riverside Grill

  • Sam’s Place Deli

  • St. Veronus

  • The Boardwalk Game Lounge

  • The Railyard Cafe

  • The Vine (last year’s People’s Choice award winner)

  • Turnbull Cafe (the Judge’s Choice winner for 2025)

“Our downtown is home to so many passionate entrepreneurs and talented chefs, and this event is a great way to experience that firsthand. Mac and Cheese fest is a great example of what downtown Peterborough is all about” says Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Showcasing this talent is a large part of how we’re building a vibrant, welcoming downtown people want to return to all year long.”

The contenders for the grand finale event include:

  • Agave by Imperial

  • The Back 40 Smokehouse

  • By the Bridge, La Mesita

  • Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

  • The Revy

  • The Boardwalk Game Lounge

  • The Vine

  • Turnbull Cafe

@ptbo_canada The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##macandcheese ♬ Macaroni & Cheese - David Chicken

Other vendors will be on site with treats and beverages.

The Mac and Cheese Festival Grand Finale event is also fully licensed this year for attendees 19+. With the mac & cheese, there will be live music, family-friendly activities, brews & seltzers and cozy lounge spaces.

Mac & cheese lovers can vote online for your favourite dish to help determine the People’s Choice Award winner. Voting will go live on April 1.

To vote in the People’s Choice Award, visit theboro.ca.

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Peterborough DBIA Accepting Applications For 2026 Community Event Support Grants

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Event Support Grant, announced on Tuesday.

Past grant recipients include the Neighbourhood Markets, Highly Likely Festival, Otonabeats Day Breaks and An Evening with Folk Fest's Emerging Artists. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The first deadline is March 8 for events taking place between April 1 and Sept. 30. The Sept. 8 deadline covers events from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2027.

According to the DBIA, the grant program provides financial and in-kind support to organizers hosting community-minded events in downtown Peterborough. Funding can offset costs such as advertising, permits, supply costs, administrative fees and rental fees. The number of grants awarded will depend on available funds and the volume of qualifying applications.

Local businesses, grassroots groups and organizations in Downtown Peterborough are eligible for grants. The DBIA says priority is given to events that reach diverse audiences, engage DBIA member businesses, drive foot traffic and tourism, bring economic activity to the BIA district and celebrate the unique cultures and identities of the downtown community.

All applications must include a detailed budget outline to be considered.

Applications are accepted twice a year. Following each deadline, the DBIA board will review submissions at its next scheduled meeting and notify applicants of funding decisions. Successful applicants can expect to receive funds within two weeks of their event date. Organizers requiring in-kind support should coordinate with the DBIA at least two weeks before their event.

“Our Community Event Support Grant is about more than funding — it's about helping event organizers bring their ideas to life in ways that bring real energy to our downtown core," says Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Every event we support strengthens people's connection to downtown Peterborough, inspires new experiences and builds the kind of community that keeps people coming back.”

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Taste of Syria Comes to Downtown Peterborough With Aleppo Castle Restaurant Grand Opening

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Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening downtown on Wednesday morning.

Aleppo Castle owner Amhed El Nime puts the finishing touches on aji (egg and parsley fritter) before presentation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 349 George St. N., the restaurant serves familiar classic Middle Eastern favourites inspired by Aleppo, Syria, such as shawarma, falafel and hummus. Aleppo Castle also serves traditional Syrian cuisine, including batatas faroojh, aji, fatoush and more.

Amhed El Nime, Aleppo Castle owner, arrived in Canada three years ago. He had help adjusting to a new country through the New Canadians Centre and his business was aided through Community Futures Peterborough.

El Nime said he is grateful to Canada and Peterborough for welcoming him to the country, where he can build a new life and start a business in a short time.

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, I’ve been working hard,” he said. “I’m so happy for the people who helped me. Thank you to god, thank you for everybody and thank you to Canada.”

Mayor Jeff Leal, Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough DBIA attended the grand opening and sampled the Syrian cuisine. It was capped off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##syria🇸🇾 ♬ Síria Syria سوريا - DJ Reverb & Ads

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Initiative Shows Thousands of Dollars Spent Locally

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the prize winners of its 2025/2026 Holiday Shopping Passport draw and the Holiday Window Contest, celebrating a season of community connection, local spending and support for downtown Peterborough businesses.

Grand prize winner Katy Shufelt. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program encourages residents to keep their holiday spending local. Shoppers earn a stamp for every $10 spent at participating businesses and can enter completed passports for a chance to win one of three $500 early bird prizes or the $1,500 grand prize in Boro Gift Cards; “downtown dollars” accepted at over 100 locations throughout downtown Peterborough. 

Katy Shufelt has been named the grand prize winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport draw. Three early bird winners were also drawn throughout the season: Wayne Jackson, Gail Edlinger and Kim McWilliams.

The grand prize draw took place on Wednesday at GRVTY Studio in East City, where Shufelt’s completed passport was selected. She has won a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards.

“I absolutely love shopping downtown, there are so many great stores,” she said. “My kids laugh at me because every year I say I’m going to win, and after 20 years, I finally did.”

In the spirit of giving back, Shufelt has chosen to donate a portion of her prize to Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project, a community-driven initiative that supports local organizations working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, social justice and equity in Peterborough.

“The program continues to foster community spirit, increase foot traffic and local spending and strengthen relationships between local businesses and their customers during the busy holiday season,” said the Peterborough DBIA in a press release. “With participation from over 200 downtown businesses, the Holiday Shopping Passport program continues to be one of the DBIA’s most widely supported seasonal initiatives.”

Beyond shopping, the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest transformed downtown into a festive, walkable winter experience. This year’s theme “Snowglobe Come to Life” inspired businesses to showcase their creativity through elaborate window displays.

The contest was judged by members of Peterborough’s arts community, including a representative from the Art Gallery of Peterborough: Briar Sutherland, Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) and Ashley Hall.

The 2025/2026 Holiday Window Contest Winners included a tie for first between Lavender Moon and Kingan Home Hardware, and second place going to Brants Basics.

Winners received Boro Gift Cards, continuing the cycle of local support.

“We know people are being more intentional about where and how they spend, especially during the holidays,” said Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Choosing to shop local is a meaningful decision, and the Holiday Shopping Passport makes it even easier. Every local purchase has a ripple effect by supporting jobs, small business owners, and a downtown that continues to serve as a gathering place for our City.”

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

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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.”

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