Electric City Culture Council Launching Artsweek to Places Across Peterborough This Sunday

Art is popping up all over Peterborough in unexpected places as the Electric City Culture Council launches Artsweek with opening ceremonies taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Millennium Park.

EC3 is a not-for-profit arts service organization that supports the work of individual artists and arts and culture organizations across Peterborough and Peterborough County. Through a wide range of initiatives, EC3 supports the creation, presentation, and promotion of artistic work, while also enriching public engagement with the arts. Artsweek is funded by the City of Peterborough, Peterborough DBIA, Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Arts Council. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The event will include remarks by Councillor Alex Bierk, who will also present a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Jeff Leal, as well as appearances by several artists, cake and face painting. Samantha Banton, Sahira, Janet McCue, Hank Fisher, the Poetry Cart, Elizabeth Jenkins, Victoria Yeh, Caylie Staples, Blues in the Bottle, Josh Morley and more are featured talents at the event.

Artsweek takes place from Sunday to Oct. 5. The lineup of events will take place across the city in unexpected locations - all free to attend.

The festival will showcase the creative talents of local artists through a diverse range of performances including poetry, visual art installations, aerial arts, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, live music and more. Attendees can look forward to singers, dancers, front porch concerts, musical art collaborations, giant puppets, visual artists, and surprise pop-up events. 

“This year’s theme, Art in Unexpected Places, transforms everyday spaces into stages, galleries, and spontaneous creative encounters, bringing art to places you’d never expect,” said Leal. “Artsweek invites you to discover and celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and diversity of our local arts community. Don’t miss this unique city-wide event, a remarkable opportunity to experience and support the work of many talented local artists.”

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Third Annual Monarch Festival and Race Hits Millennium Park This Saturday

To raise awareness about monarch butterflies and their contribution to the ecosystem, Monarch Ultra is hosting its third annual Monarch Festival and Race, taking place at Millennium Park this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Carlotta James and The Monarch Ultra.

Activities included are a 10 km race and a one km Kids Fun Run along the Rotary Trail and Otonabee River. Start times are 9:30 a.m. for the one km Kids Fun Run and 10 a.m. for the 10 km Race. Following the race, the Monarch Butterfly Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Park.

The festival features Indigenous drumming, Zumba dancing, face painting, piñata fun, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction and environmental presentations. There are over twenty vendors invited to the festival. Participants can also receive free milkweed seeds to support Monarch conservation.

An art competition for high school students is being held, where the winner will receive a tote bag filled with art supplies from the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

This year’s fundraiser is for Camp Kawartha, to purchase native plants in the community.

The following is a map of the 10 km race:

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Market Hall Suplexes Cancer Care With Fourth-Annual 'Cancer Takedown' Fundraiser

Market Hall is body slamming cancer with its fourth annual ‘Cancer Takedown’ fundraiser for anyone touched by cancer on Nov. 4 and 5, starting at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, Nicholas Campbell, Anthony Bastianon and more. The show also features three women (all diagnosed under the age of 40) sharing their cancer stories. It focuses on the emotional and mental rollercoaster that the cancer experience brings.

New this year is a show done outside of Peterborough, at the Flato Academy Theatre in Lindsay on Nov. 4 on 7 p.m. Market Hall’s event is scheduled for Nov.5 at 7 p.m.

Husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019. He was diagnosed with two separate cancers over the past seven years, including metastatic kidney cancer in 2019 and CNS lymphoma in 2021.

“The physical battle of cancer is tough but the mental battle is tougher,” said Rick. “It’s a battle you can’t really fight, you just make your way through. Cancer Takedown is an opportunity to remind people they can get through.”

Tickets can be purchased online for the Lindsay and Peterborough dates.

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Celebrating Milestone With Family 50-Fest On Sept. 27

To mark its 50th anniversary, the Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is hosting its Family 50-Fest on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility on 872 Dutton Rd.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The free, fun, family-friendly event is billed as a community celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the children’s treatment centre being established in 1975 according to Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO.

“Five Counties has so much to celebrate as we mark our golden age of providing life-changing treatment for children and their families in our region,” he said. “And that’s what Family 50-Fest is all about – reflecting and celebrating on the Centre’s five decades of service to our communities.”

The event has kids’ activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a police cruiser, games, facepainting, story time, food, music and more. An open house/tour of the Five Counties site in Peterborough will be available, along with a display of historical articles and items from five decades of caring for children. Local dignitaries have also been invited to speak.

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Hospice Peterborough's Biggest Fundraiser Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park Sept. 28

Hospice Peterborough’s biggest fundraising event returns as the Hike for Hospice is scheduled at Millennium Park for Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participant Kyle McConnell and team Notorious T.A.S.H. walk in memory of Tash McConnell at Hike for Hospice 2024. Kyle plans to participate again this year. Photo by Anne Leavens, courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Individuals or teams can raise money to support free palliative care, grief support, and other programs and services provided by Hospice Peterborough.

Participants will walk from Millennium Park to Beavermead Beach — with the option to turn around at Rogers Cove for a shorter route — while Hike for Hospice also serves as an opportunity to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away, uniting the community in grief, memory and reflection.

This year, Hospice Peterborough’s goal is to raise $100,000. Last year, they achieved a record-breaking success of $138,000.

Participant Kyle McConnell is hiking with friends and family in memory of his late wife Tash McConnell. Tash was a past employee and volunteer at Hospice Peterborough, where she spent her final moments in care.

“(It) seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said McConnell.

Those participating can register online.

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YMCA to Host Free Community Open House This Saturday

The public is invited to visit the YMCA of Central East Ontario, which is hosting a Community Open House from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Available are studio demos like qigong, CPR & basic first aid, judo and fitness classes. Activites at the event are archery, NHL Street and a bouncy castle. Aquatic activities at the open house are open swim, lane swim, aquafit, water walkway and swim level assessments.

Information booths are set up throughout the build for more information on their programs, services, camps, rentals and more.

Families can also stop by the Treehouse and KidsKare space for kids.

Admission is free for all to attend.

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Inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ Set for Sept. 1 For SickKids and Rett Syndrome

As a fundraiser for the SickKids Foundation for Rett Syndrome, the inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ is being hosted at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Taso’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.

The event, hosted by Taso’s Restaurant and 88Moto Motorcycle Shop, takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Overflow parking is available at Bailey’s Bay and Coffee Time nearby.

The fundraiser features a barbecue by Taso’s Restaurant, a motorcycle showcase, an autograph session with Canadian Superbike (CSBK) riders, live music (acts to be announced) and more.

Dyno runs are available for $50, which includes three runs that provide information on horsepower, torque, air-fuel mixture and more, allowing for a diagnostic of a motorcycle’s performance.

Taso’s Pizzeria owner Taso Hatzianastasiou wanted to host the inaugural event as a way to combine his love of motorcycles and his business for a good cause.

“I’ve always done a charitable event through the restaurant and I’ve tried to do something different every year,” he explained. “Since I’m involved so much in the racing community, I thought I would combine the racing and the restaurant.”

While Hatzianastasiou has not been directly affected by Rett Syndrome, he knows many within the community who are.

“There are a lot of friends of mine who have children with Rett Syndrome but not me,” he said. “I want to do it for them.”

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Photos: Hockey Benders Hit Lansdowne Place For Meet-and-Greet As Part of Canadian Mall Tour

Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale, also known as “The Hockey Benders,” had fun with fans in a meet-and-greet event at Lansdowne Place as part of their Canadian Summer Mall Tour.

Hockey Benders Cole Lequier (left) and Aiden Dale (right) walk through the large queue of fans waiting to get their photos taken and autographs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The pair are known for their hockey branding and apparel and social media videos.

Fans could have their photos taken with the duo, purchase their merchandise, have their autographs taken and quickly chat with them.

@ptbo_canada The @HockeyBenders hit up Lansdowne Place in a meet-and-greet as part of their “Canadian Summer Tour.” #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #hockeybenders ♬ The Hockey Song - Smithnthompson

Their tour has four Ontario stops including Kingston, Ottawa, Oshawa and Peterborough as the last city of their Eastern leg.

They continue their tour, heading west to Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Releases Full 2025 Lineup

The Peterborough Folk Festival has released its full lineup for their 2025 edition, running from Aug. 14 to 17 throughout Downtown Peterborough and Nicholls Oval Park, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

The event has over 30 artists and bands, including 12 local performers with all proceeds going back to the festival.

Featured acts include Joel Plaskett, Basia Bulat, Whitehorse, Jeremie Albino, Goldie Boutilier, Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation, Bells Larsen and Colin Linden.

Full Line-Up:

Aug. 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• Basia Bulat

• Jeanne Truax

Aug. 15

• Various venues downtown including the Pig's Ear Tavern

Aug. 16 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Joel Plaskett

• Goldie Boutilier

• Jeremie Albino

• Bells Larsen

• Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• My Son The Hurricane

• Grievous Angels

• Songs Of Scratch Garden

• Sister Ray

• Quinton Barnes

• Doghouse Orchestra

• The Silver Hearts

• Benj Rowland

• Jeanne Truax

• Lancelot Knight

• Swindlers

• Caitlin Currie

• Tapes In Motion

After Parties Downtown 11 p.m.

• Jethros - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts

Aug. 17 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Whitehorse

• Lemon Bucket Orchestra

• Colin Linden of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

• Inn Echo

• Beau Dixon

• Sharon Lois and Bram Singalong with Sharon and Randi

• Kay Silver

• Babe Chorus

• Fittonia

• Jethro Blues Jam All-Stars

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List of City Services For Canada Day 2025

Many City services and facilities will operate under holiday hours or be closed on Canada Day this Tuesday.

File photo.

The Canada Day ceremonies start at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. The decorated bike contest judging will take place at 10:45 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m., departing from George Street North near City Hall and proceeding south on George Street to Millennium Park. 

The celebration continues in Millennium Park, featuring an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun that includes music and dance, face painting, storytelling, a cultural marketplace, and food and beverage vendors. This event will run from noon to 6 p.m. 

The City will host a fireworks display over Little Lake starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 1, following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park. 

City Hall offices, including Service Peterborough, Building Services and the Clerk’s Office, will be closed on July 1. Online services are available at peterborough.ca. 

The curbside collection for Zones 1 and 2, which typically takes place on Tuesdays, shifts back one day to Monday. Residents are asked to place green bins, recycling and garbage (Zone 2 only) to the curb by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule for the Downtown Business Improvement Area. 

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on July 1.  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Canada Day.

The Peterborough Public Library and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Miskin Law Community Complex will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1. Summer hours will be in effect for the Sport and Wellness Centre starting Wednesday, with daily operation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Sept. 1. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Tuesday

Lifeguards will be on duty at Beavermead Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no lifeguard supervision provided at Rogers Cove. Peterborough Public Health tests the water at local beaches.

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at the Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Lifeguards supervise City wading pools daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

Customer service at Peterborough Marina will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Guest Services is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miniature train rides will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Otter Enrichment takes place at 1:30 p.m.and a Meet the Keeper session with Torti the African Spurred Tortoise will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Café is closed.  

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Tuesday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Tuesday. Temporary detours will be in place for some routes during the Canada Day Parade.  

The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Social Services office will be closed on Tuesday. From Wednesday, August 30, to Friday, office hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on July 1.

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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