Our Favourite Peterborough Moments of 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back on a year that reminded us what makes Peterborough such a special place. From exciting new spaces and international recognition to unforgettable moments of togetherness and world-class talent on local stages, this year was filled with stories worth celebrating.

Moments of Togetherness That Defined the Year

Peterborough is truly at its best when people show up to be part of the energy at events and to be part of something bigger.

Our tried-and-true festival and event experiences – Peterborough Musicfest, Peterborough Folk Festival, Pride Week, Artsweek, Head of the Trent Regatta, Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, Holiday Tree lighting – brought people together in energizing and fun ways.

This past July, once again the Lock & Paddle at the Peterborough Lift Lock captured the spirit of the world-renowned waterway that defines our region. Paddlers of all ages and skill levels had the chance to move through the engineering marvel that is the Peterborough Lift Lock.

2025 also marked the bicentennial celebration of the Peter Robinson Migration – when 2,000 Irish settlers crossed the Atlantic to settle in Peterborough – shaping the identity of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough. There were moments for cultural travellers to walk in the footsteps of history and connect with Irish heritage.

Notably, our downtown came alive with fun new activations including Movies in the Park, yoga and pilates in Quaker City Square, Mac and Cheese Festival finale, even a cheering section/watch party for the Blue Jays World Series Game.

Creating New Places and Spaces to Gather and Play

2025 was also a year of growth – not just in fresh new opportunities, interest in Peterborough as a destination, but in places designed to bring people together.

The openings of Miskin Law Community Complex and Bonnerworth Park have created new spaces to gather, play, cheer, and connect.

Miskin Law Community Complex offers a twin pad arena, new library branch, and indoor walking track – a great space for sports families and other visitors to enjoy. While the Bonnerworth Park enhancements include a bike pump track, expanded skateboard park, and new pickle ball courts.

Up at the Riverview Park and Zoo, the creation of the Hatch Café – a bird-friendly café perfect for families to refuel while they enjoy one of Peterborough’s most cherished attractions.

Finally, we saw new businesses open around the City including Law & Orders burger joint in East City and Bobo Chicken downtown (a restaurant specializing in Chinese & Korean fusion fried chicken). We also saw The Chocolate Rabbit move to a new expanded location and The Publican House undergo a transformation under new ownership.

Celebrating Top Talent

Music lovers had plenty to celebrate in 2025, as exceptional artists brought unforgettable performances to local stages and festivals. While those who are sports fans had much to cheer about too!

Some musical highlights included:

• Joel Plaskett and Basia Bulat headlining at Peterborough Folk Festival
• Woven Stories – an incredible evening of Indigenous Music, Culture and Celebration at Peterborough Musicfest which featured William Prince, Missy Knott, plus drumming and other performances from local Curve Lake First Nation and Nogojiwanong artists
• Big names on the stage at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this year included Bryan Adams, The Beach Boys, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, The Offspring, The Tea Party, Finger Eleven, and Sarah McLachlan
• Incredible shows at Market Hall including Donovan Woods, Skydiggers, Hawksley Workman and many others.
• Iconic Canadians including: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Dwayne Gretzky, and Terri Clark at Showplace Performance Centre
• Perhaps some of the most harmonious moments came from intersection of local and global talent. Peterborough Musicfest welcomed hometown gal, Serena Ryder to the stage for opening night. Royal Wood, from just up the road in Lakefield, performed at Market Hall. Peterborough Folk Festival. Not to mention the countless opportunities to enjoy up-and-coming local artists at venues and events around town.

On the sports side of things, Peterborough played host to some great events in 2025 including Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championships, Flag Football Championships, and tournaments for youth soccer, baseball and hockey.

Media Moments That Put Peterborough on the Map

In 2025, the Peterborough community did much more than create memorable experiences; it captured attention well beyond the region, telling our story on national and international stages. Here’s some shining moments:

• Global recognition came when The New York Times named Peterborough and the Trent-Severn Waterway to its “52 Places to Visit in 2025”, shining a spotlight on our waterways, culture, and quality of life. The accolade positioned the region as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking authentic Canadian experiences.
• That global momentum continued with the Canadian Canoe Museum earning a spot on TIME’s List of the World’s Greatest Places to Visit. The honour celebrated not only a world-class attraction, but Peterborough’s deep-rooted connection to paddling, storytelling, and innovation.
• Closer to home, national audiences got a front-row seat when CP24 Breakfast broadcast live from Peterborough on National Canoe Day. The morning show captured the energy of the community, the beauty of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and even got to sample a Peterborough plate of local fare.
• Peterborough welcomed Waterways TV, for a segment that showcased the waterway in summer and fall – highlighting boating, fishing, and other unique experiences from the City.
• We also dug deeper into storytelling working with travel industry media – including RoadTripper.ca, Parenting To Go, Modern Traveller, Travel Mammal, I’ve Been Bit Travel Blog – to share the stories of the community.

Building Momentum for 2026

While much of 2025 was about celebrating the present, some of the year’s biggest moments pointed firmly toward the future.