Year-Round Festival Town: Discover the Top Events to Enjoy in Peterborough, Ontario

What You Need to Know About Festivals in Peterborough

Peterborough, Ontario is a four-season festival destination where celebrations happen year-round. From spring fishing shows and derbies and food festivals to summer waterfront concerts, fall cultural events, and cozy winter traditions, the city offers something for every interest and travel style.

Signature events like Peterborough Musicfest, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, Peterborough Folk Festival, Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week, and ReFrame Film Festival showcase the region’s vibrant arts, culture, food, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, Peterborough’s festival calendar makes it easy to experience the city’s energy in every season.

Four Seasons of Festival Fun

Here's some of the top festivals to explore in every season.

Have an idea of an up-and-coming festival that should be included in this list? Reach out to us at hello@peterborough.ca

Spring Celebrations

CANCAST Fishing Show 

Did you know that Peterborough is home to the largest fishing show in Canada? If you're an angler, or looking to explore some fishing opportunities, join us on March 29, 2026 for the biggest weekend in fishing - with some exciting changes to boot!

Peterborough Mac and Cheese Festival (April)

Who can throw down the best Mac and Cheese in Peterborough’s most central Boro? Help us settle this age old question once and for all. For the month of April, restaurants in downtown Peterborough will be fixing up their own Mac + Cheese and we need your help to determine whose Mac will reign supreme.

Stick around for the end of the month for a grand finale complete with live entertainment.

Location: Downtown Peterborough; Grand Finale in Quaker Foods City Square 

Date: April 1 - 25, 2026

OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby (April + May)

An annual fishing tradition in an iconic location. Experience the OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby, open to all ages, with prizes for kids, takes place at the foot of the Peterborough Lift Lock.

Location: Peterborough Lift Lock, Ashburnham Drive

Date: Sunday April 26 + Sunday May 3, 2026

Trent-Severn Waterway Opens for Navigation (May)

The unofficial start to the summer tourism season kicks off when the waterway opens for boaters, paddlers, and others to enjoy. The opening depends on the spring melt and water levels each year, but generally aligns with the Victoria Day long weekend.

Date: Victoria Day (May) Long Weekend 2026, to be announced

Summer Vibes

Great Canadian Cheese Festival

This June, the Great Canadian Cheese Festival arrives in Peterborough with two days of tasting, exploring, and meeting the makers behind Canada’s most exceptional cheeses. Sample small‑batch dairy, discover artisan food and drink from breweries, cideries, wineries, bakers, and craft producers, and enjoy unlimited access to a curated lineup of flavours.

Location: Peterborough Memorial Centre + Morrow Building

Date: June 13 & 14, 2026

Peterborough Musicfest

For over 35 years, Musicfest has brought big-name talent and emerging artists to the shores of Little Lake. With free concerts twice a week at Del Crary Park, it’s a summer tradition and a dreamy way to spend a summer evening. Over the years, acts that have graced the stage include City & Colour (solo), Crash Test Dummies, Carly Rae Jepson, Big Wreck, Tegan And Sara, Our Lady Peace, Tom Cochrane, The Reklaws, Kiefer Sutherland, Walk off the Earth, Tyler Shaw, Randy Bachman, and Chad Brownlee.

Location: Del Crary Park

Date: June 27 - August 19, 2026 on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Highlights to look forward to this year: Gowan on Opening Night - June 27 

Lock & Paddle (July)

Enjoy an iconic Peterborough attraction (the Peterborough Lift Lock) in a quintessentially Peterborough way (by canoe). This annual event sees hundreds of paddlers, canoes, and kayaks congregate in the community to ascend the world's highest hydraulic lift lock.

Location: Peterborough Lift Lock, Ashburnham Drive

Date: July 18, 2026

Peterborough Folk Festival

Enjoy an iconic Peterborough attraction (the Peterborough Lift Lock) in a quintessentially Peterborough way (by canoe). This annual event sees hundreds of paddlers, canoes, and kayaks congregate in the community to ascend the world's highest hydraulic lift lock.

Location: Peterborough Lift Lock, Ashburnham Drive

Date: July 18, 2026

Fall Highlights

Peterborough Pride Week (third week of September)

There is something spectacular and colourful that happens in our community each September. The vibrancy of artists and artisan tours, students returning to the community for another academic year, and of course, Pride festivities throughout the City.

Pride Parade takes place on Saturday, September 26 from City Hall to Millennium Park (the location for Pride in the Park). Gather at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall for pre-parade events and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The planned Parade/March route is approximately one-kilometre. Pride in the Park event runs until 5:30 p.m. 

Location: Various spaces throughout the community

Dates: September 18 - 27, 2026

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour 

One of the longest-running studio tours in Canada, the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour has been opening up working studios of artists since 1984. Plan a weekend to explore, see demonstrations and get a behind-the-scenes look into the lives and work of artists in Peterborough.

Location: Various studios throughout the City and into the County of Peterborough

Dates: September 26 and 27, 2026

Head of the Trent Regatta

The Head of the Trent Regatta is one of Peterborough’s most iconic fall traditions, bringing athletes, alumni, students, and spectators together along the scenic Otonabee River at Trent University. As one of North America’s largest single-day rowing events, it offers an unforgettable mix of high-energy racing, vibrant school spirit, all set against the backdrop of beautiful fall colour.

Location: Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough

Date: October 4 & 5, 2026

Halloween in The Boo-ro

Halloween in the Booro brings the magic of trick-or-treating to life across our entire downtown core, featuring over 40 participating locations ready to welcome little ghouls and goblins with treats and surprises!

Location: Locations and storefronts throughout downtown Peterborough

Date: Saturday before Halloween (date to be confirmed)

Holiday Happenings

The first weekend of December brings many holiday happenings to downtown Peterborough. Enjoy the Holiday Tree Lighting, In From The Cold, First Friday Holiday Night Market, and of course, the Santa Claus Parade.

Winter Warm-Ups

Hogmanay (January 1, New Year's Day)

Start the year with a Scottish flair at Hutchison House Museum. This festive and traditional Scottish New Year's celebration is complete with bagpipes, traditional Scottish fare (like haggis, oatcakes, and Athol Brose - a whiskey and oatmeal sipper).

Location: Hutchison House Museum, 270 Brock Street

Date: Annually on New Year's Day, January 1

Did you know... Hutchison House is the historic home of Peterborough's very first doctor and was built by the community. Sir Sandford Fleming, an iconic Peterborough personality who played a role in surveying the community, and also is known as the innovator behind the concept of standard time. 

ReFrame Film Festival (Last weekend of January)

Start the year with stories that inspire. This documentary film festival focuses on environmental and social issuesbrings global issues to local screens, with in-person screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and community events throughout downtown Peterborough.

Location: Downtown Peterborough at various theatres and other stops

Date: January 30 - February 1, 2026

Peterborough Snofest (Family Day weekend)

An annual community celebration of the winter season. Happenings for this event pop up across the community and include public skating, pancakes, arts events and interactive family events.

Location: Various locations throughout the City.

Date: Family Day Weekend

St. Patrick's Day Parade (Sunday before St. Patrick's Day)

Peterborough is a community with deep Irish roots. Each year, on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick's Day (March 17) local Irish families, along with community businesses, bands, organizations and others, join together for a festive parade and celebration that departs from City Hall on George Street heading south. There are lots of post-parade pub shenanigans to join in following the parade.

Location: George Street in Downtown Peterborough

Date: March 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular festivals and events in Peterborough, Ontario?
Some of the most popular events include Peterborough Musicfest (free summer concerts), Peterborough Folk Festival, CANCAST Fishing Show, and the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour.

When is the best time to visit Peterborough for festivals?
There’s no single best time. In Peterborough, festivals take place year-round. Summer is ideal for outdoor concerts and waterfront events, while fall offers cultural festivals and scenic experiences. Winter and spring feature unique community celebrations and food-focused events.

Are there free festivals in Peterborough?
Yes, many events are free, including Peterborough Musicfest concerts, Peterborough Folk Festival, Pride Week activities, and seasonal community events like Snofest and holiday celebrations.

What family-friendly festivals are there in Peterborough?
Some family faourites include Snofest (Family Day weekend), Peterborough Folk Festival, Halloween in the Boo-ro, OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby, and holiday events like the Santa Claus Parade.

What food and drink festivals happen in Peterborough?
Food lovers can indulge at the Peterborough Mac and Cheese Festival and the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, along with events featuring local breweries, cideries, and artisan producers.

Are there outdoor or active festivals in Peterborough?
Yes. Events like Lock & Paddle, the Head of the Trent Regatta, and fishing derbies offer active, outdoor experiences in iconic locations like the Peterborough Lift Lock and Otonabee River.

Where do most festivals take place in Peterborough?
Festivals are hosted throughout the city, with key locations including downtown Peterborough, Del Crary Park, Quaker Foods City Square, the Peterborough Memorial Centre, Trent University, and the Peterborough Lift Lock.

How far is Peterborough from Toronto?
Peterborough is approximately 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, making it an easy road trip or weekend getaway destination.

How can I find upcoming or new festivals in Peterborough?
Visit our Calendar of Events - we're constantly updating it with new information and festivals!