Top Things to Do in Peterborough This August
Whether you're a local looking for the freshest fun or a visitor exploring the city's charm, there's something exciting to do every month.
In August, Peterborough’s summer festival season is in full swing, there are people out enjoying patios, getting out on the water, and soaking up the last moments before September arrives, kids head back to school, and we swap sunshine for sweater weather.
Each month, we pull together this list of highlights focused on cultural highlights, seasonal activities, and events. You can use this list to make some incredible memories of your time in Peterborough.
Beautiful Music Moments
August is a perfect time to enjoy some live music with summer festivals and patios providing lively sources of entertainment.
Canada’s longest-running, free-admission summer concert series, Peterborough Musicfest continues until August 19. Performances in August include Crash Test Dummies, David Wilcox, Trans-Canada Highwaymen, and The Dreamboats. You won't want to miss a Garth Brooks/Shania Twain tribute night that includes a firework finish! This year, Musicfest has brought back the Future Sound Stage and highlighting pre-festival Happy Hour at local food vendors.
From August 13 – 16 check out Peterborough Folk Festival – the longest-running, free-admission folk festival in the country – welcomes over 30 artists in bands this year, including 12 local performers. The lineup features exciting musical performances (including Bahamas, Begonia, Aysanabee, Shad, Terra Lightfoot, and The Free Label).
Festival favourites include a children’s village, local food vendors, artisan market, and opportunities to enjoy pre-shows and festival official after parties downtown.
Kawartha Ribfest (August 28-30) is taking place at the Healthy Planet Arena this year for three days of BBQ, music, family fun, and community. The ‘Hootenanny at Kawartha Ribfest' will include performances by Harry Hannah, Stephen James Porter, Ty Wilson, Flight 227, Gabe Glaudette and Georgia Rose.
Family Fun
There's no "I'm Boreds" on the menu here in Peterborough. Through August you can keep your kids moving, grooving and burning off that summer energy.
On August 15, Northstar Industries Peterborough Kids Triathlon takes place in Beavermead Park. A great way to introduce children to competing in a classic swim, bike, race through their course. Advanced registration is required.
There are also incredible (and budget-friendly!) attractions to check out with kids throughout the City of Peterborough. Summertime favourites include the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Beavermead Park (including the Green-UP Ecology Park), Peterborough Museum and Archives, and the Riverview Park and Zoo.
Patio Season is Here
On those hot days patios offer a great places to cool off in the evening breeze, lakeside morning moments, and even patio misters along Hunter Street. Enjoy an evening out, perhaps with some appetizers and refreshing beverages.
Some favourite local patios include La Hacienda, One Eighty on Hunter (and so many others throughout the Hunter Street Café District), Ashburnham Ale House, and the beautiful greenspace at 100 Acre Brewing Co.
Celebrate Peterborough’s Connection to Water
Paddlers, boaters and water lovers rejoice!
Peterborough is the largest urban centre on the waterway, and its central location makes it a great homebase for exploration. Whether you have a boat or are navigating with a rented canoe or kayak, the mist of the Centennial Fountain this time of year is oh-so-refreshing.
Looking for land-based ways to enjoy? Check out the Taste of the Trent-Severn for menu items at local restaurants that celebrate the region’s historic waterway.
Do More in the Core: Downtown Abuzz with Activity
Throughout the summer months, downtown has it going on here are a handful of things that you can do:
Movies at the Park: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in Quaker Foods City Square. August features include Paddington in Peru (August 4), Back to the Future (August 11), 007 Sky Fall (August 18) and How to Train Your Dragon (August 25). There will also be a variety of vendors on-site selling drinks, snacks and treats.
First Friday Art Crawl: Self-guided tour of downtown galleries, studios, shops and cafés that takes place on the first Friday of every month, between the hours of 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check out the August Art Crawl Schedule.
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale: On the second Saturday each summer, downtown streets come alive. Explore the core for local treasures, exclusive deals, pop-up racks, artisan markets, music and more!
Explore Peterborough By Bike
If you’re a cyclist, you may already be familiar with the routes surrounding Peterborough. Plan a day of cycling where you can explore trailside attractions, scenic waterfront pathways, and connecting routes into neighbouring communities like Northumberland County and The Kawarthas. Stop in at Wild Rock Outfitters if you’re needing gear or fresh inspiration on rides (they’ve curated some great routes).
After a day of cycling, there are plenty of dining options to refuel so you can hit the road again.