Top Things to Do in Peterborough This September
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 September, Peterborough is brimming with colour, vibrancy and opportunities to get inspired. Not only do we have the changing leaves of autumn, we also welcome college and university students back to the community, open doors of artists' studios and galleries with the well-loved Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, and celebrate Peterborough Pride Week. We're sure you'll #FallforPtbo.
Each month, we pull together a list of highlights focused on cultural highlights, seasonal activities, and events. Use it to make some incredible memories of your time in Peterborough.
Rub Elbows with Artists at the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
Since 1984, the Art Gallery of Peterborough's Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour has offered visitors the opportunity to explore the working studios of artists, making it one of the longest running studio tours in Canada. Visitors can watch artist demonstrations, learn about different artistic practices and techniques, and get a behind-the-scenes look into the working studios of the region's artists.
The two-day Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour is self-guided, self-driven (road trip friendly!), and admission is free. This year’s tour takes place on September 26 & 27, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate Local Indigenous Arts & Artists
Stop by Showplace Performance Centre on September 13 for a free, family-friendly celebration of Indigenous artists. From 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. there will be live music, dance, and spoken word performances. Throughout the afternoon there will be artwork and handmade goods from Indigenous artists and artisans available for sale in a vendor market.
Talent Takes the Stage
September sees live theatre and music return to venues and stages throughout the City. A few highlights coming up this month include:
- Tom Thomson's Wake (An Original Folk Musical) at Market Hall
- Friday, September 11, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
- Check out tributes to your favourite performers at Showplace
- Throughout the month they will have tributes to Johnny Cash (September 19), Van Morrison (September 18), Great Big Sea (September 12), and The Eagles (September 29). Find out more on the Showplace website.
- East of the Sun, West of the Moon A Circus Odyssey at Market Hall
- Friday September 18, doors at 7 p.m., Saturday, September 19, doors at 7 p.m., Sunday September 20 (matinee), doors open at 1:30 p.m.
- Impros + PTBOs in the Ball Pit at the Theatre on King
- Friday, September 18 at 8 p.m.
Celebrate Peterborough Pride🌈
There is something spectacular and colourful that happens in our community each September: Peterborough Pride Week. 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.
Experience Canoe Culture: Peterborough Style
Peterborough is the largest urban centre on the waterway, and its central location makes it a great homebase for exploration. We've created a great new Paddlers Guide to Peterborough that pulls together all you need to enjoy a great day on the water.
Stop by The Canadian Canoe Museum to take in Canoe Perspectives - the largest private collection of original Canadian art featuring the canoe, and discover the rich artistic traditions that reveal how this vessel continues to inspire.
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:
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.
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.
Taste the Harvest
Fall is the time when Peterborough's harvest comes into one of its finest moments - produce is at its peak and there are many moments for people to gather around the table. That makes fall a delightful time to:
- Check out downtown restaurants
- Head out to one of two farmers' markets in the City
- Head to Peterborough VegFest - a celebration of a delicious plant-based lifestyle