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 still lively sources of entertainment.

From August 14 – 17 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 with full gender parity in the lineup, and an emphasis on diversity including Indigenous artists, BIPOC artists and artists from the LGBTQ+ community.

Festival favourites include a children’s village, local food vendors, artisan market, and opportunities to enjoy pre-shows and festival official after parties downtown.

Canada’s longest-running, free-admission summer concert series, Peterborough Musicfest continues until August 16. Performances leading up to Kim Mitchell on closing night include an entire week of Irish-inspired entertainment, and a sing-a-long evening with Choir! Choir! Choir! This year, Musicfest is also welcoming local acts to the Future Sound Stage and highlighting pre-festival Happy Hour at local food vendors.

Kawartha Ribfest (August 22-24) is moving to Del Crary Park for three days of BBQ, music, family fun, and community. Among the entertainment is a nod to the beloved ‘Hootenanny’ event with performances from Canadian country stars Tebey and Elyse Saunders taking the stage.

Check out Soundtrack to Peterborough Summer 2025.

Explore Peterborough’s Deep Irish Roots

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the Robinson Migration an initiative that brough nearly 2,000 Irish settlers to Canada that would ultimately shape the identity of Nogojiwanong-Peterborough and to demonstrate the enduring spirit of community and collaboration. From August 1-10, Nine Ships 1825 is hosting events and celebrations to mark this moment. Activities include guided tours, a whole week of Irish-inspired performances at Peterborough Musicfest, talks, and of course, opportunities for people to take their own journey of self-discovery as they get to know about their own ancestral stories with the Nine Ships StoryMap.

Patio Season is Here

This summer the weather has been hot, hot, hot! Patios have been offering great places to cool off in the evening breeze, lakeside morning moments, and even patio misters along Hunter Street.

Some favourite local patios include the Silver Bean Café, 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! The Trent-Severn Waterway is a celebrated and sought-after Canadian destination this year, and was named among New York Times’ 52 Destinations to Visit in 2025.

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 The Wild Robot (August 5) and Jumanji (August 12). There will also be a variety of vendors on-site selling drinks, snacks and treats.

Free Yoga at The Square: Stretch, Breathe and Flow for Free. Downtown Wellness Studios are bringing outdoor yoga during the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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.