Music & Performing Arts

Creativity takes the stage as local and touring talent perform at historic venues, festival favourites, and other stages and spotlights throughout the City.

Peterborough is a performer's destination where the lake and river 'rock' and the streets roll, and has a reputation that has artist's singing the community praises for good reason. A young Serena Ryder performed on Peterborough stages on her way to international stardom. Three Days Grace began just down the road in Norwood. Even iconic Canadian Stompin' Tom Connors got his name on a historic Peterborough stage. Beyond the big names, Peterborough is also home to banner talent in volunteer and alternative theatre spaces, improv comedy troupes, and one of the most respected community orchestras in Canada.

Music and performing arts talent pops up in unexpected and amazing places in Peterborough. You're sure to come away with a tune stuck in your head and a song in your heart.

Theatres and Performance Spaces

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, and beneath the iconic Peterborough clock tower, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre offers an intimate setting for diverse performances, incredible acoustics for musical events, dynamic spaces for theatre and community events.

Peterborough Memorial Centre

In addition to hosting over 60 seasons of OHL hockey, the Peterborough Memorial Centre is a fantastic large-scale entertainment venue. Over the years, acts including Gordon Lightfoot, Elton John, Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Blue Rodeo, and Jann Arden have graced the stage.

Stock Image - City of Peterborough - Round Spotlight Shining on a Stage with Red Curtain in the Background

Peterborough Theatre Guild

As a hub of community theatre, the Peterborough Theatre Guild showcases everything from family favourites to contemporary dramas to beloved classics.

Showplace Performance Centre

A premier venue in downtown Peterborough, Showplace Performance Centre hosts a wide array of live performances, from music and theatre to comedy and dance, in an elegant 647-seat theatre.

The Theatre on King

An experimental and intimate black box theatre, The Theatre on King is known for its bold and innovative performances, bringing contemporary and original works to the Peterborough arts scene.

Vancamp - Five Member Band on Stage at Jethro's in Downtown Peterborough, Guitarists at the Front

Jethro's Bar + Stage

One of Peterborough's favourite live music spaces. Jethro's Bar + Stage regularly hosts fantastic local talent throughout the week.

Live Music Events

Peterborough’s music scene is legendary. Discover places where Canadian music legends got their start and stages that performers love to add to their tours. Catch live performances featuring everything from indie rock to jazz, folk, and blues.

In the summer the community really comes alive with Peterborough Musicfest - Canada’s longest-running, free-admission summer concert series - on the shores of Little Lake on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Peterborough Folk Festival, is a lively weekend that is fun for the whole family that takes place each August.

Events

Make Memories at Folk Fest!

Stages that Sing

Summer Evenings at Peterborough Musicfest

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