💼Fall Changes Hit Downtown

Good morning, PTBO! First day of fall has finally arrived let’s hope it actually feels like it. I’m all for sweater weather, but by noon it still feels like we’re baking on Hunter street. Grab your pumpkin spice, dodge the midday heat, and here’s what’s happening around town:

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

Heads up drivers - Aylmer between Lake and Westcott is closed to through traffic starting Monday until Oct. 3 for sewer replacement work. Northbound cars will loop over to Park via Romaine and Rink, while southbound traffic will be sent along George and back to Romaine. One sidewalk will stay open at all times, and local access will be maintained, so you can still reach homes and businesses in the zone.

Starting Monday, Peterborough Transit is officially moving back into the downtown terminal at 190 Simcoe. Routes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 23 will return to their regular bays, and Transit Ambassadors will be on site to help riders figure out the shuffle. A few Simcoe Street stops will stay in play for Routes 10, 11, 12, 22, plus westbound 4 and 6—so make sure to double check where your bus is pulling in before you head out.

🌊 Coming Down The River

Here’s a quick look ahead to some events coming 3 weeks from now.

🍗 Chickenndough Lands Downtown: Big news for wing lovers Chickenndough is now open at 182 Charlotte St. To celebrate, they’re running a soft launch special Sept 18–25: $10 per lb for any flavour wings. Sweet, spicy, messy, or classic they’ve got you covered. Round up the crew and dig in while it lasts.

👣 Grady’s Passing the Torch: After 41 years, Grady’s Feet Essentials is set for a new chapter. On Sept 1, 2026, longtime store manager Theresa Thibadeau and her husband Mark Walsh will officially take over from Tony and Kelli Grady. With 12+ years already on the team, Theresa knows the soles of the business inside and out so expect the same trusted brands, expert fitting, and service Peterborough has loved for decades.

🎮 Another World VR Opens: Downtown’s getting a new dimension - Another World VR Arena is cutting the ribbon Sept 25 at 11 AM, 379 George St N. Step inside, strap on a headset, and be among the first to experience Peterborough’s newest spot for futuristic fun.

📸 @theboroptbo 📍Monarch Festival
Tag @ptbobrief  to get your photos featured!

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

🃏 Pride Euchre Night: Free games, cards ready, bring a buddy. No new hands after 9, so don’t deal yourself out. 6:30 PM Dreams of Beans

🌳 Guided Tree Walk: Join the library and Field Naturalists for an evening stroll through Ecology Park. Learn Ontario’s native trees and get a taste of “bio-blitzing” with Susan Paradisis. 6:30 PM Ecology Park

🎬 Reel Sound at Sadleir: The Trent Film Society is back with free Tuesday screenings all fall and winter. This week’s pick: The Blues Brothers. Snacks included, discussion optional. 7 PM Sadleir House Lecture Hall

🎤 Open Mic: Johann Burkhardt hosts a night of guitars, voices, and surprise talent that turns the Black Horse into a cozy living room jam. Sign up or just soak in the laid-back vibes. 7 PM The Black Horse Pub

🧠 Trivia: Questions fly, laughs follow, and only the sharpest team walks away with bragging rights, Social Bucks for the winners, plus $22 sangria pitchers and $22 team nacho platters. 8 PM The Social

🎭 Weaving Creek Stones: Frankie McGee takes the stage with a solo show exploring queer, trans, and disabled lineages through the fog of disembodiment. Relaxed performances, with ASL interpretation on select nights. 7 PM The Theatre on King

🎤 Open Mic: Grab a pint, grab the mic, and let it rip music, comedy, poetry, whatever you’ve got. 9 PM The Pigs Ear

🛥️ Liftlock Fall Cruise: A three hour trip from Little Lake takes you up and over the world’s highest hydraulic liftlock, past scenic colours, and on to Trent. Licensed bar, snacks, and history included. Reservations recommended. 12:30 PM 92 George St N Marina

🎮 Minecraft Night: Builders, adventurers, and pixel pioneers unite for a night of blocky fun, big ideas, and plenty of creativity. Bring your crew and start crafting memories. 5 PM Boston Pizza S

🎲 Pride Board Game Night: Roll the dice, draw a card, or just learn as you go no experience needed. $8 to stay and play, all are welcome. 6 PM The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

🎤 Karaoinke Pride Edition: The Pig’s Ear is turning up the volume with $14 PBR pitchers, $4 shots, and a lineup of talented queer performers. Hosted by K-Stew with features from Audrina Vent and Ell Parker. 9 PM Pig’s Ear Tavern

🌽 Farmers Market: Wander the stalls, fill your bag with fresh produce, local bites and handmade finds, and take a moment to connect with the community as you shop. 8 AM Quaker Park

🎤 Pride & Poetry: Feature performances plus a 2SLGBTQAI+ open mic in partnership with Peterborough Pride. Sliding scale entry, all are welcome. 7:30 PM Dreams of Beans

📑 Executor Workshop: Learn about wills, estate planning, and funeral pre-arrangements at this free seminar led by Murray H. Miskin of Miskin Law. 11 AM Nisbett Funeral Home

💃 YEBO by Public Energy: A powerful double bill from Mozambican Canadian dancer Pulga Muchochoma - NGOMA, a solo rooted in ancestral lineage, and INKOSI, an ensemble work inspired by Mandela’s resilience. 7:30 PM Market Hall ($)

🏒 Petes Game: The OHL action is back at the PMC as Peterborough faces off against the Soo. 7:05 PM Peterborough Memorial Centre

🎱 Bingo Nights at Faculty: Chill vibes, cold drinks, and a stack of prizes make this the kind of midweek hangout you don’t want to miss. Grab a seat, grab a card, and let the good times roll. 7 PM The Faculty Bar

🎸 OG Open Stage: Diamond Dave hosts a night for original music only if you wrote it, come sing it. 7 PM Crook & Coffer

🎱 Bingo & Margaritas: The Social turns into a lively hall of daubers, prizes, and laughs. Between free games, $10 margaritas and $12 taco trios, this night’s as much about fun as it is about winning. 7:30 PM The Social

🐾 Meet Purroosh
Smooth, handsome, and totally irresistible this dashing gentleman is the definition of cool. He’s all about cuddles, charm, and stealing hearts, but he’d prefer to be the one and only pet in your life. Purroosh does need a little extra ear care, but what he gives back in love and loyalty is priceless. If you’re looking for a laid back best friend with movie star looks, Purroosh is your guy.
_{^{Interested in meeting Purroosh? Reach out to the Shelter today.}}

Joanna & Danny | McThirsty’s | 8 PM

Take it to the limit - Eagles Tribute band | Showplace | 7:30 | ($)
Kevin Foster | McThirsty’s | 8 PM
The Space Heaters | Jethro’s | 9 PM

Chad Driscoll | 100 Acre Brewing | 5PM
Carling Stephan & Rob Phillips | Black Horse Pub | 7 PM
DJ Candy Crush | McThirsty’s | 8 PM
The Union | Jethro’s | 10 PM

THANKS!

You stay classy Peterborough, and thank you again for reading!

Have an event you want to feature or share a new business opening? Drop us a line here → [email protected]