💼Back To School Time

Good morning, PTBO! Labour Day weekend is behind us and now it’s pencils, backpacks, and bus stops as school kicks off this week. Patios are quieter, coffee lines are longer, and parents everywhere just remembered how early mornings actually feel. September has officially arrived.

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

Riverview Park and Zoo has a brand new arrival, a Himalayan yak calf born last week to proud parents Yeti and Avalanche. The little one is healthy, staying close to mom, and was on its feet within minutes of being born. Yak calves usually arrive after about 8 to 9 months of gestation and are born one at a time, which makes this addition extra special. The zoo is asking the community for name suggestions while the calf’s sex is still being confirmed, so visitors can soon meet Peterborough’s newest furry resident.

Peterborough County has launched a digital map that makes exploring The Kawarthas easier than ever. The tool highlights everything from washrooms and EV chargers to attractions, markets, beaches, and conservation areas, all with interactive layers that update in real time. Visitors can even build custom itineraries, making it a modern upgrade to the old folded paper maps. The County says it’s all part of a strategy to put the visitor experience front and center while showing off each township’s unique character.

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

🏆 Business Excellence Awards: The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees and finalists for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards. The event celebrates local businesses, organizations, and individuals who go above and beyond to make this region a thriving place to live and work. Finalists this year include Wild Rock Outfitters, Charlotte Products Ltd, OmniWorx Design, Five Counties Children’s Centre, and Monaghan Lumber among many more. Winners will be revealed at the awards night on Wednesday, October 22, where the community gathers to honour the best of the best in local business.

🍗 BOBO Expands: After three years of serving up bubble tea, BOBO Tea is growing with a brand new venture - BOBO Chicken. The team shared the news this week, thanking the community for its support and inviting locals to follow along at @bobo_chicken_ptbo for grand opening updates and exclusive discounts.

📸 @trentuniversity 📍Trent University
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Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

📚 Nogojiwanong Book Club: Curl up with stories by Indigenous authors as the Friendship Centre launches its weekly book club . First on the list is Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson, diving into magic, mischief, and coming of age. (registration required) 6 PM Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

🧠 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

🎬 Free Film Tuesday: Sadleir House and Trent Film Society are lighting up the Lecture Hall this week with La La Land. Grab a friend, sink into the music, and let the jazz-soaked love story sweep you away. Snacks are on hand (yes, Costco goodies), seats are free, and the vibe is pure movie magic. 8 PM Sadleir House

🍖 Trivia Tuesdays at Back40: The last Tuesday of every month means trivia night at Back40 Smokehouse. This month’s theme is Y2K, running with plenty of smoked BBQ, cold drinks, and bragging rights on the line. 7 PM Back40 Smokehouse

🧱 LEGO Club: Kids ages 5 to 8 kids can let their imagination run wild at weekly LEGO Club. The library provides the bricks, you bring the ideas, and the creations are endless. Sessions run at the Main Branch Story Corner and at the MLCC Branch 4:30 PM Peterborough Public Library & 5:30 Miskin Law Community Centre

🏍 Bike Night at Chemong Lodge: Every Tuesday through the summer, riders roll into Chemong Lodge for live music, raffles, swag, BBQ specials, and ice cold drinks. Hosted by the Warriors MC Peterborough Chapter, the weekly event supports the Peterborough Humane Society’s Snoopy Program. 6 PM Chemong Lodge, Bridgenorth

🎤 Black Horse Open Mic: Joslynn Burford hosts an open mic night where local talent takes the stage in front of a fun and supportive crowd. Plus, Lake of Bays pints are only $6 all night. 7 PM Black Horse Pub

🧵 Needlework Club: Bring your own project or start fresh with a beginner kit at the library’s drop-in needlework circle. Swap tips, share ideas, and stitch the evening away in good company. 6 PM Peterborough Public Library

🎤 Open Mic at 100 Acre: Brad Renaud hosts an evening of local talent, cold pints, and laid-back vibes. Bring a tune, share a story, or just kick back and enjoy the show. 6 PM 100 Acre Brewing

🤸 Toddler Drop In: Let the littles run wild (safely) at Kawartha Gymnastics. The gym turns into a toddler playground of climbing, jumping, and endless energy-burning fun. 9:30 AM Kawartha Gymnastics

🥍 Excalibur Lacrosse Home Opener: Trent’s men’s lacrosse team hits the field against the Queen’s Gaels under the lights of Justin Chiu Stadium. It’s O-Week, the crowd will be loud, and Excalibur pride will be in full force. 7:30 PM Justin Chiu Stadium

🎤 Sing It Like You Mean It: KaraOINKE night at The Pig’s Ear brings out the shower singers, the secret rockstars, and everyone in between. With K Stew & Milo hosting, the vibe is rowdy, fun, and just the right amount of off-key. 9 PM The 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

🐢 Raise A Little Shell: The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre hosts a night of music and conservation with live sets from Greg Keelor, Terra Lightfoot, and Melissa Payne. Plus, Tony Morris of Ontario Nature joins to talk about protecting species at risk. Limited tickets available, or catch it on Instagram Live. 6:30 PM Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre ($)

💪 Sunset Sweat Sesh: F45 PTBO takes over the rooftop at Euphoria Wellness Spa for a high energy evening workout as the sun goes down. Expect a 45-minute sweat, post class refreshments, a raffle, and all the sunset vibes. 6:45 PM Euphoria Wellness Spa ($)

🎱 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

🎶 Otonabeats Open Decks: The Theatre on King fills with beats as DJs new and seasoned take 30-minute slots across every genre and style. It’s free or pay-what-you-can, with proceeds supporting the theatre, and a perfect midweek chance to dance. 7 PM The Theatre on King

🍽️ Flavours of Peterborough: Trent’s Symons Campus transforms into a foodie paradise with local spots like Bobo Tea, Boardwalk Game Lounge, La Hacienda, Curry Village, and more serving up their best. It’s one big taste tour of the city. 11 AM Lady Eaton South Field, Trent University

🚗 Cruise Into Community: Chrome, classics and roaring engines take over Craftworks at the Barn. It’s more than a car show — it’s a chance to swap stories, admire the details, and hang out with folks who live for four wheels. 4 PM Craftworks at the Barn

🎱 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 Willow
This curious sweetheart is a true social butterfly who loves making new friends, especially if another cat is already in the home. She’ll win you over with her gentle chatter, quirky smile, and endless affection. Willow is ready to bring warmth and companionship to her forever family. To Adopt

Joanna & Danny | McThirsty’s | 8 PM

Kevin Foster | McThirsty’s | 8 PM
The Space Heaters | Jethro’s | 10 PM

Davey Boy |100 Acre Brewing | 5 PM
Mark Edwards & Melissa Whalen| Rolling Grape Vineyard | 5:30 PM
Carling Stephan & Rob Phillips | Black Horse Pub | 7 PM
Gordie Tentrees | Jethro’s | 8 PM
Jeanne Truax & Friends | Jethro’s | 10 PM
DJ Candy Crush | McThirsty’s | 8 PM

THANKS!

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

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