💼 Row Row Row Your Boat

Good morning, PTBO! It’s shaping up to be a classic fall weekend sunshine, community gatherings, and the traditions that make this city special. From rowing on the river to live music and local events, here’s what’s on tap if you’re looking to get out and enjoy it.

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

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Trent’s biggest weekend splashes back October 3–5 with over 800 boats racing down the Otonabee. Alongside the regatta you’ll find varsity matchups, alumni reunions, kids’ zones, food trucks, and riverside viewing all across campus. It’s the ultimate mix of Trent pride and community spirit.

🚰 New Online Water Portal

Paying your water bill just got easier. Starting early November, the City’s rolling out a new online customer portal (KUBRA MyHQ™) where you can check your account, view bills, and make payments in one place. It comes as Water Services officially shifts under the City’s roof after moving from the Utilities Commission.

🎃 Pumpkin Patch Picks

It’s pumpkin hunting season, and three family-run spots around Peterborough are ready to load you up. Buckhorn Berry Farm has wagon rides, mazes, and even pumpkin bowling. MacArthur’s Patch adds playgrounds, straw piles, and goofy photo ops. Leahy’s Farm keeps it simple with every shape and size of pumpkin, from porch-perfect to massive festival giants.

🎨 New Water St. Mural: First Friday Ptbo will unveil a brand new mural at 388 Water St. on Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. Meet Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin), whose work blends ecology, nature, and ancestral connection into bold public art. Expect a ribbon cutting, photo ops, and a vibrant new piece for downtown.

🎲 Casino Closing at Kawartha Downs: The casino at Kawartha Downs will shut down at the end of March 2026, marking the end of Ontario’s temporary Slots at Racetracks Program. The closure will impact about 24 employees and follows years of reduced operations since Shorelines Casino Peterborough opened in 2018.

🎭 Artsweek Finale This Weekend: Artsweek Peterborough 2025 wraps up Sunday after filling the city with 50 performances by 77 local artists across music, poetry, theatre, and visual arts. Still on deck: the last Hot Spots concert Friday at Peterborough Square, “A Spider’s Tale” circus show, haunted Solace for the Spirit tours, and final stagings of “The Auction.”

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

🎨 Water St. Mural Unveiling: Kick off your First Friday crawl with a splash of colour. Josh Morley’s new mural gets its big reveal with a ribbon cutting, photo ops, and a chance to meet the artist before the art crawl heats up. 6 PM 388 Water St

💃 Salsa Night: Rolling Grape’s patio turns into a dance floor with live salsa beats, tacos, and white wine margaritas. Gabia from Dance With Me keeps the steps flowing so beginners and pros all feel at home on the floor. 5 PM Rolling Grape Vineyard

🖼️ First Friday Art Crawl: Downtown flips into a giant open gallery as shops, cafés, and studios keep their doors open late. Wander on foot, soak up live creativity, and stumble into something new around every corner. 6 PM Downtown Peterborough

🎤 The Chicks Tribute Show: Relive the hits that bridged country and pop as this tribute nails the look, the sound, and the sing-along spirit of the top-selling female country group of all time. 7:30 PM Showplace ($)

🎭 Opening Night: Comedy takes the stage as the chaos unfolds not just in the play, but in the audience and backstage too. A witty look at love, marriage, and the mishaps that happen when life collides with theatre. 7:30 PM Peterborough Theatre Guild ($)

🍻 Oktoberfest: McThirsty’s goes full Bavarian with steins of Paulaner, Oktoberfest food specials, and a beer stein holding contest Friday night. McThirsty’s Pint

🛶 Lakeside Gala: The Canoe Museum launches its first gala with food, drinks, live entertainment and after-hours access to the new lakefront campus. A night of craftsmanship, culture and community in support of the Museum’s mission.
6 PM The Canadian Canoe Museum ($)

🚣 Head of the Trent Regatta: The 54th edition hits the Otonabee with 800+ boats, varsity competition, vendors and alumni pride filling the riverbanks. Watch the races live or online and feel the energy of one of North America’s biggest head races. 7:15 AM Otonabee River

👖 Fashion That Fits: A denim day with FDJ French Dressing’s fit expert, styling tips and an expanded lineup of jeans you won’t usually find in-store. Come try, shop and leave with your new favourite fit. 10 AM DJC Modern Apparel

🧸 Fall Collectible Show: Vintage toys, Hot Wheels, Pokémon cards, coins and more fill the tables for this fall edition of the Kawartha Hobby Toy and Collectible Show. A must for collectors and curious browsers alike. 9 AM Kawartha Downs Events

🎨 Pottery Date Night: Try your hand at the wheel with someone special and learn the basics of throwing a pot. A creative night out where you get messy, make memories and maybe take home your own handmade pieces. 7 PM The Art School of Peterborough($)

🎃 Pumpkin Sign Workshop: Build a fall-ready wooden sign (about 18” tall) with your choice of design and all materials included. A hands-on creative afternoon that sends you home with something cozy for the season. 12 PM 100 Acre Brewing

🎶 Fleetwood Mac Mania: The legendary sound of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks brought to life by North America’s top tribute act. Expect all the classics, the look, and the feel of the real thing in one unforgettable night. 8 PM Showplace ($)

🎤 Chantal Kreviazuk: The JUNO-winning singer-songwriter returns for a night of powerhouse vocals and heartfelt piano-driven hits, along with the stories behind them. A Canadian icon in an intimate setting. 7 PM Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

🎀 CIBC Run for the Cure: Join the community at Nicholls Oval for the annual run supporting breast cancer research and awareness. Walk, run, and show your pink pride. 8:30 AM Nicholls Oval Park

🛍️ Make It Handmade: A showcase of local makers featuring jewelry, prints, crafts, baked goods and more. A full day to browse, shop and support Peterborough’s creative community. 10 AM 1550 Lansdowne St W

🎨 Family Sunday: Drop into the Art Gallery for free, hands-on activities inspired by the season, perfect for all ages after exploring the current exhibitions. 1 PM Art Gallery of Peterborough

🎨 Bingo & Brushes: Paint pottery, play bingo, and snag prizes in a creative night out that mixes games with art. BYOB and bring your lucky streak. 6 PM Busy Brushes Studio

🎤 The Soul Buffet: A celebration of Black culture, food and spoken word, featuring soul food from Eliza “EJ” Jenkins’ family recipes and performances from Poet Laureates and community leaders. 2 PM Peterborough Square Courtyard

🃏 Card Show: Sports cards, TCG, and collectibles of all kinds take over the arena with vendors, deals, and plenty to browse. 10 AM Healthy Planet Arena

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Friday 10.3
Charlie Horse | Black Horse Pub | 5 PM
Stand Back! (Brandon Humphrey and Mike & William MacCurdy) | Black Horse Pub | 9 PM
Karaoke | Crook & Coffer | 8:30 PM
Shuga | Honkey Tonk Angel Bar | 8 PM
Washboard Hank | Jethro's | 8 PM
Noise Hotel | Jethro's | 10 PM
Jacob Henley | McThirsty’s Pint | 9 PM

Saturday 10.4
Brennen Sloan | Black Horse Pub | 5 PM
The Hippie Chicks | Black Horse Pub | 9 PM
Dennis O’Toole | Crook & Coffer | 2:30 PM
Doug Horner & Johann Burkhardt | Crook & Coffer | 7:30 PM
The Kissers | Jethro's | 8 PM
Diamond Dave and the Smoke Eaters | Jethro's | 10 PM
Ryan Burton | McThirsty’s Pint | 9 PM

Sunday 10.5
Rocky Islander | Black Horse Pub | 4 PM
Blues Jam | Jethro's | 3 PM
Karaoke & Open Mic | McThirsty’s Pint | 8 PM
Caitlin O’Connor | Rolling Grape Vineyard | 2 PM

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

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to the Peterborough community? Drop us a line here → [email protected]