💼 The Ber Months Are Here

Good morning, PTBO! If you’ve walked past Quaker lately, you know the whole city smells like breakfast. That sweet, toasty cloud of oats and cereal dust is basically Peterborough’s unofficial cologne. Some towns get the scent of fresh bread, others get pine trees, we get instant oatmeal. Breathe it in, folks, it’s the smell of home

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

Your story is the advantage big brands can’t buy.

Big brands have massive budgets. 

Local businesses have something better, a story the community cares about and relates to.

At Showbile Media, we help you turn that story into cinematic video that makes customers feel like they already know you. We blend personable with professional, delivering high-quality visuals that capture the real, relatable moments that make you stand out and keep you top of mind long after they’ve seen your ad.

Because in today’s market, connection beats competition.

🎬 Let’s tell your story → showbile.com

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City council has voted 7–4 to proceed with $91.9 million in renovations to the downtown Water Street police station and the former Calvary Church on Lansdowne, despite concerns over costs nearly doubling from the original $66 million budget. Critics warn the city is “bankrupting taxpayers,” while supporters say the aging facilities can’t wait. Debate over transparency and the decision to skip a pause for more details has left some councillors uneasy.

Teens in GreenUP’s Youth Climate Action Leadership program used a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation to build gardens at the YES Shelter for Youth and Families. The project gives residents space to grow food, enjoy flowers, and connect with nature while showing how young people can drive real, local change.

🥢 Chinese Buffet Coming Back: Local restaurateur Susan Tung, owner of Hanoi House and founder of Electric City Catering, is bringing a Chinese buffet back to Peterborough. Tung announced the news on social media, sharing that she’s already secured a lease and equipment, with more details on the name, location, and opening date to come.

🏋️ YMCA Community Open House: The YMCA is opening its doors this Saturday from noon to 4 with free demos, family activities, open swim, and program info. From archery and judo to bouncy castles and aquafit, it’s a chance to sample everything the Y has to offer - no membership required

🛍 Salvation Army Thrift Store Returns: After closing in 2021, the Salvation Army is reopening a thrift store downtown in Market Plaza this October. The 5,700-square-foot shop will stock clothing, kitchenware, home décor, and more, with proceeds supporting local programs like food banks, shelters, and emergency relief.

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

🎨 First Friday Art Crawl: Downtown Peterborough lights up September 5 with new stops and fresh art around every corner. From folk art angels at The Vanilla Room to tarot readings and live performances at The Food Shop, plus mixed media, pottery pop-ups, and heritage craft showcases across Water and George Street - it’s a night to wander, discover, and celebrate local creativity. Downtown Peterborough

🎶 ABBA Revisited: North America’s top ABBA tribute brings the disco era back to life with all the hits, glitter, and energy you remember. Proceeds support MS Canada, making it a night of music and nostalgia for a great cause. 8 PM Showplace Performance Centre ($)

💃 Salsa Night: Rolling Grape’s patio heats up with salsa music, dancing under the stars, artisan tacos, and white wine margaritas. Instructor Gabia from Dance With Me will guide the floor, so all levels are welcome. 5 PM Rolling Grape Vineyard

🌵 First Friday at The Neighbourhood Vintage: Clay Commons is in the shop with hand-poured ceramic pieces made from vintage molds. Meet the makers, browse one of a kind creations, and soak up the downtown art crawl vibes. 6 PM The Neighbourhood Vintage

🍻 Boots N’ Brews: 100 Acre Brewing is turning the patio into a dance floor with an evening of line dancing, local brews, and country vibes. Your ticket includes a drink, your boots supply the rhythm, and the brewery brings the good times. 6 PM 100 Acre Brewing Co. ($)

🎨 Faculty First Friday: A full night of art, poetry, dance, and live music capped with a DJ set to keep the floor moving. Sonic Pie will be serving up pizza late, making it the perfect mix of culture, food, and fun. 6 PM Faculty bar

📖 Book Launch: The Wild Path Home hits shelves this Friday with a film screening, author reading, and refreshments. Written by Jacob Rodenburg and Cathy Dueck, the guide offers parents and educators a roadmap for raising kids who are connected to nature and ready to steward a healthy planet. 7PM Take Cover Books

🎉 The Vanilla Room Turns One: First Friday doubles as a birthday bash with the shop cleared out for an immersive market packed with local artists, special treats, drinks, and a cake cutting to mark both their one year anniversary and owner Kayla’s 30th. The Vanilla Room

🚴 HunTer Fondo: Cyclists take to the roads for a charity ride honoring John Hunter, with route options from 30K to 125K. Riders will enjoy a catered lunch, a brew from 100 Acre, and the chance to win prizes, Strava awards, and bike poker. 100 Acre Brewing ($)

🎶 Guyestock 2025: The 5th annual backyard music fest takes over Juliet Road with eight local acts from noon to 8 PM. Bring a chair, pack a cooler, and settle in under the maples for a full day of live music, food, and community vibes. Suggested $20 donation at the gate supports the bands. 11 AM 302 Juliet Rd

🛒 ReStore Yard Sale: Hunt for bargains and hidden gems at Habitat for Humanity’s big sale, with home décor, tools, books, and secondhand treasures priced to move. Both the Peterborough and Lakefield ReStores are joining in, with proceeds supporting safe and affordable housing. 8 AM ReStore, 300 Milroy Dr + Lakefield ReStore

🧘 Yoga at the Park: Quaker Foods City Square hosts free outdoor yoga every Saturday morning alongside the Farmers’ Market. This week’s class is led by Restore, bringing movement, mindfulness, and a perfect start to your weekend. 10 AM Quaker Foods City Square

🐶 Wiener Dog Races (with a twist): Kawartha Downs is bringing back its fan favourite pup races during harness night now open to corgis and any small breed under 20 lbs. It’s free to watch, spots are limited for racers, and proceeds support the local Humane Society. 6 PM Kawartha Downs

🔮 Porch Pop-Up: Root to Crown Crystals hosts a one-day sale with reiki-infused jewellery, crystals, books, and more, plus intuitive readings by Tanya Hatfield of Whispering Leaves Wellness. Tracey’s Little Bakeshop will also be there with her famous butter tarts, so come early before they sell out. 11 AM Root To Crown

🎸 RC4G Jam Sessions: Sadleir House comes alive the first Saturday of every month with youth drop in jams. Junior Jammers (ages 9–12) warm up the space, then teens take over for Rock Block a loud, welcoming jam where everyone can plug in, play, and build community. 11 AM Sadleir House

💃 Last of the Summer Merengue: PTBO Ballroom wraps up its summer Latin dance series at the Silver Bean Café with an evening of spicy beats, sunshine vibes, and plenty of two-stepping fun. Singles and couples welcome just bring a smile and your dancing shoes. 5 PM Silver Bean Café

👨‍🍳 Farmers’ Market Cooking Demo: Chef Martín of La Mesita Restaurante takes the stage with pasture-raised pork from Indian River Kune Kune Farm. Learn the recipe, watch it come together, and grab a taste while you shop the market. 10:30 AM Peterborough Farmers’ Market

Sunday 9.7

🎥 Healing Outside the System: Market Hall hosts the premiere of Kait Howell’s documentary on Peggy Shaughnessy, celebrating her Pathway of Fame induction, PhD defense, and the launch of RedPath Wellness Centre. A powerful evening honouring her story and mission of community healing community. 2 PM Market Hall

🎨 Family Sunday: The Art Gallery of Peterborough opens its studio for free, drop-in art activities themed to the season. Explore the exhibits, then get creative with projects for all ages. 1 PM Art Gallery of Peterborough

🌕 Harvest Moon Hive Dinner: Hunnabees Honey & Co. teams up with Chef Tyler Scott of CAMPKITCHEN for a five-course fire-cooked feast under the full moon. The evening begins with a hive tour and honey sodas, followed by a harvest table dinner infused with honey, pollen, and seasonal bounty. 3 PM Hunnabees Honey ($)

🎃 Clay Pumpkin Workshop: Kawartha Potters’ Guild hosts a hands-on session where you’ll craft up to three pumpkin pots, paint them in fall colours, and have them glazed for pickup just in time for autumn decorating. 10:30 AM Kawartha Potters Guild ($)

🚶 Walk of Hope: Join the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope at Nicholls Oval Pavilion to support research and awareness. Choose a 2.5 km or 5 km route, enjoy family-friendly activities, and walk together for progress and hope. 10 AM Nicholls Oval Pavilion

🧘 Yoga on Tap: PTBO Yoga pairs an all-levels outdoor flow with a refreshing 16oz pour at the end non-alcoholic options included. Bring your mat, breathe deep, and stretch into Sunday. 11 AM 100 Acre Brewing

This sweet young pup arrived as a stray with her siblings and has been a bundle of love from day one. She thrives on attention, adores both people and dogs, and leans right in for hugs and pets. A little shy at first, she quickly blossoms into a playful, affectionate companion. With some puppy energy still in the mix, Coal is ready to learn, explore, and grow alongside her forever family. To Adopt

Charlie Horse | Black Horse | 5 PM
Odd Man Rush | Holiday Inn | 6 PM
Blues in the Bottle | Pig's Ear | 7 PM
Cam Fraser | Crook & Coffer | 7:30 PM
Washboard Hank | Jethro's | 8 PM
Still Picking Country | Black Horse | 9 PM
Cale Crowe | McThirsty’s | 9 PM

Shane Eyers | Crook & Coffer | 2:30 PM
Taylor Abrahamse | Black Horse | 5 PM
Bradley McAcree | Crook & Coffer | 7:30 PM
The Kissers | Jethro's | 8 PM
Electric City Pulse | Black Horse | 9 PM
Ryan Burton | McThirsty’s | 9 PM
The Sleeves, The Meringues, Life of Exile | Pig's Ear | 9 PM
Diamond Dave | Jethro's | 10 PM

Cheryl Cass Trio | Rolling Grape Vineyard | 2 PM
Blues Jam | Jethro's | 3 PM
Brennen Sloan | Black Horse | 4 PM

Bob Butcher | 12 PM
Griddle Pickers | 1 PM
Rick & Gailie Trio | 2 PM
Keith Guy Band | 3 PM
Chris Devlin | 4 PM
Still Picking Country | 5 PM
Old Kids on the Block | 6 PM
Four Lanes Wide | 7 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]