Good morning, Peterborough! Slide into a full list of events and lineups for this hot and sunny August weekend.

In today’s PTBO Brief:

  • 🏆 Skate competition on George street

  • 🥼City gets its own DR Recruiter

  • 🗓️ Your weekend events roundup

Let’s get to it.

— M&B

SNAPSHOTS

🎈 Second Saturday Sales + Skateboard Competition

Downtown’s turning into one big block party again this Saturday! From 10 AM to 4 PM, head to George Street (Brock to Simcoe) for the next Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale, enjoy PTBO packed with pop-ups, sidewalk deals, music, and good vibes. It’s all pedestrian only for the day, so wander, shop, sip, and soak it all in.

Flavour Fashion is rolling out its annual skate competition during the sale, right out front of the shop! Open to all ages, it runs from 12 PM to 4 PM and promises a full afternoon of tricks, tunes, and serious talent. Whether you’re competing or just watching, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

📋 Peterborough Makes Doctor Program Official

Peterborough city council has voted to make its doctor recruitment pilot program permanent starting in 2026. The program, initially funded for 2024–2025 with $580,000, aims to attract and retain family physicians amid ongoing shortages. The decision also makes the city’s physician recruiter position a full-time permanent role.

Need to know details:

  • Program Becomes Permanent: Council voted 8–2 to make the doctor recruitment pilot an ongoing city program in 2026.

  • Full-Time Recruiter: The contract recruiter job becomes a permanent city role with an annual cost of $134,000 including benefits.

  • Urgency Cited: Mayor Leal and CAO Raina emphasized the need for immediate action to stay competitive, as doctor recruiters are in high demand.

  • Local Strategy: Recruiter Chantal Van Parys is working with local doctors on retention strategies, not just recruitment.

  • New for the City: This is the first time Peterborough has had its own municipal doctor recruiter, separate from county-shared efforts.

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🎭 K & C Costumes Finds a New Stage
A downtown PTBO icon is back K & C Costumes has reopened at Lansdowne Place! After 40 years in the business, Kathy Blondeau brings her signature personal touch (and plenty of pre-tariff deals) to the new spot. From spooky Halloween get-ups to kids favourite characters, there’s something for every occasion, so swing by and see what treasures you can find.

🤸‍♀️ New KG Kares Fund Opens Doors for Local Kids
Kawartha Gymnastics has launched the KG Kares Inclusion Fund to help local kids overcome financial or personal barriers to recreational gymnastics. The first round will cover a free 12-week session starting in September, funded through community sponsors and donations. Applications are open until August 15.

🏙️ Pushback on 17-Storey East City Proposal
Tensions are rising over a plan for a 17-storey mixed-use building at 90 Hunter Street East — a project that would be the tallest in Peterborough’s history. Residents are voicing concerns about height, heritage impacts, climate footprint and a lack of public consultation.

The developer, TVM Group, originally proposed a 10-storey build in 2024 before upping it to 17. The public meeting on the zoning amendment is set for August 25 at 6 pm at City Hall, with a staff report available August 21

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LOCAL LOWDOWN

Friday 8.8

Starlit Garden Ball: The Starlit Garden Ball is going to be one for the books. Picture ballgowns, costumes and a starry night vibe. Things start with Brett Wilson from No Small Affair and roll into a DJ fueled dance party with Isla, Chatell Motherboard and Purdon. They’re also revealing the Logo Contest winners and handing out some killer prize baskets. 6:30 - 11 PM Knights of Columbus

👢 Boots N’ Brews: Grab your dancing boots and get ready for a night of country tunes, good vibes and cold pints. Whether you’ve got moves or two left feet, you’re welcome on the dance floor. Lowlands will be serving up eats, and your ticket comes with a 16 oz pint or a non-alcoholic drink. 6 PM 100 Acre Brewing

🍺 Tap Takeover: McThirstys is teaming up with Fine Balance Brewing for a night of seriously good beer. They’re bringing 10 brews plus 2 special collabs and pouring until the kegs run dry, so grab a pint while you can. 12 PM McThirstys

🌈 Drag Debut Night: Ready to get your drag on? Local legends Sahira the Djinn and Betty Baker are hosting a safe, welcoming night to make your debut. First, browse a haul of donated costumes and accessories to start your drag collection, then stick around for the open stage , you might even see your hosts jump in. Free event but space is limited, so register early 6:30 Dreams of beans

🐾 International Cat Day Pottery: Celebrate International Cat Day by making something inspired by your favourite feline. Pick from plates, mugs, trinket dishes and more, with all the tools and inspo you need to bring your idea to life. A $5 deposit goes toward your final piece. 4 PM Busy Brushes

Saturday 8.9

☀️ End of Summer Flash Day at Mike’s Tattoo: $100 flash tattoos on arms or legs, walk-in piercings, snacks and goodie bags for the first 25 through the door. 10 AM Mikes Tattoos

🏎️ Kids Powerwheels Race / Harness racing: Back by popular demand, kids ages 4 to 8 can hit the track during Harness Racing Night, with proceeds going to Five Counties Children’s Centre. 6 PM Kawartha Downs

🎶 The Celtic Tenors Musicfest: Celebrate the Nine Ships Bicentennial with world-renowned trio The Celtic Tenors, blending classical, folk, pop and Celtic traditions with rich harmonies and storytelling. 8 PM Musicfest

🎨 Pottery Date Night: Grab your partner and learn the basics of throwing a pot on the wheel while making something together. A fun, hands-on way to spend an evening 7 PM Art School of Peterborough

🎵 The True North Meets The Land Down Under: Local rising star Georgia Rose teams up with Australian musician Mikey Campbell for a night of original tunes and great vibes. 7 PM Market hall

Sunday 8.10

🚮 Downtown Cigarette Butt Clean Up: Join the second annual downtown clean up and help beat last year’s total of 16,780 butts collected. Gloves, pails and pickers provided just bring yourself and a refillable water bottle. 8:30 Am Quaker Square

🧘 Sunday Pilates at Rolling Grape: Start your Sunday with a free pilates session led by Mel at Rolling Grape Vineyard. Bring your own mat, then stick around for wine, tacos, wood-fired pizza and more on the patio. 10 AM Rolling Grape

🐶 Puppy Yoga at Eastside: Gentle, beginner-friendly yoga with adorable doodle pups. 10 AM Eastside Boxing & Wellness

🍺 Yoga on Tap: An hour of yoga followed by a pint or non-alcoholic drink. Bring your own mat. 11 AM 100 Acre Brewing

🏃 Chemong Lake Triathlon: One of Canada’s best small triathlons is back with options for all levels, from Try-a-Tri to Sprint, Duathlon and Team Relay. Family friendly, chip timed and set on the shores of beautiful Chemong Lake. 8 AM Ennismore Waterfront Park

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 8.8

Homestead Elite| The Blackhorse | 5 PM
Dave Tough & The Scholars| The Blackhorse | 9 PM
Blue sky Joker + Christian Lief | Jethros | 8 PM
Star Band | Jethros | 10 PM
Jordan Thomas | McThirstys | 9 PM
Wax Mannequin | Pigs Ear Tavern | 9 PM
Andy & The Boys | Puck N Pint | 7 PM

Saturday 8.9

Jonah Mclean | The Blackhorse | 5 PM
Woodhouse Crooks | The Blackhorse | 9 PM
Peter Graham Band | Jethros | 8 PM
Bouche & Smitty | Jethros | 10 PM
Blues Jam | Jethros | 3 PM
Ryan Scott | McThirstys | 9 PM
The Celtic Tenors | Del Crary Park | 8 PM
Mike MaCurdy & Friends | Crook & Coffer | 2:30 PM
James Higgins | Crook & Coffer | 7:30 PM
Mark Edwards | 100 Acre | 5 PM
Jerry Ledger | Pigs Ear | 9 PM
Little Fire Collective w Lucy Ferrill | Pigs Ear | 4 PM
KC Carter | Puck N Pint | 8 PM

Sunday 8.10

Deanna Earle | Rolling Grape | 2 PM
Bluegrass Menagerie | The Blackhorse | 4pm
Blues Jam | Jethros | 3pm
Karaoke | McThirstys | 8pm

THANKS -M&B

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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