💼 Ribfest Makes A Return

Good morning, PTBO! Can you believe it — actual rain, not just the kind they tease us with in the forecast. Let’s hope it cools things down so we can enjoy this jam-packed weekend without melting into the sidewalk. Summer’s on its final lap, so soak it up while you can - cooler temps, busy patios, and just enough time left to pretend we’re not already eyeing pumpkin spice.

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

Join the Kawartha String Orchestra!

The Kawartha String Orchestra is seeking new members (violin, viola, cello, and bass) for our Winter/Spring 2025-2026 sea son. No auditions are necessary.

Rehearsals are held Wednesday mornings at Mark Street United Church, and we hold two concerts (November and May) per year to raise money for local charities such as Kawartha Food Share.  

For more information, email us at [email protected] or visit our web site at www.kawarthastring.com

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Ever wonder what’s actually happening in your neighbourhood (and not just what your neighbour swears they “heard”)? Peterborough Police just launched a Community Safety Map where you can see what kinds of crimes have been reported around town over the past year. Updated daily, it covers things like shoplifting, assaults, robberies, and drug offences—pinned right to the nearest intersection. The idea is to cut through the gossip and give residents a clearer picture of what’s really happening in their neighbourhoods.

Peterborough’s favourite messy, saucy tradition has a new home at Del Crary Park. From August 22 to 24, picture ribs in one hand, a cold drink in the other, with live music rolling off the Miskin Law stage all weekend long. Things kick off with a throwback ‘80s party, roll into the rowdy Hootenanny, and wrap with a Sunday Patio Party and the Big Rib Competition. It’s not just ribs, it’s Peterborough’s smokiest, juiciest waterfront party of the year.

🚒 Subs Save the Day: Peterborough Fire Services just got a $35K boost from the Firehouse Subs Foundation — and no, it’s not for sandwiches. The grant bought heavy-duty lifting bags that’ll help firefighters free trapped victims and tackle tough rescues. Talk about a lifesaving combo meal.

🚀 BuildUP Trades Go Solo: The Innovation Cluster’s BuildUP program just graduated its first cohort, equipping 35 tradespeople with the basics of running their own business. Funded by Employment Ontario, the eight-week crash course covered taxes, bookkeeping, financing, and hiring, giving participants like HVAC worker Patrick Carty and electrician Mike Thurston the push to finally take the leap into entrepreneurship. A second cohort launches this fall.

📸 @Silverbeancafe 📍Silver Bean Cafe on Little Lake
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Events marked with (Tickets/$) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

🧵 Scrub-A-Dub Sale: the Black Friday of scrubs with up to 70% off and buy-more-get-more freebies at the Holiday Inn Waterfront. From joggers to jackets in sizes XXXS to 5XL, it’s a one-day glow-up for your work wardrobe. 10 AM – 7 PM Holiday Inn Waterfront

🍖 Kawartha Ribfest: Peterborough’s sauciest weekend is back at Del Crary Park with ribs, live music, cornhole battles, a shiny car show, and the always-rowdy Big Rib Competition. Shop the expanded vendor market, grab a cold one, or go full Nashville dreamer in the new Bud Light VIP area. Free admission, all weekend long-bring napkins. Aug 22–24 Del Crary Park

🔮 Psychic & Crystal Fair: step into a weekend of tarot, palm readings, astrology, crystals, singing bowls, and more mystical magic at the Peterborough Curling Club. Admission is just $10 for the whole weekend (kids free), with services starting around $60 perfect if you’ve been waiting for the universe to give you a sign. Aug 22–24 Peterborough Curling Club

🎶 Summertime Songs Singo: it’s bingo, but with bangers - mark off the tunes on your card as they play and sing along while you’re at it. Free to play, first come first served, so grab a seat and let the music do the calling. 6 PM 100 Acre Brewing

🧠 Trivia Night at The Boardwalk: test your brainpower with host Justin as your team battles it out for top score, then stick around to dive into their massive library of 680+ board games. Register ahead or roll the dice on a walk-in spot - either way, bragging rights are on the line. 6:30 PM The Boardwalk ($)

🧘 Yoga at the Park: easygoing Saturday mornings downtown where mats meet sunshine, fresh air, and farmers’ market vibes. Free, all levels welcome - just show up and flow. 10 AM Quaker Park

🥍 Lakers Game 4: it’s do-or-die time with the Lakers down 3–0 in the MSL Final against the Six Nations Chiefs. The Memorial Centre will be rocking as PTBO fights to keep the series alive expect intensity, grit, and a team with nothing left to lose. 7 PM Peterborough Memorial Centre ($)

🍃 Soulful Card Readings: Tanya from Whispering Leaves Wellness is in town for one day only, offering spot-on, energy-lifting readings that mix crystals, sage, and intuition. Whether you’re after quick clarity or a deep dive into life’s twists, her sessions leave you lighter and clearer. 10 AM Root to Crown

🧢 Streetcvlture Pop-Up: a one-day frenzy of $20 streetwear, vintage heat, and Y2K vibes with early bird freebies and a 3 PM restock to keep the hype alive. 12 PM Holiday Inn Waterfront

🤸 Train Like a Gymnast: ever wanted to cartwheel, vault, or swing from the rings without anyone asking if you’ve lost your mind? This adults-only camp is your chance to play like a kid again — trampoline bounces, beam balances, bar swings, and games that’ll leave you grinning (and maybe a little sore). Lunch is included to keep you fueled for all the flips. 9:30 AM Kawartha Gymnastics Club ($)

🍺 Parents and Pints: swap the playpen for a pint and connect with other caregivers in a laid-back afternoon hangout. Kids are welcome, conversation is easy, and yes the beer helps. 2 PM 100 Acre Brewing

🌞 Otonabeats Day Breaks 2025: downtown turns into a courtyard carnival with DJs spinning, artists creating, kids’ workshops buzzing, and neighbours mingling from afternoon to sunset. Music, art, games, and community vibes all packed into Bankers Common — entry by donation, all ages welcome. 1 PM Bankers Common Courtyard

🚗 PTBO Kia Car Show: shiny rides, classic tunes, and food truck fuel all rolled into one Sunday at PTBO Kia/Motorsports. With live radio, giveaways, and proceeds supporting Kawartha Food Share & Five Counties, it’s cars for a cause — and a good excuse to show off your wheels. 11 AM Peterborough Kia

🃏 End-of-Summer Euchre Tournament: grab a partner (or get matched day-of) and play your cards right in this fixed-partner showdown. New to euchre? Roll in early for a 2:30 how-to before the 3 PM tourney, then stick around to raid the game library if you’re out. 3 PM The Boardwalk ($)

🍺 Pilates and Pints: stretch, sweat, and sip your way through a Sunday morning under the trees at 100 Acre Brewery. Flow with Sarah or Erin, let the breeze keep time, then toast your efforts with a well-earned drink. This is what balance tastes like. 11 AM – 12 PM 100 Acre Brewery ($)

🔥 Mega Liquidation Sale: two days of bargain-hunting madness with electronics, fashion, home goods, and more all marked way down. From bedding to handbags to gadgets galore, it’s a treasure hunt for deal lovers. Aug 23–24 10 AM Knights of Columbus

this big-hearted boy (80 lbs of pure love) hasn’t let a tough start dim his spirit. He’s sweet, curious, and happiest with the wind in his fur, whether it’s a backyard romp or a walk in the woods. Treated for Lyme and feeling fantastic, Axle’s ready to shower his people with loyalty, cuddles, and endless adventures. If you’ve been dreaming of a gentle, lovable best friend, Axle’s your guy. To Adopt

Victoria Yeh & Mike Graham | Black Horse | 5 PM
Chester Babcock | Jethro’s | 6 PM
Andy & The Boys | Puck’ N Pint | 7 PM
Tami J Wilde | Sticks Sports Pub | 7 PM
Hillary Dumoulin w/ Emily Burgess, Chris Hiney, Marcus Browne | Jethro’s | 8 PM
Night Howlers | Black Horse Pub | 9 PM
Will O’Neill | McThirstys | 9 PM
Bouche ’N Smitty | Jethro’s | 10 PM

Kate Kelly | Crook & Coffer | 2:30 PM
Brad Renaud | 100 Acre Brewing | 5 PM
Rocky Islander | Black Horse Pub | 5 PM
Newberry Family | Jethro’s | 6 PM
Joan Lamore | Crook & Coffer | 7:30 PM
High Waters Band | Black Horse Pub | 9 PM
Chris Collins | McThirstys | 9 PM
Vortexans | Pig’s Ear Tavern | 9 PM
Joe Wunderle | Jethro’s | 10 PM

The Co-Conspirators | The Silver Bean | 12 AM
Tex Mudslide | Black Horse Pub | 4 PM
Julia Middleton | Rolling Grape | 2 PM
Blues Jam | Jethro’s | 3 PM

Crash & Burn 20th Anniversary (w/ Rick & Gailie, Charlie Horse, Don McBride & The Unlikely Heroes, Dennis O'Toole and Old Soul, Mike MacCurdy & Friends ft. Maggie Sabyan) | Black Horse Pub | 7 PM

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

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