14 Favourite Ways to Enjoy February in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Theatrical performances, winter festivals, and opportunities to play outside – what are you waiting for?

1. Get out and Play at Polarfest

February 2 to 4

PolarFest is an exciting family festival, offering something for everyone to enjoy! A weekend full of laughter, friendly competition and the enjoyment of winter. Some of the tried-and-true favourites from this annual festival

See all of the Polarfest happenings

2. Listen to Some Love Letters

Evening Performances – 6:15pm / Friday February 2 & 9 Saturday February 3 & 10
Matinee Performances – 1:00pm / Sunday February 4 & 11

Love Letters by A. R, Gurney, is a play about a 55 year relationship developed and maintained by letter writing. Andy and Melissa, born between WW 1 and WW 2, begin writing to each other as early as grade 2 and continue all their lives into their 60’s, highlighting their joys, passions, disappointments and struggles.

3. Tune in to Craig Cardiff Live at Market Hall

Market Hall is one of Peterborough & the Kawarthas favourite performance venues (and well-loved amongst local talent and travelling acts). Canadian singer-songwriter, Craig Cardiff is known throughout Canada for music and lyrics that infuse an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today’s production-heavy musical climate.

4. Spark up some Fun at the Havelock Fire and Ice Festival

This annual fun, family-friendly event that celebrates the wonders of Fire & Ice and the great Canadian winter outdoors.

5. See Dominique Fils-Aimé Live

Dominique Fils-Aimé returns to the stage to present her new album ‘Our Roots Run Deep’ slated for release in September 2023 on Ensoul Records. After having explored her African-American musical influences in her album trilogy, this new show invites the audience to delve into the roots of her soul.

6. Enjoy Snofest on Family Day Long Weekend

February 16 to 19

Snofest is back with an engaging schedule of events to embrace and celebrate the beautiful winter season throughout the Family Day long weekend.

Highlights include a family swim night, the Snow Much Fun outdoor skating and snow play party at Quaker Foods City Square, the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast presented in partnership with the East Peterborough Lions Club, a snowsuit story time provided by the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, a family skate on holiday Monday at Healthy Planet Arena and much more.

7. Come out for an Iconic Musical: Fiddler on the Roof

This all-time favourite musical, presented by the Peterborough Theatre Guild, shares the tale of the beloved Tevye, a poor dairy farmer, struggles with the changing times and his own deep sense of tradition. He and his wife Golde have raised their five daughters according to Jewish tradition. But one by one, his three oldest daughters resist by wanting to marry the men they choose rather than those designated by a matchmaker! 

Dates: February 16, 17, 18m, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25m
7:30 pm / m = 2:00 pm

8. Pay Tribute to Bob Seger with Against the Wind

Internationally-acclaimed, Against The Wind is an amazing Bob Seger Tribute. Founded in 2013, by drummer Jeffrey Dean Goldstein, fronted by award winning singer-songwriter, Ty Wilson, and enhanced by a stellar 11 piece dynamic all-star rock and roll band comprised of seasoned players that deliver an authentic, infectiously enthusiastic and historically inspired replica, portraying one of rock’s most iconic artists, Bob Seger. 

9. Go Looking for Lear

February 27 and February 28 at 7pm

A family-friendly show that follows two roving misfits as they search for nonsense-poet extraordinaire Edward Lear in a whirlwind of song, dance, poetry, and puppets.

10. Indulge in Hot Chocolate

Travel between Peterborough and Lakefield to try loads of different hot-cocoa inspired delights with Peterborough and Lakefield’s Hot Chocolate Fests!

All month long, discover Downtown Peterborough’s most delightful cocoa treats from classic hot bevy to hot chocolate-inspired desserts. Peterborough Hot Chocolate Festival features 19 “over-the-top” hot chocolate creations hand crafted by downtown chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.

In Lakefield, you can sip and savour delightful treats at participating cafes, restaurants, and merchants as part of the 3rd annual Hot Chocolate Festival in Lakefield running from February 1 to 17.

11. Join the Cheering Section at a Petes’ Game

Did you know that the Peterborough Petes are nine-time OHL Champions and have the most Memorial Cup final game appearances (both of which are CHL records)? It’s not a wonder they are such a source of local pride. Hit the stands and join the cheering section for the 2023 OHL Champions: our hometown Peterborough Petes!

12. Hang out at the Museum with the Marionettes

The whole crew from the Peterborough Puppet Guild’s vast collection is on display, set within themed vignettes that include the Wizard of Oz, King Neptune, and Liberace’s band!

Check out their special events for Family Day, Toddler Tuesdays, and Museum After Dark programming.

Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm / Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm 

13. Get Inspired with Art

The Art Gallery of Peterborough’s juried exhibition invited artists to submit original works of art that resonate with themes of legacy, archives, nostalgia, ghosts, memory, survival, and growth. Explore the work of 55 artists – ranging from tree rings to stratified rock, that have been excavated and are ready to explore. The Art Gallery of Peterborough is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

Over at Artspace (until February 24) the exhibition space is featuring Throughlines – a juried media arts installation from 20 of Artspace members, including a media arts installation in Gallery 2 co-presented with ReFrame Film Festival. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 12pm to 4pm and Saturday 12pm to 4pm

14. Play Outside

Skate at Quaker Foods City Square or at one of the many arenas in the region! View the dates for indoor arena skating.

You could also try Or you could try out cross-country skiing! Kawartha Nordic offers 46 km of classic trails, 27 km of skate trails and 9 km of snowshoe trails. With a bright main chalet and quaint warm-up cabins along the trails, this is nordic skiing at it’s best. Rental equipment is available and trail conditions are kept current on the website.