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Peterborough Musicfest: Let’s Make a Day of it!

lift lock cruise approaching the Peterborough Marina in Downtown Peterborough

Pre-Planned Trip curated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism

Make a Day of your Peterborough Musicfest Experience

Duration:
24 hours
an arieal shot of Musicfest concert at night, with a park full of people

Did you know that Peterborough Musicfest is Canada’s longest-running free concert series? On Wednesdays and Saturdays in July and August, Downtown Peterborough comes alive with free outdoor concerts overlooking Little Lake. Plan a perfect overnight getaway (including a great hotel package for Glass Tiger on August 9, and Big Wreck on August 16) this summer with this jam-packed 24-hour itinerary.

Morning

9:00 a.m.: Coffee overlooking Little Lake at the Silver Bean Cafe

Known as Peterborough’s Waterfront cottage in the city, the Silver Bean Cafe is open from May – October and is a popular spot for an early morning breakfast by the water, or to grab an ice cream cone in the afternoon.

10:30 a.m.: Take a sightseeing cruise with Liftlock Cruises!


The popular 2-hour sightseeing cruise departs from the Peterborough Marina in Downtown Peterborough, next to the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront near Del Crary Park. You will be entertained by the Captain’s colourful commentary on the history of Peterborough and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The tour takes you across Little Lake, past the Peterborough Centennial Fountain, and into the City of Peterborough portion of the 118-year-old lock system; the first traditional flood lock raises the boat 12 feet, to the highlight of our trip. Where we go up and over the Peterborough Liftlock, which is the world’s highest hydraulic Liftlock which lifts 65 feet or 19.8m above the city!

1:00 pm: Choose your own flavour adventure for lunch in the Hunter Street Cafe District

Once known as “Appliance Alley,” this now vibrant restaurant and cafe district in Downtown Peterborough is well-known for its lively patios and extensive variety of cuisine types.

Shopping: There is something truly magical about exploreing a city by foot. Downtown Peterborough is teaming with locally-owned and operated shops – there are far too many to list them all, but you can check out a full directory on TheBORO.ca

Gallery Hopping: the local arts scene in Peterborough & the Kawarthas is vibrant and active – there are galleries all over the region if you have the time to extend your stay, but for a quick day trip, downtown Peterborough has a number of them located in close proximity to one another – efficient and inspiring!

Evening

5:00 pm: Check in to your hotel before dinner with a view

The Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront is well known for it’s location along the Trent-Severn Waterway with stunning views of Little Lake in the heart of Downtown Peterborough. The Riverside Grill has an impressive menu to choose from, and if you’re still full from lunch, “Happie Hour” is a local favourite between 5pm-7pm.

8:00 pm – Get Ready to Rock!

Bring your lawn chair and find the perfect spot to catch an outdoor concert overlooking Little Lake with Peterborough’s famous jet fountain in the distance. There is a different artist every Wednesday and Saturday in July and August, so be sure to check out the line up.

For more info on where to park, and how to get VIP tickets, contact our Visitor Centre