Top Things to Do in Peterborough This April

Whether you're a local looking for the freshest fun or a visitor exploring the city's charm, there's something exciting to do every month.

April is shaping up to be a flavourful month in the City of Peterborough with a Mac and Cheese Festival taking over downtown for the month, cooking experiences at La Hacienda, Beer and Taco Festival at the Memorial Centre and more.

Each month, we pull together this list of highlights focused on cultural highlights, seasonal activities, and events. You can use this list to make some incredible memories of your time in Peterborough.

Return of the Mac

The City's cheesiest event of the year is back in Peterborough! All month long, downtown Peterborough restaurants will be competing for the top spot, the big cheese, the reigning champ of this favourite comfort food! So head out, try a few different variations and VOTE for your favourite. The month-long event culminates in a culinary showdown at Quaker Foods City Square - complete with live judging panel, live music, vendors and more!

When: April 1 - 26; Mac and Cheese Grand Finale on April 26

Flock to Murmurations

Public Energy is bringing internationally-renowned dance company Le Patin Libre (Tiohtià:ke/Montreal) has assembled a company of 15 virtuoso skaters from 7 countries. Together they perform the stunningly original Murmuration, based on the aerial ballets of swarms of birds. Like a murmuration, the dancers move at high speeds around the entire rink, nearly careening into each other, coming together as one, instantly changing direction and splitting into separate flocks.  

When: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne Street, Peterborough

Learn more, or get your tickets, through the Peterborough Memorial Centre Box Office

Beer and Board Games

Dylan from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge is packing up some of his favourites and heading down to 100 Acre Brewing Co. Grab some buddies, and enjoy beverages and board games in the brewery.

Learn more about Games Night at 100 Acre

Live Music Events

What do the Beach Boys, Colin Linden, Holly Cole, and Bachman Turner Overdrive have in common? All will be taking the stage in Peterborough this month at either the Peterborough Memorial Centre or Market Hall. 

Learn more about these, and other upcoming events at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Escape to Mexico (...sort of ) with La Hacienda Cooking Experiences

April showers dampening your spirit? Don't let it get you down. With a La Hacienda Cooking Experience  you can trek over to the Mexican coast and explore some stunning seafood dishes. 

When:

I Heart Beer and Taco Festival

Join us for a fun filled day or night of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games, dancing and tacos at the Memorial Centre.

When: Saturday, April 12, 2025 

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne Street, Peterborough

Learn more, or get your tickets, through the Peterborough Memorial Centre Box Office

Plan a Garden

For many, March is a time of seedlings tucked in windows and sketches of garden plans for warmer days ahead. Plan a weekend in Peterborough exploring the Garden Route - a self-drive tour of shops and stops for your gardening inspiration.

Maple at the Markets

It's maple season in Ontario, and while there are many great reasons to enjoy this quintessentially Canadian sweet treat all year round, there is just something about maple syrup in the spring time. Head to the two Saturday Farmers' Markets (in the Morrow Building on Lansdowne Street, or tucked inside at the Peterborough Square) to pick up fresh, in-season maple. Or head to a favourite local brunch stop (like Railyard or Revelstoke to indulge).