Our downtown core is set to become a vibrant pedestrian marketplace this summer as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) brings back its popular Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales for a second consecutive year.
The events will take place on Friday, June 13, Friday, July 11, Friday, August 8, and Friday, September 12, 2026, transforming a key stretch of George Street into a car-free zone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each date.
During these monthly celebrations, George Street will be closed to motor vehicles from Hunter Street in the north to Simcoe Street in the south, creating expanded pedestrian space for shopping, dining, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
"Second Saturdays have become one of the signature features of a lively summer downtown," says Peterborough DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in a media release. "These events create an incredible atmosphere on our streets while directly supporting our local businesses. They encourage people to explore the core and see firsthand why downtown Peterborough remains the heart of our community."
The initiative aims to boost economic activity in our downtown while encouraging both residents and visitors to discover local businesses and amenities. Downtown merchants will extend their presence outdoors through sidewalk displays, special promotions, interactive experiences, and unique event offerings throughout each day.
Local business owner Shelby Leonard-Watt, who operates S.O.S. Save Our Soles in downtown Peterborough, emphasized the community-building aspect of the series. "Downtown Second Saturday is more than just an event — it's an opportunity to reconnect with our downtown core, support local businesses, and bring the community together," Leonard-Watt said in a media release. "By creating a recurring event throughout the summer, Second Saturday gives residents and visitors a reason to return downtown and discover something new each month."
The DBIA is inviting downtown businesses interested in participating through sidewalk activations or pop-up experiences to get involved. Business owners can contact the organization at 705-748-4774 to learn more about participation opportunities.
For updates on participating businesses, special promotions, and event details throughout the summer, community members can follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook. A complete downtown Peterborough business directory and information about upcoming events is available at theboro.ca.
