A Summer of Movies Under the Stars: Wrapping Up Our First-Ever Movie Nights in the Boro -
This summer, our team welcomed something brand new to Downtown Peterborough and our roster of annual events: Movie Nights at the Quaker Park – our very first outdoor movie series! Over the course of the season, hundreds of community members gathered under the stars to enjoy a weekly selection of classic films, fresh popcorn + snacks from local vendors and the unique magic of shared experiences in the heart of our city.
From our opening night to the season’s final screening, we saw the Quaker Foods City Square transform into more than just an urban park. It became a lively public square where families, friends, and visitors came together to enjoy entertainment under the stars. Laughter, conversation, and connection filled the air as we created memories together.
More Than Just Movies
At the Peterborough DBIA, our mission is to foster vibrant, people-centred public spaces that celebrate and strengthen the core of our city. Movie Nights in the Boro delivered on that vision. These events weren’t just about watching a film, they were about:
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Community Connection: creating a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages could gather and feel part of something bigger.
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Tourism & Economic Impact: drawing both locals and visitors downtown, providing a boost for the pop-up vendors and surrounding shops, restaurants, and cafés on screening nights.
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Placemaking in Action: showcasing how innovative programming can transform public spaces into cultural destinations.
This series demonstrated the power of arts and culture to act as catalysts for economic and social vibrancy, which is something that is central to our strategic vision for downtown Peterborough.
This event series would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our community partners. We are grateful to the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Tourism for their partnership, and to our incredible sponsors:
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Commerce Building Group: Love You, Mean It | Needles in the Hay | Providence
A special thank you also goes to Porter Sound, who ensured every screening was seamless with state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment.
Looking Ahead
Movie Nights in the Boro was an experiment, and it was a resounding success. It showed us what’s possible when we dream big for downtown and when community, business, and culture come together. Events like this inspire us all to experience our downtown in new ways, to build lasting memories, and to support the small businesses that make Peterborough so very, very special.
We are proud to have delivered this series and are excited to see how it sets the stage for future placemaking initiatives. We can’t wait to do it again next year and share what comes next.
Thank you, Peterborough, for being part of the magic!