It’s October, which means kids of all ages are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Halloween. That includes the folks at the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) which, for the third straight year, is bringing the family-friendly “Halloween in the Booro” celebration back to the downtown core.
Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th, the free event features spook-tacular family fun including trick-or-treating and late-night shopping at nearly 30 downtown businesses, haunted characters stationed throughout the downtown to greet treat-and-treaters and shoppers, and a scavenger hunt for kids.
As well as bringing the community together to celebrate the year’s sweetest day in downtown Peterborough (which the DBIA has branded “The Boro”), Halloween in the Booro shines a spotlight on the locally owned, independent businesses that make The Boro a special and unique destination.
“Our Halloween in the Booro event is not only great for families but also plays a vital role in supporting our local business community,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in a media release. “It encourages residents to get out and explore our downtown, discover something new, and further strengthens the connection with our downtown businesses.”
Participating businesses on Charlotte, George, Hunter, Sherbrooke, and Water streets will be spookifying their storefronts, handing out Halloween treats while offering exclusive experiences. The trick-or-treating tour will culminate with a spooky and sweet surprise for those who complete the scavenger hunt.
“This event is always a highlight for us,” says Lisa Couture, owner of Couture Candy PTBO, one of the participating businesses on George Street. “It’s amazing to see families out enjoying and exploring our downtown. The energy it brings is contagious.”
Along with Couture Candy PTBO, other participating businesses on George Street include Iceman Video Games, Chumleighs, Boardwalk Board Game Lounge, Kollect This Inc., Green Street, Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, Lift Lock Escape, and John Roberts Clothiers. On Water Street, trick-or-treaters can drop in to The Neighbourhood Vintage, Needles in the Hay, Statement House, Birdhouse Tattoo, Watson & Lou, and Vanilla Room.
Participating businesses on Charlotte Street include T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Rawscoe’s Sport Collectibles, Cozy Home, Bobo Tea, The Toy Shop, Gather Home Goods, and Lavender Moon, while Hunter Street businesses include NAKA Japanese, Plant Goals, and The Dirty Burger, and Sherbrooke Street businesses include Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, Avant Garden Shop, and The Vine.
Families can use the trick-or-treating map below to plan their trick-or-treating and shopping adventure for the evening.
Halloween in the Booro Trick-or-Treating Map
View a standalone map
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back this year and to be part of such a fun and engaging community event,” Couture adds. “It’s a great way to connect with our customers and celebrate the spirit of downtown Peterborough.”
Halloween in the Booro is free for everyone to attend, and the Peterborough DBIA encourages families — locals and visitors alike — to come downtown and join the celebration.
To keep up to date on Halloween in the Booro and other DBIA events, visit theboro.ca and follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook.
