The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to celebrate the season during Snofest, its annual family winter festival running daily through the Family Day long weekend from Friday, February 13 to Monday, February 16.
With a slate of free activities ranging from swimming and skating to arts, crafts, and community meals, Snofest is designed to encourage people of all ages to enjoy winter and to connect with one another.
“Whether you’re swimming, skating, or enjoying one of the many free events happening throughout Family Day weekend, Snofest reminds us that the best way to stay warm is by sharing in the energy and spirit of our community,” says Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal in a media release.
Friday, February 13
Snofest kicks off Friday morning with a free workshop titled “Getting the Most from Your Healthcare Appointment” at the McDonnel Street Community Centre (577 McDonnel St.). Running from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the session focuses on preparing for medical appointments and using action planning to support better health outcomes. The workshop will be followed by a free buffet-style hot lunch and social hour for seniors.
Registration for either event is required by noon on Thursday, February 12 at peterborough.ca/adultleisure.
Later in the day, activities shift to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.), where families can also take part in a dinosaur pop-up from 5 to 8 p.m. hosted by staff from the Peterborough Museum and Archives, featuring dinosaur-themed crafts and information about the museum’s carnivorous dinosaurs exhibit.
There will also be free fun swim from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, February 14
On Saturday morning, the Peterborough Public Library is hosting Snofest story time and winter crafts at its main branch at 345 Aylmer Street from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Later in the morning, Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street just east of Aylmer will be transformed into Snofest Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organized in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the downtown space will feature fire pits and seating along with a mix of wellness and arts programming.
Activities include Snoga (snow yoga) with Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness from noon to 12:30 p.m., a children’s chorus led by Shannon McCracken from 12:30 to 1 p.m., and a salsa dancing session with Victoria of T-Elle Boutique from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Free skating on the square’s outdoor rink will also be available throughout the event.
Drop by the Riverview Park and Zoo (1300 Water St.) at 1:30 p.m. for a special otter enrichment session where you can meet the zoo’s otters and learn more about their winter care. The 1:30 p.m. session will also take place on Sunday and Monday.
Sunday, February 15
Sunday begins with the mayor’s annual Snofest pancake breakfast at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, running from 7 a.m. to noon. Residents are invited to enjoy free pancakes along with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
In the afternoon, Snofest programming continues at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St.), where visitors can take part in a gallery scavenger hunt and create a “Snofest Pete” collage. Current exhibitions at the gallery (“Traces” by Tyler Durbano and “Lithic Life” by Cole Swanson) will also be open to the public from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, February 16
Snofest wraps up on Family Day Monday with a full slate of free drop-in sports at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, including pickleball from 6 to 9 a.m., basketball from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and badminton from noon to 2 p.m.
Free skating and winter crafts will also be offered at the Miskin Law Community Complex (271 Lansdowne St. W.). Skating runs from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on both ice pads, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance, while drop-in winter craft activities take place in the multipurpose room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For last-minute updates to Snofest events, visit peterborough.ca/snofest.
