There’s a funny misconception that Peterborough is “in the middle of nowhere.” We are here to set the record straight! It is the kind of place where you can park wander all afternoon, catch a show at night, and still have a list of “next time” ideas left over.
Here’s a fun, experience-first guide to what’s around (arts, entertainment, shopping, crafting, and more) with plenty that work year-round.
Stage lights, live music, and “we should do this again”
- Professional theater that feels like a big-city night out: Peterborough Players runs a full slate of shows and events seasonally, plus additional programming like “Arts on Screen.”
- Concerts in intimate venues: Monadnock Music offers a steady calendar across the region (often with Peterborough-area stops).
- History + culture with a lively event vibe: The Monadnock Center for History and Culture hosts exhibits and programs (including concert programming in Bass Hall).
First Fridays and “there’s always something going on”
If you want the town to feel extra alive, time your visit with:
- Downtown First Friday programming: MacDowell runs “MacDowell Downtown” as a public series on first Fridays (seasonal).
- Downtown events that make an easy evening: Depot Square posts a rotating list of events (concert series, art walk events, seasonal celebrations, and more).
Movies, low-key nights out, and small-venue charm
For an easy “let’s go do something” evening:
- Independent cinema downtown: Peterborough Community Theatre shows first-run films and offers accessible seating options.
Make something: classes, studios, and hands-on fun
If you’re the “I’d rather do the thing than watch the thing” type:
- Try a makerspace class or open studio: MAxT Makerspace coordinates workshops across mediums.
- Browse supplies + take a class in one stop: Peterborough Art Academy & Gallery is a downtown creative rabbit hole (in the best way).
Museums that surprise people
Two great add-ons for visitors (and perfect for winter days):
- World cultures + hands-on exhibits: Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center focuses on cultural understanding and rotating exhibits.
- Local history with real programming depth: The Monadnock Center for History and Culture is a strong “take family here” pick because it pairs exhibits with events.
Shopping and browsing that’s fun!
Peterborough is built for strolling and “just popping in”:
- A can’t-miss indie bookstore: The Toadstool Bookshop sits right downtown and is dangerously easy to spend time in.
- Downtown shopping + dining hub: Depot Square keeps it walkable and easy to mix shopping with lunch or coffee.
Outdoors for regular people (not just hardcore hikers)
This region is great at “fresh air with options.”
- A go-to daily walk that runs right through town: The Common Pathway is a 6.5-mile route along the Contoocook River corridor, with easy access points and some winter plowing on paved sections.
- Big views with flexible effort: Miller State Park (Pack Monadnock) is the “worth it” viewpoint day.
- Picnic / paddle / beach day energy: Edward MacDowell Lake is a simple, beautiful warm-weather plan.
Food, markets, and easy weekly rituals
- Midweek market tradition: The Peterborough Farmers’ Market runs Wednesdays with seasonal hours (outdoors spring–fall; indoor season listed in state resources).
- PSST…Library calendar = hidden gem: Peterborough Town Library posts a packed schedule (talks, workshops, film, storytimes, and more).
