New Stages presents the 2026 Brand New Stages Festival

Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2026 | Peterborough / Nogojiwanong

Brand New Stages returns to Peterborough for its 3rd annual festival of new Canadian theatre, bringing six days of bold, imaginative, and deeply human stories to life in the heart of winter. Featuring 7 plays in 6 days, over 40 local and national artists, and performances across Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and The Theatre on King (TTOK), the festival showcases brand-new work at exciting stages of development—from gripping contemporary dramas and absurd comedies to inventive family-friendly storytelling.

With three mainstage presentations at Market Hall and four eclectic events at TTOK, audiences can experience staged readings, experimental works, and communal storytelling led by some of Canada’s most respected playwrights, directors, and performers. Highlights include The Cull, a timely modern drama featuring a powerhouse cast of Canadian stage and screen talent; 12 Dinners, an acclaimed semi-autobiographical work gaining national attention; and Munsch Goes Wild, a high-energy Sunday morning treat for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

Committed to accessibility, ticket prices are kept intentionally low to encourage audiences to brave the cold and gather for a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and new voices in Canadian theatre.

Festival details and tickets are available at newstages.ca, or through Market Hall and The Theatre on King box offices.

Coldest Night Of The Year Walk with Street Level Advocacy of Peterborough

Join us for The Coldest Night of the Year on February 28th from 5–7 PM at the Bridge Youth Centre. Registration opens at 4 PM.

This is a family-friendly fundraising walk, offering a 2 km or 5 km route, with all proceeds supporting Street Level Advocacy of Peterborough and their work with people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

After the walk, stay for a warm chilli meal and connect with your community. Everyone is welcome—bring your family and friends for a meaningful evening.

Street Level Advocacy of Peterborough meets people where they are—on the streets, in parks, and downtown—offering support, dignity, and practical help to those experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Help us make a difference and join walkers across the country in this winter fundraising event.

Start and Finish at 256 Brock St, Peterborough Ontario (The Bridge Youth Centre)

Event Schedule

• 4:00 PM – Meet: Check-in at the Bridge Youth Centre

• 4:45 PM – Muster: Gather for opening remarks

• 5:00 PM – Move: Walk send-off

• 6:00 PM – Munch: Light meal served

• 7:00 PM – Mosey: Thank you! See you in 2027!

Can’t join us in person?
You can still register, fundraise, and walk offsite with friends and family.

Route Details

• Route Distances: Choose between the 2 km or 5 km route (maps provided below).

• Rest Stops: Enjoy opportunities to rest and refresh with snacks along the way.

• Signage: Routes are clearly marked with bold blue CNOY signs.

• Route Support: Marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers will be available throughout the walk.

• Children: Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Pets: Only approved and trained service animals are allowed on the route.

United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes is encouraging its residents to once again team up, fundraise, and walk in The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY). This family-friendly, winterrific fundraising walk takes place on the evening of February 28, 2026, and supports people experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness in Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes.

Tens of thousands of Canadians will take to the streets for CNOY with events taking place in over 200 cities, towns, and communities across the country. By walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter, while raising funds to aid the work of United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes.

The Lindsay walk begins and ends at Fleming College Frost Campus, located at 200 Albert St S. Participants will walk a 2km or 5km route, can warm up with toasty drinks at rest stops along the way, and will be able to celebrate their efforts together at the finish line with post walk refreshments. All those who raise over $150 (or $75 for youth) will also don iconic CNOY toques as they face the cold night.

This is United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes' 3rd year taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year, and they’re aiming to raise $25,000 for their work with people experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness across their local communities. Over 100 walkers and 25 teams, including staff and friends of City of Kawartha Lakes Paramedics and Crayola Canada will come together in Lindsay for this event.

United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes has been serving its communities including Lindsay for nearly 60 years, and the funds raised in the Coldest Night of the Year will benefit their clients and partner agencies in a time of the year known historically for low levels of giving.

For further information, contact:
Brooklyn Burdi, Community Outreach Assistant
50 Mary Street W, Lindsay ON, 705-878-5081, brooklyn@hkl.unitedway.ca
Visit our event page and register at: www.cnoy.org/Lindsay

YSKB Comedy Tour

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Time: Doors and Kitchen open at 6:00 PM (Kitchen closes at 7:45 PM); Show begins at 8:00 PM

• Tickets: $20 in advance or $25 at the door (if not sold out)

• Location: 12 York St. N., Lindsay

• Note: Age of Majority event; cash-only bar and kitchen.

• Tickets Available  online or At the legion
• www.eventbrite.ca