Kingston’s music scene is growing, and we’ve got plenty of patios, pubs, bars, and breweries with live music lineups to keep you busy. Our curated list of venues offers everything from jazz brunch to rock performances to dance nights with live DJs.
Patios
Musiikki Café
73 Brock St.
On Brock Street, you’ll find Musiikki Café, a gathering place focused on serving up the best coffee, whiskey, music, and art. Musiikki offers live music every day of the week. On Wednesday nights, listen to local musician Frank Ryan perform from 8:30 to 11 pm. Live music usually starts at 8 pm, but Frank is likely coming from another gig at one of the various Kingston locations he plays at. Don’t forget that Musiikki doesn’t serve food and suggests bringing takeout if you’re hungry to enjoy on their patio while watching the show. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on live music details.
Upcoming live music:
- Ky Anto: July 25, 8–11 pm
- Savannah Shea & Atiari: July 26, 8–11 pm
- Hart Man: July 27, 8–11 pm
- Afternoons with Savannah Shea: July 28, 4–6 pm
- DJ Karma: July 28, 8–11 pm
- Open Mic: Tuesdays, 7–11 pm
- Frank Ryan: Wednesdays, 8:30–11 pm
Black Dog Tavern
69 Brock St.
Black Dog Tavern has been a Kingston favourite for 20 years. Their back patio opens up to the Rochleau Court, adding a European esthetic to your dining experience. To add to the charm, Black Dog’s Jazz Brunch is back every Sunday this summer. Enjoy jazz music by Black Dog Allstars, featuring local favourite Chantal Thompson. While you take in live music en plein air, dig into brunch treats like “Hair of the Black Dog” – pulled confit duck, two poached eggs, triple cream brie, caramelized onions, brown butter Béarnaise, and andouille-spiced home fries). Follow Black Dog Tavern on Instagram or Facebook for updates on upcoming live music events.
Jazz Brunch with Black Dog Allstars (Rich Barnard, Zak Colbert, Carl Marenick, John “Bunny” Stewart, and Chantal Thompson) runs Sundays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm until Labour Day weekend.
The Caesar Co.
177 Princess St.
Whether you enjoy sitting on a patio or inside away from the sun, you can enjoy live music at The Caesar Co. Big garage doors open at the front of the building, allowing all customers to be part of the action. This summer, you can see Danny Derue, who also plays in the band Ambush, on Sundays from 6 to 8 pm. While listening, try something new like one of Caesar Co.’s many specialty Caesars, lie their Surf ‘n’Turf Caesar, For more details about upcoming live music lineups, follow their Facebook or Instagram page.
Upcoming live music:
- Danny Derue: Sundays, 6–9 pm
- Texas Tuxedo Band: July 27, 8–11 pm
Wharf and Feather
2 Princess St.
Attached to the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront is the Wharf and Feather Restaurant and Patio, where you can listen to live music while you take in the beautiful waterfront view. Wharf and Feather’s live music series runs throughout the summer on the patio stage. If it’s a late show, as the sun goes down, lights will illuminate the patio – but that’s not the only thing that comes to life. You can also spot Kingston City Hall illuminated from across Confederation Basin. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on upcoming live music events.
Upcoming live music:
- Tom Savage: July 26, 6–9 pm
- Greg Ball: Aug 3, 6–9 pm
- Neil Carter: Aug 9, 6–9 pm
- Tom Savage: Aug 16, 6–9 pm
- Alex Lopez: Aug 23, 6–9 pm
- Jonny Kirwan: Aug 30, 6–9 pm
- Spencer Evans: Aug 31, 6–9 pm
- Gerry McGrath: Sept 6, 6–9 pm
Pubs
Tir Nan Og
200 Ontario St.
If you’re walking around Springer Market Square, take time to check out the Tir Nan Og. This spacious Irish pub offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy pub fare and a pint while you take in the music. Follow their Instagram for updates on live music lineups.
Upcoming live music:
- Neil Carter: July 26, 9 pm
- Shawn Dore Big Blues Band: July 27
- Kentucky: August 2 and 30, 9 pm
The Toucan & Kirkpatrick’s
76 Princess St.
Check out The Toucan & Kirkpatrick’s for another exceptional Irish pub experience. This pub has two levels: to listen to live music up close and personal, make your way downstairs for a stage view. The Toucan offers a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock to jazz. View their live music webpage or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more details.
Upcoming live music:
- The Wild Rose Orchestra: July 25, 9:30 pm–1 am
- Sweet Pete & The Heat: July 26, 10:30 pm–2 am
- Sunshine Makers + Disaster Pony + Amanda Movio: July 27, 10:30 pm–2 am
- FABB: August 3, 10:30 pm–2 am
- The Boo Radley Project: August 9, 10:30 pm–2 am
Breweries
Daft Brewing
768 Princess St.
Check out Daft Brewing’s new patio on their next karaoke night. Whether you want to join in to share your talent or sit back and listen to others perform, karaoke nights are always fun. At night, neon lights brighten up the space and the vibrant art throughout the brewery. Daft Brewing is a happening spot with many events lined up including their Queeraoke nights, Blues Dance Socials, and more. View Daft Brewing’s events webpage or follow them on Instagram or Facebook more details.
Upcoming live music:
- Queeraoke: Third Thursday of every month, 8–11 pm
- Karaoke: Fridays, 9 pm–2 am
- Blues Dance and Social (Live DJ): Last Sunday of every month, 4–7 pm
- Sing-a-long karaoke with JoJo: July 28, 6:30–9:30 pm
Spearhead Brewing Company
675 Development Dr.
In Kingston’s west end, Spearhead Brewing Company has a large patio hosting live music from Fridays to Sundays. On Fridays, come to open mic nights and listen to a variety of people showcase their talent. On the weekend,enjoy a rotating selection of live music, from country to rock to R&B. Follow Spearhead Brewing Company on Instagram for weekly updates on upcoming live music lineups.
Upcoming live music:
- Open mic night with the Garvin Brothers: July 26, 7–8 pm
- Andrew Mack Band: July 27, 2–5 pm
- Left on Middle Road: July 28, 2–5 pm
Bars
Merchant Tap House
6 Princess St.
The Merchant Tap House is a live music staple in Kingston. Located a few steps from the waterfront, here you can enjoy a bite to eat on their patio. As nighttime approaches, head inside where you will be greeted with large rustic beams and a bar setting perfect for live music. See regulars like Scott Owen a local Canadian country artist or attend a Live DJ night to get your dance on. View their live music event page for more details.
Upcoming live music:
- Scott Owen: July 25, 9:30 pm
- Live DJ: July 13, 20, 27 and August 10, 10:30 pm
- Scott Owen: August 1, 9:30 pm
- Frank Ryan: August 2, 10:30 pm
- Lake Porter August 3, 10:30 pm
- Scott Owen: August 8, 9:30 pm
- The Oreoz: August 9, 10:30 pm
Blu Martini
178 Ontario St.
Blu Martini showcases both touring and local musicians, including Christopher Jackson & Friends, a regular at the venue. Christopher is a talented Kingstonian and entertainer who never fails to include his audience in his performances. Blu Martini’s large space makes it the perfect spot to plan your next birthday, anniversary, or other celebrations during live music nights. View Blu Martini’s live music webpage or follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more upcoming performances.
Upcoming live music:
- The Kildeers: July 25, 8:30–11:30 pm
- BLU Saloon Country Jamboree: July 27, 8–11:30 pm
- The Royal Jam: August 1, 9–11:30 pm
- Five Dollar Dates: August 9, 7–10 pm
- Frank Ryan Band: August 10, 9:30–11:30 pm
- Christopher Jackson and Friends: August 16, 23, 30, 7–10 pm
