Ever wanted to get into a new hobby, but didn’t know where to start? Lucky for you, Kingston is known for our rich Maker community where you can learn the trade from experts. We’ve curated the top Winter Maker Experiences in Kingston. From pottery making and embroidery to food pairing and woodworking – there’s an experience for every interest and individual.
Charcuterie Board Making with Nick Allinson
January 15, February 13, March 14 // Tett Centre
Ah, charcuterie! Delicious meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers showcased in the best way possible. If you really want to wow your guests at the next dinner party, you can feature your charcuterie creations on a board you made yourself! Local woodworker and maker, Nick Allinson, will guide you through the ins-and-outs of creating your own charcuterie board. All materials and tools will be supplied – you’ll choose your piece of wood, then learn how to refine, shape and finish it to a perfectly smooth surface.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfjjYhaHcJE/
Meet the Maker: Wine + Dinner Series
January 25 // AquaTerra
Alas, an experience for the foodies and wine connoisseurs! If you ever wanted the inside scoop from makers themselves, this experience is for you. Winemaker Sherry Karlo of Karlo Estates Winery invites you to experience an intimate evening of fine food, wine, and conversation. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions about the winemaking process, listen to stories from the vineyard and enjoy an evening in AquaTerra’s private room, overlooking Kingston’s Confederation Harbour. Talk about a great date night!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0YAKcBVa5/
Pottery Workshop: Drop in & Spin
January 12 + 26, February 2 + 9 // Amaranth Stoneware
Have you ever wandered an artisans market, stumbled across beautiful handcrafted pottery and thought to yourself, “How do they even do that?” (I know I have). This workshop is a great opportunity to try the trade and get your hands dirty! You’ll have a chance to throw pottery on a wheel with an instructor present to show you the ropes. Once you’ve created your masterpieces, they will glaze and bake them for you to bring home.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqSaYLqASYA/
Maple Madness: Tree Tapping + Maple Taffy Demos
March 9-17, 23-24, 30-31 // Little Cataraqui Creek
Life is better with maple syrup. It’s only fitting to have a festival dedicated to our delicious Canadian treat. Take a tractor-drawn wagon to the sugar bush and learn how maple syrup was made in the olden days and how we make it now. This experience includes tree tapping and maple taffy demos, puppet shows for little ones, First Nations display and even pancakes drizzled with syrup served on the spot!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhHfK6EFeVH/
Intro to Embroidery
January 6 + 24 // Knit Stitch Sew
Curious about using embroidery but not sure how to start? Learn the basics from local maker Jessica Trotter, a Kingston artist and fabric designer. She’ll guide you through a variety of stitches that will be perfect for your next project! You’ll even walk home with your own embroidery hoop, needles, and linen for practice after a 2.5-hour class.
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Modern Watercolour Workshop with Danielle Folkerts
January 16 // Tett Centre
You may have seen Danielle Folkerts running one of our Instagram Takeovers or Maker pop-up experiences at hotels – but did you know she hosts Watercolour painting classes at the Tett Centre? Her classes are perfect for beginners or experienced artists looking for a fresh perspective. This comprehensive class lets you discover new skills, broaden your creative tool kit, and build a solid foundation to work from.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BT9srCQDKSN/
Cartoon Kids Workshop
Saturdays, January 12 – February 2 // Agnes Etherington Art Centre
If you have a young artist on your hands with a wild imagination, this workshop is for them! Led by local artists Kevin Merritt and Holly Gilmour (whose art you’ve probably seen around Kingston festivals and adorning storefront windows), kids will learn how to draw their own superheroes and cartoon characters using pencil, pen and ink and gouache paint. Through fun drawing exercises and exploring story structure and character development, students will design imaginary worlds where anything can happen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmWNh_2FAC0/
Chocolate + Beer Pairing
February + March TBD // CocoaBistro
There’s never a time to say no to chocolate. Audrey Brown of CocoaBistro will be offering unique chocolate experiences in partnership with a local brewer of Kingston through February and March. You will explore the range of flavour notes in ales, lager and stout and how they pair with fine Belgian chocolates.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkeD4YAlazv/
Kingston Food Tours
All Winter Long on Select Days // Downtown Kingston
With the most restaurants per capita than almost any other city in Canada, it’s safe to say that Kingston knows good food. For a sampling of some of the best restaurants and specialty food stores, Kingston Food Tours is our go-to. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on our city’s history, culture and a behind-the-scenes look of unique restaurants/shops who contribute to our thriving food community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1YV6alf-a/
