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Forever Hip

Explore the legacy of The Tragically Hip in Kingston as the city marks 10 years since the band’s final concerts in 2016.

Formed in Kingston in 1984, The Tragically Hip are an essential part of Kingston’s cultural identity, with a legacy that is inseparable from the place they have long called home. 

This page serves as a hub for Hip-related sites, stories, merchandise, screenings, and public experiences in Kingston, with more to be added as anniversary programming and initiatives develop. 

Forever Hip in Kingston

Don't miss all the Forever Hip programming in Kingston this year as we celebrate and honour the 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert, performed right here in our vibrant city.

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    Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life

    Tuesdays–Sundays

    Join us for the opening celebration of Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life, at the Market Square Cultural Space at Kingston City Hall—a celebration that traces the people, places, and performances that shaped our city's rich musical legacy.

    Opening hours:

    • Monday: Closed 
    • Tuesday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm 
    • Wednesday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
    • Thursday: 10:00 am–7:00 pm
    • Friday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
    • Saturday: 12:00–4:00 pm 
    • Sunday: 12:00–4:00 pm 
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    Rockin' the Square sponsored by Empire Life featuring Choir! Choir! Choir!

    Thursday, August 20 | 7 pm–10 pm

    Celebrate 10 years since The Tragically Hip’s final concert with an unforgettable night of music, community, and iconic Canadian anthems at Springer Market Square. 

    Join Choir! Choir! Choir! for the ultimate Forever Hip singalong experience, where the crowd becomes the choir and every voice is welcome. The evening will also feature powerful live tributes from celebrated Kingston artists including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and members of Kasador. 

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    Forever Hip in the Square

    Friday, August 21 | noon–10 pm

    Visit Springer Market Square for a heartfelt celebration of The Tragically Hip’s enduring legacy in Kingston, featuring archival videos and clips on the big screen, Music Walking Tours, and a local Merch Market supporting Kingston musicians and makers. 

    At 8 pm, settle in under the evening sky for a free screening of Long Time Running (2017), the documentary film chronicling The Tragically Hip’s emotional final cross-Canada tour and hometown concert following Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis — a moving tribute to the band, their fans, and a moment forever etched in Canadian music history.

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    Concert viewing party of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration

    Saturday, August 22 | 7 pm

    Ten years after The Tragically Hip’s historic final hometown concert, Kingston is preparing to relive one of Canada’s most unforgettable musical moments. 

    In 2016, thousands packed Springer Market Square for a massive community viewing party while millions more tuned in across the country for the CBC livestream. 

    Now, on August 22, fans will gather once again in the Square for a special concert viewing celebration featuring CBC’s commercial-free rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, honouring the band’s enduring legacy as well as the release of their new live album, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016.

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    It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken

    October 22–November 8 

    It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken immerses audiences in a powerful original story set to the timeless music of The Tragically Hip, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have become central to Canada’s musical identity.

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    Play Me Kingston

    Celebrate music, creativity, and community with Play Me Kingston, a large-scale public art initiative in downtown Kingston. 

    10 custom-designed guitar sculptures will be installed throughout the downtown core, each created by local and regional artists. 

Other events and activations

From August 20–23, fans will also reunite in the Limestone City for The Gathering. Hosted by The Tragically Hip Podcast Series, this four-day, fan-led community celebration marks the historic 10th anniversary of the final concert, bringing people together to keep the music alive where it all started.

To mark the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert, the Kingston Whig-Standard is publishing a special commemorative issue revisiting the historic 2016 concert and the band's lasting impact across the country - and they want to hear from you. Send in your favourite Hip concert memories as a letter to the editor, 300–500 words, to janmurphy@postmedia.com with the subject line "Hip memories."

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our socials to keep up to date as more Forever Hip events and activations are announced.

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Forever Hip Merch

Gear up for Forever Hip this year and pick up merch from our Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario St.) or order online to commemorate the lasting impact and legacy The Tragically Hip has on our vibrant city.

View our merch store online
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10 must-visit Tragically Hip stops in Kingston

From iconic murals and waterfront landmarks to streets and stages that shaped their story, the city offers fans countless ways to explore the band’s roots.

"Fully Completely" The Tragically Hip Stories

Hip finds in Kingston

Bring a piece of the story home with The Tragically Hip merchandise available at local Kingston shops, including official releases and items inspired by the band's hometown roots.

What to watch

Iconic Hip moments; captured on film and on stage, highlighting the music, the moments and the legacy.

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Creative walking tours

Discover Kingston on foot with the Creative walking tour, highlighting places conneted to The Tragically Hip's early years and legacy. 

The self-guided route links key sites throughout the city, inviting visitors to explore how Kingston's neighbourhoods, venues, and landmarks helped shape the band's story.

Explore the walking tour

Stories of the Hip