From Maple Madness and March of the Museums to the return of Kingston Trolley Tours, there’s so much to see, do, and experience in Kingston this March.
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration. If you’re looking to submit a French-language event, please use our French submission form.
Click each image for information.
1. March of the Museums
2. Kingstonlicious signature events
3. Cirque du Soleil: OVO
4. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
5. Kingston Trolley Tour
6. Guided sauna experience
7. Tribute to GREASE and the music of the ’50s and ’60s
8. Classic Kingston Food Tour
9. Queeraoke
10. Explore 35+ Kingstonlicious prix fixe menus
11. Thermotherapy spa experience
12. The Celtic Kitchen Party – a St. Patrick’s Event
13. Ojibwe language Star Wars: A New Hope (with English subtitles)
14. Champions of Magic: Chasing the Unbelievable
15. Explore Canadian military history
16. Live-edge charcuterie board workshop
17. Maple Madness
18. Imaginaire – Cello and piano duo
19. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live
20. Cancer Bats
21. Nautical Nights speaker series
22. Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
23. Scott Owen live
24. Kingston Gets Active
25. Tyffanie’s Silver Jubilee Party: drag show
Events just in
Great Bach Marathon | St. George’s Cathedral Church | Mar. 22, 12:30–4:30 pm
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great meal in Kingston. In fact, you can order a flavourful plate of fresh food for under $15 at multiple stores and restaurants across the city.
This hidden gem tucked away on Wellington Street and run by Sally herself, serves reasonably priced, flavourful roti wraps and curry plates starting at just $12.50.
A Sally’s Roti Shop classic, the doubles are soft curried chickpeas stuffed between two dough patties, and only $3.50 each. If you’re looking for a quick, delicious lunch, order two phulorie for $6.50– pillowy dough balls served with your choice of thick chutney. Both the phulorie and doubles are satisfying dishes.
So, come to this iconic Caribbean shop in the heart of downtown Kingston for tasty food and warm hospitality.
Head to Manoosheh for crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside flatbreads covered in your choice of toppings, starting at just $4.
Manoosheh is a traditional Levantine flatbread resembling a pizza. From salty melted cheese and savoury za’ater to sweet Nutella and soft bananas, there’s a wide selection to choose from.
Beyond their flavourful flatbreads, Manoosheh serves chicken fajitas for $13 and falafel wraps for $10.50. Experience the spices and marinades of the Middle East at Manoosheh today.
Inside Choi’s Roll’s distinctive baby-blue exterior is a small takeout restaurant serving well-priced sushi.
The sushi spot offers six-piece rolls, such as the California roll and salmon roll, both priced at $6. If you’re vegetarian, try their six-piece $5.50 avocado roll.
Want to spice up your sushi order? Try Choi’s Roll’s $13.50 Monster Dynamite sushi, stuffed with deep-fried shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and yams or the $14.50 Gyoza Gyoza Roll, packed with veggie dumplings, sweet mushrooms, cucumbers, and tempera bits. Most of Choi’s Roll’s menu items are under $15!
A charming restaurant with a green and yellow exterior, Sunflower Chinese restaurant serves special combination plates under $15. Each plate features a main dish, like Szechuan beef or sweet & sour chicken balls or shrimp and chicken fried rice, plus a free egg roll.
For more meal deals, check out Sunflower Chinese’s special meal menu. You can order four chicken balls, one spring roll, and chicken fried rice for under $10.
Aside from their flavourful combination platters and special meals, Sunflower Chinese serves well-priced rice platters and chop suey, a dish loaded with meat, eggs, bean sprouts, cabbage, and a thick sauce.
Each dish at Sindibad combines an abundance of spices and sweet marinades to create a delicious culinary experience.
Sindibad’s flatbreads are topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, and za’atar, priced at $3.99 to $5.99 each.
If you want a heartier lunch packed with pickles, salad, rice, chicken, tahini, and garlic sauce, try their chicken shawarma platter for $12.49. They offer their tender chicken shawarma in a wrap for $8.49. Finish off your lunch at Sindibad with buttery, sugary baklava, just $3.99 for four pieces.
Sindibad’s affordable and rich flavours make this small Kingston restaurant a worthwhile spot.
You can customize your own mini pizza for $10.97 at one of Score Pizza’s two locations in Kingston.
Score Pizza offers customers a variety of sauces, cheeses, meats, and vegetables to load their personal pizzas with. After your pizza is doused in colourful toppings, it’s loaded into Score’s woodfire oven. Watch as the savoury cheese melts atop the fresh dough.
Score Pizza also makes signature pies such as the K-Town, served with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, bacon, and mushrooms; or the Great White North, topped with garlic cream sauce, asiago, mozzarella, Italian sausage, mushrooms, caramelized onions, crushed garlic, and arugula.
Whether you make your own pizza or indulge in one of their signature creations, you’ll be satisfied by Score Pizza’s abundance of flavour.
House of Donair’s menu items are under $15 and pack a flavourful punch.
The Lebanese restaurant’s soft potatoes with creamy garlic sauce are a must-try, as are their pitas filled with donair meat, tomato, onion and sweet sauce. Depending on your hunger levels, order a small for $9.49, regular for $11.49, or large for $12.49.
Try the Donair Plate served on a bed of fresh- cut fries. The regular size goes for $11.49, while the large size is priced at $14.49. House of Donair also offers satiating options for vegetarians, such as their $13.49 Veggie Plate, featuring those to-die-for garlic potatoes.
You’re sure to leave House of Donair with your stomach (and wallet) full.
Bubba’s $8.85 Quebec-style poutine with thick, flavourful gravy, cheese curds, and fresh- cut fries is the perfect late-night meal. And the delicious Canadian classic won’t make a large dent in your bank account.
Bubba’s serves up their poutine in a variety of unique flavours, including gyro and chicken bacon, priced at $12.95 each. Most of Bubba’s menu items are under $15, making it the perfect spot for those who want tasty food for cheap.
Craving fairly priced, quality sushi? Try Sima Sushi’s lunch specials, served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm daily.
Their lunch special sushi meals range from $12.95 to $14.95, and each meal features nine to 12 rolls. Plus, all lunch specials include a green salad and bowl of miso soup.
Their meal deals extend to dinner time–the restaurant’s six–piece maxi dishes are under $10.
Whether you’re dining in or ordering take-out, this family-run restaurant won’t disappoint.
This historic Kingston restaurant outfitted with its distinctive blue awning and ’50s-style decor has been serving well-priced, classic diner foods for over 100 years.
Take a seat at one of Morrison’s cozy booths facing Springer Market Square and indulge in a plate of warm buttermilk pancakes with sweet maple syrup, or buttery toast and eggs for under $15.
Morrison’s offers bottomless drip coffee, making the family-run restaurant the perfect place to have your afternoon pick-me-up or an early-morning family brunch.
Stepping inside Pasta Genova’s quaint storefront, you’re transported to a bakery in the heart of Italy, specializing in fresh focaccia, lasagna, and pasta.
With over 35 years of experience creating classic Italian cuisine, Pasta Genova is the perfect place to grab a loaded sandwich made on their homemade focaccia and stuffed with meat or vegetables. Both their sandwiches and focaccia loaf are under $15.
Get a taste of Italy and visit Pasta Genova on your next lunch break.
Walking into this European-style bakery, you’re hit with the aroma of buttery pastries and homemade marinades blended into their tasty to-go meals.
Pan Chancho to-go food items and sandwiches are brightly coloured, tasty, and fresh with most items priced under $15. Try their $9.50 smoked meat sandwich– thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and a dollop of mustard between two pieces of freshly made white bread. They also offer well-priced roast beef, smoked turkey, and vegetarian sandwiches.
Indulge in one of their freshly made pastries like their blueberry scones, crystallized with sugar and loaded with sweet blueberries, and of course, their buttery, crispy croissants.
For a delectable pastry or grab-and-go meal, Pan Chancho has your lunch plans covered.
Hailed as having some of the best shawarma in Kingston, Shawarma Dubai offers up a variety of Syrian and Lebanese flavours.
Their wraps, loaded with freshly cut, seasoned meat, are $12.99. Shawarma Dubai’s heaping plate of potatoes, served with a delicious garlic sauce, are priced at $8.99.
Want to experience the individual taste of their crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the inside, homemade falafel? Try their six-piece $8.99 falafel dish.
Located on Princess just below Bagot Street, Pho Chopstix offers their signature noodles immersed in seasoned broth, topped with green onions and tender meat for $11.95.
Pho Chopstix has a small, but versatile menu featuring quality ingredients. Their selection of pho come topped with your choice of rare beef, spicy rare beef, or tofu and vegetables, and range from $11.95 to $13.50.
Visit Pho Chopstix for delicious Vietnamese dishes today.
Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) is celebrating its 25th season this year. On top of dozens of Canadian feature films and shorts, the festival has a host of special events, including standup comedy, live music, and in-depth conversations with stars. Here are some highlights of can’t-miss events happening as part of KCFF 25.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the movie: the soundtrack: the tribute concert
The cult classic graphic novel series turned equally cult classic movie comes to life at the Broom Factory with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the movie: the soundtrack: the tribute concert. Get ready for action-packed live performances from the film’s soundtrack, including songs from Metric, Beck, Frank Black, and more, all set to projected visuals and the occasional musical battle. Fans of indie music and Edgar Wright won’t want to miss out.
Head to the Broom Factory on night three of KCFF for an evening of sharp, dark stand-up with veteran comedy writers Allie Pearse and Olivia Stadler. Allie and Olivia are at the forefront of contemporary Canadian comedy, having written for both Letterkenny and Shoresy and toured nationally with Letterkenny Presents: A Night of Standup Comedy.
Veteran actor and stand-up comedian Jeremy Hotz and his canine companion Shack will be taking to the stage of the Grand Theatre for Très Misérables, his 10th national tour. This brand-new show combining Hotz’s trademark jokes and mishaps, Très Misérables is the show for enthusiasts of both stand-up and emotional support longhair Chihuahuas.
Catch award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and showrunner Carolyn Taylor at the Broom Factory for a late-afternoon conversation and screening of her hit quixotic figure-skating docu-comedy I Have Nothing. Carolyn’s work as a writer and actress in Baroness Von Sketch Show has garnered her critical acclaim. I Have Nothing follows a pair of comedians as they attempt to choreograph a figure skating routine to Whitney Houston’s hit song “I Have Nothing.” This is sure to be a hilarious event.
From his roles in movies like Tropic Thunder, Blackberry, and the How to Train Your Dragon series to his Canadian cult hockey hit Goon and his show We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel), Jay Baruchel is a force in Canadian media and comedy. Head to the Broom Factory for an intimate conversation between Jay Baruchel and host Elamin Abdelmahmoud of CBC Radio’s Commotion as they discuss Canadian comedy, film, and more.
The Backsteps music video produced by JL Creative Agency for the Slaight Music Video Program. (Photo credit: Tyler Healey)
Eleven performers, 11 production companies, and 11 brand-new music videos. The Slaight Music Video Showcase returns to KCFF with an array of fresh videos produced through the Slaight Music Video Program. This showcase includes fresh videos from local artists including Miss Emily, Kasador, The Gertrudes, Luscious, and Savannah Shea. Stick around after the showcase to grab a snack and vote for your favourite video in the Grand Lobby.
As well as being a hugely popular TV series, Murdoch Mysteries has frequently filmed in Kingston, which makes KCFF the perfect host for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the show. Daniel Maslany (actor), Eleanore Lindo (director), and Julie Lacey (producer) take part in a moderated discussion and Q&A session.
If you are interested in getting a glimpse of what the future of Canadian film might look like, you’ll want to check out the 18 MM Showcase. These 11 films represent the culmination of the latest class of the 18 MM program, a course and workshop series that provides filmmakers 18 years old and younger with basic knowledge of the cinematic art and the necessary skills for filmmaking. Ranging from horror to comedy, fantasy to queer and social drama, these films explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, tolerance, mental health, and more.
In classic KCFF style, the festival will wrap up with a special screening. Head to the Kingston Grand Theatre and join special guests Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, and director Dale Heslip for a screening of Blue Rodeo: Lost Together. This documentary chronicles Blue Rodeo’s four-decades-long journey from their start in the bars of Queen Street in Toronto to their position as one of Canada’s most beloved bands. Make sure to stick around after for a Q&A session with Cuddy, Keelor, and Heslip.
Catching locally produced features
As well as special events, features, and short films, KCFF will also feature films shot in Kingston.
Doom Boogie combines ’70s grindhouse excess with rock and roll in a high-tension thriller; it stars several local musicians in gory roles.
Locally produced feature: Still Alive in Kingston
Still Alive in Kingston tells a mostly fictionalized story of former Much Music VJ and entertainment journalist Bill Welychka as he settles into a post-fame life in Kingston. Still Alive in Kingston is also Director Jay Middaugh’s follow-up to his much-loved film Live in Kingston, and features performances from local artists including The Wilderness, Keaton, Luella, and Miss Emily.
Locally produced feature: Single Woman Seeking Child
Still Alive in Kingston will also be proceeded by a screening of Blain Watters’ Single Woman Seeking Child, a short film shot in Kingston that tells the story of Watters’ mother as she bucks the conservative nature of early-1980s Kingston when she sets out to fulfill her dreams of motherhood (mostly) on her own.
For tickets to all these events, check out the KCFF website.
Kingston boasts a dynamic culinary scene with new restaurants popping up year-round, from high-end dining in newly renovated hotels to quaint and intimate restaurants that pack a big punch. Here are 10 new restaurants in Kingston to add to your 2025 bucket list.
In downtown Kingston, Mercury Lounge serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and pub grub. Their menu combines western culinary traditions with Asian flavours inspired by Chef Paulson George’s global culinary journey. Explore different flavours from confit duck and waffle to Korean barbeque short ribs and sambal chicken skewers. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates on deals and events.
Must-try: Mercury butter chicken (creamy tomato-cashew sauce, basmati rice, and naan). View their full menu online.
Open: Mon. – Sun. (11 am – 11 pm), lunch special (10:30 am – 3 pm)
Tucked away on Bagot Street, you’ll find Hakka Horizon, an Indo Hakka Chinese, Thai cuisine, and momo restaurant. Savour traditional international flavours in downtown Kingston at this fusion restaurant with a large menu featuring everything from chop suey, fried rice, and dumplings to Thai curry dishes.
Located in the newly renovated Kingston Marriott hotel, Academy Food + Drink offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a variety of local flavours. From casual meals to social gatherings, you can enjoy any occasion in their refreshing dining space. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates on deals and events.
Planning to book a stay? Book a dine on us package at the Marriott during Kingstonlicious and receive a $100 Visa gift card to enjoy Academy Food + Drink’s prix fixe menu.
Must-try: Academy signature chicken wings (seasoned with peri-peri lemon marinade, heirloom carrots and celery, with sriracha honey, hot, honey garlic or BBQ flavour options). View their full menu online.
Sit back and enjoy a beer from a Kingston brewery and a burger made with locally sourced ingredients at Burger 347. This restaurant boasts local connections including Barriefield Market as the sole supplier for all of their meat, poultry, and pork products. Burger 347 gets creative with their burgers: check out their menu and you’ll find adventurous burgers like the not-cho cheesburger, the poutine extreme, and the pickleballer. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates on new burgers and upcoming events.
Must-try: the smokeshow (6 oz. grilled patty, house BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, onion rings, mayo, shredded lettuce, house pickles on a brioche bun with choice of side). View their full menu online.
Open: Mon. – Wed. (11 am – 9 pm), Thurs. – Fri. (11 am – 10 pm), Sun. (9 am – 9 pm)
The Loaf N’ Ale is a locally owned British pub with a fun atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends in Kingston’s west end. Enjoy live music events or trivia with a pint and pub fare, including waffle fries, wings, classic Reuben sandwich, and fish and chips. Check their event calendar online for upcoming events.
Must-try: Guinness loaded loafer (house-made beef or veggie patty topped with crispy onion rings, bacon, Swiss cheese, and Guinness BBQ sauce). View their full menu online.
At the newly opened DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston, you’ll find The Cannery Kitchen & Social, a restaurant inspired by Canada’s heritage. Enjoy East Coast-inspired food including baked lobster & crab dip, and seafood chowder with innovative drinks like the Maritime Mule. Whether you’ve booked a stay at their hotel or you’re visiting for an event, be sure to relax and enjoy the delicious offerings at this new restaurant.
Planning to book a stay? Book a dine on us package at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston during Kingstonlicious and receive a $100 Visa gift card to enjoy The Cannery Kitchen & Social’s prix fixe menu.
Must-try: Seafood linguini (shrimp, mussels, scallops, calamari, red peppers, spinach, garlic, olive oil, shallots, white wine), with cheesecake for dessert. View their full menu online.
Get your fix of Thai and Western flavours at Cat House Chiangmai, a new west-end restaurant. Cat House Chiangmai serves up dishes such as noodles, crispy chicken, pad Thai, spring rolls, curry, and more. Follow their Instagram and Facebook for updates on new offers and specials. Your next bowl of Thai food is waiting for you!
Open: Sun. – Thu. (11 am – 12 am), Fri. and Sat. (11 am – 1 am)
Now open in downtown Kingston in addition to their upper Princess Street location, Chuck’s Roadhouse caters to everyone’s needs with items like the Chuck’s Burger at $9 to items like the filet mignon & lobster tail at $35.99. Chuck’s Roadhouse prides itself on offering affordable items for everyone to enjoy.
Open: Sun. – Thu. (11 am – 9 pm), Fri. & Sat. (11 am – 10 pm)
If you are craving crispy chicken, Mighty Bird has plenty of tasty options. From crispy chicken tenders to a variety of sandwiches, their buttermilk-marinated chicken won’t disappoint. Mighty Bird also offers tacos, salads, fries, sandwiches, and waffles. Follow their Instagram and Facebook for updates on new menu items.
Must-try: The Mighty O.G. (crispy chicken, banana peppers, and slaw, finished with house-made syrup on top of a toasted brioche bun with buttermilk ranch.). View their full menu online.
Are you out shopping in downtown Kingston on Princess Street? Take time to stop for lunch at the new wood-fired pizza and pasta restaurant. Enjoy amazing pizza, homemade sauces, and quick service in a welcoming atmosphere at Doughbox Woodfired Pizza and Pasta. Choose the create-your-own-pizza option and load your pizza with all of your favourite toppings.
Must-try: New wood-fired toasted fire’n veg foldy (pesto base, feta cheese, fire-roasted red onions and mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh artichokes, arugula, balsamic glaze). View their full menu online.
Mercury Bar & Lounge, Academy Food & Drink, The Cannery Kitchen & Social, and Burger 347 are all participating in the Kingstonlicious culinary festival running until March 31. View their prix fixe menu offers online.
February 17 is the last day to enjoy Spirit of Winter, the immersive Indigenous art installation on Market Street and Springer Market Square. When planning your visit, bring your skates and take a spin around the public ice rink. You can enjoy even more activities on February 17, including roasting marshmallows and making s’mores at the fire pits, plus enjoy hot chocolate and spiced hot cider courtesy of Kingston Coffee House. Learn more online.
Dine on us with a $100 Visa gift card when you book your Kingston stay through select packages. Use your gift card for a meal out with your family at this month’s Kingstonlicious locations. Enjoy Kingstonlicious specials at local restaurants, cafés, market, and breweries.
Head to the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning for a day filled with fun. Activities include face painting, dance performances, and hands-on activities with Kingston Handloom Weavers & Spinners, Kingston Potters’ Guild, Kingston Lapidary & Mineral Club (KLMC), Tett creativity studio artists, and Tett artists-in-residence.
Bring the family and cheer on the Kingston Fronts as they go up against the Barrie Colts. Grab some popcorn and your drink of choice and enjoy the game.
Bring your kids and their favourite stuffie for a hands-on experience with crafts and activities. Trained “teddy doctors and nurses” will examine your toys’ bumps and bruises and make them feel better. This is a great activity for kids up to age 10. Time slot registration is required. Book your timeslot online.
Get active this Family Day weekend with recreational activities available across Kingston. Register for gym time, family badminton, spin class, swimming, or family aqua fit at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre (382 Bagot St.). Drop in for skating or family Zumba at the INVISTA Centre (1350 Gardiners Rd.). Enjoy family badminton, basketball, and open gym time at Rideau Heights Community Centre (McCauley St.) or the Kingston East Community Centre (779 Highway 15.). View registration details and times online.
Find a new family game or puzzle
Various locations
You’ll find unique options in Kingston to pick up a new game for the family.
Explore the heart of Kingston while hunting for iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and quirky street art. Grab your camera, follow the clues, and snap creative shots to earn points. From historic sites to tasty treats, every find brings you closer to victory—and prizes! Are you ready to capture the adventure? Stop at the Visitor Information Centre between 1 and 4 pm to participate in the family scavenger hunt.
Join the new restaurant Academy Food + Drink inside Kingston Marriott hotel for a Family Day brunch featuring a four-course shareable menu with a mix of healthy and comforting dishes. Reserve a table between noon and 2:30 pm online.
2025 marks the fifth year of Kingstonlicious, a culinary festival that includes special restaurant menus, signature events, and overnight packages.
Starting February 3, restaurants across Kingston are offering prix fixe menus at a variety of price points, from under $25 to $75. From comfort food and local beer to haute cuisine, local ingredients are showcased on Kingstonlicious menus. In addition, seven vendors at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market will offer Kingstonlicious specials on specific products every Sunday.
To whet your appetite, here’s a sample from the almost 40 new Kingstonlicious menus offered for February.
The Everly’s prix fixe menu showcases local ingredients.
Downtown, The Everly Restaurant & Lounge offers a three-course meal for $40. It features a kale salad (with local kale from Salt of the Earth Farms), an entrée of cheese tortellini with Bolognese sauce, and a vanilla panna cotta for dessert. The Everly is Kingston’s newest Feast On® certified restaurant, signifying its commitment to using Ontario food and beverage products.
Burger 347, one of the city’s newest west-end restaurants, offers a “burger & a bevy” meal for $25. Choose from one of their eight signature burgers, including a black bean burger with plant-based jalepeño mayo and a decadent “poutine extreme” burger topped with St. Albert curds. Add a salad or fries, and choose a beer, glass of wine, or a mocktail for your “bevy.”
In mid-town, Daft Brewing offers two pizzas and a beer for $40 (with dine-in and takeout options). Daft’s signature pizzas include the Slytherin Bite (red sauce, mozzarella, hot calabrese, candied jalapeño, hot honey, and parm) and the Daftly Dill-icious (garlic butter, dill sauce, dill pickle, mozzarella, parm, and dill weed).
Visitors to Kingston can “dine on us” when choosing a Kingstonlicious overnight package. Get a $100 Visa gift card to spend on your Kingstonlicious experience when you book an overnight stay at select accommodations.
The ReelOut Queer Film Festival is set to light up Kingston January 30 to February 8, 2025, both at The Screening Room and the downtown library. This annual event continues to champion inclusivity and representation in the arts.
This year’s festival features 18 programs across 10 days, showcasing over 45 filmmakers, media artists, game designers, and performers from 14 countries. Against the backdrop of challenging times, ReelOut promises a vibrant, welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies alike, with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices.
“It’s a dark time for a lot of folks in the US and we feel that shadow creeping across the border,” says ReelOut director Matt Salton. “We want to ensure that we are providing audiences with not just solid entertainment, but a place for marginalized communities to immerse themselves in a space created for them. There are 18 different programs that can be seen as 18 different escapes from the threat of the world.”
Kingston’s drag performers—Tyffanie Morgan, Rowena Whey, BeeWitched, BlowPony, and Sherry Anne Hex—will kick off the festival on January 30, taking the stage to deliver musical numbers inspired by iconic motion pictures.
This year’s feature films include To the Moon screening January 31 at 7 pm. The film by Kevin Hartford follows three intertwined journeys of self-discovery. As single father Sam grapples with coming out after decades of hiding, his teenaged daughter Ella navigates challenges at a new school, and their neighbour Claire seeks creative inspiration while reinventing her life.
Under the Influencer is a gripping thriller that explores the exploitation of creative talent and the psychological toll of ambition, screening January 31 at 9:30 pm.
For music lovers, watch We Forgot to Break Up on February 1 at 9:30 pm. It follows a diverse Toronto band, The New Normals, as they channel their struggles into a bold rock sound that challenges societal norms.
Explore the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth by watching Lakeview on February 7 at 9 pm. A queer friend group navigate old wounds, fresh connections, and shifting dynamics during a divorce celebration weekend.
The festival concludes with a February 8 screening of La Arriera (The Muleteer), a drama set in the highlands of Jalisco in 1930, where teenager Emilia escapes her adoptive family to find freedom and her biological father, disguising herself as a male muleteer amidst the chaos of war.
These feature films will all be shown at The Screening Room. New this year, the ReelOut short films collections will screen at the downtown branch of the Kingston-Frontenac Public Library, from February 3 to 6.
Visit ReelOut’s website for full programming and to purchase tickets.
“ReelOut is always something the Kingston queer community looks forward to each year but keep in mind, the films are queer, our audiences are lovers of independent cinema and want to broaden their horizons. All allies are welcome!” Salton says.
From February 1 to 17, an immersive Indigenous storytelling experience comes to downtown Kingston.
In addition to ice-skating and sipping hot chocolate by the fire in Springer Market Square, visitors to downtown Kingston have a new, immersive activity to do this winter.
Surrounded by a glowing tree-lined path along Market Street, an animated, narrated Indigenous tale is projected onto Kingston City Hall and the Bank of Montreal near Springer Market Square (Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic starting Jan. 27).
Ward wrote the story of a young cardinal who stumbles across a bear entering hibernation. The bird (named after Jaylene Cardinal) and the bear (reflecting Ward’s childhood nickname “Coda Bear”) exchange their differing perspectives on life during the cold winter months.
“[The story] shows how we’re all from the natural world and how two different perspectives can still learn from each other,” Ward says. “What I would like people to take away from the story is the idea of having an open mind and being open to learning about our differences.”
To bring Ward’s story to life, Cardinal created nine custom paintings of the bird, the bear, water, trees, and landscapes. Figuring out how various aspects of the story would translate onto her canvases, like how she was going to convey the bear’s connection to the moon and the bird’s connection to the sun, was challenging and rewarding.
“[Custom work] is like a puzzle. You’re given a vision and then you have to decide yourself how you’re going to do it,” Cardinal says.
AVA Animation and Visual Arts transformed Cardinal’s painting into an animated video that will be projected onto the two buildings. The award-winning animation studio made static painted birds fly, and bears trudge along snow-covered landscapes, a process that Cardinal and Ward describe as astonishing. A Cree voice actress narrates the animated story in English, French, Cree, and Ojibwe.
“When [the narrator] says the berries are falling, then you’ll actually see a bunch of berries on City Hall falling with a bird flying through,” Cardinal says.
Ward helped create the music which accompanies the story about the importance of sharing diverse perspectives. His musically talented business partner, Michael Benia, and Ward’s guitarist son, Elijah, also produced the soundtrack that will play from speakers scattered around Springer Market Square.
Originally from Kingston, Ward lived in Edmonton before moving back to his hometown in 2014. The artistic duo then opened a store in Fort Henry where they sold their artwork. Once requests for custom murals on buildings around Kingston increased, they closed their store, and the city became their canvas. After designing murals for Rideau Heights Community Centre and Skeleton Park, they longed for a new project that would push their creative limits.
“We’re always trying to do something different, and the Spirit of Winter installation definitely sounded like something different,” Ward says.
Engaging in this creative process reminded Cardinal of the importance of storytelling to Indigenous communities. During the time of hunting and gathering, storytelling served as a way for Indigenous peoples to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next and helped them get through frigid winters, Cardinal explains.
Ward hopes that both Kingston residents and visitors derive joy from experiencing the installation, even as the sun continues to set early and the temperature dips below freezing.
“The installation is a way for people to escape reality for even 30 minutes and take in the magical efforts that everybody has put in to make this work,” Ward says.
You can check out Cardinal’s paintings displayed at Tir Nan Og (200 Ontario Street) throughout the Spirit of Winter.
Visit Downtown Kingston’s website today for more information on programming during the installation, including a churro and hot chocolate stand by El Gringo and a make your own glow-in-the-dark friendship bracelet workshop.
If you’re looking for a winter warm-up, stop by Kingston Coffee House for a hot chocolate. Kingston Coffee House steps it up a notch with a variety of hot chocolates to choose from, as well as peppermint mochas and chai lattes. Try a drink of your choice with one of their toppings (whipped cream, candy cane, toasted marshmallow).
Open: Mon – Fri 7 am – 7 pm, Sat 8 am – 6 pm, Sun 8 am – 5 pm
This two-hour tour blends tastings at some of Kingston’s best downtown restaurants with an insider’s perspective on our city’s history and culture. The tour highlights unique shops, restaurants, artisans, and farmers that contribute to Kingston’s thriving local food movement. Expect to try new and familiar flavours while strolling through our charming downtown with a local guide. Check the website for availability.
Now until March 31, save 10% on Kingston Food Tour tickets when you use the Kingstonlicious promo code: Yummy
4. Explore museums in Kingston
Military Communications and Electronics Museum: 95 Craftsman Boul.
Museum of Health Care: 32 George St.
PumpHouse: 23 Ontario St.
With more than 35 museums, art galleries, and historic sites, Kingston offers a variety of fun learning experiences. Explore the history of military communications at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum, discover the story of placebo medications at the Museum of Health Care, or experience kid-friendly exhibits and activities at the PumpHouse, housed in one of Canada’s oldest original water works.
Enjoy the fresh snowfall at Little Cataraqui Creek by snowshoeing or skiing 13 kilometres of beautiful trails. Your first stop will be the Outdoor Centre, where you can rent a pair of snowshoes or a full set of ski equipment. Don’t forget to bring birdseed to feed the chickadees at rest stops!
Throughout February and March, Kingstonlicious offers curated culinary events across the city, showcasing local chefs, special guests, and a delicious experience. From sustainable culinary celebrations and an east coast kitchen party to a fierce burger showdown at the new Burger 347 restaurant, you won’t want to miss the Kingstonlicious signature events this winter. View all upcoming events online.
Did you know Kingston is home to escape rooms and a board game café? Get out of the cold and enjoy a themed escape room. Unlock your way through family-friendly or frightening rooms at Improbable Escapes. If you’re not up for an escape room, Improbable Escapes Wonderland offers more than 450 board games, as well as snacks and drinks.
8. Skate at Springer Market Square
325 King St.
Grab a friend, lace up your skates, and glide around the public skating rink while listening to some tunes. After a couple of laps, walk across the street to snack on a Canadian classic: a Beavertail. If you aren’t into skating but like the atmosphere, stop during the evenings and warm up by the fire pits in the square.
9. Take a tour around historic Sydenham Ward
As you walk through the neighbourhood surrounding Kingston’s downtown, you’ll see beautiful architecture and buildings rich in history, like The Spire, a community arts hub located in Sydenham Street United Church and historic inns like Hochelaga Inn, Secret Garden Inn, and The Rosemount Inn.
Head to Harper’s Burger Bar and choose from a variety of burgers (including the plantclassic! burger, crunch burger, and la la land burger). Pair your choice with a classic dessert, the sundae (Harper’s sundae, berry indulgence sundae).
With Kingstonlicious culinary events, film screenings, hockey, a new art installation, and loads of live music, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season this February in Kingston.
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration. If you’re looking to submit a French-language event, please use our French submission form.
From the panoramic views of Lake Ontario through the floor-to-ceiling windows to the rich, warm tones of the wood walls of the Jennifer Velva Bernstein Performance Hall, there’s a magic to the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
As both a performance hall and an educational hub for Queen’s University, the Isabel is a surprisingly energetic space, even when there isn’t a performance scheduled. A first-time visitor may be surprised to find the sun-drenched Alexander Murray Jeffery Grand Lobby bustling with visitors sitting down with cups of coffee and tea from nearby Juniper Café, taking in the lake views in the quiet ambiance.
Alexander Murray Jeffery Grand Lobby
It’s the kind of place that’s great to visit even when there isn’t a concert to attend, but those moments without an exciting performance are few and far between. 2024 marks the Isabel’s tenth year of programming, and over the season the hall will be filled with the sounds of inspiring and diverse music.
Carrying a legacy of progress
Since opening its doors in September 2014, the Isabel has earned itself a reputation as a premier destination in Kingston for international live music. According to Isabel director Gordon E. Smith, that was always the plan.
Esme Quartet with Yekwon Sunwoo performance in the Jennifer Velva Bernstein Performance Hall
“The Isabel is a signature destination. In terms of the performing arts, there really is no other place like it.”
Built into the hillside overlooking the lake, the Isabel creates a heightened sense of awareness of your surroundings by capturing elements of the natural landscape. There’s intentionality to its design just as there’s intention to its purpose, which can all be traced back to its namesake: Isabel Bader, who, along with her husband, Alfred, led a legacy of generosity and philanthropy, both in Kingston and elsewhere. It is their legacy that’s expressed in the direction of the Isabel.
“Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, accessibility. These are priorities at the university, but also at the Isabel,” says Smith. “These are pivot points for inspiration…These are exciting pathways that we can explore in terms of the performing arts.”
Inspiration and alliances
The theme behind the Isabel’s tenthanniversary is “Inspiration and Alliances,” a name and credo that embodies the selection of this year’s performers. This season sees both new and returning artists on the Isabel stage..
“This tenth anniversary season is a balance of returning artists,” says Smith, “but [also] looking to the future in terms of diversifying what we’re putting on the stage.”
This direction is clear to see in this year’s list of performers. Returning artists like virtuosic pianist Bruce Liu and Canadian Indigenous tenor and composer Jeremy Dutcher are slated alongside international artists making their Isabel debuts, like The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and Finnish string quartet Meta4.
In the landscape of Kingston music venues, the Isabel cultivates a very different feel from other local spots like the Broom Factory and the downtown pubs where local artists tend to play. Over the years the Isabel has hosted many local artists, from blues singer Miss Emily to the occasional rock band like the Wilderness, and in its tenth season, the performance centre is launching a series specifically designed to welcome local performers into the space. “Friday Nights in the Recital Hall” challenges the notion of certain spaces being designed for certain artists and brings new energy into the space.
The Wilderness performing at the Isabel Bader Centre in 2023
“I like to think of this as breaking that down a bit. It’s about accessibility and inclusion,” says Smith. “This is not meant to compete with anybody in the area, but to animate the space… in ways that engage the community.”
Up-and-coming local artists take to the stage of the Karen Hitchcock Recital Hall for intimate concerts at $20 per ticket. These include returning singer-songwriter Alex Mundy to musicians making their Isabel debut, like local multi-instrumentalist Chris Brown and singer Kate Fenner.
Jennifer Velva Bernstein Performance Hall
A must-see destination for any visit
From rousing performances in the Jennifer Velva Bernstein Performance Hall to quiet coffee chats by the water, the Isabel is a space unlike any other in town.
“It’s well worth coming by, at any time of year,” says Smith. “We love the place, and we like to share it with people.”
If you find yourself roaming around Queen’s University’s historic campus on a Kingston Creative Walking Tour and want to refuel with a sandwich or soda, stop by Café Union.
Bringing in the best in the region
As the name suggests, this campus café in Goodes Hall (143 Union Street) brings together Kingston’s businesses, offering drinks and food items made from locally sourced produce, dairy, and meat products.
Café Union works with local partners such as White Buffalo, a coffee provider that supports Indigenous farmers across Canada, aligning themselves with the Anishinaabe grandfather teachings. White Buffalo rotates their coffee beans seasonally, offering customers the freshest and tastiest brews year-round. You can enjoy your beverage in Café Union’s outdoor seating area on a hot summer afternoon or behind their sweeping glass windows on a cold winter’s day.
The café also offers house-made refreshers, teas, and all-natural sodas from The County Bounty Artisanal Soda Co., boasting eclectic flavours like raspberry & lime, strawberry & basil, and cherry & vanilla.
Quick artisanal meals and exciting flavours
Beyond cold drinks and hot lattes, Café Union serves delectable food options from a savoury chorizo breakfast warp with eggs, roasted red peppers, pico de gallo, and warm pepper cheese to a focaccia panini stuffed with ham, maple bacon, fresh arugula, whipped goat cheese, and cranberry jalapeno jelly.
For a lighter lunch option, you can order the blueberry, apple, and walnut salad topped with a honey balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re in a rush, pick up some egg or energy bites, a cheese croissant, an Allergy Smart cookie, or the café’s specialty, an apple cinnamon loaf, perfect for a cozy fall day.
Other local partners include Juniper Cafe, Wilton Cheese, Wilton Wheat Kings–Dream Come True Kitchen and Patchwork Gardens. Café Union also has vegan, vegetarian, and halal options. They serve an assortment of salads excluding gluten-containing ingredients with an option to add chicken or other protein; if you have any allergies, you’re encouraged to ask before you eat.
At the end of the day, when the café’s kitchen closes its doors, untouched and unused food is donated to local Kingston and Queen’s campus community partners committed to addressing and mitigating food insecurity.
By ordering a coffee or wrap, you’re supporting a network of local businesses, all linked through the café’s charming spot in the heart of Queen’s University’s campus. Café Union is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 9 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 6 pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.
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