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A Kingston Outdoor Autumn Adventure

Ah…the sights and smells of autumn!  Hard to believe that yet another summer has flown by, but there are still so many great reasons to take a break from the back-to-school routine and enjoy the fresh fall air with some outdoor adventures.  

Head out of your hotel and take a stroll downtown Kingston, walking through the market, and taking in the first signs of red and orange leaves against the grey limestone walls.  Grab a latté from Crave Coffee House and Bakery, along with some fresh baked goodies, and get ready for a memorable and fun day.

Skywood_2

Head east about a 45-minute drive to Skywood Eco Adventure Park, an amazing outdoor adventure centre tucked along the Thousand Islands Parkway. Just finishing up its third year in operation, Skywood is a unique and exciting experience for the entire family. With lots of options for all ages and skill levels, Skywood ensures that all participants truly enjoy themselves and leave wanting more.

The forest has been transformed and sectioned off into four unique areas: zip line tour; adventure courses, children’s discovery courses; and the tree walk village. Each distinctive zone is geared towards different ages and ability levels, to get your adrenaline pumping!

The zip lining and adventure courses are for adults and older kids, with age and height requirements listed on the website. Climbing, swinging, engaging in unique games and zip lining to the next adventure will be the highlight for anyone who takes on these courses. From beginner and expert, there is something for everyone here!

The discovery courses are geared towards kids aged 5 years and older. These three individual courses allow kids to explore with obstacles, tightropes, rope bridges, and zip lines with confidence, all while only a few feet above the forest floor. The instructors ensure that the harnesses and helmets are well-fitting and secure and that the kids are well equipped and able to safely connect their tethers to the lines on the various courses. Parents, while standing on the forest floor you will see your child experience this course with excited eyes and big smiles on their face!

The tree walk village allows kids to run, climb and discover amazing treehouses while using ramps, rope bridges, zip swings and slides to navigate. There is also an “on ground” obstacle course that allows kids to engage their balance and coordination without the need for helmets and harnesses. The village is for ages 3 and older, and allows for more imaginative play than other areas of the park.   

Be sure to check out the website to find out more about Skywood while planning your visit. Here you will find waivers, frequently asked questions, and will be able to book your day and time to enjoy this amazing place! Note that the fall schedule offers fewer days than their normal summer hours, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Also, while out along the Thousand Island Parkway, take in some more great options before heading back to Kingston for a well-deserved dinner out! Head west on the Parkway for just a few minutes before coming to Browns Bay, the oldest of all the parks of the St. Lawrence. Enjoy some great scenery overlooking the water, dip your toes in the water, let the kids explore the playground area, or throw a blanket under the mature trees spotted throughout the large grassy area and enjoy the autumn sunshine.  

Still have energy to burn?  Pack your bikes for some of the best paths around!  Over 45km of paved paths offer amazing views of the Thousand Islands, each one different from the last.  With endless options for where to start and stop along the way, spend some time planning your route to truly enjoy this memorable biking adventure.  

Finally, head back to Kingston to enjoy some amazing wood oven baked pizza at Wooden Heads, or a heaping plate of pasta at Frankie Pestos.  Enjoy some local beer (or root beer for the kids), and chat about the day’s great outdoor adventure!  

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West End Kingston Favourites

West End Bella Bistro desserts

Kingston’s West End is filled with great places to visit and eat but it doesn’t get nearly enough love. Downtown Kingston is incredible but don’t forget to take a trip to the west! Just in case you’re unfamiliar, here is a little guide for places to visit when you find yourself in West End Kingston.

Pho Kingston

627 Fortune Crescent

Located in the new developments on Gardiners road south of the 401, Pho Kingston is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious noodle dishes with very flavourful broths. The restaurant is brand new and beautiful —and the menu is affordable with plentiful offerings. My last order of beef rice noodle soup lasted me three filling meals. It’s a perfect rainy-day meal, so cozy and delicious.

West End Pho Kingston take out

Days on Front

730 Front Road

The name of this special spot makes it easy to remember the location, located at the corner of Days and Front Road, Days on Front has one of my favourite menus in Kingston. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a milestone or birthday with a thoughtfully prepared dishes. They support our local farmers and make everything in-house. My favourite dishes are the scallops and the short rib — so good!  

DaysOnFront_5

Immerse Spa

1347 Gardiners Road

This place offers a unique experience on Gardiners Road called Float Therapy. The concept is to float in a 7 x 4 foot Epsom salt bath dome, and that provides the equivalent of a 4 to 6-hour sleep to rid you of all of your stress. It also helps detoxify the body, increases blood circulation, and helps manage chronic pain, among other benefits. If you’re looking to find your zen, this is the spot for you. Follow up your float with the oxygen bar for a full rejuvenating experience.

West End Immerse Spa

Go Italian

2815 Princess Street

Do you love Italian food? Go Italian is right at the corner of Princess and Bayridge and they have a great menu with classic dishes like cheese tortellini and chicken parmesan. If you’re having a busy week, you can pick up a take-and-bake for the family! There are a variety of options that come in small, medium and large — vegetable and meat lasagnas, rigatoni with sausage and pepper, parmesan or meatballs, and cheese tortellini. Yum.

West End Go Italian pizza

Cher-Mère Day Spa

68 Brock Street

With its first location downtown, Cher Mère has recently spread their wings to the West End to offer a variety of day spa treatments in their newly renovated space. Located on Taylor Kidd Boulevard, west of Gardiners Road, Cher Mère doesn’t just offer great treatments from facials to massages, they use natural products that they make themselves. There’s no need to worry about unnecessary and harmful chemicals.

West End Cher Mere Day Spa

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road

This is West End favourite, found on the corner of Bath Road and Collins Bay, is for family dinners and date nights alike. Bella Bistro supports local farmers, so their menu items stay fresh, and everything on the menu is fantastic. Their specials are exceptionally tasty. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Bella. To top it off they have a market that offers fresh baked goodies and frozen meals you can take on the go. Make sure to save room for dessert.

West End Bella Bistro desserts
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8 Kingston Restaurants Serving up the Best Seafood

Bella Bistro - 8 Kingston Restaurants Serving up the Best Seafood

Lobster, oysters, scallops, mussels, tuna, crab — have I missed anything? I’m talking seafood. If you can’t get enough of it, that delicious, delicious seafood, and you’re in Kingston (or planning a trip), read on. I’ve got a few recommendations for you that cover the entire aquatic spectrum. Learn about some of the tastiest dishes this beautiful, foodie city has to offer.

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road.

This cute spot in the West End (Bath Road and Collins Bay) does a wonderful job with their fish specials — they feature a different one every day, and they stay as local as possible so you can find dishes featuring fish like Ontario Rainbow Trout or perch cooked to perfection every time

Tango Nuevo

331 King Street East

Do you like a good mussel broth? I do. You can find a perfect one at this tapas hotspot, Tango Nuevo. Of course, the mussels alone are delicious, but the garlicky, lemony broth that you sop up with fresh bread is easily the best part in my opinion! Tango Nuevo is located right in the hub of downtown across from Springer Market Square, so it’s a great date night location.

Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse

195 Ontario Street

The classic lobster roll: buttered, toasted bun, succulent, juicy lobster. You can’t go wrong. Dianne’s version of the lobster roll includes tarragon, lemon, chives, celery, mayo and pickled red onion. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is. Dianne’s is so good it’s been featured on “You Gotta Eat Here!”  

AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

Sticking with the lobster theme, how would you like it folded into a creamy, buttery risotto? If your answer is “very much,” visit the elegant, gourmet AquaTerra in the Delta Hotel. The lobster risotto is currently being featured on their Chef’s Kitchen Menu and can be enjoyed best paired with their beautiful waterfront view.

Days on Front

730 Front Road

Named one of the top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada by OpenTable, Days on Front does every dish well. I especially love their scallops. The perfectly seared scallops appetizer is served with leek and brown butter puree as well as bacon jam and pine nuts. That’s right, I said bacon jam. It’s a must-order if you find yourself at the West End restaurant.

Pan Seared Scallops + Leek & Brown Butter Purée + Bacon Jam + Pine Nuts

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Woodenheads

192 Ontario Street

Woodenheads is a classic go-to for locals. They serve consistently delicious food right downtown near the waterfront with a great patio. One of my favourite dishes to share as an appetizer is the Coco Shrimp. It’s black tiger shrimp fried in a spiced beer and coconut better with Vietnamese nuoc cham sauce on the side.

Chien Noir

69 Brock Street

This downtown French bistro serves up a ton of great dishes, one of them being their Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. The flavours feature Asian influences with avocado, sambal, soy, sesame seeds, green onions and wonton chips to scoop up all of the goodness.

Olivea

39 Brock Street

If you’re a fan of oysters, Olivea is the place to eat. Located beside Springer Market Square, this Italian fine dining spot serves up East Coast oysters that are ice cold and delicious. Plus, they have different daily selections to choose from.

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25 Things to Do in Kingston in October

For the most recent 25 things to do list for October, please visit this list. 

We’ve pulled in a great crop of things to keep your autumn days full of fun and adventure including some new terrors at Fort Fright, a variety of walking tours to get you out and about, and rock legend John Mellencamp.

Make sure you click the pictures for more details about each event.

 


Fort Fright — Thursday – Sunday, October 4–14 & nightly October 18–31
Fort Fright at Fort Henry


1000 Islands Cruise — October 1–28
1000 Islands Cruise


City Hall free guided tours — October 1 – 11
Free City Hall Guided Tours


DIY Charcuterie Board Workshop Series — October 10
DIY Charcuterie Board Workshop Series


John Mellencamp live at the Leon’s Centre — October 4
John Mellencamp at the Leon's Centre


Kingston Fall Public Market at Springer Market Square — All month long
Kingston Fall Public Market


Elvis Superstar Showcase at The Grand Theatre — October 6
Elvis Superstar Showcase at The Grand Theatre


Dear Rogue at The Mansion — October 10
Dear Rogue at The Mansion


Kingston Food Tours — All month long
Kingston Food Tours


Try the new “Beyond Burger” at Harper’s Burger Bar — All month long
New burger at Harper's Burger Bar


The Wolfe Island Corn Maze — All month long
Wolfe Island Corn Maze


Kingston Walks — All month long
Kingston Walks


Serena Ryder at The Grand Theatre —October 18
Serena Ryder at The Grand Theatre


Haunted Walk at Fort Henry — All month long
Fort Henry Haunted Walk


Rubies and Rhinestones Retreat — October 19
Rubies and Rhinestones Retreat


The Original Haunted Walk Tour — All month long
Haunted Walk Tour


Kingston Veg Fest at St. Lawrence College — October 20
Kingston Veg Fest


Kingston Zombie Walk starting at McBurney Park — October 20
Kingston Zombie Walk


Cirque Éloize Saloon at The Grand Theatre — October 20
Cirque Éloize Saloon at The Grand Theatre


Julie Fowlis at The Isabel — October 4

Julie Fowlis live at the Isabel


The Tett Centre Creativity Series — October 25
Tett Centre Creativity Series


Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market — All month long
Memorial Centre Farmers' Market


Kingston Comic Con at Queen’s University — October 28
Kingston Comic Con


Bahamas with special guest Tim Baker at The Grand Theatre — October 28
Bahamas at the Grand Theatre

 

Book an Escape Room at Sherlock’s Escapes — All month long
Sherlock's Escapes

Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!

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Kingston’s Burger Bucket List

Bella Bistro must-try burger

You can’t really go wrong with a good burger, especially when you know where to find the tastiest patties in Kingston. And vegans, don’t worry, there are a couple of recommendations in here for you, too! From traditional to non-traditional, you’ll find your next favourite.

Otter Creek

City Park and Spearhead Brewing Company

You can find this food truck parked in City Park during lunch hours on weekdays or at Spearhead Brewing Company! They use the best of the best when it comes to their beef — it’s wagyu! That means their cattle is given the best possible life with plenty of space to roam and fed only local hay. And the proof is in the product. These burgers are by far my favourite served between a soft and doughy brioche bun, Yum.

Bella Bistro

4050 Bath Road

Wednesday Burger Night at west end restaurant, Bella Bistro, is one of my favourite things to enjoy mid-week. They support local farmers and curate as much as they can locally so everything tastes so fresh. What I especially love about Burger Night are the veggie options. Every week is different but they’re always delicious and range from veggie patties that include mushrooms and barley to sweet potato, cauliflower or quinoa. They also make their own milk buns in-house and words can’t express how delicious they are! Plus, you don’t need to wait until Burger Night to get your hands on a classic burger at Bella, their main menu patties is also delicious.

Red House

369 King Street and 629 Fortune Crescent

Red House does a good job at elevating the classic burger with condiments like tomato relish, mustard mayo, aged cheddar, and an added crunch with crispy onions. If you want a traditional pub burger, Red House is your spot. They are located downtown and in the west end for your convenience.

Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess Street

The best part of Harper’s is the fact that you can eat here with a group of people with completely opposite tastes in burgers and everyone will leave happy. There is such a variety from the size of the patty to the different types of buns — pretzel, white, brown, gluten-free or lettuce for those carb-free burger lovers. They even carry the vegan Beyond Burger patties for meatless burger lovers — looks like meat, tastes a lot like meat but is made up of ingredients like beets and peas. And don’t get me started on the variety of toppings. Onion rings on my burger? Yes, please! I bought an out-of-towner here for a burger once and they said it tasted so good they would consider moving to Kingston just for regular trips to Harper’s.

Pan Chancho

44 Princess Street

A Kingston favourite. Pan Chancho is known for its delicious baked goods but should also be noted for its tasty burger. They use Enright Cattle Co. ground beef with Montreal steak spice and top it with classic ingredients like tomato, lettuce, pickles and red onion and then take it to the next level with a chive aïoli. I love a saucy burger so the aïoli is right up my alley!  

Chez Piggy

68 Rear Pricess Street

If Pan Chancho is on the list then, of course, we need to include Chez Piggy. They have the same owner and therefore the same level of top quality food and service. Chez Piggy brings a special spin to the regular burger by using lamb. They have a burger with Enright Cattle Co. beef as well, but why not go for the lamb? It has a roasted red pepper aïoli, minted chèvre and local greens a top a spicy lamb patty. Served on a pretzel bun from Pan Chancho bakery with a side of frites and carrot salad — gourmet!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp19ic2AYG_/

Days on Front

730 Front Road

I am going to call this one the “bougie burger.” If you’re especially fancy and like prime ingredients like truffles but also love burgers, Days on Front in Kingston’s west end is the place for you. The patty is bacon and onion infused and topped with butter lettuce, tomato, aged cheddar, caramelized onions and yes, truffle mayo. No need to pass the ketchup for this burger.

Thank you Days on front for my lunch 😊 #daysonfront #supportlocalbusiness

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AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

AquaTerra has a reputation for producing the best of the best — I consider it a place to go when celebrating a milestone!  If you want the most elevated version of a basic burger, go to this high-end restaurant with waterfront views. They use prime cuts and condiments like tomato jam and roasted garlic aïoli as well as dijon mustard served on a brioche bun with butter lettuce and tomato. All that’s missing is its dramatic reveal on a shining silver platter.

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25 Things to Do in Kingston This September 2018

Hey, don’t be sad that summer’s over — summer is a state of mind. That’s why we’ve decided it isn’t over until we say it’s over. September’s lineup of Kingston events is just as red-hot as the last few months’ and includes Kingston Writersfest, a poutine party, the long-awaited return of Fort Fright, and a special visit by rock n’ roll legends Chicago.

Make sure you click each image for more event information

1. Music in the Park: Sounds on Sydenham — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

2. Chef Cooking Demos at Springer Market Square — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

3. Limestone City Car Classic at Lake Ontario Park — September 1
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

4. Relax at Immerse Spa — Monday–Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

5. Kingston Food Tours — Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

6. Kingston Walking Tours — September 1–28
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

7. Movies in the Square at Springer Market Square — September 6
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

8. Celtic Kitchen Party at Riverhead Brewing Company — September 7
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

9. Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show at Memorial Centre Park — September 7–9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

10. Kingston Family Fun Festival at CFB Kingston — September 9
25 Things to Do in Kingston This September 2018

11. Multicultural Arts Festival at Confederation Park — September 9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

12. Limestone Century Tour — September 9
25 Things to do in Kingston September 2018

13. An Evening with Chicago at Leon’s Centre — September 11
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

14. Kingston Fall Fair at Memorial Centre — September 13–16
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

15. The Isabel Quartet & Double Bass with Joel Quarrington at The Isabel — September 15
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

16. Cancer Bats & The Flatliners live at The Mansion — September 20
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

17. Poutine Feast at City Park — September 21–23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

18. CORK Fall Regatta & Ontario Sailing Combine at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour — September 20–23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

19. McGill Symphony Orchestra at The Isabel — September 23
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

20. Kingston Writersfest — September 26–30
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

21. Fall For Kingston at City Park — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

22. Art After Dark in Downtown Kingston — September 28
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

23. Fort Fright at Fort Henry — September 29–October 14
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

24. Fall Princess Street Promenade — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018

25. Gino Vannelli at The Grand Theatre — September 29
25 Things to Do in Kingston this September 2018
Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!

Experience the sights, sounds and colours of fall in Kingston with perfect accommodation packages, so you can stay and play in style. Check out our Packages page for more details or to book your fall getaway now.

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Meet the Maker: Constantin Mugenga of the Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

People dream of travelling the globe to experience different ways of life, but sometimes you just need to look outside your door. A world of cultural diversity, a rainbow of backgrounds and traditions, and a medley of international delicacies can be experienced right here in Kingston, at the annual Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival.

From 11:30 am – 5:30 pm on September 8th, Confederation Park will transform into a miniature global village, alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of 21 different regions of the world. The Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival (KMAF) invites Kingston’s various ethno-cultural associations to share the beauty of their unique cultures through dance, song, art workshops, and pavilions featuring educational displays and traditional delicacies. Constantin Mugenga, the new Co-lead, works through the Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) to bring this yearly event together.

“This event is an opportunity for the residents of Kingston from various ethnicities to say, ‘This is what our food is, this is what our art is, and this is how we celebrate,’”

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Participants of all ages come together to celebrate and share their folklore. Photo via Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

The driving force behind the creation of KMAF was each cultural group’s desire to share their culture with the local community. For newcomers who have recently arrived in the Kingston area, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity they bring with them while getting to know their neighbours in a festive atmosphere.

“The ethnocultural associations are an integral part of this festival,” says Constantin. “Without their involvement, this festival wouldn’t be what it is.”

“It’s hard to put into words, but it creates a sense of belonging, as if one is part of something bigger,” he says. “It’s bright, colourful, everybody’s smiling, and there’s a buzz in the air.” This welcoming, vibrant event will feature musical and dance performances, including Chinese dancers, African singers and dancers, a Scottish band and Highland dancers, world drumming, Ollin Drum Circle, Remesha Drums from Ottawa, Fussian Music Kingston, Traditional Neapali folksongs, Irish Dancing, and the ever popular Wesli Band from Montreal. Hour-long workshops will also take place, teaching traditional forms of creative expression.

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Beautiful costumes, dazzling dance moves, and more will be on display at KMAF. Photo via Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

This year, visitors can expect to attempt screen printing, Irish dancing, water colour painting, Mayan worry doll making, Chinese painting, Arabic Calligraphy and Rock painting. Young and old alike will find so much to enjoy at KMAF, from the lively music and performances to the kids’ tent that features face-painting and other activities for little ones.

And then there’s the food, “Nothing brings us together like food,” says Constantin. For foodies with a palate for exotic eats, this festival is the stuff of dreams. Savoury samosas, plump pupusas, incomparable dishes of butter chicken, shawarma, falafel, and more will tempt your taste buds as you wander from pavilion to pavilion. “The traditional recipes and homemade style will be unlike anything else you could find on a restaurant menu, it’ll be just like having dinner in the home of a local community member, this food truly is unique” says Constantin. Follow your nose to the Filipino pavilion, where the aroma of fresh frying spring rolls will draw you in and make your mouth water. Even better, wallet-friendly prices make it easy for visitors to sample the offerings of multiple regions. Constantin’s advice for experiencing the festival fare: “Come hungry.”

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Aside from the food and handicrafts for sale, admission to KMAF is completely free, and the various associations aren’t charged anything for their space. Constantin explains that the festival isn’t about making money, but is instead an endeavor to build community. “Given the tensions that we live with in this day and age, it’s really important that we learn from one another, and promote dialogue,” he says. “Diversity is important. If we can help make these groups more visible and show what a rich multicultural community we live in, we can facilitate education and understanding, preventing the ignorant messages we see all too often. Newcomers bring diversity in skills, ideology and culture that make us a richer community. We can learn so much from one another.”

In the ten years since its inception, Mugenga has seen the diversity of Kingston grow, and with it, the success of the KMAF. “Each year, this feeling of warmth and community seems to grow and deepen,” he says. “We always hope that this spirit of celebrating others will continue long after the festival is over.”

Find more information on the Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival, here.

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Kingston’s BYOW Restaurants You Need to Know About (Part 2)

Kingston's Bring Your Own Wine Scene

In our first post covering Kingston’s fabulous BYOW scene, we gave you a taste of the spots you need to hit up with your favourite vintage in hand. Now we’re pouring you a whole glass of options for an amazing meal out!

Far from the frat boy calls of a BYOB party, Bring-Your-Own-Wine has a unique luxurious quality that we can’t resist. You don’t have to cook but you can bring that bottle of sauvignon blanc you’ve been saving for a fancy occasion. It’s a winning combination. More and more restaurants are catching on to the growing trend and offering BYOW.

So grab that bottle from your wine rack, and enjoy!

Tango Nuevo

331 King Street East

Tango Nuevo knows the power of a special meal to bring people together. Tapas is literally centred around the idea of using food to create connection and conversation. Using local ingredients, Tango Nuevo has gained a fan following for their amazing tapas recipes in Kingston which fuse local and international ingredients.

$25 corkage fee for one 750ml bottle per reservation.

AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

You’re sitting overlooking beautiful Lake Ontario eating an amazing meal, you have your favourite people with you, and you’re in the heart of downtown Kinston at the Delta hotel. The only thing that could make this better? Finally having that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving. AquaTerra is the perfect place to finally raise a glass, especially with such a delicious menu to back it up. The kitchen always produces a delicious rotating menu featuring dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

$25 corkage fee

Sushiya Zen

49 Princess Street

Not feeling Sake? Not a problem at one of Kingston’s best sushi restaurants. Sushiya Zen was opened in 2008 and ever since has been drawing in fans for their Korean and Japanese fusion menu. Pop the cork on a dry rosé or Riesling and pair it with their classic sashimi and sushi or Donburi, Udon noodles, tempura, bulgogi, dorayaki and more.

$15 corkage fee

Casa Domenico

35 Brock Street

Going to Casa for a meal out is like entering your own little bubble of Italian bliss. Chef David Faroldi and his kitchen use only fresh ingredients to produce classic yet modern Italian fare. Add in the elegant, sleek atmosphere — not to mention a bottle of your favourite red or white — and you have an amazing night ahead of you.

$25 corkage fee, one bottle of wine per group.

Gnocchi al Gorgonzola with a view of my dream wine cellar 👌🏼🍷

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11 Festivals to Hit in Kingston This September (2018)

Kingston Multicultural Festival

Take your pick this month from fests featuring craft beer and ribs, midways and bouncy castles, best-selling authors and art walks, and everything in between.  

 

Limestone City Car Classic

Saturday, September 1, 2018, 8 am – 4 pm

Lake Ontario Park

What started in an A&W parking lot with a few dozen cars has grown into this annual showcase and fundraiser with about 400 vehicles. Trophies are awarded to the top three cars in 24 different classes. Stick around for the food, raffles and music, and if you get too hot, cool off in the lake or splash pad. All proceeds benefit the Melanoma Cancer Clinic at Kingston General Hospital.

Free admission (car registration is $10/car)

Limestone City Car Classic

Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show

Friday, September 7, 2018 – Sunday, September 9, 2018

Memorial Centre Park

Keep the summer alive by downing some of the best barbecue ribs in the country and washing them down with cold craft beer from about a dozen breweries. For beer, buy a $6 wristband and then purchase 5-ounce samples at a time for $2 each. For food, just wander and graze. Prices range from $7 for a pulled pork sandwich to $22 for a full rack of ribs.   

Free admission (donations to the Partners in Mission Food Bank accepted)

Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer show

Garrison Kingston Family Fun Fest

Concert Saturday, September 8, Fun Fest Sunday, September 9, 2018

Base Gym, CFB Kingston

Back for its fifth year, this fest celebrates the Kingston military community and their families. It kicks off with a concert headlined by Shaggy on Saturday night and is followed by a full day of family-friendly good times on Sunday. Those good times happen inside and out and will include a midway, military displays, bouncy castles, axe throwing, a reptile zoo, BMX demos, boat rides and way more. Over $50,000 in prizes are also available to be won (though only available to CFOne cardholders).   

Free admission

CFB Kingston Garrison Family Fun Fest

Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival

Sunday, September 9, 2018, 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Confederation Park

Family friendly and free, this annual fest is all about promoting and celebrating cultural diversity in the city. This year, close to twenty pavilions will be set up in Confederation Park, each featuring food, music or other cultural activities from countries all over the world. The main stage will showcase non-stop entertainment all day long, including three groups from out of town.

Free admission

Kingston Multicultural Festival
Photo via Kingston Immigration Partnership

Kingston Fall Fair

Thursday, September 13, 2018 – Sunday, September 16, 2018

Kingston Memorial Centre

It’s been happening every year since 1830, so you can be sure Kingston’s Fall Fair brings all the goods: midway, demolition derbies, agricultural shows, singing showdowns, home crafts, and, of course, all of the cotton candy and taffy your teeth can take. Agriculture Education Day goes from 10 am to 2 pm on the Friday, and includes sessions on growing vegetables, shearing sheep, making flour, raising cattle and more.

Adults: $10/day. Students (6 – 18): $5. Kids (5 and under): Free

Kingston Fall Fair
Photo via Kingston Fall Fair

Poutine Feast

Friday, September 21, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018

City Park

Donair poutine. Pulled pork poutine. Corn dog poutine. Lobster poutine. Choose from these and dozens of other creative combinations of potato, cheese and gravy at Kingston’s newest food fest. Travelling to nine Ontario locations this summer, Poutine Feast features multiple poutine vendors and a donut stand. And if you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, don’t worry because you’ll have a few choices too.

Free admission

Poutine Feast
Photo via FlickrCC

CORK Fall Regatta

Saturday, September 22, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018

Portsmouth Olympic Harbour

A summer of world-class sailing in Kingston ends with the CORK Fall Regatta — two days of racing that will include World Sailing ranking events for the Laser Standard, Radial and 49er FX, and the Fogh Gold Cup for Laser Standard and Radial (Open). It’ll be your last chance this year to see the top sailors in the country go for gold in the best fresh-water sailing conditions in the world.

Free admission

CORK Fall Regatta
Photo via Queen's University FlickrCC

Kingston WritersFest

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 – Sunday, September 30, 2018

Downtown

About 70 authors are expected at the 10th anniversary of Kingston’s annual literary festival. Two-time Booker Prize-winner Peter Carey may be the biggest draw when he sits down for breakfast and a chat (September 28), but other treasures like Esi Edugyan, Rawi Hage, Thomas King, Rachel Giese and Helen Humphreys will be there too for readings, discussions, masterclasses, special dinners and more.

Varying prices

Kingston Writersfest

Fall Art After Dark

Friday, September 28, 2018, 7 pm – 10 pm

Downtown

With dozens of art galleries spread throughout downtown, this is a great chance to visit a few you know well or a few you don’t. Usually around 20 galleries and art-loving businesses take part in this bi-annual fest, some with special programming and light refreshments. All of them will allow you to enter a contest to win a $500 art shopping spree from the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area.

Free admission

Art After Dark Fall 2018

Fall Princess Street Promenade

Saturday, September 29, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm

Princess Street

Like the similar event that happens in August, Princess Street (usually between Ontario and Division streets) will be a pedestrian-only zone for a day. Replacing all of those wheels will be local businesses and community groups hosting special activities that have included climbing walls, concerts, bouncy castles, pop-up food stalls, caricature artists and robot demonstrations.  

Free admission

Princess Street Promenade
Photo via Downtown Kingston

Fall For Kingston

Saturday, September 29, 2018, 12 pm – 10 pm

City Park

Say farewell to summer at this Hospice Kingston fundraiser featuring live music, craft beer, food from local restaurants, children’s entertainment, and local artisans. Busty and the Bass will headline the all-day music show, while Improbable Escapes will be there with a special portable escape room, and a tattoo booth will be set up for anyone wanting a palm-sized piece for $75.

$20 in advance and $25 at the Gate

Fall For Kingston
Photo via Busty and the Bass

Experience the sights, sounds and colours of fall in Kingston with perfect accommodation packages, so you can stay and play in style. Check out our Packages page for more details or to book your fall getaway now.

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Canadian music’s next generation finds a home

Kingston’s up-and-comers and hidden gems talk live shows and community.

The state of Kingston’s local music scene is a preview of the Junos a few years later — this city sets the course for Canadian music, year-in and year-out.
The Limestone City isn’t just known for its prisons and its university — this is where Bryan Adams was born, and Gord Downie strummed his first guitar. Any given night, there’s enough up-and-coming live shows in a three block radius to guarantee a pub-crawl.

The Wilderness

One of those bands is The Wilderness, who formed three years ago in the cramped doorway of a café following an open mic night. The band’s spent years hopping between the city’s pubs before piling into a van and crisscrossing North America.

Despite all the traction, their lead singer, Jonas Lewis-Anthony couldn’t play at their last show: the crowd had put down their beers to sing the bridge to The Wilderness’ “81 South”.

“I had to stop playing. I just said, ‘you guys do this. This is the best moment of my life.’”

Written while Lewis-Anthony was completely “miserable” on tour in Atlanta, the song is the final track on the band’s debut album. “81 South” and the other tunes making up Saxton’s River are the kind of danceable anthems that soundtrack break-ups and road trips in equal measure.

The band channels all that urgency into their live-show, putting on concerts that add up to three-hour marathon sessions for bar crowds. In these shows, the band pushes itself to match the crowd’s energy as keyboard player Liam Neale makes improvised percussion solos on everything from bar stools to empty kegs to Lewis-Anthony’s chest.

In moments like this, a local band starts to climb to the next level of their career.

“Maybe we’re big fishes in small ponds,” Lewis-Anthony said. “But when you see bands do good things in Kingston and start [to] take them way further, it gives you that sense, ‘It’s totally achievable.’”

Kasador

That extends to stadium shows at the K-Rock Centre, where local band and Juno winners The Glorious Sons headlined their hometown arena for the first time.

In that show, local openers Kasador didn’t seem too far behind.  Formed at Queen’s University, the band offers powerfully relatable stories told over melodic, radio-ready choruses.

For one, their latest single, “Skelton Park”, takes its name from a local park but throws it together with an earworm hook that the audience picks up on close to immediately. It’s music you sing along to, whether you’re having a drink at a pub or crowd surfing in the K-Rock Centre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJZ3a3e6nsY

“Something about this city has a better depth of creativity that gets smothered in a bigger city,” guitarist Cam Wyatt said. “[There’s] something freeing about being in a smaller city.”

According to him, part of that’s the lack of traffic. The show he played opening for The Glorious Sons was walking distance from where he lived — along with all the other venues and pubs offering live music. It’s that closeness that makes the music scene so supportive of young musicians who are just beginning their careers.

While the music community benefits from its big-city neighbours’ influence, it’s the tight-knit community that lets live music thrive in Kingston, according to Wyatt.

It all comes down to four words: “I can walk there,” he said.

Kris and Dee

Folk musicians Kris and Dee are one of those community members that make the music scene what it is. They’re established artists that sing intimate, evocative folk songs.

Recording their music at the Tragically Hip’s Bathhouse recording studio, they write intricately woven harmonies that can make a crowd go quiet.

“Our music is so intimate that it needs a certain kind of audience and a certain kind of place,” Dee McNeil said.

While the city can still play to raucous university crowds, Kris and Dee find a home in quieter, more personal spaces. Their music can be dark but it lives off a sense of community, grounded in the city around them.

“There’s an underlying current of hope. And not just hope but a little bit of kick-ass,” Kris Abbot said about the duo’s music.

That goes double for the city’s up-and-coming musicians.

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The Limestone Roots of Canadian Music

Ask anyone: the history of Canadian music starts every chapter on a stage in Kingston, Ontario.  
In a vast country, spread out with distant cities and a range of sounds and people, Kingston’s the glue. It’s a town where Celtic-punk bands share a home address with understated folk singers, and music legends hit a pub to catch up-and-coming artists.
It punches above its weight and shapes our national music scene, whether its being the birthplace of Bryan Adams or where the Tragically Hip’s members first met.
In The Hip’s early years Gord Downie said as much to Queen’s University’s campus paper, The Queen’s Journal.
“This place shaped who and what we’ve become,” he said. “We learned how to perform in front of students and locals alike in campus pubs and local dives. We saw early on how music has the power to move people and bring them together.” 
What Downie called The Hip’s “high-energy dance music” was only one highlight for city making live music history. For every stadium headlining rock band, there’s another artist ready to leave their mark.

Photo by Adam Correia

After the Tragically Hip introduced themselves on the national stage in the ‘80s, alternative rockers The Headstones signed to MCA in 1993 and brought their own intense, hard-rocking chops front and centre.
Songs like “Smile and Wave” reflected a harder, grungier element to the Canadian music scene while retaining the solid song writing the country’s music was known for. Contemporaries The Mahones likewise impacted the country’s music scene as their punk influences meshed with traditional Celtic music.
Others followed: in 1994, Canadian singer songwriter Sarah Harmer began her music career in earnest as a student at Queen’s University. Six short years later her sophomore solo album, You Were Here, went platinum in Canada — three more albums featuring Harmer’s parse, elegantly melodies followed, solidifying her position as a world-class musician.
Fellow Queen’s students Bedouin Soundclash met while attending the school in 2001. Soon after the band’s unique blend of ska, reggae and alternative rock was sound tracking college radio stations and dorms rooms across the country.
Now, the Glorious Sons have followed in the city tradition of local acts becoming national bands. They raked in the 2018 Juno award for Best Rock Album — proving their hometown hasn’t lost its knack for churning out great musicians.
Dave Mcnmarra, owner of live music fixture the Merchant Taphouse, was one of the locals who helped the band get underway.
He says the sheer amount of Kingston bands make it easy to host live music.
“Kingston has it really great because we can stay local. I must [book] 90 to 95 per cent local bands,” he said. “Not many cities can do what we do here, and that’s because there’s so many good bands here in Kingston. A lot of touring bands ask, ‘Why can’t you hire us?’”
He only has one answer. While the Merchant has seen plenty of bankable Canadian artists come through its doors, Kingston has a ready supply of up-and-comers to take the stage on any given night.

“We have so much local talent and they have a following. We come from one of the best live music cities in Canada — I believe — with [this] amount of talent. Bands from other cities don’t get that,” he said.
“They’re not from Kingston. They don’t understand how many great bands we have here.”
Travis Blackmore, the owner of The Embassy, agrees. He opened the pop-up music café on Saturday nights in St. Georges Cathedral so music fans and those living on the margins could enjoy the best of Kingston’s artists together.
“One thing in common with everybody: whether you’re poor, whether you’re rich, whether you don’t even speak English. Music is in every language. It’s universal,” he said.

According to him, much of the venue’s success comes from it staying competitive with other, more traditional venues in Kingston. While remaining a dry venue, The Embassy opens early enough so other attendees can watch hometown favorites before hitting the bars and the rest of the city.
It’s just another step for a music scene that has repeatedly set the terms for Canada’s music history — while rocking a live venue.
“Kingston in general already has a reputation for being a music hub. The Tragically Hip are from here. Bryan Adams was born here. You got new bands just smashing it: The Glorious Sons are killing it,” Blackmore said.
For Kingstonians, it’s not a secret: music history is written in the careers of the city’s live musicians. Each generation takes it a step further than its predecessors — all with a great live show.

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Kingston’s Finest, Ranked

Artist performs at Tir Nan Og

A stroll through Kingston is the story of Canadian music with the director’s commentary on—it’s a city with history.

When they step on stage, Kingston’s up-and-coming musicians know who they’ll be measured against: stadium-filling rock stars, respected singer-songwriters and national icons.

For most, it’s not pressure—it’s a promise of what the city can offer.

A main drag like Princess Street is an informal musical hall of fame and you can’t help but pick favourites.

 

6. Bryan Adams

Bringing up the rear, Adams brought Canadian music to the world stage in the ‘80s. Hits like “Run to You” and “Summer of ’69” were inescapable when they topped charts and are a still radio staples.

Doubters may say he was only born in Kingston—don’t buy it. Bryan Adams is as interwoven with his birthplace’s music scene as the limestone buildings.

When he takes the stage in town and changes the lyrics of “Alberta Bound” to be about Kingston, it’s clear where the song belongs. A long-running career like this doesn’t happen by accident, or without Kingston roots.

Track to check out: Summer of ’69

5. The Headstones

These hard rockers may have never had Bryan Adams’ ticket sales, but outsiders like them are the reason Kingston left its mark on music.

The Headstones are right out of a garage rock fantasy: punchy electric guitars crackle alongside stand out performances from charismatic frontman Hugh Dillon. Their songs may not have had other Kingston artists’ reach, but they’re the reason a legion of teenagers picked up guitars and formed bands.

With controversial and taboo lyrics backed up by serious musical chops, The Headstones belong on any list of Canada’s best.

Track to check out: When Something Stands For Nothing

4. Bedouin Soundclash

When the laidback groove of “When The Night Feels My Songs” hit the radio over a decade ago it meant one thing: you had a new favourite song.

Bedouin Soundclash, formed at Queen’s University, is a lesson in the big returns of a little experimentation. Their combination of ska, reggae and indie introduced a new generation to the city and redefined what the local music scene was capable of.

Infectious melodies and choruses meant they became a fixture for the country’s music fans and an easy example of what some university students could do, given the chance and the instruments.

Track to check out: Walls Fall Down

3. Sarah Harmer

When she plucks the first notes of one of her swelling folk ballads, there’s no competition. With flares of inspiration, Sarah Harmer established her self as one of the country’s preeminent singer-songwriters by mastering the fundamentals.

She writes evocative, plaintive melodies that can quiet a room. These songs can be confessional but they never come off stale. Harmer’s hit a difficult balance between innovating and her roots, playing songs that lighten a hard time without losing any of her signature gravitas.

It’s lyricism that leaves an impact.

Track to check out: I Am Aglow

2. The Glorious Sons

With a Juno in tow and a gig opening for the Rolling Stones, it’s clear The Glorious Sons are following in the steps of their hometown predecessors.

They have stirring choruses but they’re paired with confessional lyrics that tell the listener this means something. These songs have the strength of a classic rock tune with the crowd-pleasing accessibility of a contemporary hit.

A Glorious Sons song feels important. It’s not painted-on affectation. It’s genuine: this is what a great band sounds like for the 21st century.

Track to check out: Everything Is Alright

1. The Tragically Hip

We all knew who had the top spot.

They’ve inspired generation after generation of Canadian musicians. They grew from campus act to local heroes to national icons. They did it here.

A walk through Kingston is a walk through the Hip’s catalogue: the city is covered in their fingerprints. Everything from the Skeleton Park to a wall of graffiti to the waterfront has inspired the Hip and re-established what being a great Canadian artist means, time and again.

The Tragically Hip carried their hometown with them on every tour, and now Kingston’s returning the favour.

Track to check out: Bobcaygeon