Two of Kingston’s strongest assets are undoubtedly our passionate arts community and our unwavering dedication to music. So what happens when those two worlds collide? We worked with four talented local artists to create a series of fan-art inspired posters dedicated to Kingston’s music and festivals scene. Check out their impressive works below.
Abbie Crane – Kingston Music Map
“When I moved from the UK, the first destination I saw (in daylight, not half-asleep from an 8-hour flight) was Kingston. I lived in a hotel downtown for 2 months while my parents were house hunting and it was the height of tourism season. There was something comforting about the bustle of downtown that I fell in love with – the quaint buildings, the waterfront, the chatter and music coming from one of the many nearby patios. And that is what I try to capture in my work portraying Kingston – the fun-loving, energetic little city, that is always buzzing with activity.”
Benjamin Nelson – Kingston Music Festivals
“Classified ads from 70s and 80s Rolling Stone magazines helped inspire my design. In order to represent and celebrate Kingston’s many music festivals, I represented the essence of each one using paraphernalia and merchandise you’d get at a music festival, while keeping the icons relevant to the specific experience you’d have at each one. To quote the designer/author Paul Rand, ‘Design is not good design if it is irrelevant.” I felt it was relevant and important to exhibit overlooked aspects of a music festival – those items or keepsakes where one’s memories live.”
Carl Wiens – Electric Circuits
“Music gets your mind and body working together and releases creativity. I kept that in mind while I worked on this poster and listened to a juicy mix of beats.”
Hayden Maynard – Back to the Farm Festival
“Usually illustration is about finding inspiration in dry subject material so it’s always a delight when an art director approaches me with a music project. Assignments like these allow me to be more flexible and playful in my approach which is a big part of how we ended up with the final result. I wanted the poster to be clean and elegant, with a fun take on the idea of a farm music festival.”
Sloan returns to play Blu Martini, Emerson Drive headlines Chill on the Hill, and B.Rich goes out for a rip at The Isabel.
Photo via Raffi Facebook
Raffi
June 2, 2018, 1 pm – 5:30 pm The Grand Theatre The long-loved family entertainer turns 70 this year, but he’s not slowing down, releasing a new album and embarking on a North American tour in 2018. No doubt he’ll play classics like “Baby Beluga,” “Down By the Bay” and “Bananaphone” at The Grand, but let’s hope he digs into some deep tracks from the 30 albums he’s released since 1975. VIP meet-and-greet tickets available. $34.76 – $73.88 kingstongrand.ca
Photo via EVE Facebook
Eccentric Vocal Ensemble
June 2, 2018, 7:30 pm Cooke’s-Portsmouth United Church This is definitely not your typical church choir. All 16 members of Eccentric Vocal Ensemble are experienced choral singers, and together they tackle a wide variety of music — from traditional African songs to jazz standards to Carly Simon. The ensemble says that this show, titled “Hidden Stories,” will “weave together stories you never knew with music you will be delighted to discover.” $20 eccentricvocalensemble.com
Photo via Brother Elsey Facebook
Brother Elsey
June 2, 2018, 10 pm The Merchant Tap House This Detroit-based trio of brothers plays a type of driving Americana rock that should play well in the cavernous Merchant Tap House. They have a propulsive, heartfelt sound with the odd folk ballad thrown in that, at times, echoes Kings of Leon and Ryan Adams. Their debut EP, Matador, was released in February. Price not available merchanttaphouse.com
Photo via Clem Chesterfield Facebook
The Wolfe Island Records Garden Party
June 16, 2018, 1 pm The Wolfe Island Grill Expect a small music show with a good helping of old-time country music at this one. And with characters like Clem Chesterfield and Rusty Ford on the ticket, you can expect a few laughs too. Luther Wright and his famous blend of country and punk will also be there, as will (hopefully) other artists from Wolfe Island Records, which is a new-ish grassroots label and artist collective based on the island. Price not available musicfly.ca
Photo via B.Rich Facebook
B.Rich – Festival of Live Digital Art
June 19, 2018, 7:30 pm The Isabel At 13.5 million YouTube views and counting, B.Rich’s hilarious viral send-up “Out For a Rip” has now reached icon status. The Kingston rapper and his crew will hit The Isabel’s stage as the opening act for the inaugural Festival of Live Digital Art. $15 – $20 folda.ca
Photo via Craig Cardiff
Craig Cardiff
June 21, 2018, 8 pm Musiikki Café Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff may remind you of Nick Drake, but really his blend of, as he says, “folk with a dash of singalong and storytelling” is all his own. Since 1997, he’s released 16 albums, toured throughout North America and Europe, and picked up a couple of Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. $20 musiikkicafe.com
Photo via Emerson Drive Facebook
Chill on the Hill Music Festival
June 22, 2018, 5 pm – 11 pm Fort Henry Decorated Canadian band Emerson Drive headlines this always popular outdoor country music show. Rounding out the lineup is former lead singer of Cold Creek Country, Brandon Scott, and British Columbia folk rockers Lion Bear Fox. The only thing that could rival their sets is the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Ontario and downtown Kingston. $40 – $45 forthenry.com
Photo via FlickrCC
Lido Pimienta – Skeleton Park Arts Festival
June 24, 2018, 4 pm McBurney Park Though there are a ton of stellar musicians scheduled for Skeleton Park Arts Festival this year (like Rheostatics and Donovan Woods) Colombian-Canadian artist Lido Pimienta is definitely a can’t-miss. She won the 2017 Polaris Prize for her album La Papessa, which, like much of her music, blends everything from indigenous and Afro-Colombian styles to synthpop and electronic. Free skeletonparkartsfest.ca
Photo via Emilie Steele Facebook
Emilie Steele
June 24, 2018, 8 pm The Mansion Keep your eye on Wolfe Island’s Emilie Steele. With catchy hooks, strong vocals and soaring melodies, the singer-songwriter likely won’t be dubbed an up-and-comer for long. Her influences are rooted in Canadian female folk, though you’ll definitely hear inklings of indie rock, alt and country. Price not available mansion.rocks
Photo via FlickrCC
Sloan
June 29, 2018, 9 pm Blu Martini Money City Maniacs. The Good In Everyone. If It Feels Good Do It. If you’re a millennial, you know these rock radio hits well. Formed in 1991 in Halifax, Sloan went on to become one of the most popular bands in Canadian music history. And they’re still making good music. The club atmosphere of Blu Martini should suit their rock/power pop sound well. $25 facebook.com
Photo via FlickrCC
Sebastian Bach
June 29, 2018, 8 pm The Ale House & Canteen Bach was just 19 years old when he joined popular American heavy metal Skid Row as its frontman, but 30 years later he’s well into a successful solo career. The Canadian singer has three studio albums and two live ones to his name, all of them deeply rooted in the metal music he’s played since he was a young teenager. $35 thealehousekingston.ca
Head to our events page for tons of other concerts this month.
A three-day festival all about live digital art makes its debut, while mainstays like Skeleton Park Arts Festival and YGK Craft Beer Fest return.
Photo via FreeStock
The Lumberjack
June 2, 2018 MacLachlan Woodworking Museum Brush up on your outdoor skills at this annual camping experience for adults. Workshops range in topic from survival skills to building a chair, while challenges include fire-starting and campfire cooking. $130 (includes all meals, camping, programming) woodworkingmuseum.ca
Photo via Peter Stokes
Beat Beethoven
June 3 Confederation Park It’s a race against classical music! The Beat Beethoven race is entering its 22nd year challenging participants to finish an 8 km race (or 4 km fun run/walk, or 1 km kids race) through downtown Kingston before the Kingston Symphony can finish playing 50 minutes of Beethoven. 8 km (timed): $45 4 km (not timed): $35 1 km (kids race, not timed): $10 Entry includes a Beat Beethoven 2018 t-shirt. kingstonsymphony.ca
Quilts Kingston 2018
June 8 – 10, 2018 Royal Kingston Curling Club Hosted by the Kingston Heirloom Quilters and the Limestone Quilters’ Guild, this fest is all about the needle arts. The big draw is the display of hundreds of traditional and contemporary quilts and wall hangings. But there will also be demonstrations, a boutique, a tearoom, and vendors selling fabric, sewing machines, and accessories. $7 quiltskingston.org
Photo via Cannonball Crush Facebook
Cannonball Crush
June 9, 2018 Fort Henry “Are you ready to crush the 5 km course atop Fort Henry hill?” Fort Henry has issued the challenge, grab 4 or more of your most determined friends — or run it yourself — and find out if you’ve got what it takes. One huge slip and slide and 15 obstacles make up the 5-kilometre course perfect for novice to advanced competitors. The best part? The YGK Craft Beer Fest after party. $70 Team (minimum 4) $75 Individual forthenry.com
Photo via St Lawrence Parks Commission
YGK Craft Beer Fest
June 9, 2018, 12 pm – 8 pm Fort Henry Organizers of Kingston’s annual craft beer party are promising more beers and live music than ever, bigger beer samples than ever, and even wine and cider options. Local chefs and food trucks will be there too, as will that gorgeous backdrop of Lake Ontario and downtown Kingston. Consider building up a thirst ahead of time at Fort Henry’s annual epic obstacle course, Cannonball Crush. $15 – $17.70 (beer tickets and food are extra) forthenry.com
DK Shop Fest
June 16, 2018 Downtown Spread a little local love while filling out your summer wardrobe at this huge sidewalk sale. Usually, over 50 downtown merchants take to the pavement every year, most of them offering some very sweet deals. As always, you’ll also have more than a few chances to win downtown shopping prizes. Free downtownkingston.ca
Photo via FlickrCC
Doors Open Kingston
June 16, 2018, 10 am – 4 pm Citywide Twenty-three historic and cultural sites will welcome you in for free at Doors Open this year. Expect tours and special programs at places like Canada’s Penitentiary Museum, Kingston Police Headquarters and the Royal Tavern, one of Sir John A. Macdonald’s favourite watering holes. Free doorsopenontario.on.ca
Photo via FlickrCC
Festival of Live Digital Art
June 19 – 22, 2018 The Isabel The lone rookie Kingston festival on this list will actually be a nationwide show. Artists performing live on The Isabel’s stage will be broadcast to cities across the country. Likewise, artists performing in those cities will be broadcast to Kingston. The performances themselves will be a mixed bag of music, drama, comedy, and other, but each will integrate digital technology in some way. Local parody rapper B.Rich, for instance, will open in Kingston (the guy whose hilarious “Out for a Rip” video was approaching 14 million YouTube views at last count). Prices vary per performance folda.ca
Skeleton Park Arts Festival
June 20 – 24, 2018 McBurney Park Let your creative flag fly at this five-day summer solstice arts party. It will feature concerts, drum circles, square dances, artisan fairs, a video installation, poetry readings, parades, and more. The concert headliners on Saturday and Sunday include The Rheostatics, Sharon and Bram, Lido Pimienta, and Donovan Woods. Most events happen in and around McBurney Park, aka Skeleton Park. skeletonparkartsfest.ca
Photographer Tim Forbes
Chill on the Hill Music Festival
June 22, 2018, 5 pm – 11 pm Fort Henry Last year it was Rascal Flatts, this year it’s Canadian legends Emerson Drive headlining Fort Henry’s annual outdoor country music show. They’ll be preceded by B.C. folk rock outfit Lion Bear Fox and Brighton, Ontario’s Brandon Scott, the former lead singer of Cold Creek Country. The backing band for all of them will be those sweeping views of the city and the lake. $40 – $45 forthenry.com
Photo via ArtFest Facebook
ArtFest 2018
June 30 – July 2, 2018 City Park Wag your flag on over to City Park on Canada Day weekend where there will be around 150 artists and artisans showcasing their stuff. Think pottery, glass, wood, and jewellery vendors alongside musicians, outdoor theatre shows, art workshops, and gourmet food. There will be a craft beer and wine tent too, as well as a new First Nations Artist Pavilion. Free artfestontario.com
Chef Cooking Demos 2018
June 30 – September 1 Springer Market Square Kingston’s best chefs and local producers have reunited to share their secrets and passion for creating delicious local food with the public. Learn what’s in season, how to choose the best products, and discover simple local recipes that will be a breeze to make at home. Watch the demo and grab all the ingredients you need from the Kingston Public Market. downtownkingston.ca
Head to our events page for tons of other events this month.
It’s the dog days of summer now, Kingston! Grab the SPF50 and check out our August lineup full of festivals, regattas, live music, shows, workshops and more to get you out and under that sun for as long as possible!
Make sure you check out each image for more event details.
1. Live Music at the Bistro at Fort Henry — Friday evenings
2. Thursday Gallery Tour at The Agnes — August 2
3. Kingston Food Tours — Wednesday through Sunday all month
4. Princess Street Promenade in Downtown Kingston — August 4
5. Movies in the Square — Thursday evenings
6. K-Town Triathalon — August 5
7. Kingston’s Fresh Water Sailing Festival — August 9–24
8. Wolfe Island Music Festival — August 10–11
9. Emerald Music Festival on Amherst Island — August 10–12
10. Kingston Sheepdog Trials at Grass Creek Park — August 10–12
11. Chef Cooking Demos in Downtown Kingston — Saturday mornings
12. Paddle and Pint with Trailhead’s Summer Clinics — all month
13. Music in the Park in Downtown Kingston — August 2–30
14. The PumpHouse Steam Museum presents Discovery with da Vinci — August 11 + 25
15. The 29th Annual Boot n’ Bonnet Car Show at City Park — August 12
16. Backyard BBQ + Band at Pan Chancho — Thursdays
17. 1000 Islands Poker Run at Confederation Basin — August 17–18
18. The World Heritage Sunset Ceremony at Fort Henry — August 1–29
19. The 37th Annual Women’s Art Festival at City Park — August 19
20. McKinnon Brothers Back to the Farm Music + Beer Fest — August 19
21. Limestone City Blues Fest — August 23–26
22. Home Grown Blues Food at Limestone City Blues Fest — August 23–26
23. MacLachlan Woodworking Museum’s Charcuterie Board workshop — August 25
25. Kingston Penitentiary Tours — All month Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar (look for the button on the right, under the search filter) for consideration!
There’s something about a light snowfall while strolling downtown that brings a sense of romance to the Limestone City. c
No matter what time of year it is, you can always count on these amazing restaurants to provide fresh, delicious food to wow your number one. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weekly dinner date, or that ever so “interesting” first date, any one of these fantastic spots will provide the perfect setting.
We’re still trying to figure out what the best part about this Kingston gem is; maybe it’s delicious tapas made with local produce or the dim, intimate atmosphere that sets the perfect scene for any date. Whatever it is, we’re willing to head back, again and again, to figure it out. Effortlessly hip, you and your date can indulge in the Boniato Frito (sweet potato fries with feta, Harissa aioli, avocado cream, and roasted red pepper), Fish Tacos, Chicken Empanadas, Avocado Tartare, and so much more. Pair it with a glass of international or local Prince Edward County wine and toast to a great night.
Tucked in the Tett Centre, Juniper Cafe overlooks Lake Ontario and is one of the cutest spots to take your date for a casual (yet delicious) brunch or lunch date. Their menu changes weekly, but you can always count on dishes that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Far from your basic soup and sandwich combo, this place offers dishes like their Breakfast Sandwich (with Bekings poached egg, double smoked bacon, aged cheddar and tomato jam, on a fresh buttermilk biscuit), Haanover View Farms Pork Sandwich (with roasted pork belly, apple dijon compote, brie, and charred onions), and a Fingerling Potato Salad (with chive cream and greens). They have a stellar espresso machine, and even offer beer and wine — so your quick coffee date can turn into afternoon drinks if the mood is right!
If you’re looking for a special night out, head to Days on Front. Serving up contemporary Canadian cuisine, they are sure to create a memorable night for you and your date. The owner, Matt Day, aimed to bring high-quality food to his restaurant while keeping an approachable atmosphere — which makes this place even more appealing. Relax and enjoy innovative dishes like penne pasta with shrimp, chorizo, baby spinach, roasted tomato, and basil and chipotle creme, or their polenta fries. Legendary Kingston Chef Jay Legere also creates a nightly feature that highlights the best seasonal produce available, so it’s safe to say that you’ll have an amazing meal here (especially if you finish off with their Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake.)
Are you a foodie couple? You have to head to AquaTerra. The team prides themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and ocean-friendly seafood in their deliciously complex dishes. Some of the highlights of the menu include Seafood Ravioli with Atlantic shrimp, rock crab, scallop, corn veloute, spinach, basil and roasted grape heirloom tomatoes. Or try their 72 hour Short Ribs with whipped parsnip puree, grilled scallion, caramelized savoy cabbage, pickled shimeji mushrooms, and topped with a soy cider reduction. And the cherry on top? AquaTerra was recently named in the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada by Open Table.
We’ve taught the Old Dog some new tricks, introducing Black Dog Tavern (Formally Chien Noir Bistro). We have reinvented Chien Noir as a casual Tavern, serving eclectic upscale ‘Pub Grub’ for Patio, Indoor Dining & Takeout. Bring your date here for mouthwatering French cuisine that is classy yet unpretentious. Their food mimics a French Gastropub menu and has great dishes like Beef Tartare, House Pappardelle, and — a classic — Steak Frites. With an innovative wine list and multiple menus (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options), you’re sure to find amour at Black Dog Tavern.
Located in the heart of downtown Kingston, Sima Sushi is a fan favourite for their high-quality sushi that doesn’t break the bank. Take your love here for an amazing meal of sushi, sashimi, Maki, and more. With upbeat staff and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a great space to enjoy some delicious food together. The only issue you’ll have on this date? Deciding between the Calamari Roll or the Chirashi Sushi.
With Market Square just out the window, your beautiful date across the table, and a steaming dish of freshly, in-house made gnocchi in front, you can’t go wrong with Olivea. This family-run Italian trattoria offers up the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, house-made desserts, and wines that were specifically made to compliment the Italian food you’re eating. If you head here on a Tuesday from 6–9pm, you’ll be dining to live Jazz, queue the credits on this perfect night.
The hustle and bustle doesn’t stop as the weather gets colder. Kingston is full of events and activities for all ages! Check out our Packages page for more details or to book your winter getaway now.
We’ve got a month full of Kingston events for everyone in the Kingston area! From Canada Day Celebrations that can’t be missed to the return of everyone’s favourite evening activity: Movies in the Square, the Kick + Push Festival, great food and more — are you ready for a busy July? Make sure you check out each image for more event details. 1. Canada Day Celebrations – July 1 2. Artfest Kingston at City Park — July 1–2 3. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo at the K-Rock Centre — July 4–8 4. Buskers Rendezvous in Downtown Kingston — July 5–8 5. Busker Bites during Buskers Rendezvous — July 5–8 6. Sunset Ceremonies at Fort Henry — Wednesday evenings 7. Chef Cooking Demos in Downtown Kingston — Saturday mornings 8. Fort Night at the PumpHouse Museum — Thursday evenings 9. Beer and Bites Kingston Food Tour — Every Saturday 10. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at the Thousand Islands Playhouse — July 1–21 11. The Viper 640 North American Championships — July 4–8 12. Movies in the Square in Downtown Kingston — Thursday evenings 13. Music in the Park in Confederation Park — All month 14. The Kick and Push Festival at The Grand Theatre — July 19–August 12 15. Music in the Gardens at Lions Civic Gardens — All month 16. Go for a paddle with Ahoy Rentals 17. Take the Ferry to Big Sandy Bay on Wolfe Island 18. Late Night Live Music at Atomica — Friday and Saturday nights 19. Downtown Country Concert in Confederation Park — Thursday Evenings 20. The Canadian at the Thousand Islands Playhouse — July 27–31 21. Kingston Penitentiary Tours — all month 22. Family Friendly Food Tours — Thursdays through July
23. The Fort Henry Annual Tattoo — July 28 24. Big Band Friday in Downtown Kingston — Friday evenings 25. The 20th Annual Taste of Kingston at Confederation Park — July 29 Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (look for the button on the right, under the search filter) for consideration!
“How does food literacy integrate into menus across Kingston?”
To understand the story of Kingston food, we picked the brains of local Kingston chefs and restaurateurs to learn how the concept of food literacy integrates with their menus, as well as any tips they can share from the kitchens to help us be better, more informed consumers.
AquaTerra has been creating healthy, exciting, yet uncomplicated dishes like their Beet Salad — which incorporates local beets and microgreens from Patchwork Gardens, organic yogurt from Upper Canada Creamery — for the past six years. Building long-standing relationships with “neighbourhood” producers makes sense for the environment, the local economy and inspires the team to access the best seasonal ingredients.
Chien Noir’s wild boar chop highlights how choosing wild meats help preserve our forests – animals raised in a natural environment forage the land, which produces healthier protein. It’s hard to deny the benefits this method of pasture-raising provides to both the animal and the consumer — it’s why so many are seeking it in-store and at restaurants.
By creating locally-themed burgers with ingredients like Enright Beef, Black River Cheddar, and Patch Work microgreens, Harper’s ensures the support of local farms and helps preserve greenspace. With a menu catering to the carnivores among us, the vegetarians, vegans, and those in need of gluten-free options — Harper’s guarantees everyone who passes through the doors can make an informed dining decision.
Atomica proves that that vegan meals and great flavour are not mutually exclusive with their Vegan Pizzas. Besides plenty of meat, seafood, vegetarian topping options, this newest addition to the Atomica menu highlights the importance of offering a variety of choices to their customers.
Juniper’s local carrot and spelt cake with maple glaze is made with 100% local ingredients, continuing their promise of focusing on shopping local throughout the entire year. Juniper Cafe makes a point to visit the weekly market to support local farmers and advocates the importance of community initiatives that promote food literacy in the city.
As our oceans face the threat of overfishing, responsibly-raised, Ocean-Wise certified, farmed fish like the kind used in Dianne’s Trout Entree is an increasingly important source for feeding the planet sustainably. Choosing sustainably caught seafood ensures the long-term health and stability of that species has been taken into account.
Understanding where our food comes from sets us on the right path to making better food choices. As Kingston’s chefs strive to use locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, we can take a page out of their book and become inspired to ask questions about the food we eat, and the significant role food plays on a global scale.
Take your pick this month from local indie up-and-comers like Paper Ladies, chart-toppers like Theory of a Deadman and one of the world’s great Bach pianists, Angela Hewitt.
Photographer Maria Teresa de Luca
Angela Hewitt
May 5, 2018, 7:30 pm The Isabel The Isabel’s inaugural “Baroque and Beyond” series ends with renowned classical pianist Angela Hewitt, who’s best known for her Bach interpretations. As a writer for BBC Music Magazine once wrote of her, “I know of no musician whose Bach playing on any instrument is of greater subtlety, beauty of tone, persuasiveness of judgement or instrumental command than Hewitt’s.” Here, she’ll perform Bach and Scarlatti on her Fazioli F278 grand piano. $19 – $55
Photographer Derek McInroy
Paper Ladies
May 5, 2018, 11 pm The Toucan This Kingston indie rock duo will definitely get you moving during what should be a sweaty Homegrown Live Music Fest show at The Toucan. Combining, as they say, “tasty licks and slick grooves,” their form of psychedelia delivers a washy sound of droning bass synth and lo-fi grit that fits in well with a line of Kingston indie talent that includes PS I Love You and Lost Cousins. All-access festival bracelet: $10
Photo via The Long War
The Long War
May 5, 2018, 8 pm Musiikki Café Winners of the 2017 CBC Searchlight competition for Canada’s best new music act, The Long War are a Vancouver-based indie quintet with a modern Canadian folk-rock sound. The vocals are front and centre with this band and their harmonies are often haunting, so they should find a good home at the intimate Musiikki Café. $10
Photo via FlickrCC
Theory of a Deadman
May 6, 2018, 7 pm Ale House & Canteen Since forming in B.C. in 2001, Theory of a Deadman has become one of the most recognized bands in Canadian rock music today. They’ve had eight top 10 hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, including three number one hits: “Bad Girlfriend”, “Lowlife” and the recently released “Rx (Medicate)”. Their sound has a post-grunge and alternative base, though they do dabble in country and acoustic. $38.50
Photo via The Beaches
The Beaches
May 10, 2018, 7 pm The Mansion The Beaches are an all-girl Toronto alternative rock band that is just starting to hit. Last summer, their producer, Emily Haines (of Metric), called the young women the future of rock n’ roll. Later, they won Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards. Their influences range from Nirvana to The Strokes to Amy Winehouse to Blondie. $15
Photographer Heather LeRoy
Lindi Ortega
May 12, 2018, 9 pm The Grad Club This Toronto country singer-songwriter has seven LPs to her name, a few Juno and Polaris nominations, and two Roots Artist of the Year awards from the Canadian Country Music Association. Her voice has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris, while her narratives have been compared to those of Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers. $18
Photo via Facebook
Idioteque
May 12, 2018, 9 pm The Mansion There’s likely little chance of Radiohead ever playing in Kingston, but this highly acclaimed Toronto-based tribute band is the next best thing. During this special performance, they’ll play Radiohead’s landmark 1997 album OK Computer in its entirety plus another set of favourites from the band’s other albums. $12
Photo via Orchestra Kingston
Orchestra Kingston’s Season Finale, with Canta Arya
May 12, 2018, 7 pm The Isabel Kingston’s community orchestra’s season will wrap with this special final performance accompanied by eastern Ontario’s leading school for Suzuki string education, Canta Arya. Expect to hear J.S. Bach, Gary Kulesha, Georges Bizet, new works by Daniel McConnachie and John Palmer, and more.
Photo via Harry Manx
Harry Manx
May 15, 2018, 7:30 pm The Grand Theatre A true original and worldwide performer, Harry Manx blends Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues and a bit of gospel. As you’ll hear, it’s a tough sound to resist, at once drawing you inside yourself and then grounding you. And he’s been well rewarded for it, earning seven Maple Blues Awards, six Juno nominations, a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Solo Artist and CBC Radio’s Great Canadian Blues Award. $39.82
Photographer Adina Eva
David Beckingham
May 16, 2018, 8 pm The Mansion When David Beckingham released his versatile folk album When the Light in 2016, it was a marked departure from the anthemic indie pop rock he produced with the other band he founded, Hey Ocean! Introspective and at times dark, though with the odd bouncier folk-pop tune, his solo work has a gentler, quieter tone. He and his band have toured three times in Europe since releasing the album, but this will be their first extensive headlining tour across Canada. $10
Photo via Dwayne Gretzky
Big Shiny, Dwayne Gretzky Does the 90s
May 18, 2018, 9 pm Ale House & Canteen This cover-tunes supergroup made up of folks from Arkells, July Talk and other solid indie bands is bringing back some of your favourite hits from the 90s. Don’t expect any detached irony from the show though. These guys always put on a highly energetic, genuinely fun concert that will leave you singing Destiny’s Child, Oasis and Britney Spears tunes for days. $20
Photographer Matthew Azzopardi
Mark Martyre
May 31, 2018, 8 pm Musiikki Café With a slight Tom Waits growl to his voice and wry, truthful lyrics, singer-songwriter Mark Martyre and his music are, as he’s said himself, made for cafés and house concerts. The published poet has released five full-length studio albums since 2012, and this spring and summer he’s touring Ontario, B.C., and Europe. Don’t expect fireworks, but instead a quiet acoustic show perfect with a side of whiskey. Check musiikicafe.com closer to the date for admission price.
The Thousand Islands Playhouse’s 2018 summer season is heating up! From a touching tribute to a music legend to a hilarious case of mistaken identity, and a pair of very green tenants, you’ll want to schedule in some time to visit Canada’s Dockside Theatre during your stay in Kingston this summer.
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
June 22 – July 21 Check showtimes and buy tickets As one of the founding fathers of rock & roll in the mid-1950s, Buddy Holly’s tragic and untimely death is still felt today. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story celebrates his life and meteoric rise to fame in a powerful musical tribute including over 20 of his greatest hits.
When a retired couple leaves the countryside for highrise living in the city, they leave their old home in the hands of a “nice young man.” But it’s harder than they thought to leave the country behind, and often return to visit the old homestead. When they learn their new tenants are youthful farmers of a particular kind of crop, they are thrown into an unexpected adventure.
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
The Canadian
July 27 – August 18 Check showtimes and buy tickets A small-town waterfront resort falls on hard times and is forced to face the reality of its inevitable bankruptcy and the threat of condo developers lurking offshore. Just when all hope is lost, an eccentric Hollywood writer swoops in with the cash that just might save the day. But can the resort meet the writer’s list of demands?
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Midsummer (a Play With Songs)
August 10 – September 2 Check showtimes and buy tickets This dysfunctional rom-com tosses sketchy low-life Bob and adulterous (and high-powered divorce lawyer) Helena together in an ill-advised tryst that neither of them could have predicted. Midsummer does it what it says on the tin: you’re in for a play with songs that warns for “strong language and sexy content.”
Photo via Thousand Islands Playhouse
Prairie Nurse
August 24 – September 15
Check showtimes and buy tickets Set in small-town Saskatchewan in the 1960s, two Filipina nurses find themselves the latest employees of a local hospital. Cultures clash as the two women struggle to distinguish their night and day personalities to the townsfolk, including the man who falls in love with one of them only to accidentally court them both.
Located a quick 30-minute drive east of Kingston, a trip to the Thousand Islands Playhouse should be on the top of your list of things to do this summer! For more information on this cool, historical playhouse or for their full season lineup, check out their website.
Festival season kicks off this May in Kingston just as it should: with plenty of live music, beer, summer reading material, fresh air and fireworks.
Photo via The Juvenis Festival
The Juvenis Festival
April 28 – May 6, 2018 Citywide Back for its third year, this youth-led arts festival is all about showcasing the artistic talents of the under-30 crowd from across the city. Think musicals, plays, a battle of the bands, art galleries, short films, a poetry show, a dance performance, arts workshops for young people and more. Prices vary. Some events are free or by donation. juvenisfestival.ca
Photo via public domain
Jane’s Walk Kingston
May 4 – May 6, 2018 Citywide These annual worldwide walks aim to get people thinking about the ideas of the late Jane Jacobs, a writer, urbanist and activist who championed the voices of everyday people in neighbourhood planning and city-building. In Kingston, that will mean cycle tours, guided podcast tours and traditional guided walks of RMC, Barriefield, the old Morton Brewery site, Portsmouth Harbour, part of the K&P trail, and historic parks and neighbourhoods throughout the city. Free janeswalkkingston.wordpress.com
Photo via SBImages
Homegrown Live Music Festival
May 5, 2018 Downtown The premise for this yearly all-day music fest is simple: 15 venues featuring local artists from a specific genre. The Public House is all about folk music, for example, while you can expect alternative at The Toucan and jazz at King Street Sizzle. Ten years in, this will be the biggest one yet. All proceeds go to The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library. All-access bracelet: $10 homegrownlive.ca
Photo via Flickr — photographer Jennifer Yin
Red House Downtown Cask Fest
May 6, 2018, 2pm – 5:30pm Red House Downtown Cask-conditioned beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized beer that’s served from a cask without any added nitrogen or carbon dioxide. On this beery Sunday afternoon, you’ll get to try a few of these smooth brews as well as some bottle- and barrel-aged craft beers from Mackinnon Bros, Stone City, Nickel Brook, Bobcaygeon, Signal and more. $25 (includes eight-ounce sample glass, five drink tickets and bar snacks) redhousedowntown.ca
Photo via Free Stock Photo
Success By 6 Week
May 7 – May 13, 2018 Citywide It’s no secret that a child’s early years are critical to their success in life, and this annual United Way event looks to highlight that with a fun-filled week of kid-friendly activities. All events are free and will include everything from movies to swims to celebrity story time to moms-and-tots yoga. Free unitedwaykfla.ca
Photo via Queen’s University Flickr
Science Rendezvous Kingston
May 12, 2018, 10 am – 3 pm Rogers K-Rock Centre One day every year Rogers K-Rock Centre gets transformed into a giant pop-up science centre where families can meet and talk to scientists, engage in experiments, and learn about the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math. Over 50 groups will be there this year from Queen’s, RMC, St. Lawrence College and beyond. The first 2,000 families will receive a take-home booklet filled with experiments that can be done at home. Free educ.queensu.ca
Photo via visitkingston
Victoria Day Celebration
May 20, 2018, 1 pm – 9:30 pm Lake Ontario Park Kick off the unofficial start of summer outside at Lake Ontario Park with a day packed full of inflatable activities, an obstacle course, food trucks, a splash pad, a K-9 demonstration, bubbles shows and more. The evening live music lineup starts at 6 pm and includes Eagles tribute band Hotel California. At 9:30 pm, get set for the fireworks finale. Free cityofkingston.ca
Photo via visitkingston
Spring Art After Dark
May 25, 7 pm – 10 pm Downtown Kingston’s gallery scene is perhaps the most underappreciated within the arts sphere here, but this bi-annual nighttime event looks to change that. Around 20 galleries will open their doors in the evening, some with special events and light refreshments. All of them will offer a chance to enter to win the $500 art shopping spree from Downtown Kingston. Free downtownkingston.ca
Photo via Stock Photo
The Speakeasy: Limestone Beard and Moustache Competition
May 26, 4 pm – 12 am Zorbas Banquet Facility See how your funkiest facial hair stacks up against some of the best beards and ‘staches from across North America at this fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. The fresh-faced and clean-cut are welcome too, as there will be craft beer, food, vendors, live music and more. An event patch is needed to enter the competition. Tickets must be bought in advance. $10 – $105 facebook.com
Photo via Limestone Genre Expo
Limestone Genre Expo
May 26 – 27, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm Holiday Inn Waterfront If you’re any fan of Canadian fantasy, horror, mystery, romance or science fiction, this is the place to stock up on summer reading material. The two-day literary fest also features panel discussions, workshops, readings, pitch sessions and lots of chances to interact with authors, editors and publishers. One of those authors will be internationally bestselling crime author Michael Slade. $15 – $55 limestonegenreexpo.ca
Photo via Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club
Gem and Mineral Show
May 26, 2018, 10 am – 6 pm; May 27, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm Cataraqui Arena The Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club’s annual gem and mineral exhibition will showcase over 45 dealers from Ontario and Quebec displaying and selling jewellery, crystals, fossils, minerals and gemstones. There will be a food truck onsite and a children’s mine too, as well as a jewellery workshop, free hourly draws and two grand prizes of an all-inclusive silversmith course. $5. Free for kids 12 and under mineralclub.ca
It’s June, and you know what that means? It’s officially Summer whether it’s warm out or not! To celebrate the long slog through winter, we’ve got an unbeatable list of things to keep you busy including the return of The Lumberjack, YGK Craft Beer Fest, Movies in the Square, and so much more! 1. Celtic Kitchen Party at Riverhead Brewing Co. — June 1 2. The Lumberjack is back at MacLachlan Woodworking Museum — June 2
3. Derek Seguin 43.0 stand-up at The Isabel — June 2 4. The Beat Beethoven Run 2018 — June 3 5. Monster Spectacular at the K-Rock Centre — June 8 6. Cannonball Crush at Fort Henry — June 9 7. YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry — June 9 8. Rocking Karaoke at Portsmouth Tavern — Every Friday 9. Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic live at The Grand — June 11 10. Downtown Kingston presents Music in the Park — June 14–September 1 11. Doors Open Kingston — June 16 12: #DKSHOPFEST 2018! — June 16 13. FoldA Festival of Live Digital Art — June 19–22
14. Pride Day in Kingston — June 16 15. Chill on the Hill Music Fest at Fort Henry — June 22 16. Big Band Friday — June 22 17. Kingston Corvette Invasion — June 22 18. Skeleton Park Arts Festival — June 20–24 19. YGK Team Charity “Bring on Summer” — June 16
20. Silent Movie at Modern Fuel — until June 23 21. Movies in the Square return! — June 28 22. Rockin’ the Square — June 29 23. Kingston Ghost and Mystery Trolly Tours — Wednesday–Sunday 24. ArtFest 2018 at City Park — June 30–July 2 25. Downtown Kingston presents Chef Cooking Demos — June 30–August 25
Some of our favourite Kingston events and attractions are back this May including the Juvenis Festival, Kingston Pen tours, Fort Henry’s opening day, and an eclectic concert lineup! 1. Juvenis Festival — April 28–May 6 2. MacLachlan Woodworking Museum opens for the season — May 1 3. Drop in for free Games night at Minotaur Games & Gifts — Thursday and Sunday nights 4. Kingston Penitentiary tours start — May 9 5. Jimmy Carr live stand-up at The Grand — May 4 6. HomeGrown Live music festival — May 5 7. Drop-In And Spin at Amaranth Stoneware — May 5 8. The Beauty of Bach with Angela Hewitt at The Isabel – May 5 9. Theory of a Deadman Live at The Ale House — May 6 10. Sinatra, The Man, His fans, His Music at The Grand — May 10–12 11. The Kingston Symphony Warehouse Vinyl Records sale —May 10–13 12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at The Domino Theatre —April 26–May 12 13. Science Rendezvous Kingston at the K-Rock Centre — May 12 14. Radiohead tribute Idioteque live at The Mansion — May 12 15. Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale — May 12 16. Happy Mother’s Day! Treat her to brunch at Megalos! — May 13 17. Hop On, Hop Off Kingston Trolley Tours start — May 19 18. Fort Henry’s Opening Day! — May 19 19. National Fiddling Day! Stop by Springer Market Square for live music! — May 19 20. Victoria Day celebrations and fireworks! — May 20 21. 2018 Limestone Genre Expo literary event — May 26 22. Dirty Dancing at the K-ROCK Centre — May 27 23. Kingston Food Tours — Sundays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 24. Try a Vinotherapy Spa treatment at Rosemount Inn & Spa — by appointment 25. Open Mic Night at Musiikki Cafe — Tuesday nights Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar (look for the button on the right, under the search filter) for consideration!
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