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!
“Watch your step! The house is hilly,” warns new co-owner, Jeff Day, of the Holiday Country Manor as he tours us around the 178 year-old space.
The Holiday Country Manor, originally owned by the founder of Battersea, Henry Van Luven, has shifted through owners throughout the years but has remained a consistent place for fishers to rest their heads. New owners Jeff Day and Core Lee are hoping to elevate the space and attract not only the locals in Battersea but Kingstonians and those looking to escape the big city. “We thought we’d put a new spin on an old property,” says Day. A year and a half ago while visiting Jeff’s family, the two started eyeing The Holiday Country Manor and before they knew it they were the owners of a 22 bedroom bed and breakfast. “It took us two minutes to make the decision,” Day says. “We could see the potential.” Day, a native of the area, has a background in hospitality. Lee has culinary experience as well as a construction background. Who better to take on such a large task? Both have lived in Toronto for years and were ready for a new country adventure. Safe to say, they’ve got one. They’ve added fresh ideas and experiences for guests and locals. Last summer, they transformed an outdoor storage space into an ice cream parlour. Their Sunday brunch, open to the public, is always a hit. “It used to be private. Guests only. None of the locals had been in the house,” says Day. “People came in for breakfasts simply because they had never been in here before.” They’ve also launched a regular “Wine and Dine with your Spirits” night during that allows guests to connect with lost ones through a Medium after enjoying a three-course meal. Their Murder Mystery dinners and dinners for the public feature Lee’s specialty of the day. Last summer they launched live music on the porch every Thursday night and will continue that this summer. Being so close to the unique hiking trails of northern Kingston, they are also hoping to offer self-guided walking tours this summer with details of the area. To add to their summer agenda, they plan to give guests pre-packed picnics to take on the canoes across to the island or to the beach. Did I mention it is a waterfront property? We wake up to the sweet and savoury smells of eggs benedict and French toast wafting through the house and find Day and Lee in the dining room preparing for service. They clearly have a passion for their new business and with that much love, The Holiday Country Manor is bound to become something special. Visit their website and book your stay today!
We all know the joys of poutine; the anticipation as you see that gourmet gravy poured on a heap of crispy tots, the cheese curds tumbling down the mountain of goodness that’s about to go in your belly. And that first bite? Wait, what’s that? The fries are cold, and your hot mess of a meal has just turned into a soggy, chilly pile. Been there? Us too. That’s why we made this list of unreal poutine places that won’t only serve your poutine piping hot, but they’ll also create a dish bursting with flavour. Never again will you have to face a disappointing basket of fries. From the classic gravy and fries to elaborate takes on your favourite dish that’ll excite your taste buds — you better be hungry.
Duck Confit Poutine This gourmet French favourite isn’t the first place one would think of going for a messy meal of fries and gravy but get ready to be pleasantly surprised. Ever heard of boujee poutine? Now you have. Black Dog Tavern serves up frites with triple cream brie, shredded duck confit, green peppercorn, and cognac jus.
Some Pig Poutine When you’re done with your juicy burger (meat-free or meat-full), why not follow up with a little poutine? And because it’s Harpers, they are making their poutine as innovative and unique as their burgers; get ready for their Some Pig Poutine. Fries, ‘Black River’ cheese curds, gravy, and pulled pork will keep your taste buds intrigued all night long.
Donair Poutine House of Donair is a poutine favourite for its filling, satisfying grub. They offer shawarma-style poutine giving you the best mix of Canadian and Middle Eastern cuisine. However, we recommend the Donair poutine, it comes with hand-cut fries, shaved donair meat, cheese curd, and gravy. But don’t stop there, ask for a drizzle of donair sauce to get that full east coast donair experience.
Copper Penny Poutine It’s no wonder that Copper Penny is celebrating over 40 years of business; with gourmet comfort food and a prime location right in the middle of downtown, it’s a local favourite for the books. Their Copper Penny Poutine is simplicity at its best: warm fries, homemade gravy, and blended cheeses. Want to amp up the poutine experience? Try the Chicken Fajita Poutine with Cajun chicken, blended cheese, sauteed onions, peppers, salsa, sour cream and — oh right, fries and gravy.
Seafood Poutine Poutine and seafood? Yes please! This Thai-inspired poutine is sure to satisfy any poutine extremist. It’s served with fries, coconut green curry, shrimp, calamari, mussels, haddock, queso fresco, and scallions. It’s the east coast kitchen sink of poutines and we are living for it!
Mac & Cheese Poutine Yup, you guessed it! Melt & Grill is making a traditional poutine with gravy and cheese curd even more Canadian by adding Kraft Dinner on it! If that wasn’t enough to catch you attention, how about trading in those french fries for waffle fries? Not your style? No worries, they have 7 other tasty poutines to choose from.
Dirty Bird Poutine New to the block is Whiskey and Rose! They are taking Kingston by storm with their gluten allergy-friendly restaurant by using local and seasonal ingredients. It only makes sense that Chef Amanda Finkle would provide us with such a treat. The Dirty Bird Poutine comes with Yukon gold potatoes, rosemary salt, cheese curds, mushroom gravy, fried chicken thigh, poblano mayonnaise, and scallions. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling!
Braised Wagyu Poutine How could we not put Otter Creek on the list of best poutines! If you have had the pleasure of hitting up their food truck in the summer or stopping by their new west-end location, then you know they mean business with their poutine. Not only do you get fresh cut fries and Wilton cheese curds, but you get slow braised wagyu beef with a real house made beef gravy created with the braising juice. How could you not want to order it
The Original Poutine No Kingston poutine list would be complete without Bubba’s famous poutine on it. There are Greek and Italian options, but if this is your first—or last—attempt, go for the classic Quebec Style Poutine. The curds are thick and salty, the gravy is dark and rich, and the fries are sturdy enough to withstand and soak up all that cheesy and messy deliciousness.
Kimchi Fires Okay, so not quite poutine but we will allow it! The Kimchi fries are a work of french fry art in Kingston. It is a must for those fry connoisseurs! Fries smothered in kimchi with kewpie mayo, scallions, and sesame seeds. For the love of foodie heaven please don’t shy away from adding the pork belly and fried egg! We promise you won’t even miss the gravy when it comes to this one.
Spring is here, and to welcome it we have a full list of great activities and Kingston events happening in April. From the return of some electrifying festivals, inspiring art, and a winning lineup of concerts, clear your calendar — it’s going to be a busy one.
1. Kingston 1000 Island Cruises — Starts this month! 2. Spring/Summer Season Launch at The Agnes — April 27 3. The Year of the Suddenly at The Grand — April 5–7 4. Just for Laughs Roadshow 2018 at The Grand — April 7 5. Kingston Craft Beer Festival at The Brooklyn — April 7 6. Catch an indie film at The Screening Room — all month 7. The Genius of John Coltrane at The Isabel — April 7 8. Jeff Tweedy Live at The Grand — April 8 9. The Harlem Globetrotters at the K-Rock Centre — April 11 10. Baroque and Beyond at The Isabel — April 12 11. Spring Fever at the BLU! — April 13 12. Classic Albums Live: The Eagles at The Grand — April 14 13. Johnny Reid and Jessica Mitchell live at the K-Rock Centre — April 14 14. Writers and Friends Grand Finale at City Hall — April 15 15. Chun Hua Catharine Dong exhibit at Modern Fuel — Until April 28
16. Electric Circuits Festival — April 20 – 21 17. Roseanne Barr live at The Grand — April 21 18. Spring Fashion Show at Kingston Symphony — April 21 19. Constantinople and Suzie LeBlanc at The Isabel — April 24 20. Climb to the top of The Boiler Room — all month 21. Live Pub Quiz at The Mansion — Every Sunday 22. Big Dig Deals in Downtown Kingston — all month 23. First Capital Highland Gathering Concert at The Isabel — April 28 24. Limestone Race Weekend — April 28 – 29 25. Juvenis Festival — April 28 – May 6 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!
Concerts, museums and gourmet meals are all fine and good, but if you’re looking to do something a little more active and immersive in Kingston, keep reading. From escape rooms to an astronomical observatory, here are 11 places to kickstart your mind and body.
Since 2015, the folks at Improbable Escapes have been “locking” visitors into themed rooms and challenging them to escape before a buzzer goes off after 60 minutes. The only way out is to work with one’s team to find clues and solve puzzles. There are a variety of escape rooms here and in pop-up locations around the city, that rotate throughout the year. A few are family-friendly, others not, but all are done privately with just the group you bring (typically 2 – 6 people). $7 – $22.50 + tax/person
This decadently designed escape room experience challenges you and your team to find clues that will lead to the missing Sherlock Holmes. Be quick, though. You only have 60 minutes. The three locked rooms here are connected to a larger storyline, and though they can be done independently, it’s more fun if you do them in sequence starting with A Culinary Pursuit. Private appointments only. $22.50 + tax/person.
Though Minotaur is best known as a unique spot to buy games, crafts, cards and art, those in the know can’t quit its free weekly drop-in events. On Games Night, pick from the store’s massive selection and then sit down to challenge your friends, old or new (Thursday and Sunday, 5 pm – 9 pm). On Craft Night, bring your own project and get some inspiration. Although all projects are welcome, each night has a theme with an expert in that area in attendance (Wednesday and Friday, 6 pm – 9 pm). Minotaur also has free games tournaments and free craft workshops. Free
Created by the same folks who run Improbable Escapes, Wonderland Kingston features over 450 board games for you to choose from – perfect for spending a day with friends and family. With colour-changing drinks, unique escape rooms, and out-of-this-world decor, you’ll be falling down the rabbit hole with this Alice in Wonderland themed cafe. $5/person cover fee for board games, $25 for escape rooms
Did you know that Queen’s University has its own astronomical observatory? Did you know you can peer through its 14-inch telescope to some of the farthest reaches of space during monthly open houses? They happen on the second Saturday of every month and include a half-hour presentation on a specific topic related to space, followed by an hour-long tour of the observatory dome and telescope. Free
370 King Street West If you’re looking to scratch that creative itch, consider signing up for a workshop at the gorgeous Tett Centre, home to several arts groups and individual artists and makers. Those artists lead a variety of ever-changing workshops that have ranged from still-life drawing to weaving to improv classes to make-your-own charcuterie board to lantern making. Some are free, many are for beginners, and most include all necessary supplies. Prices vary
The quickest way to understanding the heart of Kingston is through its food. And what better way to experience the best cuisine the city has to offer than a comprehensive, authentic tour by passionate local guides who know good food. Walk through the city experiencing exclusive tastings at various downtown restaurants and learn a few fun facts about Kingston’s illustrious, and delicious past. From Classic Food Tours to a Beer and Bites tour of local microbreweries, it’s a tasty time for all.
Various times. Adults $69.00 — Children (6-12) $59.00
4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 103 What was once the boiler room for a 19th-century woollen mill is now a state-of-the-art climbing gym with Canada’s highest indoor ascent. If the 100-foot chimney climb sounds like too much, though, find your wall in one of two rooms, where there are 40 ropes and over 80 climbs to choose from whatever your skill level. There is also a bouldering structure. Beginner and advanced lessons and programs are available, as are change rooms, showers, lockers, equipment, and snacks and drinks. Open seven days a week. $15 – $17.50 plus shoe and harness rental ($5 each)
Polish up on those dance moves at this not-for-profit’s drop-in classes during the evenings. You can choose from ballet, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, contemporary, swing, ballroom and other styles. Some classes include performance options, others do not. Couples and solo dancers are welcome. Prices vary.
Bored with the same old yoga class? Then consider dropping into Modo Yoga’s Friday evening classes. These donation-based classes raise funds for local and international charities while offering great yoga at a reduced rate. Donations
Escaping the Canadian winter is often the March Break dream, but Kingston has loads of fun to offer! No need to hop on a plane — just get in your car, catch the train or bus and celebrate March Break, Kingston style. Besides all of the delicious kid-friendly restaurants, there are tons of activities and kid-friendly places to stay that are offering deals to accommodate March Break travellers.
What’s the deal? Located on the beautiful waterfront, Delta is offering a special winter rate that expires March 21 and includes a pizza dinner. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at AquaTerra and spend the day exploring Kingston. What’s close by? Everything. The Delta is right downtown so you can leave the car and go on an adventure on foot. Also, if you’re looking for something to keep the kids occupied, The Agnes is offering art camps during March Break. Sign them up for a day, or the full week.
What’s the deal? Enjoy a staycation or a quick getaway with the kids in Kingston. If you stay with Holiday Inn between March 8 – 17, receive a 20% discount off their best flex rate, take advantage of the indoor pool, and, best of all? Every child checking in gets a welcome gift! What’s close by? Like its neighbour the Delta, you’re right in the heart of the downtown action at Holiday Inn Waterfront. Pick a spot from ourkid-friendly restaurants and endulge — most are within walking distance. Or test your family’s skills at a Sherlock’s Escapes room.
What’s the deal? Superheroes, Monsters or Romance – which will you choose? This Movie Night Package is perfect for an evening out with friends or family and includes $25 Movie Gift Card to Landmark Cinemas plus overnight accommodation. Sometimes a good flick and a change of scenery is just what you need during a break. What’s close by? Also, right off of the 401, you and the fam can stay at the Ramada but don’t worry, everything in Kingston is within a 20-minute drive. Bring the kids to one of the many museums for family learning!
What’s the deal? Confederation Place Hotel and The VR Hut are teaming up and bringing you the ultimate family fun getaway. This package includes overnight accommodations for 2 adults and 2 children, 2 Pod rentals at The VR Hut, continental breakfast and wifi access. Rates start at $150/night. What’s close by? Another downtown Kingston waterfront experience can be had at Confederation Place. It’s a great location to find good food, great shopping options, and for the kids, why not let them burn off some steam at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym.
What’s the deal? Stay at the charming Green Acres Inn for two nights starting at $278. Enjoy exploring family-friendly winter activities in Kingston, room service continental breakfast (one morning), self-guided winter itinerary, bird seed for feeding chickadees at Lemoine Point, room service gourmet hot chocolate (one afternoon). What’s close by? The Green Acres Inn is a charming space to bring the family and it’s close to activities happening in the west end of Kingston. Or take a bit of a roadie and experience Maple Madness at the Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for wagon rides, pancakes, maple taffy and tree tapping demonstrations.
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