This November will usher in an enchanting holiday season in Kingston. Warm your spirits and get into the winter mood with some amazing sales, live music galore… and of course, the Rocket Man himself, Elton John!
1. Lemon Bucket Orkestra at The Isabel — November 2
2. Cat-sino Traveler’s Curling Club Championship Fundraiser — November 24
3. Vinyl Records Sale — November 2
4. The 2017 Judgement of Kingston — November 4
5. Peter and the Wolf — November 5
6. Rebels Against Time: The Tides of Romanticism at The Isabel — November 5
7. The Original Haunted Walk — Various Nights
8. Remembrance Dance Ceremony — November 11
9. Elvis Anthology at The Grand — November 11
10. Hometown Hockey Tour at RMC — November 11 – 12
11. Mozart’s Piano at The Isabel — November 13
12. Daniel Lanois at The Grand — November 14
13. Elton John at the K-Rock Centre — November 14
14. Trivia at The Brooklyn — Wednesday Nights
15. Sinatra & Friends — November 18
16. Santa Parade — November 18
17. Bill Collman/Jordan Monahan: Dollhouse at The Isabel — November 18
18. All Things Christmas — November 18 + 19
19. The Goodnight Irenes: Folk Wednesday — Wednesday Nights
20. Louis Lortie, Piano at The Isabel — November 19
21. Kingston Frontenacs 45th season — Through November
22. Ten Strings and a Goatskin at The Isabel — November 27
23. Live Music at The Brooklyn — Thursday Nights
24. Father, Godfather, and Son at The Isabel — November 28
25. Oh What a Night! The Christmas Show at The Grand — November 30
Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!
Last year, a competitive event saw internationally-renowned champions go head-to-head against Canadian up-and-comers in a bid for supremacy. But the first-ever Judgement of Kingston was no sporting match; it was a celebration of our region’s achievements in the world of wine.
The event is based on the famous “Judgement of Paris” blind tasting that took place in 1976, which compared acclaimed French wines against the products of up-and-coming California wineries. The Paris tasting became the subject of the 2008 comedy/drama film Bottle Shock, which in turn inspired some Kingston residents to recreate their own version of the event.
“We noticed that the Prince Edward County wines have been improving — it’s an up-and-coming region,” says Ugurhan Berkok, organizer of the Royal Winers Club of Kingston, and Judgement of Kingston committee member. “Somebody mentioned the movie Bottle Shock, and we said ‘Why don’t we do this?’”
Get ready to swirl and savour at the upcoming Judgement of Kingston. Photographer: Jill111 via Pixabay
The intent of the Judgement of Kingston, the second of which takes place next month on Saturday, November 4, 2017, is to showcase the improving quality of the County’s wineries by placing them in a blind taste test against award-winning bottles from established regions. “At last year’s event, we compared the County chardonnays against the same California wines that, 41 years ago, beat their French counterparts in the Judgement of Paris with French judges,” says Berkok.
“It was a huge success, because of the seven wines tasted, the County chardonnays placed rather well: first, second, and tied for fourth out of seven.” This year, a new varietal will enter the ring: PEC pinot noirs versus Burgundy wines.
“At the beginning, a sommelier will explain to attendees what to expect from a Pinot Noir,” says Berkok. “The event takes about 3 hours, during which you taste one wine, take your notes, and move to the next one, and so on. In between, the judges walk around the room, so you can ask them questions.”
Berkok notes that while the Judgement of Kingston is definitely an event for wine lovers, you don’t need to be an experienced connoisseur to attend. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about your favourite libation. “If you’ve never thought of wine as something that has different characteristics, you can talk to the judges and ask them questions,” he says. “A beginner, who just drinks wine socially, can learn about a wine’s variations, history, and geography.”
Just like the Judgement of Paris before it, the Judgement of Kingston aims to highlight the flourishing wine industry found in this region and to acknowledge the achievements of some of our best local wineries. As pinot noir is known as the main grape of the County, this year’s event promises to be a can’t-miss celebration of the culture and capabilities of the Kingston region. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy savouring the flavours that are unique to Prince Edward County.
Tickets to this year’s Judgement of Kingston are $85 per person. Based on the sell-out attendance at the 2016 tasting, Berkok doesn’t expect them to last long. “This year, we are already very close to selling out,” he says. You can get yours today at www.judgementofkingston.ca
Let it be known that the team at Fort Fright certainly know how to make an entrance. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Fort Henry’s Fort Fright has amped up the milestone with more scares and more interactivity – like October 13th’s invasion of downtown Kingston, where a trolley loaded with ghouls and zombies were delivered to Springer Market Square to guard free tickets to the attraction from those brave enough to visit.
Fort Fright is Kingston’s beloved annual scare fest that turns Kingston’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort Henry into one of the top haunted houses in North America. This year the creative team is using a combination of more scare actors, new animatronics, and, of course, the haunting backdrop of the fortress itself to bring a little girl’s nightmare to life. “You’ll really be living this little girl’s nightmare as you tiptoe your way around the Fort and peek around every corner,” says Susan Leclair, a rep with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. If you make it out, you’ll find new carnival games near the end, as well as a special pop-up haunted escape room from Kingston’s Improbable Escapes. The entire experience is suitable for brave souls of almost any age, says Leclair, but particularly for those 14 and up. Not sure if you can take all that terror? Ask for one of the “scare” amulets. Wearing one will ensure that scare actors keep their distance. Haunted Walks Kingston will be back with their “Tales from the Tunnels” guided tours. That’s right, Fort Henry has a few true ghost stories too, and you’ll hear all about them inside its dark, narrow tunnels. The terrifying and sense-scattering Vortex also returns this year, as does the “Total Scare” package, a special $15 upgrade that gets you a coffin ride, an exclusive Haunted Walk and admission into the haunted escape room. What trumps all of those creative scares, though, is probably Fort Henry itself. It’s tough to think of a more spine-tingling venue for a haunted house than an old stone fortress perched high on a hill at night. “For anyone who hasn’t experienced Fort Fright before, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill haunted house,” says Leclair. “It’s just the scale of Fort Henry. The minute you start walking up to the Fort, you will feel your goosebumps rise.” More than 22,000 people are expected at Fort Fright this year, many of them returning, many expecting at least a few of the same scares from past years. They won’t be disappointed, says Leclair. Plan your visit and experience the haunted side of Kingston before time runs out! Thursday to Sunday, 7 pm – 9 pm: October 12 – October 15, 2017 Nightly, 7 pm – 9 pm: October 19 – October 29, 2017 This year’s tickets will be sold for specific time slots spaced 15 minutes apart. There is room for 150 people per time slot.
Move over, Toronto and Vancouver: there’s a new creative hub on the national scene. More than just a charming city, Kingston’s culture and sophistication coupled with a warm creative community has enabled makers to thrive while following their dreams. Just ask local jewelry-maker Whitney Haynes, who came here 14 years ago to pursue a career change and a fulfilling vocation.
“I was working in a corporate job in Toronto, and I knew that I wanted a more entrepreneurial, creative job for myself,” says Haynes.
After taking the plunge and relocating to K-town, she found her calling while attending silversmithing classes at St. Lawrence College.
Haynes now makes her living creating intricate and original jewelry and accessories. Her pieces evoke a raw, unrefined style that’s the result of her intuitive approach to jewelry-making, and love of the outdoors.
“When I’m outside I’m always picking up inspiration from the elements, and always thinking of ways to integrate that sort of thing into my design,” she says. “The more organic, the better. The more raw, the better.”
Her love for nature extends beyond aesthetics, and has influenced her eco-friendly approach to business. Haynes aims to work as much as possible with local and Canadian suppliers, and to keep her operation as “green” as possible by sourcing local packaging.
Haynes’ latest collections, inspired by the great outdoors and natural, organic forms. Photo via Whitney Haynes
An environmentally-conscious, natural vibe is evident in most of Haynes’ creations. Her most recent collections include a line of pendants made from fallen birch bark, foraged locally by Whitney herself. Another collection finds beauty in the chaotic forms of molten silver. “It’s all my scrap and “mistake” silver, melted into this organic line,” says Haynes. “It’s upcycling, and I feel really good about it.” Upcycling and repurposing materials also helped to inspire Haynes’ latest creation: the decidedly unique Stable Ring. “That’s a ring made from a little piece of leather with a freshwater pearl,” she says. “It was created out of all the snippets of leather leftover from making my bracelets — and it’s über comfortable!”
Haynes feels right at home within the thriving community of local Kingston makers. “I’m totally inspired by all the makers around here,” she says.
“Everywhere you look, especially in the last year, it’s really blown up.” She used to bring her wares to local craft fairs and markets, but for the past two years has spearheaded her own seasonal pop-up sale. “I host a four-day show at the Tett Centre rehearsal hall for the holiday season — coming up in November and the beginning of December,” she says, noting that the pop-up format diverges slightly from the average craft sale setup. “There’s about 8 of us, and we like to curate it more like a really cool store, instead of booths and tables lined up.”
Haynes at work in her studio. Photo via Whitney Haynes
Finding success and carving out a niche in Kingston’s creative community has afforded Haynes the ability to give back to causes that matter. The “Courage” bracelet project is an initiative that raises funds for Worlds Collide Africa, a charity that Haynes is personally involved with. “I’ve gone to Africa myself to work with the Worlds Collide Boys & Girls Club in Tanzania, and I helped them start a jewelry-making social enterprise,” she says. The bracelets, which are handcrafted by the children at the Boys & Girls Club, are sold via wholesale order and also in Canada, to raise money for Worlds Collide programs.
Those interested in shopping Haynes’ collections can visit her newly-launched company website WhitneyHaynes.ca, or look for her at any number of shows or pop-ups across the province. After years of making unique and beautiful handcrafted jewelry, she will no doubt continue to contribute to Kingston’s vibrant creative community for years to come.
Much like the local leaves bursting into autumn technicolour, Kingston’s arts and entertainment scene is exploding with excitement this month. Check out the amazing variety of things to do and see, including Mini Oktoberfest, Culture Days, the Barenaked Ladies, and lots of spooky celebrations!
1. Mini-Oktoberfest with MacKinnon Bros – October 1
2. Kingston Writers Fest – October 1
3. Fall Harvest Festival at Bellevue House – September 29 – October 1
4. Kingston Culture Days – October 1
5. Women’s Full Moon Ceremony – October 5
6. Monday Night Jazz – Monday Nights
7. Royal Conservatory Orchestra at The Isabel – October 5
8. Kingston Penitentiary Tours – Various Days
9. Kingston Symphony Nearly New Sale – October 12-15
10. Barenaked Ladies at The Grand – October 14
11. The Haunted Walk Experience at Fort Henry – Various Nights
12. Swing Shift Big Band at The Isabel – October 14
13. Felix Hell at The Isabel – October 15
14. Trivia Night at The Brooklyn – Wednesday Nights
15. 100 Years of Art at The Agnes – October 15
16. Open Mic at Musiikki Cafe – Tuesday Nights
17. Kingston Sunday Antique Market – Sundays
18. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings at The Grand – October 20
19. Beer & Bites Food Tour – Various Nights
20. Canadian Seasons – October 22
21. Fort Fright – Until October 29
22. Live Music at The Brooklyn – Thursday Nights
23. Ghost & Mystery Trolley Tour – Until October 29
24. Benji Perosin Quartet – Thursday Nights
25. Hansel & Gretel at The Isabel – October 29
Do you have an event you’d like featured in our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar (scroll down to the bottom and look for the button on the right) for consideration!
If you’re looking to have a spooky October, check out your guide to Haunted Kingston here.
Kingston is a ghost’s dream city. There are tons of historic stone homes to creep around in and plenty of dark alleyways and narrow streets to jump out from. And, of course, there’s that big 19th-century fortress on Fort Henry Hill to really spread out in. The whole place practically whispers, “I see dead people.”
Here are 8 places you might also see them. If you do, be nice. It’s their city too.
Photo via The Great Waterway
1. FORT FRIGHT
Fort Henry National Historic Site turns into one of the top haunted houses in North America every October. But, as the Haunted Walk Experience at Fort Henry might prove, not every scare at Fort Fright is created by actors and animatronics. A handful of spirits have allegedly been seen here. One being Nils von Schoultz, who was imprisoned and hanged at the Fort for his role in the rebellion of 1838. On clear nights, keep your out for him creeping around in his tattered blue uniform.
Photographer Aimee via Flickr
2. KINGSTON PENITENTIARY
Of all the places in Kingston that should be haunted, Kingston Pen is the one you hear about the least. Ghosts have been spotted here, though, and that number may rise as more people get behind the walls during the Kingston Pen tours. One you may see is George Hewell, who, in life, was a violent inmate known for attacking guards and other inmates. In 1897, a guard struck back in self-defence, and, as Hewell lay dying, he swore he’d have his revenge. Since then, Hewell has been seen many times. Don’t forget to book your tour before the Kingston Pen closes for the season on October 28.
Photo via Improbable Escapes
3. IMPROBABLE ESCAPES
Okay, you probably won’t see any actual ghosts at this downtown escape room, but its “Coroner’s Report” experience might spook you. The setting: the abandoned Ambrosia General Hospital in what is now Lasalle Mews. Years ago it was shut down because doctors were performing strange experiments and dissections on patients. Now you’ve found it and want to explore. As you step inside, the door slams shut behind you. Can you avoid the same fate of those you hear screaming in terror? Can you escape?
Photo via Queen’s University
4. AGNES ETHERINGTON ARTS CENTRE
So many ghosts have been seen around Queen’s University that it could probably have its own haunted walk. Agnes Etherington, who died in 1954, is a good example. You may see her as you wander the halls of the art museum named in her honour. Many staff believed they did when the centre opened in 1957. One staff member reported seeing a piano playing by itself. Another said she felt she was being followed as she closed up one night. Just as she was about to leave, she heard a voice say, “you forgot one.” Sure enough, she had forgotten to turn off a light.
Photo via Kingston Trolley Tours
5. KINGSTON GHOST AND MYSTERY TROLLEY TOUR
Kingston’s famous hop on, hop off trolley veers off the main tourist path for these special 90-minute evening voyages. Stops include the city’s creepiest, including the back of Fort Henry Hill and Deadman’s Bay, where the ghosts of a drowned mason and his bereaved fiancée have been spotted numerous times. There is also the former Rockwood Insane Asylum, where a doctor, murdered by a patient, has been seen walking the wards. And of course, there’s the grave of Sir John A. Macdonald. Why won’t grass grow at the foot of his tomb?
Photo via The Grad Club
6. THE GRAD CLUB
For most, this legendary Queen’s pub and former doctor’s house is known for its live music (CBC even named it one of Canada’s top ten music venues in 2009). But for those who know the old Victorian house well — people like long-time manager Virginia Clark — they’re sure it’s haunted. “I’m not a bump-in-the-night kind of girl, but I’ve definitely seen ghosts at The Grad Club,” Clark told the Queen’s Journal in 2005. For the best chance of seeing one yourself, head upstairs and wander the slanted, disorienting hallways.
Think you’re brave enough to enter the narrow hallways and tunnels of Fort Henry after dark this October? Well then, get ready for your worst nightmare. Back for its 10th season, Fort Fright is the annual scare fest that turns Kingston’s 18th-century garrison — and National Historic Site — into one of the top haunted houses in North America.
This year the creative team is using a combination of more scare actors, new animatronics, and, of course, the haunting backdrop of the fortress itself to bring your worst nightmares to life.
Photo via The Great Waterway
New Scares
No two Fort Frights are ever terrifyingly the same, and this year that means a more in-depth narrative than ever before. The main storyline follows the misadventures of a young girl in a rural town who comes across a chemical spill and labs for human medical testing. Keep your eye out for a mad scientist and his superhuman creations. “You’ll really be living this little girl’s nightmare as you tiptoe your way around the Fort and peek around every corner,” says Susan Leclair, a rep with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (the manager of Fort Henry). If you make it out, you’ll find new carnival games near the end, as well as a special pop-up haunted escape room from Kingston’s Improbable Escapes. The entire experience is suitable for brave souls of almost any age, says Leclair, but particularly for those 14 and up. Not sure if you can take all that terror? Ask for one of the “scare” amulets. Wearing one will ensure that scare actors keep their distance.
Photo via The Great Waterway
Old Scares
More than 22,000 people are expected at Fort Fright this year, many of them returning, many expecting at least a few of the same scares from past years. They won’t be disappointed, says Leclair. For one, Haunted Walks Kingston will be back with their “Tales from the Tunnels” guided tours. That’s right, Fort Henry has a few true ghost stories too, and you’ll hear all about them inside its dark, narrow tunnels. The terrifying and sense-scattering Vortex also returns this year, as does the “Total Scare” package, a special $15 upgrade that gets you a coffin ride, an exclusive Haunted Walk and admission into the haunted escape room. What trumps all of those creative scares, though, is probably Fort Henry itself. It’s tough to think of a more spine-tingling venue for a haunted house than an old stone fortress perched high on a hill at night. “For anyone who hasn’t experienced Fort Fright before, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill haunted house,” says Leclair. “It’s just the scale of Fort Henry. The minute you start walking up to the Fort, you will feel your goosebumps rise.”
There is something special about Kingston these days. There is an undeniable energy that can be felt when you enter the city. Kingston’s vibrancy is also bringing about beautiful partnerships and relationships in surrounding areas, particularly in the Prince Edward County. This past weekend, I had the chance to experience a guided wine tour with sommelier Ian Nicholls of County Sips. County Sips provides you with the perfect day touring through the Prince Edward County countryside and savouring the flavours of locally made wines. Ian’s customized tours are perfect for a weekend getaway, girls’ day out, bachelorette parties, or for any team building opportunities with your fellow colleagues. Ian is clearly well-liked throughout the county, and you get the feeling almost immediately that he will show you all the hidden gems, and has a great knowledge of both wine and food. My day was shared with a few of my close girlfriends on one of the most beautiful sunny days in the county. It all started with a pick up right from the Kingston Delta Waterfront. We were all looking forward to this day, and the pick-up was seamless (we even made a Starbucks stop before leaving town). While on the drive, Ian excited us all with a full itinerary of the wineries and places where we would dine for the day. Since it was a perfect summer day, we took the ferry ride into Picton. On our ride, we learned why the county’s soil profile is so good for growing grapes and the history of the area. Ian is also a wealth of knowledge about the winemaking process. Our first stop was Del Gatto Estates. Full of rustic charm, it was one of the most memorable wineries on the trip. Owners Pat and Heidi warmly welcomed us to the back patio where we felt as though we were right at home. The thing that struck me the most though, was the integrity and passion that Pat and Heidi possess. One of the longest standing wineries in the county, each wine we sampled had an interesting story behind it, which Pat happily shared with us. The stories and laughs were accompanied by a breathtaking view and a truly relaxing atmosphere. The must try wine is the Pinotage, a blend many may be unfamiliar with – Del Gatto Estates is one of five Canadian Pinotage growers in all of Canada! Next stop was lunch at the Waupoos Market Pub. It’s true, restaurants are popping up all over the county, and this inconspicuous pub is a true hidden gem worth checking out. Recently, the Market Pub was taken over by a new owner and chef. The meal was incredible. Each dish came out, perfectly presented with the freshest, almost entirely local, ingredients. First, we shared a charcuterie board with a great twist – pickled eggs, snap peas and delicious cheese and meats. Next came a salad, fish tacos, and crispy dry rubbed, oven-baked chicken wings. I was also impressed with the service and flexibility – the Market Pub was happy to provide me with tasty gluten-free alternatives for every dish! We finished off our meal with County butter tarts with local blueberries and whip cream. Upon finishing our meal, my girlfriend commented “I want to start this meal all over again” – a sentiment we all wholeheartedly shared! After lunch, we headed to Lighthall, a winery that is very much off the beaten path, but worth the visit. We tried some deliciously buttery white wines with cheese pairings, and had a chance to take a peak at the equipment involved with processing wines. The overall vibe here was peaceful and comfortable. You can also try these wines at restaurants throughout the county and Kingston. Our next stop was to another one of the original wineries in the county- Rosehall Run. This winery’s rustic, yet contemporary vibe is surrounded by Lake Ontario and the home to internationally acclaimed and award winning wines. They are primarily known for their pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines. Rosehall Run was buzzing with excitement when we arrived. Outside, staff were preparing for the Big Feastival in Burls Creek and an energetic group of women were celebrating a bachelorette. We were incredibly spoiled with lovely tastings and the comforts of beautiful private second story patio that overlooked the stunning views of the vineyard. Hinterland Winery surprised us all with its unique atmosphere. I was immediately impressed with the incredible exterior aesthetics. This gorgeous estate is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the fact we came at the end of the day, the staff treated us like family and warmly welcomed all of us into Hinterland. Vicki, one of the owners, radiated kindness and happily poured us glasses of bubbly that beautiful polished off our tastings in the county. Ian graciously escorted us back to Kingston as we sang and played our favourite songs. Ian’s wonderful sense of humour and demeanour is what made this trip so special for us. Ian is accommodating, informative and fun. Without question, I know that my guests and I would all participate in this tour again. After returning back to Kingston, I was kindly welcomed for a lovely evening stay at the Delta Kingston Waterfront Hotel. For someone that is a native of Kingston, never have I ever witnessed a more beautiful view of my hometown. I truly felt special, with the most magical view of City Hall, the harbour and Lake Ontario. After a full day in the sun, I happily welcomed a good night’s sleep. The soft white sheets and spacious bed swallowed me right up into the night. After a divine night of sleep, I made my way down to the hotel’s gorgeous restaurant AquaTerra. Our server, Colleen was exceptionally professional and friendly. Here I enjoyed one of the most delicious smoked eggs Benedict I have ever eaten. For those of you that have not been, it is one of the best breakfasts and views you will experience in Kingston, and not to be missed. My experience was so wonderful that I have already reserved a table to enjoy my birthday dinner with family and friends. This weekend reminded me that Kingston continues to be a hidden gem that gives both visitors and residents a beautiful stay and yummy tastes while being easily accessible to the rolling hills of the county and its relishing flavours of local wines. For those of you that are planning your next adventure, call Ian for a County Sips wine tour and treat yourself to a night at Kingston’s Delta Waterfront Hotel for an unbeatable experience.
Written by Narcity’s Miranda Cipolla. Kingston is pure magic. It’s kind of like a town out of a fairy tale: it’s got beautiful waterfront views, nice people, unique spots to visit, and beautiful things to see. Not only is it a great place to visit, but Kingston also happens to have a world-class culinary scene. So, prepare to never go hungry, and discover a new favourite dish.
photo via @thetirnanogkingston
1. THE FLYING PIG XL SANDWICH
Tir Nan Og Irish Pub The Flying Pig XL Sandwich, created by the geniuses at Kingston’s Tir Nan Og Irish Pub, features ham, bacon, apple slices, fried cheese, and a whole lot more…and to add to the glory, it’s topped off with a row of waffle fries. Yes, you read that right. Topped off.
photo via @alliejnduff
2. BREKKIE BOWL
Northside Espresso And Kitchen Up your breakfast toast (and Instagram) game with this Brekkie Bowl from Northside. Featuring seasonal vegetables, grains, seeds, a poached egg and hazelnut dukkah, it’s pretty safe to say that this delicious dish is quite possibly the most Instagrammable breakfast bowl out there.
photo via @kaerumanju
3. MENSEN FARMS ROASTED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Juniper Cafe No lie, Juniper Cafe should be one of the first spots you hit when checking out Kingston. And not just because of their awesome coffee and delicious, locally-sourced food — which includes their Mensen Farms roasted chicken sandwich, a morsel of happiness made with chicken, Empire cheddar, tomato jam, pickled onions, Dijon aioli, and more.
photo via @caitzipper
4. BONIATO FRITO
Tango Nuevo All of Tango Nuevo’s dishes are made with locally grown, seasonal produce, as well as artisan cheeses and locally produced meats. Absolutely try their Boniato Frito sweet potato fries. With feta, roasted red peppers, Harissa aioli, and avocado cream, these are on their own level of awesome.
photo via @royalangkor_kingston
5. GREEN CURRY BAMBOO
Royal Angkor You have to try this Green Curry Bamboo — it’s made with bamboo shoots and a spicy, creamy green curry sauce, and then topped with fresh basil and coconut milk. It’s a super vibrant and flavourful dish; just a little spicy, too, for those of us who like a little challenge.
photo via @courtneysmith33
6. SEAFOOD POUTINE
Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse If you’re going to Dianne’s, you’re going to be beyond happy. They’ve got a whole variety of deliciously fresh fusion dishes, and although their lobster rolls, fish and chips, and chicken tinga tacos are the stuff of legends, their seafood poutine (with shrimp, mussels, squid, cheese curds, golden fries, and yummy sauce) truly takes the cake!
photo via @raveningrara
7. LATKE EGGS BENEDICT
AquaTerra Because eggs Benedict are amazing, but when you add latkes — especially the crispy, flavorful latkes made at Kingston’s AquaTerra — you end up with something in a league of its own. AquaTerra comes equipped with beautiful views of the Kingston waterfront and has been featured in “Where To Dine In Canada” for more than a decade.
photo via @visitkingston
8. CANADA 150 PIZZA
Atomica This Italian eatery knows how to do food, and although all of their dishes — like their fresh charcuterie platter, deep-dish pizzas, and creamy, tasty tiramisu — are homemade with local ingredients, their special pizza for Canada’s 150th particularly stands out: perfectly crisp dough, blueberry coulis, smoked salmon, arugula… what’s not to absolutely love?
photo via Dox Lounge
9. LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE
Dox Lounge Dox Lounge is spectacular. Not only do they serve incredibly fresh and tasty dishes, but their lobster mac and cheese is pretty much above and beyond amazing. It’s got Capatavi pasta and chunks of fresh lobster, all smothered in a deliciously velvety three-cheese sauce.
photo via @sam_sumaida
10. STRAWBERRY-CHOCOLATE LASAGNA
Wooden Heads Chocolate mousse and strawberries, nestled between layers of pastry and drenched in white and dark chocolate sauces? To be honest, there is nothing else to say about this Wooden Heads chocolate miracle other than: Oh. My. God. Yes.
Here are four names you probably haven’t heard together before: Vanilla Ice, Jann Arden, Salt-N-Pepa, Bruce Cockburn. Yet this September they’ll all play shows in Kingston. And they’ll be joined by a similarly diverse cast of can’t-misses playing everything from backwoods folk to alt pop to classic rock. Here are 10 to put on your list.
Photo via Rocky High & The Northern Lights, Facebook
Rocky High & The Northern Lights – Music in the Park
Saturday, September 2, 12:30 pm Confederation Park Listen close enough and you can almost hear the wind through the trees in every one of this six-piece folk band’s tunes. The band is relatively new, forming in 2016 in the backwoods of Soperton, Ontario, but they’re quickly making a name for themselves at small shows across the region. Known for high-energy foot-stompers and slower ballads and waltzes, their music, as they say, “comes from quite lakes, long drives and the fields they work every day.” In other words, perfect for an outdoor show on the waterfront. Admission: Free downtownkingston.ca
Photographer Alix Aylen
Abigail Lapell
Saturday, September 2, 8:00 pm Musiikki Café It’s hard to pinpoint a group of words to properly describe this folk artist’s astounding voice — effortless, powerful, smoky, haunting? Nevertheless, it’s the warmth of Lapell’s voice that draws you in and the wall of sound she creates with it that keeps you there. No wonder the Toronto native received the 2016 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, and NOW Magazine called her a “folk/country musician to watch” in 2017. Watch jaws drop at this show at the intimate Musiikki Café, where that voice should spill well out onto Brock Street. Admission: Check musiikkicafe.com closer to the date.
Photographer Brendan Smyth
Needless Love Endorsement
Tuesday, September 5, 9:00 pm The Mansion The brainchild of Kingstonian songwriters Rae Corcoran and Sean Tomalty, Needless Love Endorsement is all about synth driven pop-rock that’ll get you dancing and daydreaming at the same time. Their EP came out just last September, but it’s clear these two have been cultivating their sound for years. Tomalty’s driving atmospheric beats pair seamlessly with Corcoran’s strong pop vocals, creating a sound that will make The Mansion’s walls pulsate all night long. Check mansion.rocks closer to the date.
Photographer StreamyAwards via Flickr
Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Young MC, C+C Music Factory – “I Love the 90s Tour”
Friday, September 8, 7:30 pm Rogers K-Rock Centre The biggest challenge at this throwback arena show will be to not bust a move. But why wouldn’t you when Young MC will be there imploring you to do so? And Vanilla Ice will be giving word to your mother? And Salt-N-Peppa will be wanting to talk about sex? And C+C Music Factory will be screaming, “Everybody dance now!” Other big names from the 90s rap, hip-hop, and R&B scene may show up too, including Coolio, Tone Loc and Color Me Badd. Admission: $69.50 – $99.50 rogersk-rockcentre.com
Photographer Tabercil via Flickr
Trooper, Honeymoon Suite, and Sass Jordan – Kingston Family Fun Fest
Saturday, September 9, 5:00 pm Base Gym Event Tent, CFB Kingston Keep the nostalgia alive the very next night at CFB Kingston’s annual “Great Canadian Rock Show.” Rock icons Trooper, Honeymoon Suite, and Sass Jordan are the headliners, so guaranteed you’ll hear everything from “Raise a Little Hell” to “New Girl Now” to “Make You a Believer.” Kingston’s own Whiskey Overdrive will get the outdoor show going with a little rock, blues, and country. About 1,500 people are expected. Admission: $20 kingstonfamilyfunfest.com
Photo via Travis James
Travis James
Saturday, September 16, 8:00 pm Musiikki Café Vancouver singer-songwriter Travis James may remind you of John Mayer or Ben Howard or Chris Martin, but make no doubt that his blend of adult alternative is all his own. Strings, bass, piano, drums, guitar, and horns all show up on his recent EP, “Timeless as the Moon,” though there won’t be room for all of those instruments on the tiny Musiikki stage. But that’s fine. This could be your first and last chance to see the young crooner up close in such a small venue; his star should rise. Check musiikkicafe.com closer to the date.
Photo via Change of Heart
Change of Heart
Friday, September 22, 9:00 pm The Mansion This year, Canadian indie rock heroes Change of Heart celebrate the 25th anniversary of their fourth LP, “Smile,” with a reissue and a tour. The Toronto band was a huge force in the Can-rock renaissance of the 80s and 90s, and this 1992 magnum opus played a big role in that turnaround. The 21 songs on the album found the band expanding their sound and drawing on elements of rock, pop, folk, dub, and prog. Not surprisingly, and as you’ll see at The Mansion, “Smile” still very much stands up as one of the best Canadian albums of all time. Admission: $12 in advance, $19 at the door mansion.rocks
Photo via public domain
Brahms Festival
Sunday, September 24, 2:30 pm Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts Nineteenth-century composer Johannes Brahms is so respected that he’s sometimes grouped with Bach and Beethoven as one of the “Three Bs” of music. It’s no wonder, then, that the Kingston Symphony wanted to feature the German genius as part of its annual Composer Festival. Join the 45-member orchestra on a journey through two of Brahms’s greatest works: Symphony No. 3 and Symphony No. 4. Both will sound as Brahms intended inside the acoustically sound jewel that is The Isabel. Admission: $10 + kingstongrand.ca
Photo via Wiki Commons
Bruce Cockburn with Terra Lightfoot
Wednesday, September 27, 7:30 pm The Grand Theatre “My job,” Bruce Cockburn once said, “is to try and trap the spirit of things in the scratches of pen on paper and the pulling of notes out of metal.” And what a fine job he’s done of that for almost 50 years now. He’s unarguably one of Canada’s best singer-songwriters and guitar players, and he’s been rightly awarded 12 Junos and an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The Grand’s gorgeous 750-seat theatre will make you feel like you’re scratching and pulling right along with him and opener Terra Lightfoot. Admission: $49.50 – $74.50 kingstongrand.ca
Photographer Daniel via Flickr
Jann Arden
Saturday, September 30, 7:30 pm The Grand Theatre Another legendary Canadian singer-songwriter hits The Grand just three nights after Cockburn. Since releasing her debut album in 1993, “Time for Mercy,” Jann Arden has gone on to make 11 more albums and have 19 top ten singles, including “Insensitive,” “Good Mother” and “Could I Be Your Girl.” She’s always best when heard live, though, and not just because of that boldly honest voice, but because there are few with as much stage presence and quick wit as her. Admission: $69.50 – $74.50 kingstongrand.ca
Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean Kingston’s festivals lineup is lacking this September. Two of the city’s most popular fests — Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show and Kingston WritersFest — return this month, and they’ll be joined by smaller, but just as good, indie events in the area like the Limestone City Tattoo & Arts Festival and Voodoo Rockfest.
Photographer Robert S Donovan via Flickr
Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10 Memorial Centre Park Barbecued ribs, cold beer, good tunes. What more do you need from an outdoor fest? This year marks the fifth anniversary of the three-day good time, and six of the top travelling ribbers in the country will be there vying for your vote for the best ribs and chicken. They’ll be joined by 15 craft breweries with 50 different brews and live music all day and night from bands like The Relative and Celtic Kitchen Party. Admission: $6/weekend. Beer sample (5 oz): $2. Food: $7 – $22 kingstonribandbeerfest.com
Photographer Roxanne Wood
Garrison Kingston Family Fun Fest
Saturday, September 9 – Sunday, September 10 CFB Kingston Take a ribs break and stop by the base for two full days of interactive family fun. This weekend will include two special air shows from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Canada 150 CF-18 Demonstration Team. Saturday night’s “Great Canadian Rock Show” will feature Trooper, Honeymoon Suite, Sass Jordan and Kingston’s own Whiskey Overdrive. Festival admission: Free Great Canadian Rock Show admission: $20. kingstonfamilyfunfest.com
Photo via Kingston Immigration Partnership
Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Sunday, September 10, 11:30 am – 5:30 pm Confederation Park If you want to see just how vibrant and diverse Kingston’s arts community is, stick around until the end of this annual waterfront fest. There will be live performances and music all afternoon, art workshops, and plenty of different food from countries across the world. As always, the organizer is the Kingston Immigration Partnership, which has a mandate to attract, welcome, include, integrate and retain newcomers to Kingston. Admission: Free kipcouncil.ca
Photo via Limestone City Tattoo
Limestone City Tattoo & Arts Festival
Saturday, September 16 – Sunday, September 17 Four Points Sheraton Hotel A huge hit last year, this family-friendly event is back with 50 tattoo artists from Canada, the U.S. and beyond. That’s 10 more than in 2016. Once again, you’ll have the chance to get tattooed on site; purchase prints, original artwork, and tattoo-related merchandise; or just browse and learn more about tattoo culture. Special events, live entertainment, and after-show parties downtown round out the weekend. Admission: $15/day or $25/weekend limestonetattoofestival.com
Photo via Queen’s University, Flickr
CORK Fall Regatta
Thursday, September 21 – Sunday, September 24 Portsmouth Olympic Harbour The internationally recognized and summer-long sailing competition known as CORK wraps up this month with the Fall Regatta. Three races are in the lineup: the Fogh Gold Cup for Laser Standards and Radial (Open), the Ontario Championship for Optimist, and the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. Two hundred athletes are expected to compete, so hit the waterfront or head to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour to see who wins. Admission: Free cork.org
Photo via Crown Lands
Voodoo Rockfest (out of town)
Friday, September 22 – Saturday, September 23 Napanee Fairgrounds, Napanee The half-hour drive from Kingston to Napanee will be worth it for this two-day outdoor rock show. Seventeen bands will play, including psychedelic blues rockers Crown Lands and emo-rock boundary pushers The Silence Factory, who both won the prestigious Rocksearch contest. Tribute bands to Green Day, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Skid Row will also appear, and there will be plenty of food trucks and cold beer to keep you fuelled. Admission: $20/Friday. $30/Saturday. $50/weekend (includes camping) musicfly.ca
Photographer Gwen via Flickr
Hospicefest (formerly Hospice Chilifest)
Saturday, September 23, 12 pm – 4 pm Memorial Centre Park Kingston’s annual chili fest and fundraiser was so popular last year that it’s moving from Confederation Park to the larger Memorial Centre Park. About 2,000 to 3,000 people are expected, and they’ll be there to try the chilis of 15 local restaurants while also supporting Hospice Kingston. Barley Days Brewery, Kingston Brewing Company, and MacKinnon Brother Brewing Company will be on site, too, serving up fresh craft suds to pair with the goulashes. Admission: Check hospicekingston.ca closer to the date.
Photo via MacLachlan Woodworking Museum
Lumberjack Summit
Saturday, September 23 – Sunday, September 24 MacLachlan Woodworking Museum Dig out the plaid and suspenders and make like you’re a lumberjack for a weekend. The full schedule for this small annual fest hasn’t been released yet, but typically there are multiple workshops on camping, cooking, tools, and woodworking. There will be campfires, too, a sleepover under the stars, lots of delicious food and hiking through the gorgeous grounds surrounding the museum. Admission: Check woodworkingmuseum.ca closer to the date.
Photo via Streets Alive Festival
Streets Alive Festival
Sunday, September 24, 11 am – 4 pm Downtown Kingston This yearly fest encourages you to get active with structured, family-friendly programming happening on King Street between Barrie and Brock, and in Macdonald Park, City Park and Springer Market Square. The lineup isn’t yet set, but typically there are over a dozen local organizations there hosting 20-minute structured activities like gymnastics, wheelchair basketball, lacrosse, martial arts, fencing and bike riding. Admission: Free cityofkingston.ca
Photo via public domain
Brahms Festival
Sunday, September 24, 2:30 pm The Grand Theatre Every year for its Composer Festival, the Kingston Symphony Orchestra chooses a renowned composer and plays his or her mature works. This year, they’ve chosen the nineteenth-century German genius Johannes Brahms, who is so respected that he’s sometimes grouped with Bach and Beethoven as one of the “Three Bs” of music. The 45-member orchestra will play two of his greatest works: Symphony No. 3 and Symphony No. 4. Both will sound as Brahms intended inside the acoustically sound jewel that is The Isabel. Admission: $10 + kingstongrand.ca
Michael Chabon | Photographer WBEZ via Flickr
Kingston WritersFest
Wednesday, September 27 – Sunday, October 1 Multiple locations It never ceases to amaze how many quality contemporary writers this annual literary fest attracts. This year, over 60 writers are expected, including Michael Chabon, Adam Gopnik, Charlotte Gray, Steven Heighton, Helen Humphreys, Linden MacIntyre, Lee Maracle, Terry O’Reilly, Kathy Reichs, and Kathleen Winter. They’ll all appear in a variety of venues for readings, performances, onstage discussions and masterclasses. Admission: Varies per event kingstonwritersfest.ca
The Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival brings tattoo artistry to the forefront of a fascinating, family-friendly event. Tattoo culture has pretty much entered the mainstream, but the idea of a design permanently marked on your skin still isn’t for everyone. Luckily, the Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival allows you to enjoy the creativity and artistry of the tattoo world — whether or not you’re after some ink of your own. The festival, which takes place September 16th and 17th at the Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Kingston, aims to bring together people from all different walks of life — not just those who are heavily into tattoo culture. Over the course of two days, attendees will be treated to activities, performances, and a wide array of fascinating vendors, as well as the chance to meet (and get tattooed by) the 50 international tattoo artists who have been invited to attend. Though the focus is on the artistry of the tattoo world, Ashley Silversides (the festival’s co-organizer and producer) is quick to point out that this festival has something for everyone. “This festival is for absolutely everybody — from the really avid tattoo collector to the individual who has never gotten a tattoo, to the soccer mom whose tattoos you maybe don’t see,” she says. “We are a family-friendly event. There’s even a kids’ station where they can get tattoo stencils — not with real ink, of course! There’s no one that this festival excludes.”
A happy tot shows off his non-permanent ink at the kids’ tattoo station. Photo via Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival
Features of this year’s fest will include a jail escape room from Improbable Escapes, a strongman performance, live music, and tons of merchandise from vendors such as Motosport Plus, Machete Premium Cuts, Tangled Tine Taxidermy, and more. A Sunday after-party is also in the works, and more information will be posted soon on the fest website and social media. “We will also have an art gallery consisting of a lot of local Kingston artists,” says Silversides. “It’s going to be a really all-around fun event for everybody.” She explains that the purpose of the fest is, in part, to bring the creative expression of the tattoo medium to the forefront. “I think it’s really important to sort of change the idea of what tattooing is, and recognize that it is a beautiful art form,” she says. “Although they’re tattooers, all of these individuals are artists first. What people can do now, tattoo-wise and artistically, is pretty mind-blowing.” By inviting 50 artists from across the nation — and the globe — to the event, the organizers aim to showcase talents and styles not normally seen in this neck of the woods. “Every artist has their own style and their own niche, and it’s pretty cool that we get to bring those people into Kingston,” says Silversides. “We have great art here, but there’s so much more happening outside of this city, and across the world.” The 50 invited artists will be displaying some of their work, chatting with interested attendees, and of course, offering on-site tattoos. For anyone hoping to get a new piece done at the festival, Silversides recommends getting directly in touch with the artist ahead of time. “Some artists do walk-up only, so it’s a first-come, first-serve type of thing at the event,” she says. “But we always say it’s best to just contact them, get in touch, and go from there.” An example of each artist’s work, as well as links to their social media accounts, can be found on the festival website.
Attendees browse the vast range of artist designs. Photo via Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival
This year’s fest will also offer an exciting opportunity to win a unique tattoo designed by one of the attending artists. Four of the invited tattooers will create a custom piece, and one lucky attendee will get to choose their favourite and receive a free tattoo on Sunday the 17th. For more details on this contest, follow Limestone City Tattoo Festival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or watch their website for updates. “Kingston is the perfect choice for a festival rich with so many activities, attractions, and forms of creative expression,” says Silversides. The vibe of the city, its centralized location, and welcoming nature of the citizens made last year’s tattoo festival a runaway success, and the organizers expect to repeat the magic again this year. “We have an amazing city. But it also doesn’t feel like a city — it feels more like a lot of small communities brought together,” she says. Many of the volunteers and attendees at the 2016 event weren’t heavily into tattoo culture — they simply wanted to be a part of the fun and artistry of the event. “Even if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy tattoos per se,” she says, “if you’re an art lover, we have all the art you need.” To learn more about the Limestone City Tattoo Festival, visit their website: http://www.limestonetattoofestival.com/
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