From electrifying concerts and local tours to farm experiences and food and drink festivals, there’s no shortage of excitement in Kingston this September!
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration! If you’re looking to submit a French language event, please use our French submission form.
Click each image for information.
1. Kingston WritersFest
2. Riverhead Brewing Company Oktoberfest
3. Pumpkinferno
4. Doors Open Kingston & Area
5. Open Farm Days
6. The golden age of Hollywood – Masterworks Kingston Symphony
7. Whose Live Anyway?
8. Art After Dark
9. Kingston Fall Fair
10. Poutine Feast
11. Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
12. Feast On® the Farm
13. Hidden Kingston City Tour
14. Kingston Comic Con
15. Princess Street Promenade
16. Jeremy Dutcher in concert
17. Julie Arsenault: an intimate show
18. Creative Kingston Walking Tours
19. Kingston Indigenous Market
20. Classic Lightfoot Live: the Gordon Lightfoot tribute
Starting on July 30, the sound of the crack of the bat will resonate throughout City Park – and will continue through August 8, as some of the country’s best 11- and 12-year-old baseball players play for the Canadian Little League Championship.
This will be the first time Kingston has hosted the Little League Nationals.
All games will take place at the recently renovated Cricket Field, a home for local hard ball for over 100 years.
The 2023 Canadian Little League Championship was originally awarded to the Kingston Baseball Association in 2019, but when the COVID-19 pandemic came in 2020, all of the championships were pushed back a year.
Transformation of the Cricket Field took place last summer and the bright green outfield grass and red clay infield were christened on July 21 with a pair of exhibition games between the Kingston Colts and the Ottawa West Twins.
As hosts, the Colts have a spot in the tournament, providing the chance to compete against the country’s top teams for a national title and a berth to the Little League World Series.
Working with the organizing committee made up of parents from the Kingston Baseball Association, the City of Kingston hired a contractor to reconfigure the diamond at the southwest end of the park. The diamond – with a new backstop – was moved back from its former location in the park, closer to the corner of Barrie and Bagot streets. Permanent and covered dugouts were built for the diamond and bleachers have also been installed along with foul poles.
An outfield fence was also constructed to meet Little League field standards, and an electronic scoreboard will be erected. Both will be taken down after the championship games.
Washroom and dressing room facilities will be available at the existing city-owned building across Bagot Street and an accessible path will be made from the diamond to the washrooms and facilities.
“Both Tourism Kingston and the City of Kingston have been a huge part of planning for this tournament,” said Kingston Baseball Association president Tori Boshart. “The city started by renovating Cricket Field for us to host the tournament downtown. It’s such a cool venue for a tournament of that size because the dorms at Queen’s are so close.”
Participating teams, coaches, and umpires will be staying in the newest Queen’s University residences while the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront in downtown Kingston will be the host hotel for players’ families.
“We are so thrilled to be welcoming Canada’s best young baseball players to Kingston for the Canadian Little League Championship,” said Emma Lambert, Manager, Sport Partnerships, for Tourism Kingston. “It’s been incredibly energizing to see the Kingston community rally together to support this event. The strength of the Kingston Baseball Association has shone throughout the planning process. Local businesses have made significant contributions to help cover event costs, and so many Kingstonians have raised their hands to take on volunteer roles over this 11-day tournament.
“Sport events have an incredible impact on our community and the Little League Championship is a perfect example,”continued Lambert. “We’re expecting the tournament to generate $1.75 million in economic impact this summer. Sport hosting also allows us to further develop a local base of skilled sport volunteers, inspire a new generation of athletes, and can enable the renovation of sport facilities as we see with the new state-of-the-art Little League diamond at the historic Cricket Field. In hosting this tournament, we’re providing a national platform and development opportunity for youth from our community… from players to officials to aspiring sport media professionals, furthering the legacy of this iconic event and the strength of our local sport system”.
With special offers at restaurants, trolley tours, a curated K-Pass available from Kingston Destination Group, and plenty of action taking place at City Park throughout the tournament, visiting athletes and their fans will be experiencing all that our beautiful city has to offer.
The games are free to attend and members of the community are encouraged to stop by and check out the action. The full schedule can be found at kingstonbaseball.ca.
The Kingston Baseball Association has hosted three provincial Little League championships over the last few years, most recently the Intermediate division championship, which was won by the Kingston Colts on July 11.
The Colts had a majority of minor-aged first-year players on their roster during the 2023 season to expose them to the higher competition a year early, Boshart said.
“The competition is going to be stiffer than any competition we’ve ever met before, but I think they’ll do really well. They’ve done as much as they can and have been practising almost on a daily basis. I think they’re as ready as they can be,” she said.
The winner of the 10-team tournament will represent Canada in the iconic International Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania from August 14 to 25.
These gritty female athletes from Kingston are taking their tenacity to the world stage this July and August for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
You can watch them run the basketball court or hit the swimming pool during the Olympics, from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympics, from August 28 to September 8, on CBC or CBC Gem.
Aaliyah Edward’s career hitting jump shots and locking down rebounds began on Kingston’s basketball courts where she played for both the Kingston Impact club and the Frontenac Falcons, her high school team.
Edwards is now a powerhouse rookie in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Kingston native plays for the Washington Mystics, ranking sixth on her squad in scoring and second in rebounds.
She’s taking a break from her illustrious WNBA career to play for Team Canada in Paris. This isn’t Edwards’s first-time shooting hoops for her home country–she was the youngest member of Canada’s women’s basketball team at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
In that same year, Edwards won the BIG EAST Sixth Women of the Year while playing for the University of Connecticut’s (UCONN) women’s basketball team. With Edward’s determination, UCONN made it to the championship semifinals game this year where they ended their season after a heartbreaking loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Edwards finished her tenure at UCONN with 1,861 career points. She’s one of six UCONN female basketball players in franchise history with over 1,800 baskets and 1,000 rebounds.
Hitting the water for Team Canada is rower Jennifer (Jenny) Casson.
Casson spent her teenage years traversing Kingston’s waterways at 5 a.m. with the Kingston Rowing Club (KRC). But her childhood dream wasn’t to row for Team Canada–she stumbled upon the sport while recovering from a running injury and eventually developed an affinity for gliding across the St. Lawrence River perched in her racing shell.
The Kingston native left the city in 2014 to pursue rowing and a degree in exercise and sport science at the University of Tulsa. While attending university in Oklahoma, Casson placed second in the Lightweight 8+ Petite Final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s National Championship.
Casson went on to receive several accolades with her lightweight double sculls rowing partner, Jill Moffatt, who she’s been racing with since 2018. They won the B final at the 2018 World Cup in Serbia. A year later, at the 2019 World Cup, Casson and Moffatt clinched the gold medal in the B final.
Most recently, the duo advanced to the A final at the 2023 World Rowing Championships where they placed fourth, securing their spot in Paris 2024. They placed twelfth overall in the B finals at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Strongly bonded and equally competitive, Casson and Moffatt are going for the podium on July 28.
Rewatch live recordings of Jennifer Casson in the Olympic games:
From the flat, calm waters next to her family’s farm on Wolfe Island to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, Kristina Walker is taking her racing shell to the international stage.
The former KRC member is competing in her second Olympic Games this summer. Walker participated in the 2023 Rowing World Cup II in Italy, where her team of four won the B final gold. She clinched a second-place spot in the women’s eights event at the 2023 World Cup III and a first-place spot at the 2024 World Cup II.
Prior to her career winning gold medals, Walker competed with the University of British Columbia’s rowing team. She’s been a member of Rowing Canada’s National Team since 2018.
Catch Walker gliding across the water on July 29 during the women’s eights rowing race.
Rewatch live recordings of Kristina Walker in the Olympic games:
Day 3: Rowing – Preliminaries, women’s eights rowing race (fast forward to 2h 33 min): https://bit.ly/3ym0hHW
Abi Tripp honed her freestyle in the heart of the Limestone City, and now she’s bringing her perfected stroke to Paris 2024. Tripp swam for the Kingston Y Penguins, which provides a safe swimming environment for youth with disabilities and their able-bodied siblings. After years of early morning swim lessons, Tripp became one of two 14-year-olds on the 2015 national Para-swimming team.
Tripp has been striving for the podium ever since, taking home the silver medal in the SB7 100-metre breaststroke at the 2023 Para Swimming Championships in Manchester. At the London 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, she snagged the bronze medal in the 4 x 100-meter freestyle relay.
The Kingston-local competed for Team Canada at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and was nominated to her second Games following the 2024 Paralympic team trials in Toronto.
You can watch Tripp compete during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, taking place August 28 to September 8.
Kingston’s music scene is growing, and we’ve got plenty of patios, pubs, bars, and breweries with live music lineups to keep you busy. Our curated list of venues offers everything from jazz brunch to rock performances to dance nights with live DJs.
On Brock Street, you’ll find Musiikki Café, a gathering place focused on serving up the best coffee, whiskey, music, and art. Musiikki offers live music every day of the week. On Wednesday nights, listen to local musician Frank Ryan perform from 8:30 to 11 pm. Live music usually starts at 8 pm, but Frank is likely coming from another gig at one of the various Kingston locations he plays at. Don’t forget that Musiikki doesn’t serve food and suggests bringing takeout if you’re hungry to enjoy on their patio while watching the show. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on live music details.
Black Dog Tavern has been a Kingston favourite for 20 years. Their back patio opens up to the Rochleau Court, adding a European esthetic to your dining experience. To add to the charm, Black Dog’s Jazz Brunch is back every Sunday this summer. Enjoy jazz music by Black Dog Allstars, featuring local favourite Chantal Thompson. While you take in live music en plein air, dig into brunch treats like “Hair of the Black Dog” – pulled confit duck, two poached eggs, triple cream brie, caramelized onions, brown butter Béarnaise, and andouille-spiced home fries). Follow Black Dog Tavern on Instagram or Facebook for updates on upcoming live music events.
Jazz Brunch with Black Dog Allstars (Rich Barnard, Zak Colbert, Carl Marenick, John “Bunny” Stewart, and Chantal Thompson) runs Sundays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm until Labour Day weekend.
Whether you enjoy sitting on a patio or inside away from the sun, you can enjoy live music at The Caesar Co. Big garage doors open at the front of the building, allowing all customers to be part of the action. This summer, you can see Danny Derue, who also plays in the band Ambush, on Sundays from 6 to 8 pm. While listening, try something new like one of Caesar Co.’s many specialty Caesars, lie their Surf ‘n’Turf Caesar, For more details about upcoming live music lineups, follow their Facebook or Instagram page.
Attached to the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront is the Wharf and Feather Restaurant and Patio, where you can listen to live music while you take in the beautiful waterfront view. Wharf and Feather’s live music series runs throughout the summer on the patio stage. If it’s a late show, as the sun goes down, lights will illuminate the patio – but that’s not the only thing that comes to life. You can also spot Kingston City Hall illuminated from across Confederation Basin. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on upcoming live music events.
If you’re walking around Springer Market Square, take time to check out the Tir Nan Og. This spacious Irish pub offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy pub fare and a pint while you take in the music. Follow their Instagram for updates on live music lineups.
Check out The Toucan & Kirkpatrick’s for another exceptional Irish pub experience. This pub has two levels: to listen to live music up close and personal, make your way downstairs for a stage view. The Toucan offers a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock to jazz. View their live music webpage or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more details.
Upcoming live music:
The Wild Rose Orchestra: July 25, 9:30 pm–1 am
Sweet Pete & The Heat: July 26, 10:30 pm–2 am
Sunshine Makers + Disaster Pony + Amanda Movio: July 27, 10:30 pm–2 am
Check out Daft Brewing’s new patio on their next karaoke night. Whether you want to join in to share your talent or sit back and listen to others perform, karaoke nights are always fun. At night, neon lights brighten up the space and the vibrant art throughout the brewery. Daft Brewing is a happening spot with many events lined up including their Queeraoke nights, Blues Dance Socials, and more. View Daft Brewing’s events webpage or follow them on Instagram or Facebook more details.
Upcoming live music:
Queeraoke: Third Thursday of every month, 8–11 pm
Karaoke: Fridays, 9 pm–2 am
Blues Dance and Social (Live DJ): Last Sunday of every month, 4–7 pm
Sing-a-long karaoke with JoJo: July 28, 6:30–9:30 pm
In Kingston’s west end, Spearhead Brewing Company has a large patio hosting live music from Fridays to Sundays. On Fridays, come to open mic nights and listen to a variety of people showcase their talent. On the weekend,enjoy a rotating selection of live music, from country to rock to R&B. Follow Spearhead Brewing Company on Instagram for weekly updates on upcoming live music lineups.
Upcoming live music:
Open mic night with the Garvin Brothers: July 26, 7–8 pm
The Merchant Tap House is a live music staple in Kingston. Located a few steps from the waterfront, here you can enjoy a bite to eat on their patio. As nighttime approaches, head inside where you will be greeted with large rustic beams and a bar setting perfect for live music. See regulars like Scott Owen a local Canadian country artist or attend a Live DJ night to get your dance on. View their live music event page for more details.
Blu Martini showcases both touring and local musicians, including Christopher Jackson & Friends, a regular at the venue. Christopher is a talented Kingstonian and entertainer who never fails to include his audience in his performances. Blu Martini’s large space makes it the perfect spot to plan your next birthday, anniversary, or other celebrations during live music nights. View Blu Martini’s live music webpage or follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more upcoming performances.
Upcoming live music:
The Kildeers: July 25, 8:30–11:30 pm
BLU Saloon Country Jamboree: July 27, 8–11:30 pm
The Royal Jam: August 1, 9–11:30 pm
Five Dollar Dates: August 9, 7–10 pm
Frank Ryan Band: August 10, 9:30–11:30 pm
Christopher Jackson and Friends: August 16, 23, 30, 7–10 pm
Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1, marks the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 across the British Empire. Though that was many years ago, it’s important to celebrate and amplify local Black culture that enriches the fabric of the Kingston community and ensures a sense of belonging and acceptance for all. Between August 1 and 3, there will be events dedicated to capturing Black joy, strength, and resilience in Kingston. Find out more about all of the Emancipation Day events on the City of Kingston website.
The three days of events will culminate with a special celebration on August 3: the Emancipation Day Black Block Party. Happening right in the heart of the city, in front of City Hall on Ontario Street, this block party will feature 20+ Black-owned businesses including four food vendors, as well as local artists, live musical performances, dance workshops, readings, and activities for kids. Many of the businesses featured are listed on this local Black-owned business list. I’ve asked a few of the vendors what Emancipation Day means to them and what folks can expect from them on August 3 at the Block Party!
Ella’s Cuisine is one of the three food vendors that will be selling delicious and authentic African dishes. Christiana Adewale is the founder and chef who moved to Kingston as a new mom during the COVID 19 pandemic. “It was tough navigating a new city during COVID without knowing anyone,” she says. “The absence of an African restaurant was even more shocking, as I had no access to the comfort food that my palate was familiar with.” Thus, Ella’s cuisine was born out of the need for community. Adewale adds, “We started Ella’s Cuisine a little over two years ago and it’s been a ride. We hope to open the first dine-in African restaurant in Kingston.”
What Emancipation Day means to Adewale: “We are most excited about meeting new people and showcasing the authentic flavour of African cuisine at the Emancipation Day event. Remembering the sacrifices of the past and being grateful for the opportunities we have as a people is definitely something to reflect on as we celebrate,” says Adewale.
Three other food vendors you’ll find at the block party:
CB butterlicious Founder Chanelle Blair moved to Kingston almost two years ago and launched her all-natural skincare products in March 2022. Blair explains, “The reason for starting my own skincare line dates to when I had my first child at a young age. I wanted all-natural products but couldn’t afford them, so I began making skincare products at home. These homemade products turned out even better than commercial options and didn’t contain chemicals. My friends and family started requesting the products I made, and years later, I transformed this passion into the business it is today.” Blair adds, “CB Butterlicious caters to all skin types, including sensitive skin.”
What Emancipation Day means to Blair: “This event means a lot to me, as it celebrates Black entrepreneurs and provides a platform to showcase our hard work and amazing creations. Emancipation Day holds a special place in our history, marking the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom. It’s a day to honour our ancestors’ resilience and achievements. Participating in this event allows us to connect with the community, share our passion, and inspire others. It’s a chance to highlight the diversity and creativity within our community and to celebrate our shared heritage. This Emancipation Day is particularly special because it emphasizes the importance of economic empowerment and the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community.”
What you’ll find at the CB Butterlicious booth: People can find all-natural skincare products, including black soap, whipped shea butter, body scrubs, body oils, lip balms and gloss, hand soap, and face oil made from prickly seed oil.
More skincare vendors you’ll find at the block party:
QCC is a collage art collective that runs programs that interweave creativity and education, centering Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their learning for social justice, community building, and making creative spaces with a culture of anti-racism and anti-oppression. QCC’s work is guided by the principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
What Emancipation Day means to QCC founder Alyssa Vernon: “Emancipation Day is a reminder of the cost of freedom. It is a reminder to maintain our freedom through celebration of our Blackness, as many of our ancestors did not get the chance to in their lifetimes. Through participating in the Emancipation Day Block Party, I hope to give Black folks of all ages the opportunity to reflect on their Blackness and freedom through creating art.”
What you’ll find at their booth: In addition to having a collage-making station, QCC will sell prints and offer a customizable sticker/photo booth, with proceeds going to Roots & Wings.
Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion at Queen’s University is a campus space of belonging and inclusion for students who are Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. Yellow House will be promoting their programming that supports Black inclusion and Black student entrepreneurs; they will also host a raffle that supports a local Black business. Queen’s student Rukevwe Inikori works at the Yellow House as a Black Student Initiative Student Assistant. She shares, “I moved to Kingston for university, and I genuinely feel like I can call Kingston home. After immigrating to Canada with my parents in 2019, I struggled to find a place where I could build a community and make friends. I often felt behind or like I was missing something, as most people already had established connections. However, coming to university was a turning point. Everyone was at the same stage as me, and we all had to build our communities together. As a result, I was able to create a community that I now consider family. Kingston holds a special place in my heart because it is the place where I finally found a sense of belonging since moving to Canada.”
What Emancipation Day means to Inikori: “To be honest, the first time I heard about Emancipation Day was through the Yellow House last summer. I am excited to participate in an event that celebrates Black freedom and liberation in Canada. The opportunity to share and experience different aspects of the diverse Black cultures in Kingston excites me immensely. I look forward to empowering Black Kingston businesses and learning about the diversity of the Black experience outside of Queen’s. I am particularly excited about the Black Block Party, as it offers a chance to meet various Black community members in Kingston, mingle, learn, and chat with them. As a student, it is easy to remain within the Queen’s bubble, but this event provides a wonderful opportunity to branch out and appreciate the beauty of Kingston beyond the university. To me, Emancipation Day is a chance to celebrate the history and resilience of the Black community. It represents a time to honour our heritage, recognize our struggles, and rejoice in our achievements.”
Roots and Wings is a grassroots working group of OPIRG Kingston, that serves youth of colour between the ages of 8 and 14. Their free programming is targeted towards femme, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender non-conforming adolescents. Through Roots and Wings, youth engage in structured and enjoyable activities centered around heritage-building, community engagement, identity exploration, skill development, and social justice. You can find them at the Queer Collage Collective booth. “Through participating in the Emancipation Day Block Party, we hope to reach more BIPOC families and youth, as well as potential volunteers, and sign them up for our 2024–2025 Roots & Wings programming!” says Alyssa Vernon on behalf of the Roots & Wings collective.
The summer season rolls on into another exciting month of activity in Kingston. Between summer festivals, live music, sports, and the return of the Kick & Push Festival, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make the most of the season!
Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration! If you’re looking to submit a French language event, please use our French submission form.
Click each image for information.
1. Murney Fest
2. Movie Night
3. Emancipation Day celebrations
4. Doors Open Kingston & Area
5. Kick & Push Festival
6. Princess Street Promenade
7. Women’s Art Festival
8. Candlelight tributes: Coldplay and ABBA
9. Back to the Farm
10. Sheep Dog Trials Festival
11. Salsa in the Square
12. Sick City outdoor guided tour
13. Sunset Ceremony
14. Live music at Juniper Cafe
15. Greek Fest
16. Tunes 4 Tails: Miss Emily, The Wildnerness, Evan Rotella
It’s hard to ignore the call of the water’s beckoning waves. Here in Kingston, it’s easy to stay active and inspired with Lake Ontario right at your doorstep. So, lace up your sneakers and come explore the waterfront trail, where every landmark, building, and hidden treasure tells a story.
Eastbound along Breakwater Park
Taking off from the Gord Edgar Downie Pier south of Queen’s Campus, be sure to take in Lake Ontario’s glistening horizon, jeweled with the spinning white windmills of Wolfe Island. Named after the late frontman of The Tragically Hip, the Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park is a popular summer beach and gathering space.
Heading east along the shore you’ll pass by a massive shimmering sculpture called Time. Created by Russian-born artist Kosso Eloul, the aluminum sculpture was built to honour Kingston’s tercentenary (its 300th anniversary) in 1973.
As you walk along the path hugged by mature trees, take in the fresh air, the sounds of gull’s calls, and the crashing waves against the rocky shore. At the foot of each tree trunk you’ll find a dedication to a loved one or a notable local. Stop and take a moment to read their stories and gentle affections.
Towering over the trail ahead stands the KGH smokestack, a major power source for the Queen’s campus buildings and the general hospital. Continuing along you’ll pass by another art installation – Pollution; two massive pipes built in 1973, also for the city’s tercentenary.
Highlights of Macdonald Park
Weaving around the KGH helicopter pad you’ll enter Macdonald Park, home to the Murney Tower museum, Richardson Beach, and the Gaskin Lion, one of Kingston’s most beloved statues. An ideal rest-stop, the park offers public restrooms, a newly renovated beach, and the Newlands Pavilion.
Named in honour of its designer William Newlands, this beautiful bandstand was built in the late 19th century and later restored by another renowned architect, Lily Inglis, in 1979. Built to shelter musicians from the elements while exposing them to the cool lake breeze, this pavilion offers the perfect spot for a selfie on the water, framed by ornate columns and balusters. Looking inland from inside the stand, you’ll take in the Murney Tower Museum, the first of multiple military towers you’ll spot throughout Kingston.
A stroll through Sydenham Ward
Winding up Emily Street towards City Park, turn right on King Street and continue east. Brace yourself for a wealthy display of some of the city’s finest historical architecture. The six homes you’ll see on this little segment of the street boast exteriors of raw limestone and rare (to Kingston) yellow brick. Victorian, Queen Anne, and charming cottage designs adorn the street. Their smiling windows hold 200 years’ worth of memories.
Proceed back down towards the water by turning right on Simcoe Street. Awaiting you by the shore you’ll find the Kingston Yacht Club. Passing under weeping willows, you’ll find their sweeping branches perfectly frame the club’s marina, chock-full of gleaming ships, buoys, and sails.
Continuing along the paved path, you’ll find a wooden dock that leads into An Gorta Mor Park, typically populated with ducks, geese, gulls, and the odd fisherman. Facing the water behind the maple tree, notice the Celtic Cross. Erected by The Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration Association in 1998, it stands to commemorates the more than 1,500 people that died of typhus in Kingston in 1847 after fleeing the Great Hunger in Ireland. Landed and interred on these very shores, the Irish people and the Kingstonians who cared for them are remembered in An Gorta Mor Park. “An Gorta Mor” is Gaelic for “the Great Hunger.”
Waterfront museums and more
Crossing the little metal bridge next to Ahoy Rentals, you’ll notice a large red brick 19th- century building – the PumpHouse Museum, which exhibits the early ingenuity of the city’s first waterworks. On the subject of man-made wonders, continue east to the end of Lower Union Street, where you’ll come upon a striking sight on the Kingston waterfront: the S.S. Keewatin.
The last of her kind, this Titanic-era treasure is beautiful inside and out. Newly open to the public via the Great Lakes Museum’s tours, the Keewatin is a relic not to be missed. Standing in its wake, you’ll find the vessel an altogether humbling and awe-inspiring sight. Once you’ve finished taking in the wonder of the great ship, cut through Navy Memorial Park.
Leading back down to the water, Gore Street will take you to Battery Park, yet another lovely place to stop for a rest in a red Adirondack chair and take in the lake. Try to spot the Wolfe Island ferry cruising by or the Fort Frederick tower in the distance.
Hidden pathways to historic sites
Continuing along the waterfront path, you’ll find the Delta Hotel with a stunning spray-paint mural wrapping around its walls. This is the work of Kingston’s own EronOne, whose work colours many walls throughout the city.
Turning the corner on the hotel’s integrated pathway, you’ll see the last marina of this tour, the Confederation Basin. As you loop around, you’ll see an arrestingly picturesque view of the Shoal Tower, adorned with ordered rows of stately ships and elegant sailboats. Passing by AquaTerra Restaurant’s lively outdoor patio, you’ll come to the heart of Kingston’s downtown core. Here you’ll find City Hall, Confederation Park, and the Visitor Information Centre (VIC). For a free water refill, stop at the VIC, nestled inside the city’s former train station.
As your waterfront expedition comes to a close, venture over to the Crawford Wharf dock for a perfect final view of the lake. This is where your four-km. waterfront trail walk ends, but your adventure doesn’t have to end here. Head north into Kingston’s downtown core, where the city’s rich history collides with all things new.
To read more about the city’s architectural treasures find guided tours on our website.
Read up on the Murney Tower, a rare national historic site, on the museum’s website.
From a Serbian immigrant’s basement to the forests of Cedar Island–the illustrious Kick & Push (K&P) Festival takes audiences to new, distinctive places.
Taking place July 25 to August 18, K&P offers unconventional performances by award-winning Canadian artists. Founded in Kingston, the festival was named after the old Kingston and Pembroke railway, built in 1871 and nicknamed the “Kick & Push”.
As K&P enters its tenth year of operation, the festival’s creative director Liam Karry promises productions that push the boundaries of theatre and celebrate the city’s artistic landscape.
“Kingston is the city we call home. Kingston is where innovation happens. And to be able to bring innovative and live performances to the downtown area, we’re really excited about that,” Karry says.
Among the list of K&P’s unforgettable productions is the Indigenous artist residency on Cedar Island. As the sun dips below the horizon, audiences are invited aboard a boat to the island off the eastern shore of Fort Henry. There, Brian Solomon, an Indigenous contemporary dancer, presents a breathtaking performance, illuminated by the glow of fireflies.
The Indigenous artists residency is the most important program K&P hosts, Karry says.
“It’s an opportunity for Indigenous artists to go to a national park and respond to [their surroundings] artistically and in a way of their choosing. The work they create is beautiful,” Karry says.
Back in the downtown Kingston area, you may spot a beautiful goddess whizzing by on a bike. You’ve stumbled upon “Divine Interventions.”
Four goddesses have been summoned to the Limestone City in this unrestricted musical performance created by K&P in collaboration with Centre Culturel Frontenac. “Divine Interventions” captures the wonders of the improbable, Karry explains.
You may find yourself a part of another spontaneous production, “Other(wordly).” In this free-spirited art installation, performers traverse the downtown area wearing elaborate pieces curated by ingenious textile artist Leisa Rich.
Artist Leslie Ting has also brought her talents to Kingston for an interactive performance at the Baby Grand Theatre. “What Brings You In” offers audiences an immersive and emotionally stirring experience, all while being serenaded by Ting’s violin.
Below the stunning art pieces and haunting melodies enveloping downtown Kingston is the production, “Basement Girl.” Audiences will enter the basement apartment of Serbian immigrant Jovana and see what life is like for someone new to Canada.
“The performance is a unique and timely comment on the immigrant experience written from a female point of view,” Karry says.
You can purchase your tickets to “Basement Girl” or any other K&P production on their website today.
Rounding out K&P is Theatre Kingston Fringe Festival, K&P’s rebellious teenage cousin, according to Karry. Taking place August 1 to 11 within the K&P Festival, local and visiting artists perform unconventional plays at the Kingston Grand Theatre and Confederation Place Hotel.
“Kingston has a young energy. The Fringe embodies that,” Karry says.
Here’s a list of this year’s Theatre Kingston Fringe shows. Prepare to shed a tear, laugh your head off, and ponder life’s deepest questions.
Dell finds himself transported to a time and place that’s strange yet recognizable after stepping into a pair of new shoes. Watch Dell’s uncanny journey at the Kingston Grand Theatre this summer.
An astrologer with a dubious past must pay off his debt to a criminal syndicate. Watch him descend into madness while gaining new insight into the rising trend of toxic male grifter culture.
Tania and Ron’s marriage is in shambles after an incident during midsummer. When Ron finds himself entangled in the legal system, he seeks help from his distant wife.
Can Tania look past Ron’s mistakes and help her husband navigate his legal woes?
Is it possible to stop loving someone completely, or do we forever carry the pieces of our lost love with us? “Knowing Riley” explores the tribulations of letting someone into your life, then losing them.
Three stoned women walk into a mall, hellbent on finding Santa. Unearthing their sex lives and daddy issues, “MILF and Cookies” explores themes of female empowerment and feminism.
The one-women show is performed by Anne Marie Scheffler who’s delivered her hilarious work at Laugh Factory and Second City in Toronto.
This personal play tells one man’s journey from being a shy, fatherless Jewish child in Winnipeg to a dad, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Funny, touching, and real.
Yes. Freddy Proia really was shot in the ass by Mickey Mouse. Learn more about Freddy’s quirky childhood escapades during this performance brimming with energy and humour at the Kingston Grand Theatre.
Mark Cassidy is all too familiar with the overblown air-conditioning and off-white floral sheets of hotels and motels. “ABD With Mark the C” recounts the Toronto-based writer, director, and performer’s experience growing up in hotels and motels in Ontario.
This one-women show produced by Queen’s University graduate Deanna Cervi tells the love story of Nora and Isabelle –and what happened once their love died.
“Circus Gothic” tells the true story of a 1970s clown tour lead by Richard Pochinko, Canadian teacher and innovator. Enmeshed with poignant insights and drama, this solo performance is a worthwhile production.
Sexual escapades during Christian summer camp and clandestine relationships at missionary study. This oxymoronic tale is about a young person’s exploration of their faith, sex, and sin.
Talented actors come together to recount history’s greatest moments…off the cuff. As one narrator walks audiences through the world’s momentous moments, guest performers hilariously improvise the important events.
This sexy, touching, hilarious, and educational performance by two Queen’s University students is about one person’s hatred of car-centric infrastructure and their attempt to halt the automobile industry in its tracks.
A subway car hurdles towards its final station in this breathtaking performance. One passenger knows what’s happening. The others been left in the dark.
Has he truly found solace in his tiny, electric keyboard, or is he going mad? “New Wave Your Behaviour” is about a Gen X man’s journey with his mental health and synth-pop music.
This improv show truly embraces the ethos of K&P Festival–nothing’s off limits in “A Sketchy Kind of Show.” This quirky performance was developed by a team of talented writers and features hilarious social commentary.
Maggie, played by Thea Fitz-James, is a headstrong women competing for a spot at the table with her male coworkers, all while navigating burnout and sexism.
Combining academic research and performance art, this poignant performance explores the categorization of ambitious women as “bitches.”
No matter if it’s a hot July evening, a crisp September afternoon, or a chilly January morning, Kingston boasts date spots for every season.
We’ve put together a list of ideas (that aren’t restaurants) for summer, fall, and winter to help you plan the perfect first date or anniversary celebration.
This picturesque lookout is the perfect way to impress your next date or longtime significant other.
Hop in your car or rent a bike from i-Cycle Electric Bike Co. and take the scenic, uphill journey to the military fort. At the top, you’re met with a panoramic view of Kingston, featuring City Hall, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the tranquil waters of the St. Lawrence River.
If you head to Fort Henry during sunset, you’ll get an uninterrupted view of the pinky-orange summer sky. Play some romantic music, grab takeout from your favourite Kingston restaurant, and enjoy the gorgeous sunset with your date.
Make some buttered popcorn, snag two lawn chairs, and enjoy free movies in the square under the stars, cuddled next to your date.
Every Thursday night from mid-June to August, laugh-out-loud comedies and family-friendly classics are projected on a giant inflatable screen in Springer Market Square. You can bring your own snacks or purchase a bag of popcorn at the Square for $2. If your date has a sweet tooth, grab some cotton candy for $4.
Kingston boasts several sandy beaches that are perfect for a daytime picnic with your partner.
First, head over to Pan Chancho Bakery and Café to grab some cold drinks, a fresh loaf of bread, cheese, and all the finger food required for the perfect picnic date. After packing your picnic basket and a blanket, drive 25 minutes east of Kingston to Grass Creek Park (2991 Highway 2), a beautiful sandy beach with a designated picnic area.
Want a shorter drive? Try Crerar Park & Reddendale Beach to the west, equipped with its own gradual sandbar leading into the serene waters of Lake Ontario. Sip on your drink and watch the waves lap against the hidden beach’s shore.
Grab your partner, strap on your dancing shoes, and head to Springer Market Square for some spicy salsa classes.
On Tuesdays in July and August, free salsa dancing classes are offered from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in Springer Market Square. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned salsa dancing couple, instructors will show you how to connect with your partner and move to the Latin music.
Put your moves to the test when Springer Market Square becomes an open dance floor from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as darkness shrouds the Limestone City.
Afterwards, stop by one of the many restaurants surrounding Springer Market Square for dinner and drinks. Continue your Latin–themed date night and pop into Tango Nuevo for delicious tapas.
Frolic with your date through fields of berries this summer.
In July, you and your partner can pick raspberries and blueberries at Fruition Berry Farms located just 20 minutes from downtown Kingston. Raspberries cost $4.50/L while blueberries cost $6.50/L.
After picking the fresh summer berries, use them to whip up a delicious brunch with your partner. Nothing’s better than fresh berries, sweet maple syrup, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and good company on a bright weekend morning.
Fruition Berry Farm closes in August to prepare for the autumn harvest. Come back in September for pumpkins and a corn maze.
When the sun sets in October, Fort Henry transforms into a nightmarish realm brimming with monsters and ghouls. Shrouded in darkness, you and your date will make your way through the haunted halls of the museum. Listen closely, and you’ll hear ghosts luring you forward. You’ll be clinging to your date after experiencing this haunted site.
Visit Fort Henry’s website to purchase your tickets for Fort Fright. Keep the Halloween vibes going and try one of Kingston’s Haunted Walks available year-round.
While enjoying the crisp fall air, you and your date can pick sweet apples at Waddell Apples Orchard & Farm Store.
From September to October, you can take part in this quintessential fall activity just 20 minutes north of downtown Kingston. A medium bag of apples costs $20, while a large costs $40.
Bring some McIntosh or Lobo apples home and make a warm fall dessert with your partner.
Fall hiking
Multiple locations
Whether you’re an outdoorsy couple wanting to traverse rugged terrain or looking for an easy, scenic hiking trail perfect for a first date, we’ve got you covered.
When the leaves turn yellow and orange, stroll along Lemoine Point’s (1440 Coverdale Drive) 11 km hiking trail, crossing picturesque woodlands, fields, and marshlands. The terrain is relatively flat, perfect for novice hikers wanting to experience the great outdoors with their partner.
K&P Trails offers another easy hiking route where you can tumble into easy conversation with your date. The 22 km-long trail spans urban and rural areas, so you and your significant other will never get bored on your gorgeous fall walks.
For outdoorsy couples wanting to take their hiking skills to the next level, check out Frontenac Provincial Park (6700 Salmon Lake Road), a year-round hiking trail located 45 minutes outside Kingston. The woodsy terrain features a plethora of gargantuan trees and unique wildlife.
Put your thinking caps on, head over to Improbable Escapes, and complete an exhilarating escape room with your significant other.
Set the spooky September mood and try Improbable Escape’s Coroner’s Report; you and your partner will have 60 minutes to escape an abandoned hospital with a dubious history. The atmospheric escape room was modelled after classic horror movie sets and haunted houses, amplifying the puzzle’s eeriness.
If you’re looking for something lighter, try the Legend of the Mayan Temple–you’ll need to crawl, slide, and traverse the Mayan jungle to find the king’s lost cup.
Each meticulously designed puzzle at Improbable Escape’s varies in difficulty, so there’s a room for every couple. Visit Improbable Escape’s website to learn more about their puzzles and plan your date.
Hold hands with your significant other and discover the limestone city’s music, literature, and film histories while enjoying the yellow and orange-tinted landscape.
The Creative Kington Walking Tours are free, self-guided excursions taking you around the city’s picturesque and historically rich landmarks. They offer one to two-and-a-half-hour tours focusing on film, literature, and music in Kingston.
The downtown film tour will take you through Springer Market Square where Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro filmed parts of Crimson Peak. The world-famous director turned the historic square into a 19th-century market bustling with horse-drawn carriages and women in Edwardian dresses.
Try the west film tour if your date wants to learn how the Kingston Penitentiary became the setting for the television show Mayor of Kingstown starring Jeremy Renner.
If you and your partner delight in historical fiction or contemporary poetry, try one of the literary tours. The downtown tour will take you past Novel Idea, and the former home of The Kingston Whig-Standard. If you choose the west tour, you’ll visit the Tett Centre, an artistic space overlooking Lake Ontario.
To know the origins of the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip and visit the site of their final concert in 2016, consider taking one of Kingston’s music tours.
Popcorn, a Ferris wheel, and gigantic stuffed animals– a perfect date to the fair, right in the heart of Kingston.
The Kingston Fall Fair takes place every September at Kingston Memorial Centre, boasting rides, games, and vendors.
Jump on the swinging pirate ship ride before playing a round of ring toss, winning your date a gift in the process. After trying all the dizzying rides and entertaining games, share a sugary, melt-in-your-mouth bucket of cotton candy. For couples with adventurous taste buds, try a delectable, deep-fried Oreo.
Despite the cold winter chill, you and your date can still experience Kingston outdoors.
Grab your skates or rent a pair at Trailhead Kingston (262 Princess Street) and head to Springer Market Square for an open ice rink. Open 8 am to 10 pm daily, this free rink is the perfect winter date spot.
Before heading home, cross the square to 20 Market Street to grab a sugary treat from BeaverTails Kingston.
This intimate, down-to-earth movie theatre, a stark contrast from the gigantic multiplexes, is the perfect place to cozy up to your partner.
Head over to The Screening Room for the best popcorn in the city, topped with real butter, and catch a movie. They play a wide range of movies, from cult classics to small indie films. Check out The Screening Room’s website to see what movies are playing this month.
With your concession snacks in tow, settle into the small theatre, and pull the classic yawn-and-stretch on your date.
Escape the winter chill and step inside this thermotherapy spa in the heart of downtown Kingston.
Glow Spa’s romantic, relaxing thermotherapy experience features a steaming, glowing hot tub, cold plunge, spacious sauna, and steam room wafting with the smell of essential oils. While Glow Spa enforces a no-talking policy, their thermotherapy spa is the perfect place for you and your partner to unwind together for one, two, or three hours.
If you and your date want the ultimate spa day experience, try Glow Spa’s escape packages. Their full-day wellness package includes a three–hour spa retreat, 60-minute facial and RMT message, a complimentary drink, and lunch sourced from a local restaurant.
Don’t have the time for a full-day retreat? Glow Spa offers a half-day escape package featuring a three-hour spa retreat, massage or facial, complimentary drink, and personalized charcuterie box.
Take the much-needed break you and your partner deserve at Glow Spa today.
Explore Kingston’s coffee shops
Multiple locations
Dotting Kingston is a plethora of gorgeous cafes where you can enjoy peppermint mochas and homemade baked goods while getting to know your date.
Crave Coffee House & Bakery (166 Princess Street) is a Kingston favourite with its rotating menu and unique latte flavors. Their rows upon rows of soft cookies and fresh tarts are irresistible. Share one with your date or gobble it up yourself. We don’t judge.
Just west of Crave Coffee House & Bakery is Balzac’s Coffee Roasters (251 Princess Street) decorated with yellow accents and a large marble coffee bar. Sit in front of Balzac’s large windows with your partner, watch the snow fall, and catch up over a cup of coffee.
If you want a change of scenery, head to The Juniper Cafe (370 King Street West), overlooking Kingston’s icy waterfront. The intimate cafe dotted with plants and rustic wooden tables is the perfect place to lean in close and learn about your date’s interests.
Escape the dirty, dreary winter slush and hit the powered, white trails at Little Cataraqui Creek this winter.
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area offers hourly snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. Strap on your snowshoes or skis and glide over the snow while admiring the snow-covered tree tops and winter wildlife.
Only 15 minutes from downtown Kingston, make Little Cataraqui Creek your date spot.
Kingston amateur golfer Ashton McCulloch is having a busy summer this year. He’s already played in two North American professional golf championships and he’s getting a close look at how the best players in the world go about their business.
McCulloch, 21, a senior this fall at Michigan State University, qualified to play in both the Canadian Open at the end of May in Hamilton and the U.S. Open Championship in North Carolina in mid-June.
He qualified for the Canadian Open by winning the 2023 Canadian Amateur championship last summer. To get to the U.S. Open, McCulloch qualified on June 3 in Ridgeway, Ontario. He was one of seven qualifiers out of a field of 70. McCulloch played 36 holes that day and recorded a score of eight under par after rounds of 66 and 69.
“Obviously, it was super-cool,” McCulloch said in an interview a few days after the U.S. Open. “The fans, the golf course, everything was super awesome and I hope to do it again.”
McCulloch shot a pair of 75s at the Open and missed the cut by five strokes on the tough course at the Pinehurst Resort.
He was part of a field of more than 100 golfers, including eventual champion Bryson DeChambeau, runner-up Rory McIlroy and legendary PGA Tour icon Tiger Woods. McCulloch said his interactions with those type of players was limited to brief introductions, but “I got to meet all the Canadians – Nick Taylor, Mackenzie Hughes, Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin. All those guys came up and introduced themselves.”
Bryson DeChambeau won the tournament with a score of -6, edging out Scotland’s Rory McIlroy by a stroke.
At the Open, McCulloch had something in common with champion DeChambeau; they both found their golf balls many times in the Pinehurst No. 2 course’s infamous “native area” that runs alongside most of the course’s fairways. The area is a combination of sand, different types of tall grasses, other growth, and rocks which can cause a golfer’s ball to act unusually when hit.
“I definitely did end up in there; with the fairways being so firm, it’s hard to hit them because the ball just rolls farther than you expect,” McCulloch said. “When you hit it in there, it comes down to a lot of luck because there’s some open areas in there and there are some lies where you can definitely have trouble advancing the ball.”
McCulloch was asked what he learned about playing in professional tournaments. “How to deal with everything that you’re unfamiliar with,” he said. “It’s unfamiliar for me and unfamiliar for a lot of other guys too. You have to handle it a certain way… At a U.S. Open, a lot of it is mental because how hard it is. It’s not golf like we’re used to playing in Canada, where you can typically make a lot of birdies.”
At Pinehurst he was thirteenth in driving distance and nineteenth in greens in regulation for the week but had problems with his short game.
“I hit the ball good enough to be out there, I just didn’t putt and chip as well as I needed to at a major championship.”
He also missed the cut at the Canadian Open, scoring five over par after two rounds.
On his way up the golf competitive ladder as a college junior, McCulloch won many local senior amateur tournaments, including the City Match Play Championship twice, the Whig-Standard tournament, and the club championship at the Cataraqui Golf and Country Club.
McCulloch plans to play in a few more amateur championships and to defend his 2023 Canadian Amateur Championship August 5 to 8 in Saskatoon. He’ll also play in the United States Amateur Championship in Minnesota from August 12 to 18.
Then he’ll return to Michigan State for his fourth and final year in applied engineering sciences and after that, he plans to join the PGA Tour.
“I’m hoping to finish strong in my senior year and play well this summer to score on PGA Tour U so I can graduate with a tour card.” PGA Tour University bridges the worlds of college and professional sport: the very top players earn automatic access to PGA Tour-sanctioned circuits immediately after graduation. For those who don’t crack the top 25, there’s the highly competitive PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, or Q-School. If McCulloch doesn’t graduate with a tour card, “then I’ll go to Q School and get my card that way.”
Either way, keep an eye out for Kingston’s Ashton McCulloch on a PGA Tour in the near future.
In 2014, while working at Lululemon’s corporate office and store in downtown Kingston, Martha Williams pondered where she saw herself in 10 years.
“My goal was to create a space that included all the things I love–Spinning, yoga, art, and a café,” Martha says.
Martha made her dreams a reality and on December 7, 2023, opened Pedal Works Café & Studios (1412 Princess Street): a coffee shop with Spinning and yoga studios.
Walking through the double doors of Pedal Works, you’re met with a cozy living room, complete with a fireplace and large comfy chairs. To the left of the entrance is a bohemian coffee bar with rustic, wooden accents and warm lights. The café serves baked goods from Jobwell, a nonprofit organization supporting adults living with mental health challenges, teas from Kebaonish, a local Indigenous-led company, and of course, coffee. Pedal Works brews coffee from D’vine Connexions, a local women-led business that purchases its coffee beans from small farms in Honduras.
A strong supporter of small businesses, Martha invites local sellers to a monthly event called “First Fridays,” allowing them to share their products with the Pedal Works community. Customers are encouraged to unwind, sip on a cold glass of bubbly, and listen to R&B music, all while enjoying Pedal Work’s peaceful and inviting ambiance.
“I’ve had people say things like ‘it’s so welcoming. It’s the first time I’ve actually felt like I was part of something,’” Martha says.
Artwork from a diverse range of artists adorns the space’s walls, featuring vibrant animals and stunning greenspaces. Martha’s love for art is woven into every corner of the café.
Martha inherited her artistic flair from her mother; however, she describes her own journey into the world of watercolours as serendipitous. While in graduate school at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), she painted an aerial photo of herself and her rowing partner traversing tranquil waters in their boat.
“She’s Black and there’s not a lot of Black people in rowing. So, I painted a picture of us rowing doubles and posted it on social media,” Martha says.
A Toronto news outlet noticed her ability to perfectly capture the water’s blue and grey hues and wrote an article about the painting, launching Martha’s art career.
Martha is as passionate about Spinning as she is about art. The Master Spin instructor–equipped with the credentials to teach aspiring instructors–designed Pedal Work’s classes to be safe and educational, eschewing loud, EDM music, and excessively fast pedal strokes.
“We focus on visualization, meditation. It’s all science-based,” Martha says.
Martha’s interest in cycling and journey to become a Master Spin instructor–one of only three in Canada–began during her childhood in Kingston.
Needing a way to get to the waterfront by 5:30 am for rowing practice, Martha received a bike from her mother. She fell in love with cycling and refined her skills throughout her time at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
After years of working in the fitness and cycling industry, Martha attended a Spinning conference in Miami. She was struck by the impact Spinning had on so many people’s lives–it made them feel as though they were a part of a larger community.
“I was blown away by what Spinning was to so many people, and I thought, ‘Oh, I definitely want to be able to train instructors and teach each of them the way spinning was always meant to be,” Martha says.
Here’s what to expect with your first class at Pedal Works.
After ensuring your bike seat is at the correct height for your size, Martha starts your class by explaining proper pedal stroke technique and breathing exercises. As the instrumental music picks up, she encourages you to close your eyes and picture yourself cycling through a tranquil valley, a placid lake to the right, evergreen trees to the left, and birds circling the clear blue sky above.
Soon, you’ll encounter the valley’s rolling hills. As you crank up the Spin bike’s resistance, Martha offers words of affirmation. You’ll be reminded of your strength and encouraged to turn complaints of pain and exhaustion into expressions of gratitude for your body’s ability to push through a challenging workout.
After completing the sweaty Spin class, pop over to the yoga studio and stretch out your muscles. Pedal Work’s yoga classes are restorative, focusing on mobility and functional movements.
From the yoga studio to the Spinning room to the coffee bar, each aspect of Pedal Works was designed with love. Martha turned an elusive blueprint in her mind into a tangible, warm space welcoming customers from all walks of life.
“Customers walk in and say, ‘This feels like I’m home,’” Martha says. “They feel safe. And I know every single person who walks through that door.”
Whether it’s a Mexican-fusion restaurant serving mouthwatering tacos or an authentic Texas barbeque offering platters of perfectly grilled meat, Kingston’s west-end restaurants are distinctive in their style and cuisine.
We’ve created a list of the best west-end patios you can visit today.
With Mesa Fresca’s patio open for the summer, the city has a new spot to sip on a hibiscus margarita and snack on house-made tortilla chips with fresh guacamole.
During the day, Mesa Fresca’s patio is dotted with bright yellow umbrellas and vibrant greenery. When the sun sets, string lights illuminate the outdoor space, creating a warm and intimate ambiance amplified by Mesa Fresca’s wooden bar and private location in the west end.
The restaurant serves Latin and Mexican-inspired dishes, such as their crowd-pleasing churros with bittersweet Mexican chocolate and gooey caramel. Mesa Fresca prides itself on using local suppliers to purchase its dairy, meat, produce, and alcohol products.
Mesa Fresca offers vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Plus, their kitchen is entirely peanut-free.
Call Mesa Fresca at 613-389-6372 and book your reservation today.
Founded on the mantra “Beer Without Boundaries,” this west-end brewery serves a variety of unique beers on their orange-accented patio.
Sitting outside in Spearhead Brewing Company’s beer garden, filled with orange umbrellas and placed on a neatly trimmed swath of grass, you can enjoy their signature brews, such as the Hawaiian Style Pale Ale, featuring pineapple and citrusy flavours, or Amber of the North, which has a warm chocolate molasses taste with undertones of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit aroma.
Can’t pick just one beer? Expand your palate and purchase the flight of four beers.
If you’re not a fan of beer, Spearhead also serves classic cocktails, local wines, and non-alcoholic drinks, including their handcrafted sparkling beverage, Akwa, with notes of grapefruit, tropical fruit, and lemon. It’s the perfect drink to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
In addition to a wide variety of drinks, Spearhead serves kettle chips, smoked meat on rye bread, and a variety of mouthwatering flatbreads. Order their warm pretzel with mustard to go along with your pint.
Whether you come on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm for happy hour or on Sundays for $5.97 Caesars, you’re bound to have a great time on Spearhead’s patio chatting with friends over a cold drink. Book a table on their patio today!
Southern-style banana cream pie and authentic Texas barbeque has found a home in Kingston at Smoke ’N Barrel.
Smoke ’N Barrel’s spacious patio outfitted with whisky barrels, string lights, and rustic, wooden accents is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a spiked lemonade. The restaurant, run by the owner of the iconic ’50s diner in downtown Kingston, Tommy’s (377 Princess Street), hosts happy hour on Monday to Friday from 2 to 5 pm.
In addition to its extensive whisky and drink menu, Smoke ’N Barrel serves huge BBQ meat plates, loaded mac and cheeses, and other delicious southern classics. Despite their expertise in brisket and pulled pork, Smoke ’N Barrel also has flavourful options for vegetarians, including their cornbread buttons with homemade honey butter.
Take a trip to the American south in west-end Kingston and enjoy a plate of smoked meat on their patio!
Red House West’s seasonal menu items and weekly specials, featuring fresh ingredients like peach salsa, arugula, and cherry tomatoes, never disappoint. Nor does their patio on a sunny summer day.
Red House West’s food is both flavourful and versatile, making their sauces and marinades from scratch and serving dishes from a wide range of cultures. From burgers to fish tacos to jambalaya, there’s a dish for everyone to enjoy on the restaurant’s patio. Red House West also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
The flavours of southeastern Ontario permeate all Red House West’s dishes; they purchase fresh garlic, incorporated into tasty dishes such as their seafood linguine, from A&B Elephant Garlic located in Central Frontenac. They also provide customers with a selection of locally crafted beers from Spearhead Brewing Company (featured in this list) and MacKinnon Brothers Brewing.
Red House West even collaborated with the MacKinnon Brothers on a signature brew you can order at the restaurant!
Check out their Instagram for updates on seasonal and weekly specials.
For a pool hall, restaurant, and bar wrapped into one establishment, head over to Raxx Bar and Grill. Its distinctive green and red exterior is hard to miss.
Raxx Bar and Grill’s patio offers a breezy, open atmosphere, contrasting the bar and grill’s intimate, dimly lit interior where customers can play a game of pool and listen to live music on Friday and Saturday.
In addition to staple menu items such as the King Kong Club and fajitas, Raxx Bar and Grill offers dinner specials during the week. Come down to Raxx on Tuesday for fish and chips, Wednesday for wings, Thursday for ribs, and Friday for steak. They also offer gluten-sensitive and vegetarian options.
Go to Raxx Bar and Grill’s website to make your patio reservation.
Besides visiting Kingston’s beaches, lounging in a Muskoka chair on Hard Way Cider’s patio while sipping on their Life’s a Peach Slushie is the perfect way to cool down this summer.
The only urban cidery in the west end, Hard Way Cider is serving their dry and barrel-aged ciders all summer long on their open patio. Cider flavours include the Loco Blanco, a tequila-infused cider featuring sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, and the Ramboozle, mixed with raspberry juice, giving the cider a fruit-focused taste.
To go along with your cold cider, Hard Way Cider serves General Assembly pizzas and small snack plates.
To learn more about the local cidery’s story, check out our profile on the business.
Try this English-style pub’s famous wings and wide selection of beers on their patio this summer.
The Loyal Oarsman, outfitted with an authentic British telephone booth, dim lights, deep brown furniture, and an intimate, old-timey bar, also has a large, shaded patio. Serving mouthwatering pub food, such as steak and Guinness pie and bangers and mash, The Loyal Oarsman is a welcoming spot for large groups and small intimate gatherings alike.
Head over to The Loyal Oarsman’s website and book your reservation on their patio.
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