There’s no better place to be in the summerthanKingston. The city comes alive with streetside patios, outdoor concerts, guided tours, and waterfront activities. Date night destination? Family-fun adventures?Girls’ trip inspo? Time in nature? You’ll find it all in the Limestone City.
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.
Includes inclusive activities, live entertainment, vendor market featuring local artisans and businesses, KidsZone with inflatables and games, and BBQ and food vendors
The fourth annual edition of SPRING REVERB takes place May 29 to June 1, 2025 throughout downtown Kingston and the Inner Harbour. The unique Kingston music festival features a variety of live music shows plus professional development opportunities for musicians.
Menno Versteeg: set time: 2:15–3:15 pm With a stellar career spanning two decades as the leader of Hollerado and one-quarter of supergroup Anyway Gang, Menno Versteeg is no stranger to the stage and the airwaves, ten Top 10 singles, one gold record and one #1 alternative single. Why We Run is his first solo album.
Anthea Fever: set time: 1:30–2 pm Anthea Feaver is a songwriter passionate about traditional folk music; a teacher with a degree in community arts education; and an old-time fiddle and banjo player. On stage, she is as likely to sing a bittersweet love song as she is to give a quick history lesson, tell a long-winded joke, or break into an upbeat tune. What shines throughout is her ability to draw people together. Whether at an intimate house concert or on a festival stage, Anthea has her audience singing and laughing along
Snotty Nose Rez Kids: set time: 2–45-3:45pm Snotty Nose Rez Kids are the First Nations hip hop duo Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce. Since their debut in 2017, they have gained recognition for their politically charged lyrics and high-energy performances. Their album The Average Savage was shortlisted for the 2018 Polaris Music Prize and a Juno Award, marking their rise in the Canadian music scene. This year, Snotty Nose Rez Kids became the first Indigenous group to win the Juno award for rap album of the year (for the album Red Future).
KaKaow: set time: 2-2:30 pm KaKaow is a Kingston psychedelic and funk-infused multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, performer and creator. Drawing from a wide array of influences from Parliament-Funkadelic and Hendrix to K+Lab and Stickybuds, KaKaow is an up-and-coming contemporary Indigenous artist not to be missed.
So, you’ve got the songs—but what about the strategy? This isn’t your average workshop. Join us for a refreshingly real convo on the business side of music. With over a decade of experience delivering this program at schools and conferences, music industry veterans Ian Nichols and Brock Tinsley provide actionable strategies to help artists turn their passion into a sustainable career. Learn how to monetize your talent and navigate the business side of the arts with confidence and leave this presentation with your very own blueprint you can immediately apply to your chosen career in the arts.
Copyrights, contracts, royalties—oh my! Don’t let legal stuff trip you up. Join Ian Harris from Edwards Creative Law for a friendly breakdown of the essentials every Canadian musician (and manager!) should understand. Learn the basics, ask your questions, and leave feeling empowered.
Pull up a chair and meet the music pros. The Mentorship Café is your chance to connect with industry guests— indie label reps, booking agents, sync supervisors, A&R experts, and more. Free to attend, but registration is required.
Give your merch table a glow-up. From 1 to 4 pm, drop into the Wherehouse (Unit 15, 12 Cataraqui St.) for a hands-on workshop with designers and makers Eron One, emske design studio, Die Twice, and Born 2 Decay. Learn to screenprint, customize your own pieces, make buttons and more, all on the spot. Bring your own tee or purchase from a selection of thrifted ones onsite. Free, fun, and wildly useful.
Want to level up your TikTok game? Join TikTok phenom Ash Malloy for an intimate pre-show roundtable in Musiikki’s courtyard. Whether you’re a bedroom popstar or a seasoned artist, learn what actually works. Limited capacity and packed with insight.
Please note that while this conversation is free and open to everyone, a paid ticket ($15) is required for those wishing to stay for Ash’s performance, starting at 7:30 pm. Get your ticket for Ash Malloy in concert.
This spring, Kingston welcomes the best of Canada’s cheese producers to Fort Henry Hill. Featuring over 100 dairy and cheese producers, local growers, makers and more, this two-day festival gives guests the chance to sample their way across Canada, discover new favourites, and meet the people behind the food. Visit the Great Canadian Cheese Fest website for details and tickets.
Kick off the summer in Kingston at YGK Craft Beer Fest, the city’s annual celebration of live music, local food, and delicious brews. Take in the scenic waterfront and downtown skyline from Fort Henry Hill while sipping on locally made drinks, including beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoy a stellar musical lineup. Keep an eye on the Fort Henry website for updates, tickets, and vendors.
The air around the Memorial Centre will be rich with the smell of barbeque in early September when the Ribfest & Craft Beer Show arrives in town. Returning for its twelfth year, this festival is the best spot to enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, paired with Ontario craft beers, ciders, and more. Grab some grub and a nice spot in the sun, and make sure to stick around for live entertainment and activities for kids. Learn more on their website.
An annual tradition returns in September as vendors from all over set up at the grounds of the Memorial Centre to serve an iconic Canadian dish – poutine! Poutine Feast brings together a variety of vendors offering their takes on poutine, featuring the magical combination of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. This culinary celebration also offers games, competitions, and activities for both kids and adults.
Find delicious, local food and a friendly, community atmosphere at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. This Sunday market brings together local makers, producers, and artisans offering a wide range of fresh produce, hot meals, and tasty treats. In the warmer months, the market is hosted in the park in front of the Memorial Centre, where vendors set up tables under shady trees, musicians perform for shoppers and picnickers, and you might even catch some morning yoga! The market runs from 9 am to 1 pm November to April and 9 am to 2 pm from May to October. Take a look at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market website to see who will be there next Sunday.
There will be a special Easter evening market on Thursday, April 17 from 4 to 8 pm. There will be no regular market on Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday).
Whether you fancy yourself a casual wine drinker or an amateur sommelier, a visit to Bobbi Pecorino’s Italian Wine Bar on a Sunday afternoon offers an experience for the senses. Each tasting consists of four wines plus pairings from their food menu as well as an educational exploration of the lands and cultures behind each wine. Find more details on their website, and check out our feature on Bobbi Pecorino’s for a look behind the glass.
Join a workshop at Cha Cha Tea and learn about tea flavours with owner Kaoru, a certified tea sommelier. Upcoming workshops include “Cheese and tea pairing” on April 6 and the Mystery Book Club tea tasting workshop on April 27 and May 25. Book tickets and stay tuned for more upcoming workshops on their website.
Sip your way through historic locales in downtown Kingston on a leisurely wine tour with sommelier Ian Nicholls. Whether you’re new to the region or have lived here your whole life, this walking tour gives you a thorough introduction to wines from all across the world, hosted at charming restaurants, bars, and shops in downtown Kingston. Each day of the week features a different tour of four spots, so you can experience something new each time. Check out the list of stops and book your spot on the County Sips website.
For a different take on seafaring dining, a sail and picnic charter from Ahoy Rentals offers groups from two to five a weekend voyage and lunch aboard a sailboat. Board the Pommie Bee, a 26-foot sailing sloop and take in the views of Kingston’s picturesque waterfront while enjoying a delicious lunch from Pan Chancho, including a platter of cheese, fruit, and spreads, an entrée of your choice, and assorted desserts. Visit the Ahoy Rentals website for more details and to book your spot.
Get the inside look at beer-making with a visit to Fine Balance Brewing Company in Kingston’s east end. Groups of up to four can take a guided tour through the on-site brewhouse and learn about their process for crafting beer. This 15-minute tour comes full circle with a visit to their taproom for a tasting. Check out their website for details and to book your visit.
There’s no better way to get acquainted with Kingston’s famous food scene than to join a delicious Kingston Food Tour. Offered Wednesdays through Sundays, the Classic Kingston tour takes you on a stroll through the limestone streets of downtown and into restaurants and shops, tasting hand-picked dishes and learning local history along the way. For a different flavour, check out the Tapas Tour on Fridays and Saturdays, in which small plates are paired with alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverages. Read our feature on Kingston Food Tours to get the inside scoop.
If you enjoy a good view while you eat, Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises brunch, lunch, and sunset dinner cruises are a must-try. Take in stunning views of the 1000 Islands aboard the Island Queen while enjoying a three-course plated lunch or brunch or take to the river aboard the glass-topped Island Star for a sunset dinner cruise. On top of unbeatable vistas, all cruises include live music and a full-service bar. Read our story to check out what it’s like to dine on board. Check out the Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises website for details and bookings.
Try featured items from Academy’s new spring menu while listening to a three-piece jazz band at the Easter Brunch on April 20, enjoy breakfast for dinner with specialty cocktails at Sunset Brunch on May 3 & 31, or treat your mom to Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11. More details will be available soon. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on these upcoming events.
This May, take a stroll around downtown Kingston and visit these local businesses serving mocktails with eclectic flavour profiles—from coconut strawberry to cucumber.
During Downtown Kingston’s Mocktail May, pick up your “Mocktail Passport” at any of the participating businesses, order the signature mocktail featured on this list, and receive a sticker on your passport. Once you’ve collected five stickers, submit a picture of your passport to the Downtown Kingston website for the chance to win a $500 Downtown Kingston gift card, an overnight stay in a downtown accommodation, and 2 K-Passes, allowing you to experience a 1000 Islands Cruise, the hop-on hop-off trolley tour, and the city’s museums.
Mocktail May ends May 31 so visit these businesses and order their alcohol-free beverages soon!
This authentic Italian restaurant has created a refreshing mocktail to enjoy on their patio overlooking Springer Market Square. Olivea’s Aperitivzo Spritz includes Bella Aperitif, Cordoniu Zero, sparkling wine, and soda.
Step into this local brewery decorated with colourful wall art and neon signage to enjoy their Golden Gale while watching a hockey game. The mocktail—infused with Earl Grey tea, maple syrup, and apple cider—is perfect if you’re looking for a sweeter drink to enjoy on a spring day.
To go with their tapas (made with local produce and poultry), Bar Mayla created a fruit-forward beverage for May. Their Cloud Nine mocktail is infused with a berry shrub, lime, vanilla, egg whites, and hibiscus tea—the perfect drink to complement your table’s small plate of street corn nachos and chicken empanadas.
Union Kitchen + Cocktails has added another mocktail to their eclectic drink menu to satisfy customers’ taste buds. Their refreshing Cucumber Crush includes cucumber, lime juice, maple syrup, mint leaves, and egg whites. Union recently updated their menu to include Italian fare so stop by the local restaurant this weekend to try their new dishes and drinks.
This local establishment (featuring a secret back patio) created a mocktail to go along with their French-inspired dishes like steak frites and duck cassoulet. Served in a frosty glass, their Ginger & Juice includes NOA London Dry “gin,” guava, lime, and ginger beer.
Harper’s—a local joint serving classic cheeseburgers and innovative burger creations—is serving their Harper’s Refresher all month long. This bright red drink is garnished with fresh fruit and made with muddled berries, 7 Up, lime, and cranberry juice.
A summery spin on the Moscow Mule, Atomica is offering their Mango Mule all month long. Infused with ginger beer, mango & lime juice, and simple syrup.
Dianne’s made a drink alluding to the East-Coast-Mexican fusion restaurant’s iconic mermaid logo—the Mermaid Mocktail. This fruity mocktail includes blueberries, soda limonada, guava juice, and lemonade, and is garnished with fresh mint. Enjoy the drink on their patio located next to Confederation Basin or sip on the mocktail inside Dianne’s interior adorned with nautical decor.
Enjoy Baja’s spin on a mojito, featuring classic ingredients like mint, thyme, and simple syrup, soda, and fresh lime along with juicy blackberries. Wash down your tacos with this fresh mocktail on the Mexican restaurant’s back patio overlooking Kingston’s waterfront.
This restaurant’s mocktail’s name speaks to its taste, featuring “spiced rum,” pineapple, lime, ginger beer and mint. Pair this refreshing mocktail with Tango Nuevo’s tapas like roasted Brussels sprouts and Thai cod curry.
The most fruit-forward mocktail on this list, head over to Symphony Spa & Yoga and order the Summer Daze. This local yoga studio, smoothie, and raw bar’s mocktail includes orange juice, guava juice, lemon juice, raspberry, blueberry, and sparkling water. After grabbing your Summer Daze, take a short walk to Confederation Basin and enjoy your alcohol-free beverage by the waterfront.
Both indulgent and fresh, creamy and fruity, AquaTerra’s coconut strawberry lemonade is the perfect drink to sip on as spring gives way to summer. The fine-dining establishment’s mocktail features local ingredients like muddled strawberries alongside lemon juice, simple syrup, lemonade & coconut water, soda, and a strawberry garnish. Enjoy the lemonade on their patio or interior that boasts panoramic views of the water.
Another spin on a classic cocktail, this gastro-bar created a smokey and fresh drink to enjoy inside their blue-accented interior. Akin to an Arnold Palmer, Arnold Gets Roasted mocktail includes roasted black tea leaves and lemon juice and is crowned with a crunchy lemon Earl Grey sugar rim, fresh mint, and dehydrated lemon.
Take a walk over to Queen Street to shop for handmade porcelain and stoneware pottery by local artist and owner Marc Lemieux at Black Dog Pottery. He has been making pottery in downtown Kingston for 25 years. You’ll find a variety of kitchenware items, art pieces to display, and more. If you see a cute black dog while you’re there, that’s Pepper, the black dog that gives Black Dog Pottery its name.
Looking to take part in some pottery classes? Take part in a two-hour hand building and throwing classes, two-hour children pottery classes (for ages 7–12), or other classes and bring home a piece of art. Only interested in shopping? Here, you’ll find everything from garden and home items that elevate your space to jewelry and pet products you and your furry friend will fall in love with, all crafted right in their Kingston studio.
For decades, Gallery Raymond has been the spot to go for framing services, purchasing or renting local art, and art exhibitions. The gallery boasts a large commercial gallery representing local artists and a selection of over 400 works of art. Next time you visit downtown Kingston, stop in and find a unique art piece, or attend their next art exhibition to see a new artist’s work and meet the artist. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming exhibitions.
One of Kingston’s hidden gems, Martello Alley is an art gallery-themed historic alley in downtown Kingston. As you make your way through this unique gallery, you will find work by more than 20 local artists, including paintings, postcards, pottery, jewelry, and more. While you’re browsing in the alley, take a look at the ground. Notice anything? The ground is covered in brick, but not real bricks: each brick was painted on by the owner, David Dossett.
And, if you didn’t find a piece that spoke to you, head over to their newest location, Martello on Brock (66 Brock St.), to find more local artwork (only a three-minute walk from Martello Alley).
Find items inspired by history and heritage at General Brock’s Commissary. The shop showcases and sources local products in Ontario, including products by Oscardo Canadian Indigenous Art Gifts. From fashion and travel accessories to home and kitchen items, you’ll find creative art to wear and display. In-store you’ll also find their War of 1812 gallery. Be sure to ask about these pieces while you’re shopping to get a mini art gallery tour.
When the weather is warmer, you might even find local artist Joanne Gervais working on a new creation outside the store.
At Something Else Records, in addition to a wide selection of music, you’ll also find posters, prints, and hand-painted cards created by local artists. Check them out in-store and online.
Make sure to check out the makers’ section at the Visitor Information Centre. They feature a variety of local makers in their shop. Stay tuned for new makers being featured at the VIC by following Visit Kingston on Facebook and Instagram.
At the newly re-opened Bellevue House National Historic Site, experience history, engage, and reflect while you take in the complex story of Sir John A. Macdonald from various viewpoints. Take a self-guided tour or any of their three guided tours: Bellevue, in Brief; Keeping Up Appearances; and Unpacking Macdonald. For more information about Bellevue House tours, please visit their website.
Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era. The site served as a military fortress during the War of 1812 and later as a barracks for British troops. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Canada’s past. With its impressive limestone walls, military demonstrations, and scenic views of Lake Ontario, Fort Henry is a must-see destination for history buffs and families.
A museum for anyone interested in military history and families who will enjoy live demonstrations.
Appropriately located in the former Warden’s residence across the street from the Kingston Pen, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum has many unexpected facts about Canada’s Corrections system. Expect to see confiscated weapons, officer regalia, and works of art created by inmates.
A museum for anyone interested in criminology, Canadian history, or just unusual places and experiences.
Perfect for students who want a true throwback to the past; experience educational life in the early 1900s through displays of school textbooks, artifacts, memorabilia and photographs. There’s even a schoolroom stocked with slates and wooden desks! See upcoming events and closures for class visits on the museum’s website.
A museum for those interested in the educational system, lifelong learners, or those who want to learn more about Kingston’s history.
Fittingly located on the second floor of the INVISTA Centre, the Original Hockey Hall of Fame is filled with interesting facts and artifacts. The hall contains items like jerseys from Canadian hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Rocket Richard, and Gordie Howe as well as Kingston-specific exhibits on hometown favourites like Doug Gilmour and Jayna Hefford. A museum for hockey fans and sports lovers.
The Queen’s Archives holds collections of manuscripts, photographs, genealogical resources, and more. Registration is required for new researchers. A museum for researchers and anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Kingston.
This museum features a collection of the Earth’s rocks, minerals, and fossils (including a dinosaur exhibit with a fossil dig box), an overview of the geological history of the Kingston area, and exhibits about the oldest known animal fossils. You’ll love their newest exhibit featuring an Augmented Reality Sandbox display (perfect for kids who want to get their hands dirty!) Instructor-led educational programs presented in the Dr. Richard Milne Geo-science Education Classroom are available to pre-book for school groups, summer camp groups, and any other group of 10–30 people. Contact the museum by email at MillerMuseum@queensu.ca for more information.
A museum for geology lovers, mineral collectors, and those interested in the study of the Earth.
Housed in an 1855 log cabin, this one-of-a-kind museum offers “hands-on history” with woodworking and other workshops for visitors of all ages. Visit their website at https://www.woodworkingmuseum.ca/events-programs for a complete list of activities and registration details.
A kid-friendly museum for creators who love hands-on experiences.
Open: Currently open only for scheduled workshops and events. See their website for registration details.
Home to an artifact collection of over 4,000 objects and art, expect to find a broad range of instruments, tools, and equipment used by mariners and shipbuilders. There’s also a photo collection that includes images documenting ships and shipwrecks, the marine industry, shipping company advertising, and more. Small groups can also sign up for the Shipwrights game, a partnership between the museum and Improbable Escapes.
S.S. Keewatin is now open. Located at the Great Lakes Museum, this Titanic-era ship is a new attraction offering tours daily. The Passenger Experience, the Engine Room Experience, and the Combination Tour. On these tours, you’ll explore the decks, cabins, first-class accommodations, and the steamed powered engine of the historic Great Lakes steamship. Book ahead online.
A museum for marine lovers, sailors, and anyone interested in the story of Kingston and the Great Lakes.
Open: Mon – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm (S.S. Keewatin tours start May 11)
If you haven’t been to this museum, you’ll be surprised by how large it is. Explore displays that showcase military communications and the development and application of communications technology. One of the museum’s newest exhibitions, Below! Norad’s Underground Fortresses, highlights the engineering, computer technology, and operational history of the Cold War. The museum also offers two interactive games (in partnership with Improbable Escapes) that lead small groups through the exhibits in search of clues.
A museum for those interested in the Canadian military and communications technology.
Housed in one of Canada’s oldest waterworks, which provided running water to Kingston residents in the 1850s, this eye-catching museum offers a mix of old and new. Stunning old pumps and model train displays fill the space. The newest interactive exhibit, Dinosaurs Among Us, shares the connection between dinosaurs and birds and features dinosaur fossils, a prehistoric ostrich skull, and full raptor casts. See upcoming special events and programming on their website.
A kid-friendly museum for anyone interested in science, engineering, and technology.
Appropriately located in the Ann Baillie Building, a former residence for student nurses, the Museum of Health Care explores medical innovations in the 1800s, the influence of electricity in health care, and an inside look at the history of Kingston General Hospital. The museum has a number of exhibits and activities specifically for kids.
Built in 1846, Murney Tower is part of a series of fortifications, Kingston’s Martello towers, that were constructed in response to the Oregon Crisis. In 1925 it reopened as the Murney Tower Museum and is now open to the public for guided tours and visitation. This year, Murney Tower celebrate its 100th anniversary. See our story, A sentinel of history and heritage: the Murney Tower Museumto learn more about the Murney Tower Museum.
County Bounty sodas are made in Napanee, just west of Kingston. These lightly carbonated, lightly sweetened sodas use locally grown fruits and herbs in delightful combinations, like strawberry and basil, sour cherry and mint, and foraged botanicals. Find them in Kingston at Daughter’s General Store, The Everly Restaurant, Improbable Escapes, Juniper Café, Old Farm Fine Foods, The Screening Room, The Silly Yak, and Otter Creek Kitchen.
The Indigenous-owned small company in nearby Deseronto creates delicious sodas using traditional ingredients. Flavours include strawberry sweetgrass, orange maple, and blueberry sweetgrass “sumac-ade.” Find these sodas in Kingston at the Visitor Information Centre.
Two of Kingston’s breweries also make non-alcoholic beverages: Spearhead Brewing Company makes Akwa, a sparkling hop-infused botanical water. You can also find it at The Screening Room, Tara Natural Foods, and Pan Chancho.
Something in the Water Brewing Company offers sparkling hop water in three flavours: lime, berry, and peach. You can also find them at the Visitor Information Centre.
Patriam’s Lemon Ginger Sparkling Americano is a canned coffee made with all-natural ingredients, fresh juices, and locally roasted organic coffee. The fun and vibrant packaging you see on the cans was created by a local artist. Head to Patriam tucked inside Fine Balance Brewing at 677 Innovation Dr. Unit 4 to try one in person.
Stay tuned for the three flavours Patriam is adding this spring, including a decaf version of our original flavour and iced tea.
Cooke’s coffee blends can be found in many local restaurants. Some venues – Chez Piggy, the Frontenac Club, and Days on Front – have their own signature Cooke’s coffee blend. You can sample these blends with your restaurant meal or take home a pound of beans or ground coffee from Cooke’s Fine Foods on Brock Street, where it is roasted in-house.
Kingston’s North Roast offers a variety of fair trade, organic, and micro lot coffee, roasted on site and packaged in 100% compostable bags. They offer free delivery in Kingston and online shipping elsewhere. You can also pick up grinders and other coffee accessories.
From Picton comes County Roasters, a family-run micro coffee roaster that offers organic and ethically sourced coffee beans. In Kingston, you can find their beans at Old Farm Fine Foods and General Brock’s Commissary.
Cha Cha Tea offers a wide variety of high-quality looseleaf tea, from traditional black and oolong teas to green and herbal teas to seasonal blends. If you need advice on what kind of tea to get, talk to Kaoru, a certified tea sommelier.
Kebaonish is an Indigenous- and woman-led coffee and tea company in nearby Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Kebaonish offers seven tea blends inspired by the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings: honesty, love, respect, wisdom, truth, humility, and bravery. In Kingston, enjoy a cup of Kebaonish tea at Pedal Works Café, or pick up a package of tea bags to take home at Cha Cha Tea.
Check out the locally inspired tea blends at both of Juniper Cafe’s locations. They include Breakfast in Kingston, Limestone city chai, and Queen’s rooibos.
Hall’s Apple Market in Brockville offers its apple cider (in addition to other apple goodies) at the Kingston Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market every Sunday.
Celtic, folk, country, and blues. Jazz, hip hop, electronic, and classical. If you’re a music fan, HomeGrown Live has just the show for you on May 3.
Credit: Virginia Maria
With 145 performances at 17 venues, all on one day, it’s safe to say that HomeGrown Live Music Festival has something for every type of music fan.
Since 2008, HomeGrown Live has organized thousands of live performances across Kingston. It all happens on one day every May. And proceeds from the HomeGrown Live Music Festival go to a very special local cause: Joe’s Music Mill, Kingston’s musical instrument lending library.
Festival wristbands are available for $10: you can get yours at any one of the festival’s 17 venues on the day of the festival. And with that wristband, you get access to as many of the HomeGrown Live events you can take in one day.
If you’re a jazz fan, Renaissance (285 Queen St.) is the place to be on May 3. Performances start at 11 am with The Saxobelles. There’s a new band every hour on the hour, with Psychic Mojo taking the stage at 8 pm.
The RCHA Club (193 Ontario St.) is the home of the blues in Kingston. For HomeGrown Live, it hosts a variety of local artists starting at 2 pm and going until midnight.
Over at Something in the Water, (275 Princess St.) they’ll have two hours of comedy starting at 7 pm. Then hip hop starts at 9 pm with S-cape Artist, with new acts performing every 20 minutes until 11 pm.
From 2 to 9 pm, The Caesar Company (177 Princess St.) hosts a variety of talented folk artists.
And if you want a little bit of everything, the Royal Tavern 2.0 (344 Princess St.) hosts a mixed bag of musical acts, from grunge to power pop and ending the evening with Sweet Cheetah, an ’80s-inspired cover band that will get everyone on the dance floor.
Sandy Han has coached cheerleading in Kingston since she was a Queen’s University student. More than three decades later, she continues to champion the sport for local young athletes.
The science teacher at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School is one of a kind: she’s the only high school cheer coach in the area.
Long-time Kingston area cheerleading coach. Ian MacAlpine photo
“I retired in 2021 [from cheer coaching] but I’m back now, because we lost our cheer program at Regi last year. The way it was running, it couldn’t sustain itself. I didn’t want to see it die completely, so I said, ‘I’m going give it one year out of retirement and rebuild it, make it what it used to look like when I was coaching here 20 years ago.”
From St. Thomas to Team Canada
Han moved to Kingston in 1994 from St. Thomas, Ontario, to attend teacher’s college.
“I coached Queen’s University and Holy Cross Secondary School and then started Kingston Elite (cheerleading) in 2006,” she says.
While she sold Kingston Elite in 2022 to a former cheer athlete, Han still coaches at the club.
Han has made a name for herself as a cheer coach nationally. In 2013, she was named coach of the year by Cheer Evolution, a national organization for competitive cheerleading. Han went on to lead Team Canada from 2014 until 2022.
The start of a lifelong passion
Han discovered cheerleading in high school, and the sport helped her gain confidence.
“I was a kid who had no self-esteem, and I was just scared of everybody and everything. It wasn’t until I made the cheer team that I started developing self-confidence. I got so much benefit from it and the friendships I made, and then the athleticism developed.”
It was just natural for Han to pass on her love of the sport after her days of competing came to a close.
“I felt the need to share that that sense of joy, that sense of community with as many kids as I could possibly teach it to,” she says.
Sandy Han chats with members of the Regiopolis-Notre Dame cheerleading team. Ian MacAlpine photo
“The first time I ever coached was in Grade 11 at my high school in St. Thomas. And then when I came to Kingston, I was only supposed to be here for one year.”
Han ended up coaching Queen’s for 18 years while teaching high school, first at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and now at Regi, where she has 21 participants.
Building opportunities for a new generation
Now in the last few years of her teaching career, Han is trying to rebuild the sport at the grassroots level, since competitive cheer isn’t as popular as it once was.
“It can be a full-contact sport,” Han says, referring to the injuries that athletes sustained from performing the jumps, tumbles, and flips. “That’s the reason why a lot of schools around the provinces aren’t supporting it anymore.”
So she is building back the sport with a new format, called “Game Day.”
“This routine isn’t meant to be so acrobatic,” she says. “It’s more supposed to be more like school spirit at a football game. It’s mostly tumbling now, crowd interaction and cheering, like actual cheerleading. So, it’s going back to its roots.
Sandy Han, front row, third from left, with fellow coaches and the Regiopolis-Notre Dame cheerleading team. Ian MacAlpine photo
“It morphed into a competitive sport with a lot of acrobatics, and that still, of course, exists. But in Ontario, we’re actually trying to do grassroots OFSSA (provincial high school championship) cheerleading.” Regiopolis Notre-Dame will host the OFSSA cheerleading regionals on March 31.
Han has another goal for the future of cheer. “We want to try to do is make high school cheerleading more accessible, much cheaper,” she says. “Clubs are quite expensive because they travel so much. We want to make it so that any kid who wants to learn how to do this can afford to be able to do school cheer.”
It’s also important for Han to promote self-esteem and confidence with her students. And it shows.
“She is my biggest inspiration for what I want to be like when I’m older,” says first-year cheerleading member Juliana Barsoum, 16.
“She’s very organized and knows exactly how she wants us to be positioned and knows what we’re supposed to do and exactly what it’s supposed to look like in the end,” Barsoum continues. “She’s encouraging, she makes sure that we’re included, and she sets boundaries but in a good way. Everyone has to participate; everyone has to be treated equally.
“She just knows how to bring us together.”
Barsoum says that it’s telling that the connections Han has made with her students are so long-lasting.
“A lot of her former students want to come coach us now. I think that says enough about her character and how she has an imprint on people.”
Han loves seeing how her students find new skills through cheerleading, just as she did in high school, from social skills to resiliency.
“It helps you understand how to push yourself past the boundaries of what you think you can do. That just sets you up for life.”
Kingston has plenty of fantastic restaurants to check out, offering flavours from a wide range of culinary traditions. If you want to sample a world of flavours in one stop, you’ll want to make a trip to the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market. The market brings together local vendors offering farm-fresh produce and spectacular hot dishes. How often can you get Chinese-style steamed buns, authentic Ukrainian perogies, fresh babaghanush, and hot churros, all in one place? And it’s all produced within 100 km. of the market.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Dating back to 1801, the Kingston Public Market is the oldest and longest running public market in Ontario. Today, it carries on that legacy as the perfect place to load up on farm-fresh produce, preserves, local maple syrup, fresh-cut flowers, and more.
Miss Bāo serves delicious Asian fusion cuisine shaped by a commitment to sustainability and local ingredients. They leverage seasonal ingredients in their dishes, collaborate with local suppliers, and keep a large portion of the menu composed of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items. They even grow their own microgreens in the restaurant with their in-house gardening system. It’s hard to get much more local than that!
If you’re looking for a spot to get a taste of Ontario, let Feast On® be your guide to restaurants that not only serve delicious food, but have a proven commitment to community and sustainability. Initiated by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Feast On® certified restaurants have proven that their procurement process for ingredients meets a minimum standard of Ontario-grown or produced items, for both food and beverage.
Did we mention that Kingston has ten businesses that have earned this prestigious certification? Explore the full list on the Feast On® map.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm
Just steps away from Princess Street you will find a local gem that specializes in quality Italian groceries and some of the best bread in the city. Since opening in 1988, Pasta Genova has garnered a reputation for being the premiere spot downtown to grab homemade pasta and sauces, fine cheese, and freshly baked focaccia. Pop by for lunch for one of their delicious sandwiches with provolone cheese, homemade muffuletta, and stacks of cured meats or eggplant on warm focaccia.
Monday – Friday, 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 4 pm
Located in Lasalle Plaza in Kingston’s west end, Baltic Deli specializes in Polish delicacies. As well as a selection of deli meats, sausages, and cheeses, Baltic Deli offers a variety of takeaway sandwich options for lunch. Just make sure to pick up some paczki (jam-filled Polish doughnuts) or one of their other fresh-made desserts while you’re there.
Coffee Way Donut Shop
472 Division St.
Daily, 6 am to 11 pm
We couldn’t leave out this Kingston icon when talking about local eats. Coffee Way has been serving some of the city’s favourite donuts for decades. Pick up a box with freshly baked favourites like apple fritters, Boston creams, crullers, and Canadian maple. For those with a super sweet tooth, check out the special, topped with toffee pieces and a caramel drizzle.
Now serving: Ontarieau sparkling water
Sometimes it’s the small additions that make a big impact. As well as being Feast On® certified, the Black Dog Hospitality Group restaurants have taken their commitment to local ingredients a step further with the addition of Ontarieau Sparkling Water, a sparkling spring water sourced (naturally) from Ontario. Find it at Black Dog Tavern, Dianne’s, and Atomica Kitchen & Cocktails.
Flight Cheese Shop now offers a “domestic flight,” showcasing Canadian cheese. Take a tour around the country via your taste buds; each container has six types of Canadian cheese, with tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
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.
When the chill of winter sets in, find warmth in Kingston. Discover elegant inns and chic hotels, soothing spas, saunas, and food & drink to feed your soul.
Tucked away in the courtyard of the Frontenac Club, Stoked Sauna Co. offers a perfect environment to relax and rejuvenate with an outdoor sauna, fire pit, and ice bath. After taking a guided sauna experience, enjoy a custom menu of food and drink offering from The Bank Gastropub, including baked brie, kale greens salad, and savoury charcuterie options. Explore packages to combine your Stoke and Chill experience with an overnight stay.
Conveniently located in both downtown Kingston and in the city’s west end, Cher-Mère offers a variety of spa services, including facials, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, eyebrow and eyelash services, massages, manicures, and pedicures. Want to take the spa home with you? Cher-Mère offers a variety of their own skin and hair products. Check out their website for seasonal, holiday, and weekly/monthly specials.
Based in the beautiful and historic Woolen Mill, Dolce Bella Spa is a luxurious spa and salon for beauty and revitalization on the banks of the Cataraqui River.
Whether you’re looking for professional makeup, hair styling, or skin rejuvenation, Dolce Bella has you covered. Their spa, offering both packages and individual services, including massage therapy, manicures and pedicures, and seaweed wraps. After your relaxing spa experience, enjoy lunch at the River Mill Restaurant (2 Cataraqui St.) to tie it all together.
Indulge in the ancient tradition of thermotherapy at Glow Spa Kingston. This indoor experience features a large hydrotherapy hot tub, soothing sauna, energizing steam room, and a cold plunge pool. For an additional cost, you can add food and beverage service to your thermotherapy experience. Book for one to three hours. Glow also offers services such as facials and massages.
Enter The Refinery Spa’s eucalyptus steam room and feel your stress melt away. This 30-minute experience includes private access and towel service. Enjoy it with a friend or go solo. For the ultimate unwind, package it with one (or more) of their services, including facials, pedicures, and body treatments.
Symphony Spa & Yoga offers a wide array of wellness services. In addition to their massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, Symphony boasts a full range of hair treatments and styling options, a full yoga studio, and a smoothie bar featuring juices, wraps, and chia bowls. Make sure to check out their “Me time moments” for special treatments and packages.
Pedal Works Café and Studios is led by one of the three Master Spinning instructors in Canada. In addition to their energized spin classes, Pedal Works also offers restorative classes, dedicated to meditation, stillness, and cultivating a deep mind/body connection. Their fully stocked café offers Honduran coffee, herbal teas from local company Kebaonish, and freshly baked goodies.
There are many businesses that offer yoga classes in Kingston (Studio 330, Salti Yoga, Morro Yoga, Samatva Yoga). You can join a group class or bring an instructor to you. During these yoga experiences, you will focus on your breathing technique, improving functionality, connecting your mind, and practising self-awareness.
Open: various hours (see website links for details)
Enjoy a day of rock climbing at the Boiler Room. During your orientation, you will learn about the different types of climbing you can do at their facility (auto-belays, top rope with off-harness belaying, and lead climbing). Booking is required for lessons.
Kingston’s culinary festival returns February 3 through to the end of March, featuring a variety of prix fixe menus to suit every taste and budget at restaurants, cafés, and breweries across the city. Enjoy crafted culinary experiences through the signature events series, which presents exclusive themed dining events with accomplished local and guest chefs.
Reminiscent of days gone by, The Secret Garden Inn’s signature afternoon tea experience is a culinary delight. Expect house-made sweet and savoury delicacies, including buttery scones, petit fours, and even a glass of bubbly.
Enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. Connect with nature, yourself, and others while you venture through forests and fields on the trails. The Outdoor Centre offers snowshoe and skiing rental services daily (9 am–4 pm). While you’re there, take a moment to feed some chickadees. Learn about upcoming special events on their website.
Open: Daily
Breakfast in bed
Kingston’s historic inns include the Frontenac Club, The Secret Garden Inn, The Rosemount Inn, Hochelaga Inn, and All Suites Whitney Manor. Each inn captures the history, heritage, and charm of Kingston’s past while offering modern amenities and service. From gourmet breakfasts to pastries baked in-house and fresh-pressed juice, stays at the Frontenac Club, The Secret Garden, The Rosemount Inn, and Hochelaga Inn all include breakfast service. At All Suites Whitney Manor, pick up some fresh local ingredients and craft your own breakfast using the in-suite kitchen.
Winter in downtown Kingston provides the perfect atmosphere to cozy up with a book and enjoy a hot drink. Pick out a book from one of the shops downtown like Berry and Peterson Booksellers on King Street or Novel Idea at the corner of Princess and Bagot, and head to Coffee and Company to indulge in their relaxing environment. Pick a spot by their floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy the street scenes, and don’t forget to check out their selection of treats like scones, muffins, croissants, and squares.
Open: Mon.–Sun. (7 am–6 pm)
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