For the most recent 25 things list in August, please visit this link.
Get ready for another fun-filled month in Kingston, with plenty of special events, festivals, musical performances and much more to keep you busy while you’re in town. With several annual festivals, delicious food events, and a visit by some of the Canadian greats (to name a few) – there’s plenty to see and do in Limestone City in August. Without further ado (and in no particular order) – here’s the list!
Who says you have to break the bank to get some seriously good food around Kingston? Likely no student — or frugal foodie — who has downed a late-night slice at Bubba’s, spring rolls at Saigon Delights or sushi at Sima. Here are 10 options under $10 that have to be on your K-Town cheap eats list.
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272 Bagot St.
Chia Gio Spring Rolls (3) $7.96
Since 1992 this much-loved Vietnamese restaurant has sold over 1.5 million of its spring rolls. Made daily from rice paper, they’re filled with a minced pork and shrimp mixture and deep fried until they have a perfectly bubbly-crunchy exterior that only slightly softens when dipped in Nuoc Mam, a light fish sauce.
235 Gore Road – Unit 3
Haddock (2) and Fries $9.95
The journey to this popular east-end seafood shop in a strip mall is well worth it for the fish and chips alone. Unlike some beer-battered fish “experts,” the exterior on these haddock pieces are crunchy all the way through. Inside, the fish is flaky and not overly cooked, while the fries are just as they should be — thick and golden with a slight crisp.
66 Princess St.
Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll $8.95
It’s no wonder SIMA Sushi is one of the busiest sushi restaurants in Kingston: you simply can’t find Japanese food this fresh, delicious, and affordable in town. The lunch menu has eight combo options under $10. We recommend the Spicy tuna roll featuring crispy tempura bits, cucumber, and beautiful tuna.
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178 Ontario St.
3 Scoops $7
A few doors down from White Mountain, this gelato shop gives the Ontario Street ice cream haven a run for its money. There are almost 30 gelato flavours, six sorbettos and four yogurts to choose from; you can’t go wrong. All are made onsite with local ingredients whenever possible, and each is as thick and decadent as those found in your summer dreams.
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235 Ontario St. – Suite A
Single Tacos $6 to $8
Sometimes Old El Paso tacos just won’t do! If you are looking for the perfect taco, look no further than Baja Craft Kitchen. All single tacos are under $10 and with their 8 different flavors it’s sure to smother that craving! We recommend the Tinga de Pollo, which comes with mouthwatering chipotle tomato chicken, cilantro, queso fresco, and corn tortilla. They have a taco for everyone including tuna, mushroom, battered fish, chorizo, and brisket.
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178 Ontario St.
Samosa Chaat $9.99
Samosas are a gift to this earth! Namaste is serving up flavourful Indian cuisine at a reasonable price, they are the perfect place to go if you are looking for the best bang for your buck. The samosas are crispy, soft, and full of flavour. This dish is perfect for wanting to feel full and satisfied! These are vegetarian samosas served on a bed of curried chickpeas with a trio of sauces. Who doesn’t love sauce options?!
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349 King St. East
Poutine: Onion Ring $8.85
If you have been in Kingston long enough, you know there is no poutine like Bubba’s. They don’t scrimp on the curd or the gravy. It’s the perfect late-night treat or for survival purposes the next day. Bubba’s is known for its hangover-curing magic! Not only can you get 4 different kinds of poutine, but you can also get burgers for under $10. Although the original poutine gets all the attention, we suggest trying this truly unique onion ring poutine. Hopefully, you don’t have plans after because a nap is more than likely required.
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2792 Princess St.
Lil Otter $9
We can’t not have a burger on this list! There is no burger quite like the ones Otter Creek is serving up. They raise their own Angus Wayu cows, giving us a truly wonderful burger eating experience. The Lil Otter may be smaller in size, but it packs that beef and cheese flavour you are looking for in a burger. This 3 oz patty is served with your choice of topping and all the greasy love in the world. It’s the perfect size to fill you up without slowing you down.
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44 Princess St.
Calabrese Sandwich $9.50
Pan Chancho’s Deli is the place to go when you’re looking for something quick to grab for your lunch. Their earlier hours make it easy to stop in on your way to work to grab what you need. The Calabrese sandwich is what you want! This Italian sandwich is served on a beautiful fresh chewy calabrese bun with prosciutto, capocollo, genoa, calabrese, asiago cheese, drizzled with olive oil, roasted red peppers, olives, garlic, and capers. Not craving a sandwich? No worries their deli is filled with different salads and soups, we recommend trying the Dragon Noodles!
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887 Division St.
4 Topping Personal Pizza $7.99
Pizza is such a personal food. There are so many topping options, crust thickness, and debates on how much sauce to use. Paradiso has you covered with a build your own 4 topping 9” pizza, you are totally in control! These pizzas are made fresh, which beats out the option of walking into a pizza parlor to grab a slice. This is made 100% for you by you. Some toppings to consider are; pepperoni, ham, black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and pineapple, but it’s completely up to you!
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203 Wellington St.
Doubles $3.50
How can we not offer one more option to this list? Sally’s is the perfect place to get some doubles for under $10. Made with delicious curried chickpeas between two pieces of roti, it’s extremely comforting. Two doubles will definitely be enough to fill you up for the night.
If the Sheep Dog Trials at Grass Creek Park weren’t your first clue, we’re officially in the dog days of summer. No need to be lazy, though. With fests like the 1000 Islands Poker Run and the Limestone City Blues Festival on the August lineup, there are more than a few reasons to get out of the kiddie pool. Here are eight, followed by a few recurring events this month.
Walk, drive or run yourself and your furry friends 16 km east of downtown for a three-day sheep corralling competition along the St. Lawrence. Sheepdogs won’t be the only stars, however. Kingston Police K-9s will be there, as will the Rideau River DockDogs, not to mention plenty of vendors to handle all your pet needs. Plus, there’ll be a canine adventure course and doggie playzone. $10/day. kingstonsheepdogtrials.com
This unconventional theatre fest challenges audiences to go beyond being passive observers. “Ambrose,” for example, takes you through the annals of The Grand Theatre as you learn about the disappearance of former owner Ambrose Small. Likewise, “Chicago” is performed in a jazz bar, while “Overlooked” is put on in a back alley. Workshops continue this month, too, including “The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media.” thekickandpush.com
Most of the sailboats you see from shore these days month are here for CORK (short for Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston), a multi-class competition and training event at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, where the 1976 Summer Olympic sailing events occurred. Head to the shore or the hub in Portsmouth for national, continental and world championship events. Free. cork.org
Held on a 100-acre beef farm with 600 feet of waterfront, this fest is heavy on the country, Celtic, bluegrass, and rock and roll. Little Caesar and the Consuls headline this year along with Beartracks. Here’s hoping Beartracks is up for another impromptu performance on the 20-minute ferry from Millhaven. Ferry: $9/car, $1.50/bike. Festival: Friday – $10, Saturday – $25, Sunday – $10. Weekend pass – $35 (with camping). emeraldmusicfestival.com
Whether you’re a health nut or just getting into personal fitness, you’ll find something at this expo to get you motivated. Maybe it’ll be the latest fitness equipment, facts about nutrition needs, info about local fitness facilities or even free fitness classes. Whatever gets you there, consider signing up for the Amazing Race Kingston, a multi-day race around the expo with challenges and a $500 cash prize. Free. healthandfitness.kxomedia.ca
Those colourfully designed speedboats from across North America are back on K-Town’s waterfront for races all weekend long. Get up close to the boats and meet the drivers at the street party on Friday night in front of City Hall, and stick around for the dinner inside City Hall on Saturday evening. Catch all of the action on the water from the Live Speed Zone Theatre in Confederation Park. Free. pokerrunsamerica.com
Featuring live music, local food trucks and of course – amazing craft beer, the Back to the Farm: MacKinnon Brothers Beer and Music Festival is a big ol’ field party just outside of Kingston. This is the second annual festival on the Mackinnon Brothers’ beautiful farm & brewery in Bath, ON. The gate opens at 12 pm, the first band starts at 1 pm, and they’re going to kick you out around 10 pm. Tickets: $20. backtothefarmfb
Four days and one hundred hours of blues in downtown bars, restaurants, clubs and outdoor stages make this one a must. A must-see is Mississippi-born Jarekus Singleton, a 30-year-old blues guitarist who Blues & Rhythm Magazine said is “destined to be the next big name in the blues world.” He’ll play the Springer Market Square stage on Saturday night. All-access bracelet: $15. downtownkingston.ca
World Heritage Sunset Ceremony
Wednesdays, 8 pm
Fort Henry
forthenry.com
Chef Cooking Demos
Saturdays, 2 pm
Market Square
kingstonpublicmarket.ca
Music in the Park
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 12:30 pm
Confederation Park
downtownkingston.ca
Movies in the Square
Thursdays, 8:30 pm
Market Square
downtownkingston.ca
Country Music in the Park
Thursdays, 7 pm
Confederation Park
downtownkingston.ca
Big Band Fridays
Fridays, 7 pm
Market Square
downtownkingston.ca
Kingston Penitentiary Tours
Tuesdays – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Kingston Penitentiary
kingstonpentour.com
The best part of being a foodie in Kingston is the access to independently owned restaurants that prepare thoughtfully curated dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Being close to an abundance of rural land gives our community easy access to farmers. The philosophy of eating fresh and local seems trendy, but Kingston chefs have been relying on local farmers since before Netflix foodie documentaries like Chef’s Table.
I take a seat on the patio of local hotspot Juniper Cafe to have a chat about local food with Bella Bistro co-owner Kevin Lapeer. If anyone knows the importance of the farm-to-table movement – it’s him. Lapeer and his colleague Paul Muller do everything they can to support local farmers, featuring their produce and proteins in a long list of specials, daily.
And there’s no better place to discuss eating local than at Juniper where owners Amber Thom and Jamie Hodges provide locally-sourced ingredients as much as they can.
Lapeer explains while admiring Juniper’s waterfront view, “They [Juniper Cafe] do a great job with as much local as possible. The food is great, homemade and fresh which keeps the philosophy.”
Lapeer is passionate about sourcing local ingredients for many reasons. “As an owner of an independent restaurant with people that rely on us to pay their bills, I feel it’s necessary to help other local small vendors do the same thing – it’s good for the economy, it’s healthier, it’s better for the environment.” And best of all, local ingredients enhance the flavour of any dish. One taste of a Bella Bistro special and you won’t question it.
I discover there is one thing many restaurants that support local farmers have in common, they use Wendy’s Mobile Market. Run by Wendy Banks and Rick Trudeau, this dream team can be credited for these establishments’ fresh farm-to-table meals.
Wendy’s works with more than 70 producers and being farmers themselves, they understand the priorities and significance of the job. “It is important for us to connect the farmers to restaurants to help keep the farming community sustainable and vibrant. This will help our farming community grow again,” says Banks.
“It gives us food security and assurance that our area will have healthy local food that we can trust. In turn, we can provide the restaurants with great tasting food. It helps them source local food easily,” she adds.
Gokhan Cifci, owner of Tango Nuevo raves about the service.”It’s very difficult in the restaurant business to get a local farmer’s produce and vegetables – consistency is very important but Wendy’s does that perfectly,” he says.
If you’re on the hunt for a locally-sourced meal, look no further than the restaurants Wendy’s serves:
The Ivy Lea, Riva, Rivermill, Juniper Cafe, Red House West, Red House, Old Farm, John’s Deli, The Elm Cafe, The Grizzly Grill, Amadeus Cafe, Olivea, Casa, Tango Nuevo, Stone City Ale, Atomica, Chien Noir, The Yacht Club, Aqua Terra, Woodenheads, Days on Front, Bella Bistro, Bayview Farm, PanChancho and Pasta Genoa.
As I sit at the high table waiting for Tango Nuevo owner and manager Gokhan Cifci to arrive, I scan the room and take in the beautiful space located just north of Brock street on King Street East. Rich dark brown finishes, exposed limestone, beautiful light and an intricately detailed ceiling make me feel at ease instantly. Cifci later describes the space he opened in July 2013 as relaxing and romantic and I couldn’t agree more.
Even the food is romantically inclined with fusion tapas (meaning small plates) to share influenced by cuisine around the world – and when I say “around the world,” I truly mean it.
To give you a taste of the variety on the menu, a few examples: Asian Pork Ribs with ginger soy, honey and anise glaze (Cifci’s favourite); Jamaican Jerk Tacos with braised and pulled pork in a jerk sauce, grilled pineapple salsa and a red cabbage slaw (or Greek Octopus with greek feta, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and oregano), served with grilled baguette and featuring Spanish oro bailen picual olive oil from Kingston Olive Oil Co.
I’ve just listed three completely opposite geographical locations, so what’s the common factor that ties them all together? The team at Tango Nuevo use as many local foods working with Wendy’s Mobile Market that connects restaurants with local farmers.
If you’re ever curious about which items specifically come from local farmers and where they are located, check the chalkboard at the back of the restaurant on the left-hand side for a detailed list.
The globally-inspired and locally harvested meals can be enjoyed with close family and friends in a new intimate space recently launched by Tango Nuevo, called La Bodega which is Spanish for cellar. Perfectly named considering the space is home to around 700 bottles of high end wine – 60 international and 10 to 15 local.
Cifci is very proud of the thoughtfully decorated space that seats eight to ten people (or fewer – and a charge will apply).
The exclusive wine list and expensive pottery are not the only perks, guests can enjoy either a tapas menu for $65 or a chef tasting menu for $87. And did I mention it’s sound proof?
For over fifty-five million years, humankind and our earliest ancestors have roamed the planet in search of one thing – FOOD.
We’re still at it. Food is both the world’s single largest industry and critical to our survival. Not surprising then, that from Amsterdam to Zagreb and everywhere in between, food tours are the smart new way to explore a city, check out the culinary highlights, and meet a group of like-minded people who are interested in food, community, and local history. And then, of course, there’s the FOOD itself!
Long-term resident of Kingston, Heather Ford, and her business partner son, Daniel Barrett, launched Kingston Food Tours in June 2016. “Our emphasis is on local and artisanal,” says Daniel, “One of our primary goals is to expose Kingstonians and visitors alike, to local personalities, chefs, and restaurants that share our passion for supporting community, and sourcing locally wherever possible.”
I meet my tour in Confederation Park, where owner and tour guide Daniel introduces group members and establishes an easy rapport. We’re a small crowd, including a young couple from Germany who “do food tours in every city they visit,” and a pair of knowledgeable and enthusiastic food lovers from Toronto. Daniel tells us what’s in store for the next couple of hours as we head out walking and eating our way through Kingston’s historic downtown.
Our first stop is Dianne’s Fish Snack and Smoke House – a beautifully renovated, classic old limestone building. The menu is inspired by the owners’ east coast heritage combined with their love of Mexican cuisine. We tuck into a fantastically tasty beer battered (and sustainably caught) Baja fish taco topped with pico de gallo, avocado-tomatillo crema, and pickled red onions on a corn tortilla and wash it down with a perfect margarita. I make a mental note to myself to come back and have the exact same combination again, another time.
As we set off for our next stop, Daniel fills us in on lots of local history and even though I’ve lived in this city since 2001 and take an avid interest in both its history and the food scene, I’m delighted to learn plenty of interesting, new information.
For the next couple of hours, we explore the city with our palates. Every stop offers a little something different. We are ushered into private spaces like the bread oven kitchen at Pan Chancho, where we sample fresh bread, cheese, and maple chomeur. Next up, we’re perched at the bar in Atomica, eating a delicate thin-crust pizza with arugula and pine nuts and drinking Red Fox, a local beer brewed by MacKinnon Brothers Brewing on their 200 year old family farm. From there we’re off to Olivea to sample a rich slow-cooked beef cheek ragu on homemade gnocchi. Then it’s the stylish Tango Nuevo for Börek, a traditional Turkish pastry filled with feta, cheddar, and parsley, served with a robust olive tapenade.
The pace changes a little as we move on to visit a couple of specialty food stores including General Brock’s Commissary for a Canadian history lesson along with samples of savoury shortbread and cheese, salami and specialty mustards; and the Kingston Olive Oil Company, for a flight of premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar samples.
Our little group of strangers has bonded over food and stories and we part friends. That’s the power of food. If you haven’t already taken a food tour, it’s time.
Book your first (or next) Kingston Food Tour today and get ready for a city full of flavour.
Welcome to the relaxing vacation mecca of Prince Edward County.
Those who have visited The County already know it’s a hidden gem amongst southeastern Ontario. With rolling hills, hundreds of kilometres of lush green shorelines, beaches and wineries – PEC is a place you’ll never want to leave.
The limestone-rich soils of Prince Edward County are making a mark in Ontario, with serious winemakers settling down and making The County the fastest growing wine region in the province. But with over forty wineries in the Prince Edward County, it can be difficult to plan the perfect tour to suit your taste.
But fear not! Prince Edward County’s most beloved sommelier, Ian Nicholls, brings us County Sips – a chance for the enthusiastic wine taster to receive a fun (yet unpretentious) guided tour through some of the finest wineries in Ontario.
I was delighted to spend a full day on a guided tour with Ian. A veteran in the hospitality industry with over 25 years of experience, Ian possesses an effortless ability to put guests at ease while ensuring that everyone on the tour is comfortable and excited about the day – his infectious energy, enthusiasm and love for wine is contagious. Within the hour bus ride from Kingston, I had already made several new friends and couldn’t wait to make our first stop at the biggest cheese show in North America – The 2016 Great Canadian Cheese Festival.
The Great Canadian Cheese Festival hosts hundreds of artisans from all over Canada with tastes and sips to compliment the incredible varieties of cheese. Ian made this a magical experience for all of his tour guest, and graciously took us through the busy crowd; pairing delicious local wines with yummy local meats and cheeses from the region. It was obvious that Ian was not only incredibly knowledgeable of the wine selection but also remarkably loved and respected by all the local artisans.
After a few hours of enjoying the busy cheese festival, Ian brought us to the beautiful and relaxing Sandbanks Winery in Prince Edward County. Here I had a dreamlike experience as I sat in the sun in the Sandbanks’ Adirondack chairs sipping on a refreshingly delightful Summer Love spritzer. I couldn’t believe that just an hour from downtown Kingston, I could be overlooking the rolling hills of a local vineyard, picnic in a beautiful outdoor gazebo tasting bar – and, be amidst some of the finest wines of the region.
Leaving Sandbanks Winery was difficult. However, as we pulled into the forested nook of the Three Dog Winery, my interest was again piqued and I couldn’t wait to get off the bus. Within moments, owner Sacha warmly welcomed us into the picturesque and cozy comforts of the wooded winery. I immediately felt at home. Sacha explained that the winery was named after their original three retrievers and that she wanted the winery to be a “place where you can grab a bottle of wine and take your dogs for a walk down the beautiful trails of Three Dog Property. Grab a spot in the shade and have a picnic. Relax.” Relax? That we did.
As the day winded down, we all sat around the deck sharing in Ian’s recommended reds of Three Dog chatting, laughing and snacking on a delightful charcuterie board of local tastes. As I looked around at all the content faces, I felt grateful to have experienced a County Sips tour with Ian. His expertise and natural charisma were the perfect pairings to make this a wonderful day for all.
I can’t wait to return to the county next summer and bring my friends to meet Ian and enjoy another County Sips tour.
Artfest Kingston once again returns to City Park from July 1-3 for three fun-filled days of arts and culture for the whole family. This unique free three-day event over Canada Day weekend will inspire your creativity, your senses and make wonderful memories.
This year’s Artfest theme is ‘Explore and Discover’ – with the three-day festival launching on Canada Day and leading up to the July 4 holiday in the United States, organizers took the opportunity to celebrate the amazing friendship, history and geography that Canada enjoys with our American neighbours. The theme fit perfectly with the overall vision of the Explore and Discover art and craft festival that will enrich the lives of many and promote Kingston as a leading cultural centre.
During the event, over 150 artists from all over Ontario and Quebec will exhibit pottery, glass art, designer clothing, jewellery, woodcrafts, sculpture, paintings, photography, gourmet food and much more – this is a juried show, so the quality is outstanding.
Children can enjoy Artfest Kids’ fun-filled art activity tent of guided art-making all weekend long, where they can learn printmaking, watercolour painting, drawing and origami. For adults, the festival offers classes in powdered graphite, mixed media, printmaking and painting. The best part? All workshops are free.
Once again, Shadowland Theatre is back to lead the themed ‘Explore and Discover’ theatre arts program, and guests are invited to join in the fun and make their own costumes, learn stilt walking, help build a giant canoe (and bird puppets!) – and perform in the grand finale PARADE show on Sunday. July 3 at 3:00pm.
New this year at Artfest is the Craft Beverage Tent featuring local craft beer masters The Mackinnon Brothers and Barley Days – plus Wapoose Winery & Cider. Guests can relax in the Beer Garden while listening to live music all day with a variety of genres including Rock, World Music, Country, Funk and Folk. Headliners this year are Trilogy, Baker Street and Zal Sissokho.
More new features to Artfest this year include the Zimbabwe Stone Carving Pavilion, Marimba classes, Build-A-Playhouse Project sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, and Drumbeats @ Artfest.
Returning this year is the Easel Invasion (where visitors can paint En Plein Air guided by an artist), the Family Picnic Escapade (where families are invited to paint a picnic table), and the Participaint 80 foot Mural.
Poets @ Artfest II features readings by over 60 poets from Ontario and Quebec plus a poetry writing workshop at 9:00am on Friday July 1st. Registration is required.
You won’t want to miss the Barefoot Players, Queen’s University School of Drama & Music’s theatre troupe for young audiences, who will be performing daily at 10:30am and 2:00pm.
The International Foodfest will offer a gourmet selection of cultural foods and yummy treats including Mapleton’s organic ice cream.
Artfest Kingston will run Canada Day Weekend Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 6pm. For more information, visit their website!
My latest tour of museums opened my eyes to the pioneer school system, the ice age and rock origins as well as the lives of inmates from the beginning of the Corrections System – and all within the limestone city! Museums in Kingston have once again redeemed their boring reputation with beautiful displays and fascinating facts. Learn why you should consider stopping by the Miller Museum of Geology, Canada’s Penitentiary and The Frontenac School Museum.
Admission: FREE. Tours available for groups of ten or more people (maximum 30), hands-on educational programs are offered. Book at least one week in advance for a fee of $70/group.
Hours: Open on weekdays only, from 8:30am – 4:30pm. By special appointment, the museum can open at other times for group programs.
I’ve discovered the only man I’ve ever known capable of fact-checking Ross Gellar’s paleontological references – Miller Museum of Geology’s curator.
He pokes his head out to offer assistance as I brush around the sand in the museum’s “Dig for Fossils” display. He says though the museum is self-guided, he tries to talk to as many visitors as he can. He doesn’t just teach me a little about gemstones and dinosaur bones, he shows me a stunning, sparkling amethyst stone and a piece of a REAL dinosaur tail from a duckbill dinosaur.
While wandering the beautifully curated space, I get a refresher on the types of rocks that are Kingston’s foundation, how limestone was originally formed and learn about the Meat-Eater: Albertosaurus dinosaurs that was first found in Canada in 1884 by geologist Joseph B. Tyrrell.
I don’t know how I haven’t visited this space on Queen’s campus before. I am bringing friends back to share in my new-found enthusiasm for rocks and dinosaurs.
Admission: By donation
Hours: Summer (April 30th – October 31st) Weekdays: 9:00am – 4:00pm, Weekends: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Appropriately located in the former Warden’s residence across the street from the Kingston Penitentiary, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum has so many unexpected facts about the history of Canada’s Corrections System.
One minute I am looking at a bin filled to the brim with confiscated shivs and the next I am admiring a beautiful handbag, incredible paintings and hand-carved clay statuettes created by inmates.
There is so much to read that I could spend a solid two hours learning an array of historical anecdotes like how the inmates ruined the Pen bell that dictated their movement for 70 years in a riot. And who knew there was an inmate band named the Solitaires? When you go upstairs you can hear there swinging beats playing from the display dedicated to them and the Kingston Pen radio station launched in 1952.
Admission: By donation (classes $2 per person)
Hours: May – June: Monday & Wednesday 9am-noon; July – August: Tuesday – Friday 10am-3pm; September – December: Monday & Wednesday 9am-noon (Group visits available)
The Frontenac School Museum was initially a passion project created by a group of retired educators and was formally established in 1977, opening to the public in 1979 and moving to the beautiful, quaint Barriefield Village in 2006.
It will take you back to the rural one-room school house system of the early 1900s. Experience school as a student sans projectors, iPads and calculators and test your math skills old school style – using only your memory and knowledge – at an old wooden desk.
There are plenty of photos and memorabilia to to admire as well as extensive archives for research (book an appointment to access).
The Kingston festivals lineup is stacked this July. Starting with Canada’s birthday, and packed with long-time faves like Artfest, Buskers Rendezvous and a guitar festival, there shouldn’t be a miss this month. A Taste of Kingston returns, too, as do the CORK sailing regattas. And don’t forget: the outdoor movies in Market Square continue on Thursday nights (Jurassic World, on July 14, tops my list).
Canada turns 149 years young this year, and as always the first capital of the Province of Canada is throwing one big party. Out on Highway 2, Grass Creek Park has free music, beach volleyball, kids activities and a beach, while downtown there’s the Limestone Mile marathon, people parade, live music, wagon rides and, of course, fireworks (here are the best spots to see them). cityofkingston.ca; downtownkingston.ca
Whatever medium you’re into, the 5th annual Artfest likely has it covered: pottery, glass, wood, jewellery, gourmet food, live music, outdoor theatre, poetry — you name it. About 150 artists and artisans from Ontario and Quebec will be there this Canada Day weekend, all offering up plenty to buy and browse along the shady paths of City Park. Free admission. artfestontario.com
I’ll skip the typical cliché, but you might actually drop at this shop fest all over downtown. Merchants will have tables out on the sidewalks, and most will have some type of special or discount. In other words, where comfortable shoes (or buy some there). If you do drop, come back later with a $100 gift card you won by tagging photos with #DKShopFest. downtownkingston.ca
This is the only time and place in Kingston to watch knife jugglers, flame swallowers, contortionists and almost any other countercultural busker you can think of — or can’t — do their thing. Most perform in Market Square and Confederation Park or on Princess, Sydenham or Ontario Streets. Admission is free but tip the hat, cheapskate. downtownkingston.ca
This is the Royal Canadian College of Organists’ national convention, but anyone wanting to listen to and learn about these “Kings of Instruments” is invited. Look out for concerts featuring international artists, workshops, exhibits, a banquet and boat cruise on the St. Lawrence, tours of Kingston’s heritage sites, and more. Stay tuned to the website for up-to-date lineups. kingstonfestival2016.ca
Don’t expect simple stage productions from this 2nd annual collaborative theatre fest. Think more immersive experiences like a performance in an alley or a play in a jazz club where the servers are the actors. You can brush up on your acting chops at workshops here, too, and check out the new Storefront Festival (July 15 – 23) featuring new and emerging artists. thekickandpush.com
For 12 seasons now, some of the best fingerstyle guitar masters in the world have played this festival on the banks of Loughborough Lake (8 km north of Kinston). Set on a 48-acre campground in a 10,000 square-foot concert hall with retractable side walls, it also has food and bevvy vendors, a lobster dinner Saturday night, and camping. Bring a chair. Day and weekend passes available. canadianguitarfestival.com
Every summer, Kingston’s waterfront fills with 1000-plus sailboats and crews from around the world. They’re here for the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston (CORK), a multi-class competition and training event that kicks off this month with the Etchells Canadian Championship and the Olson 30 North American Championship. Hit the waterfront or head to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour to see who wins. cork.org
Come hungry to Confederation Park for a sampling of culinary creations from some of Kingston’s top eateries, each with its own booth. Tasting tickets are $1 each (number of tickets varies by vendor), and proceeds support the Canadian Diabetes Association. There will also be live music, inflatable fun for kids, a “Best of Taste” comp and more. diabetes.ca
Take back K-Town’s main drag for one day at this always popular street fest where Princess Street is closed from Ontario to Division Streets. Expect summer eats, cold beverages, kid-friendly fun, and lots of surprises, like last years’ electric car show. All of it is a way to support downtown businesses, community involvement and active, sustainable transportation. downtownkingston.ca
Imagine standing in the bar/reception area of The Grand Theatre waiting for the show to begin.
But instead of being shown to your seat by one of the volunteer ushers, you are approached by one of the actors. You are then led around The Grand Theatre as you dig into the mysterious disappearance of millionaire Ambrose Small, who was the owner of the theatre (and many others) back in the early 1900’s. The production Ambrose is a return from last years inaugural festival, and promises to keep you out of your seat and exploring The Grand Theatre in a way you never have before!
It is this kind of innovative theatre that makes the Kick and Push Festival unique – and just the thing that the summer theatre scene in Kingston needed. Last year saw 120 performances over the 30 day festival with over 4000 tickets sold; I guess that Kingstonians and visitors alike love summer theatre! The event was born out of a need for summer programming at The Grand and brings seven different local production companies together to do what they do best: put on great, unique productions for their for their audience.
Mike Sheppard, the General Manager for the K&P festival tells me that aside from audience immersion in some of the performances, the other thing that makes the festival unique is the use of performance space.
“We also are working in some new spaces we haven’t before, and starting to give our audience a bit more variety of performing arts. We have a show at Murney Tower, a historic landmark in Kingston that a lot of people haven’t even seen inside of. This show is Stubborn Stone, being produced by The Cellar Door Project, an emerging group of artists who all graduated from Queen’s Drama. We’re transforming the Baby Grand Theatre into a Jazz Bar for the musical Chicago, we’re using the back alley of The Grand for Overlooked and we’re dropping a classic Shakespeare production in Market Square. So I think there is quite a bit that audiences have not experienced before.”
New this year, and to kick start the K&P Festival is the addition of the Storefront Festival (a festival inside a festival!) which will see 13 shows running in 4 different empty stores downtown. Running from July 15-23, audiences will have the chance to see $8 shows, including one store that will have shows geared towards kids and families.
“This is a “fringe” type festival, they have these sorts of things across Ontario, it is a great chance to see new work in development and experience a wide range of theatre in a short period of time for a very affordable price. We did a call out to theatre producers, artists, showrunners, writers, and anyone we could think of to get submissions to the Storefront Festival. This is not curated, it was selected by a lottery system, so you really never know what you’re going to get and the variety of shows is quite high!” Sheppard tells me.
I admit I am not much of a theatre-goer. Not for lack of desire or interest – any show I have ever attended I have thoroughly enjoyed. I guess I’ve never gotten excited about a particular show before. But now that I understand more of what the K&P festival is all about, as I pull out my summer calendar there are a few new additions to it this year. Beneath Our Feet will allow me to actually be on stage at The Grand Theatre (I secretly love being on stage!). I loved the movie Chicago, seeing it live I’m sure will be a vastly different experience. I work downtown, and am looking forward to checking out how some of the empty stores around me get transformed.
So, grab YOUR calendar, open the production schedule and book seats for the performances running from July 20 through until August 13, and explore theatre like you never have before!
This is the go-to fireworks spot for most, and for good reason. Not only is it ground zero for Canada Day festivities, but with the park’s wide views of Kingston Harbour and 100-metre long path along the waterfront, you won’t have any trouble seeing the show. If large crowds aren’t your thing, take a stroll along the waterfront path towards Delta Kingston. And if you have a boat, nab one of the 350 slips in the marina or venture out into the harbour for your own private viewing. cityofkingston.ca
For the best backdrop to the Canada Day fireworks, get yourself up to the top of Point Henry and find a grassy perch just outside of Fort Henry, the 19th-century fortification that once protected a naval dockyard, the entrance of the Rideau Canal, and Kingston itself. Once there, you’ll be treated to panoramas of downtown K-town and Lake Ontario as it narrows into the St. Lawrence River. Just remember to bring a sweater; there’s usually a breeze at 100 metres of elevation. forthenry.com
Pair your pyrotechnics with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board at The Vu, the lounge inside AquaTerra restaurant that comes with big windows and bigger views of the harbour. Known as one of the more elegant restaurants in the city, AquaTerra serves up new Canadian fare ranging from lobster brioche to roasted duck to rib eye in a relaxed space. Come on: a waterfront vista, fine food, fireworks — what more do you need on Canada Day? aquaterrakingston.com
More in the mood for a beer and wings but still want those bright bangers as a background? Then grab some friends and a table on Jack Astor’s rooftop patio, which overlooks Market Square. Granted, City Hall might partially block some of the fireworks, but you shouldn’t have any trouble seeing those larger splashing displays of colour. Try to snag one of the tables along the railing, but get there early; this is one of the most popular patios in the city. jackastors.com
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, a cruise is one of those Kingston adventures everyone has to do at least once. And because Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises has a full range of evening cruises, including dinner voyages, there are few better seats to watch the fireworks from. Whichever boat you choose — The Island Star, Island Belle or Island Queen — each comes with a full service bar and, just maybe, the most memorable Canada Day fireworks experience you’ve had yet. 1000islandscruises.ca
This is a personal favourite of mine, mainly because it’s free, you’re on the water and there’s nothing to impede your view. With a car or without, hop on the 10 pm ferry from the dock just north of Confederation Park and keep your gaze fixed on downtown. Like Fort Henry, the backdrop of the city is a stunning match to the light show. Stay on the ferry when you get to Wolfe Island for a 20-minute trip back to Kingston, or stick around and get a room at The General Wolfe Hotel. wolfeisland.com
(Header graphic from Mr. Blixt’s Flickr)
209 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario K7L 2Z1
