Canada’s special day has finally arrived in our nation’s First Capital, and Kingston has pulled out all the stops for Canada’s 150! The full weekend line-up will keep you busy from dawn til dusk with movies in the Square, live music, markets, and of course, fireworks. All events are free to attend, so put the sunscreen on and don your red and white best—it’s time to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
Day #1: Thursday, June 29
Movies in the Square
Thursday, June 29th, Dusk
Springer Market Square
The weekend kicks off with Movies in the Square. Starting at dusk (or 9:15 PM, whichever comes first) in Springer Market Square bring the lawn chairs and blankets and get comfy for an outdoor screening of The Great Outdoors starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. All Movies in the Square are free, but be sure to bring your own seating and snacks!
Day #2: Friday, June 30
Music in the Park
Friday, June 30, 5:00 PM–10:30 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Concerts in Kingston stop for no holiday. In fact, enjoy more live music than ever at the Sesqui Stage this weekend. Nick Babcock takes the stage at 5 PM on Friday to kick off a night of great Music in the Park with local artists.
- 5:00 PM – Nick Babcock
- 6:00 PM – Taylor Angus
- 7:00 PM – Oscar Evans Quintet
- 8:00 PM – The Relative
- 9:00 PM – Dirty Radio
Illumination of City Hall
Friday, June 30, 10:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
The festivities will truly be underway once the switch has been flipped illuminating City Hall with a full LED light show to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Day #3: Saturday, July 1
Kingston Public Market
Saturday, July 1, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Springer Market Square
Almost as old as the country itself, the Kingston Public Market will be business-as-usual on Saturday bringing the produce and products you’ve come to expect in celebration of Canada’s 150th.
Limestone Mile
Saturday, July 1, 8:30 AM
TBD
The 3-race-in-one Limestone Mile is a Canada Day tradition. For some, a 4 day holiday celebration doesn’t truly begin until you’ve run a mile at 8:30 in the morning, and that’s just fine! The event includes a kids race, a women’s race, a men’s race all of which can be run solo or as a team.
Art Fest
Saturday, July 1–Monday, July 3, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
City Park
Art Fest is a three-day Kingston arts and culture event for the whole family. This year featuring a new craft beer & wine tent!
Red and White Parade
Saturday, July 1, 11:00 AM
Princess Street & Barrie Street to Ontario Street
You’ve been planning your Canada Day parade outfit all year and now the day has finally arrived! Wear your red and white best and join the Town Crier and civic dignitaries—and your fellow Kingstonians—in a parade from Princess and Barrie Street to Ontario Street.
Civic Ceremony
Saturday, July 1, 12:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
The 2017 First Capital Award Winners will be guests of honour for the parade and will be recognized during the Civic Ceremony on the steps of City Hall at noon. The ceremony will be kicked off with a singing of our national anthem.
Mayor’s Sail Past
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM
Confederation Park/Basin
Watch a parade of boats dressed in their red & white—crew as well!— sail past Crawford Wharf.
Family Programming
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Confederation Park
Inflatables, wagon rides, vintage Ferris wheel, and more! There’s going to be lots to keep you and the kids busy today at Confederation Park.
Ferris Wheel
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Ontario Street
Don’t miss our very own heritage Ferris wheel that will be offering free rides to one and all! Take in the day’s celebrations from the top of this vintage Ferris wheel!
Music on Stage
Saturday, July 1, 1:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Another full day of great local music takes over the Sesqui Stage.
- 1:00 PM – The Savannah Shea Band
- 2:00 PM – Little California
- 4:00 PM – Lisa Vee & the VIP
- 5:00 PM – Lotus Shaker
- 7:00 PM – Spencer Evans
- 8:00 PM – Kim Pollard Band
- 9:00 PM – Still Standin’
The Dream Catchers Musical Performance
Saturday, July 1, 2 performances 3:00 PM & 6:00
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
This young Canadian dance troupe will have you on your feet as they share the hopes and dreams of future Canadians. The live theatre and music show has been travelling across the country and will bring its passion and energy to Kingston’s 150th celebrations. Admission is free.
Fireworks
Saturday, July 1, 10:00 PM
Confederation Park/Basin
This year’s fireworks display is promised to be bigger and better than ever before! Confederation Park is the best place to view the Canada Day Fireworks Show.
Day #4: Sunday, July 2
Kingston Antique Market
Sunday, July 2, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
Springer Market Square
The Kingston Antique Market is the best place to stroll through after a busy day celebrating Canada’s 150th. Unwind and browse the wide range of antiques, collectibles, art, vintages pieces and more.
Busty & the Bass with special guest Lost Cousins
Sunday, July 2, 7:00 PM
Sesqui Stage, Ontario Street
Busty & The Bass is a nine-piece from Montreal blend hip-hop, dance, and electrosoul and bring it all on stage in a powerful, energetic set that will have you dancing ‘til you drop. Kingston’s own psychedelic rock group Lost Cousins will open.
Come and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with us in Kingston—we can’t wait to see you! And be sure to check out our special Canada 150 accommodation offers with great deals!
