Page 27 – Visit Kingston

February 4, 2020June 27, 2024

Your Guide to the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier in Kingston

It’s been over 50 years since Kingston last hosted the world’s most famous national curling championship, but now the Brier is back and it should be one of the biggest parties in the city in recent memory. Over 100,000 people are expected at the weeklong bonspiel, which takes place from February 29th to March 8th. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready.

The basics

All of the action happens downtown at the Leon’s Centre, where sixteen men’s teams representing every province and territory — and Canada itself — will compete for the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier Tankard trophy. The winner will represent Canada at the world’s men’s championship.

Things kick off on Friday, February 28th at 7 pm with the wild card game. This is a free event (first come, first served) that will feature the two highest ranked Canadian teams that didn’t win their province or territory. The winner will be the last team to qualify for the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier.

Then, each day until Thursday will have three draws — at 9 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm — where eight teams will compete on four sheets of ice. Saturday, February 29th is the exception, with draws at 2 pm and 7 pm. The playoffs begin on Thursday and a national champion will be crowned after the final on Sunday, March 8th at 7 pm.

Single draw tickets start at $20.20, day packs start at $59, and a full event pack is $550. Click here for tickets.

The Patch

Ground zero for all of the off-ice good times will happen in the parking lot across the street from Leon’s Centre in the heated fan zone, called The Patch. Open from 11 am to 2 am every day, it will be free for anyone to enter.

Leon’s Centre is the caterer, and they’ll have a buffet meal between draws and a concession stand throughout the day featuring sandwiches, hotdogs, pizza, nachos, and more. The area is also licensed, so beer, wine, and liquor will be available. Everything is cashless, though, so bring your cards.

The Patch’s entertainment lineup will include local bands Ambush, 80s Enuff, and Turpin’s Trail, along with non-local acts The Carpet Frogs, Leah Daniels (pictured), Long Range Hustle, Good Bones, and the Toronto Raptors’ bucket drummers The 6ix Stix. There will be games there, too, like inflatable darts, basketball, and football, as well as AGI Cool Shots, which is a tabletop curling game where you’ll be able to win cash money.

Plus, some of the curlers will be at The Patch between draws for autographs and up-close-and-personal sessions where you’ll get to ask them how they hurry so hard (or whatever you want).

What else to do

Downtown Kingston’s winter celebration, Feb Fest, takes place throughout February and the first week of March. Market Square and its outdoor skating rink will be the hub for the festival, and there you’ll find themed skate nights, hockey games, a figure skating showcase, curling demos, ice sculptures, and more.

Elsewhere downtown during Feb Fest, expect special movie screenings, art gallery tours, food tours, restaurant specials, horse-drawn wagon rides, and outdoor games. For the full Feb Fest lineup, visit downtownkingston.ca. For skate rentals, head to City Hall or Trailhead Kingston.

Besides Feb Fest, there will be lots more happening during the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, too. Check out the trails at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, for instance, or a historic site, or Kingston’s booming arts scene. To find out what’s on each day, go to visitkingston.ca/today.

Where to eat

With more restaurants and bars per capita than almost any city in Canada, you won’t be lacking for food choices here. Break down your options with Visit Kingston’s guides to the city’s restaurants and eateries, pubs and nightlife, wineries and breweries, and cafés. For something a bit off the beaten path, check out my favourite best-kept secret restaurants in Kingston.

Toast to Tapas is also returning during Feb Fest this year, with a special “Curling Chews” addition during the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier. Each week, downtown restaurants will feature a themed appetizer using local ingredients offered with or without a local beverage. Pricing will be $8.95 per appetizer or $12.95 with a drink pairing.

You might be able to put your Curling Cash to use at one of these restaurants. Offered to every 2020 Tim Hortons Brier ticketholder, Curling Cash is a coupon for $10 off of purchases of $50 or more at a selection of downtown businesses (valid from February 21 – March 15). Check the coupon with your ticket for a full list of participating businesses.

Where to stay

Take your pick from about 50 hotels, inns, and B&Bs in the Kingston area, or try one of these four options that have special discounts during the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier:

Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston’s Water’s Edge
7 Earl Street, Kingston
613-544-4888
Website

Courtyard Kingston Highway 401/Division Street
103 Dalton Avenue, Kingston
613-548-7000
Website

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston
11 Benson Street, Kingston
613-546-3662
Website (Enter block code: THB)

Ramada by Wyndham Kingston Hotel & Conference Centre
33 Benson Street, Kingston
613-546-3661
Website (Enter block code: 022720202)

Getting around

Leon’s Centre is located downtown, so you’ll be within walking distance of Feb Fest activities, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other attractions.

Kingston Transit provides frequent and reliable service to downtown Kingston – with the Leon’s Centre and the Brier Patch just a short walk from the downtown transfer point. From Feb. 28 to March 8, all ticket holders and volunteers can ride public transit for free – simply show your ticket or volunteer accreditation when boarding. Kingston Transit will offer extended service on Feb. 29, March 5, 6 and 7 – with the last bus leaving the downtown transfer point at 2:15 a.m.

Driving to Kingston? Free parking is available at designated Park & Ride locations, with the Montreal St. and Kingston Gospel Temple lots conveniently located just off of Highway 401.

Staying in Kingston? Hotels located outside of the downtown will have maps and schedules to help you plan your trip (or use your preferred trip planning app, like Moovit, TransitPlanner or Google Maps).

For parking options, including surface lots, park-and-ride lots, and accessible parking, click here.

For road closures, click here.

Visit curling.ca/2020brier for tickets, the full schedule, and more. Good curling!

January 31, 2020March 20, 2023

Your 2020 Guide to March Break in Kingston

It’s the event that the kids have been counting down to since the first Monday in January – March Break! If jet setting south to soak up the rays is not on the to-do list, load up the kids and head to Kingston for a mini-get away that is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

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Pretty wild Saturday night at Kingston’s brand new @xtparkkingston 👍
A post shared by REID (@rockinreid983) on Oct 19, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT

Something New

New to Kingston this year is Xtreme Trampoline, a giant space filled with everything fun and bouncy! Wall to wall trampoline, basketball slam, dodgeball, gladiator, kiddie kourt, and more! With lots of packages to choose from, even adults can get in on the fun and bounce away those winter blues. Open 4 pm to 9 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10 am to 8 pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday. Book your family’s bounce time now!

Back to Nature

The snow is still hanging on but spring is just around the corner. Take in the last taste of winter with a trip to Maple Madness at Little Cataraqui Creek. Between March 14 and 22 you can take in the sweetness of this classic Canadian outing. Each day, enjoy self-guided sugar bush tours between 9 am and 4 pm. Between face painting, tree tapping demonstrations and puppet shows, there something for everyone. Visit the website for more information.

Cheering on the Home Town Team

Do the kids have a lot of pent up energy? Use it to cheer on the Kingston Frontenacs at the Leon’s Centre. Watch them take on the Ottawa 67’s on March 14 or the matchup against the Oshawa Generals on March 20th. Puck drops at 7 pm!

Kids Getting Creative

The Kingston School of Art is home to some of the most beautiful art around – and now the kids can get their creative juices flowing! From March 16 to 20, kids five to 10 years of age can explore all kinds of art mediums, from pastels to water colours to face painting and more! Sign up for a day or two, or the whole week! Visit them at 647a Princess Street. Art camp runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Stay and Dine

Top Kingston hotels are offering some amazing March Break packages in 2020. Want to stay downtown? Need to be on the west end? Kids need a pool? Visit Kingston has you covered. And parents, this getaway is for you, too, so take a break from cooking and enjoy some much deserved meals out at many of Kingston’s favourite family-friendly restaurants.

No matter where in Kingston you choose to enjoy this March Break, family activities, comfortable accommodations, and a fabulous family restaurant are just steps away.

January 30, 2020March 31, 2023

2020 Ian Walsh Photography Contest

The annual Ian Walsh Photography Contest is back for its sixth year, and once again professional photogs and amateurs alike are being called upon to show off the best of Kingston through their lenses. This year’s theme is Colourful Kingston and the winners will take home hefty prizes: $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place.

Golden Hour Never Waits by Brody McMaster (2016 People’s Choice Winner)

To enter, head to visitkingston.ca/makers/ian-walsh-photography-contest and upload your digital files. A panel of judges consisting of professional photographers and affiliates will judge all entries based on originality, creativity, technical proficiency, uniqueness, appropriateness, and relevance to the theme. The sponsors are Visit Kingston and Alphabet Creative.

Started by Kingston Accommodation Partners (KAP), the contest was always meant to be a way to encourage and honour the artistic community in Kingston, says Heather Ford, who owns Green Acres Inn and helped come up with the idea for the contest. “And when Ian passed away in 2014, we really wanted to do something that honoured him and had an artistic bent, and this just made perfect sense.”

It made sense because Ian was such a champion of the arts in Kingston, says Heather, who had been a friend of Ian’s since the 1980s. Not only was he a charter board member of Kingston WritersFest, but when he helped launch KAP in 2004, he was adamant that the promotional group encourage artists here. The reason, says Heather, was that he saw artists as a big part of what makes Kingston so great.

Ian, along with his partner Donna Mallory, was also the proprietor of the Hotel Belvedere, and in the 1990s he played a big role in advocating for a hospitality industry program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Later, he was part of the inaugural board of RTO 9, a regional tourism organization that promotes tourism in South Eastern Ontario.

“His leadership style was really compelling,” says Heather. “He was always rational, and had a quiet persistence and impeccable manners that made him a great leader and someone people were happy to line up with. He always believed in the best for the community and celebrating it.”

And celebrating the community is what this contest is all about, adds Heather, whether it’s Kingstonians or tourists doing the photo-taking. Previous years’ contest themes have included Enjoying Kingston (2015), Fresh Made Daily (2016), Creative Kingston (2017), and #YumGK (2018).

The 2019 theme was Made in Kingston, and featured pics capturing the city’s vibrant maker community—everything from plated entrees, to Martello Alley, to musicians on stage, to a painting of Welling Street in December.

As with previous years, entrants can enter a maximum of five photos. All judging criteria will be weighed equally, but in the event of a tie, the photo with the highest score in creativity will be selected as the winner.

Moment in Time by Lars Hagberg (2016 Second Place Winner [Open])

Whether entrants are successful in nabbing any of the $5,000 in prize money, though, what’s most important about this contest is celebrating Kingston and honouring one of its finest, says Heather. “Ian was just a remarkable person and had the qualities one would want in a friend and a business leader. This is a great way to remember him.

January 23, 2020March 31, 2023

Behind the Kingston Canadian Film Festival with Marc Garniss

Cancellation notice due to COVID-19: kingcanfilmfest.com

This year the Kingston Canadian Film Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary! This festival brings incredible Canadian films to the limestone city every year. This year’s event runs from March 11-15. The festival does more than screen films, it also features Q&As, workshops, networking events, and live music. Tickets go on sale February 4 but in the meantime, learn more from Festival Director Marc Garniss. In our chat below Marc shares his all-time favourite festival film, which celebrity speakers are expected this year, and other fun details movie-goers can look forward to.

Tell me about the Kingston Canadian Film Festival and your role in the annual event?

The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the globe’s largest all-Canadian film festival, entering its 20th anniversary season, March 11-15. I am the Festival Director.

Why do you think Kingston is a great venue to host the festival?

Kingston is a great place to host a film festival. We have a beautiful downtown core with everything centrally located. We attract a number of visitors from places between the Toronto-Montreal corridor that may not have a film festival in their market – so, they embrace KCFF as their hometown/local fest. I think the fact that we’re an all-Canadian festival adds to the feeling of ownership. At KCFF, audiences hear the stories of filmmakers from all regions of Canada. They represent subjects that may be familiar and stories that are relevant and important to us as Canadians. Of course, a number of the stories also help shed light on subjects that are unknown to some Canadians. So, the tone of the programming is familiar, yet exploratory.

What do you love most about the film festival?

I love how the fest captures so many moving pieces that are ultimately framed into a final piece of programming. We work all year, liaising with filmmakers, visiting other festivals, and chatting with artists. Some films have release dates that line up with the festival and others do not. Some guests confirm a year in advance and others may not confirm until the week of the KCFF. So, while we pride ourselves on being organized (my staff is at least!) there’s an element of chaos involved in an event like this that keeps it exciting. Let’s call it an organized chaos!

All time favourite film that has participated in the film festival?

I have only been involved in the fest since 2012. But, my favourite film that we have played would be Simon Lavoie’s The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches

What are you looking forward to at this year’s festival?

I’m a big Kids in the Hall fan and Kevin McDonald will be doing his one-man show and I’ve already got my ticket for that one! Plus, we just confirmed our opening night title — but at this time — I can’t leak that info!

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A post shared by KCFF (@kingcanfilmfest) on Dec 9, 2019 at 9:28am PST

What’s your favourite film festival venue in Kingston?

My favourite venue is The Screening Room! Of course, The Grand and the Isabel are beautiful and we love working with their amazing teams. But, when it comes to hunkering down for four days of binge-watching Canadian films, it’s hard to beat the coziness and charm of The Screening Room. They just installed the “Overlook Hotel” (The Shining) carpet in one of their theatres – so, that alone seals the deal for me!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7l-9BWgpnY/

What do you want the general public to know about the festival?

That’s easy. Canadian film is the best in the world! While I may have a slight bias, it’s worth noting that Canadian film is winning awards in France (Cannes), Berlin (Berlinale), Edinburgh (EIFF) and other major festivals across the world. When I travelled to EIFF a couple years ago, there was a huge spotlight on Canadian film. Most films that dominate North American commercial theatres are just thinly developed eye-candy. KCFF is a rare opportunity to see many of the amazing Canadian films that are drastically underseen (especially on the big screen) but are among the best in the world according to critics and international audiences. And, the best part is, you don’t need to be a “film nerd” to enjoy these films! Most festival patrons would identify as an average movie-goer. Of course, the longer one attends KCFF, the more sophisticated your tastes may become, haha!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwIFvm_AcnH/

Guests/speakers that you are most excited about this year?

Sean Cullen, Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall), Don Shebib, Andrea Bang (Kim’s Convenience), and likely about 100 others! Most of our films are accompanied by a post-show Q&A with the director, cast and/or crew. This is one of the highlights of the festival – you can ask your questions and get to know the filmmaking team after each screening. Generally, our special guests are very accessible and love meeting and chatting with our audience, both formally during the Q&A period, and informally afterwards in the theatre lobby or at a festival party. The festival brings together so many interesting people into small venues during four action-packed days – it’s a great way to meet both locals and visitors, connecting over some films, and stories and their creators. It’s a recipe for an amazing experience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6RGqKsAsNr/

Anything you’d like to add?

Our festival lineup is announced February 2 and tickets go on sale February 4. While you can often buy tickets at the festival, lots of screenings sell out (especially during our primetime screening slots). So, we recommend folks pick up tickets in advance if they can! They’re available on our website (kingcanfilmfest.com) and also in-person during certain days/times leading up to the fest. All the details are on our website!

This year’s festival promises to be another showcase of Canadian talent – plan your Kingston getaway to experience the festival with these getaway packages.

January 10, 2020March 27, 2023

Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar: Kingston’s First Zero Waste Restaurant!

At 286 Princess Street, just down from The Hub and headed towards Sydenham Street, a quiet little revolution is underway in the guise of a remarkable restaurant – Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar – the brainchild of a pair of Queen’s University graduates: an engineer (her); and mathematician (him).

She is Bellen Tong: a biomechanical engineer and chef trained at the prestigious George Brown Culinary School in Toronto. He is Zach Fang, a math whiz and banker. They come from the opposite sides of vast Northern China, but they met at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. Bellen and Zach are partners in life and business and co-founders of Miss Bāo. Bellen is the restaurant’s operation manager and Zach is the project coordinator.

A sneak peek to what’s coming to Kingston

Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar brings something brand new to Kingston. Not only is the restaurant a fusion of cultures and ideas; of countries and cuisines; of art and science; of ancient and modern; of locally sourced ingredients and imported revolutionary state-of-the-art composting technology, but perhaps most importantly of all, Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar will be a 100% zero waste operation. They are the first independent restaurant in Ontario to use a remarkable on-site-in-vessel composter to tackle food waste, making Miss Bāo a true leader in the sustainability revolution.

Miss Bāo takes its name from one of Bellen’s culinary specialities: bāo, a traditional Northern Chinese dish, now famous the world over, which is one of the mainstays of the restaurant’s menu.

Vegan-Szechuan-Bāo-filling-made-with-banana-peels

Bāo, also known as baozi or steamed buns, are tender, savoury, delicious dumplings encased in a soft, bread-like dough and steamed in bamboo baskets. The most traditional bāo are filled with fragrant steamed pork and just a hint of scallion. Miss Bāo Restaurant dishes up everything from traditional pork and beef steamed dumplings, to Peking Duck bāo, and vegetarian and vegan options including “ vegan Szechuan “pork” bāo.” The vegan ‘pork’, is made from banana peels: an ingredient most of us have entirely overlooked and tossed away our entire lives. How is this possible? According to Bellen, the banana skins are soaked immediately on peeling to avoid oxidation, then they are cooked over low heat for a very long time, and finally, they are seasoned to perfection. According to Bellen, “they are surprisingly delicious.”

The menu includes a variety of Asian fusion tapas with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as Asian inspired speciality cocktails including an entire cocktail series using Asian liquors as a base. The Sakura Martini, for example, features Nigori (a type of sake), dry vermouth, maraschino cherry syrup, and a salt pickled cherry blossom.

Spiked bubble tea with a shot of Earl Grey Infused Vodka

To meet their dream of creating a sustainable, zero-waste restaurant, Bellen and Zach implemented some simple things, such as using all the vegetable peelings to make homemade vegan stock. They also eliminated single-use plastic items, and eliminated or replaced ingredients that have non-compostable and non-recyclable packaging. In order to do this, they make such ingredients as ponzu, miso and pickles in-house, instead of purchasing commercially pre-made and pre-packaged versions.

Steamed pork scallop and prawn Shumai w red lumpfish caviar made in-house

More significantly though, Bellen and Zach implemented some impressive state-of-the-art green technology including a closed-loop vessel composter, imported from Korea and an Urban Cultivator® (essentially a fully contained, indoor gardening system), made in British Columbia.

The vessel composter grinds and breaks down all the restaurant’s food waste while controlling temperature and humidity, in order to create clean, nutrient-rich, odourless compost. Compost is used to grow vegetables onsite in the cultivator, thereby transforming what was food waste to a remarkable, nutrient rich food source. The first in Kingston, this large indoor gardening appliance allows the restaurant to produce all of its own microgreens onsite, and on full display to restaurant patrons.

Visit Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar at 286 Princess Street and come be part of the sustainability revolution!

Japanese inspired chilled tofu with soy-ginger sauce

286 Princess Street, Kingston, ON

Website | Instagram

Supplier List (more coming soon):
Pig and Olive Premium Meat
Local Growing Company
Findlay Foods (for sustainable fish and seafood)
Memorial Centre Farmers Market
Limestone Organic Creamery

January 8, 2020April 5, 2023

Meet the Maker: Vicki Westgate of Metalworks Kingston

If you’ve walked through the red doors of Metalworks over the past couple of decades, chances are you’ve met silversmith Vicki Westgate. She’s the gallery manager at the downtown studio and jewellery boutique, and she’s been here since Steve Luckwaldt bought Metalworks and hired her in 2003.

When I walk in, she’s helping a customer from behind one of the glass cases that line the snug space and are filled with custom necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings made by Canadian jewellers and goldsmiths, including Vicki herself.

It’s a world very familiar to Vicki. “I’ve done jewellery since I was very little, and I’ve always loved it because it incorporates so much and it’s hands-on,” she tells me later. “You’re building, using tools, hammers, fire, because everything is made from scratch, and I like that.”

Here, that building happens in the small studio in the back shared by Vicki, Steve, and goldsmith Emily Wojna. It consists of three benches a few feet apart with hundreds of tiny tools on top — hammers, pliers, files, burrs, etc. Imagine the back of a jewellery shop from two hundred years ago, if not longer, and you’re not far off. “Nothing has really changed for over 2,000 years in traditional goldsmithing,” says Vicki. “There are new tools that can make life a lot easier, but we’re not that type of studio. We tend toward the tried and true because it’s what we’re good at it and because it works.”

Vicki describes her own work as “very feminine” and “classic with a twist”. Much of it incorporates pearls, but this isn’t the typical sweater set. Rather, she combines the natural contours of the pearls with more modern, handmade elements using gemstones, silver, and gold.

Vicki has a degree in fine art from the University of Toronto and worked in the private gallery system in Toronto for several years. She moved to Kingston in the 90s to enroll in Queen’s Artist in Community Education program and later took jewellery classes at St. Lawrence College.

Now firmly established at Metalworks for almost 20 years, she says one of the biggest rewards of this career is trying to figure out exactly what a client wants. “I find that dialogue very interesting, trying to physically envision what they want. And then when you’ve done it and you present it and they’re like, ‘Yay! Whoa!’ It’s the best feeling.”

While Metalworks has customers from all over the world, many are within walking distance of the downtown shop, says Vicki, and that’s something she’s proud of. “Rather than finding something online and going click, here it’s a visceral, one-to-one, highly personalized experience.”

Plus, she adds, people who shop here like the idea that they’re supporting artists who are making their living at this. “This is someone’s career, they’ve gone to school for this, and I find that people like making that connection with the people behind the work.”

Metalworks Kingston

352 King Street East

metalworkskingston.ca

January 6, 2020March 29, 2023

Celebrating Diversity: The Reelout Queer Film Festival

Hollywood does its best, but sometimes you have to look outside of the mainstream for the most interesting and important movies. A great place to start is this month’s Reelout Queer Film Festival. Now in its 21st year, the fest brings together the talents of filmmakers from across the globe to tell honest, heartwarming, funny, and fearless stories.

Still from Take Me To Prom, Photo via Reelout Queer Film Festival

Opening on January 30th, Reelout promises to provide a rainbow of options for every type of movie-goer: from die-hard film aficionados, to folks looking for a lighthearted weekend activity, to those who are simply curious about lives and perspectives different than their own. “This is a queer film fest, but it’s not just a film festival for the queer community,” says Matt Salton, Reelout’s executive director. “Everyone is more than welcome. It’s about much more than just gender and sexuality – it’s about celebrating diversity through the powerful medium of film.”

Changing the Game, a documentary that has been raking in awards across the festival circuit since its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival is Reelout’s opening gala selection. The film follows three transgender high school athletes who must train with the added pressure of daily harassment and discrimination. The film will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Lee Airton, PhD an Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies in Education at Queen’s University. Another highly-anticipated feature, Song Lang, is a gorgeous feature film from Vietnam set behind the scenes of a gorgeous opera stage production in the 1980s.

Still from Changing the Game, Photo via Reelout Queer Film Festival

The rest of the diverse 43-film lineup includes comedy, romance, drama, and horror, presented as shorts and feature-length films, in both narrative and documentary form. Reelout’s programming committee, made up of Kingstonians from all walks of life, helped to select this year’s films from over 200 submissions from countries all over the world.

In addition to 10 days of fascinating films, Reelout invites the community to celebrate with them at the festival events: the Reelout/Three Things Consulting opening gala screening of Changing the Game and reception on Thursday, January 30^th at Montel’s Lounge in the Tir Nan Og Irish Pub!) and the Closing Gala drag cabaret Drag Me to the Movies at The Screening Room at 9pm on Friday, February 7^th.

Still from Good Kisser, Photo via Reelout Queer Film Festival

The driving force behind the entire festival is its focus on diversity and representation. Salton believes that the stories and perspectives shared through the festival’s films and events can have an illuminating, even uniting effect on the community. “This festival bridges some of the gaps that exist within the diversity of our city,” he says. “It brings together the town and the university, and the heterosexual community and the queer community – but it also highlights the voices of Kingston’s people of colour, people from different countries, and people who are differently-abled. We always need to look at our struggles for equality through an intersectional lens, and our films demonstrate that queer lives and struggles can be vastly diverse.”

Still from Henry’s Heart, Photo via Reelout Queer Film Festival

Reelout has also done a lot to lift spirits – both of viewers, and those whose stories are being told. “I’m celebrating 20 years as a film festival programmer and still to this day my favourite moment was five years ago when our opening gala documentary was about a young transgender girl who lives in Timmins, Ontario,” says Salton. “This girl was horribly bullied – she was once thrown in a dumpster – and seemed to be destined for a really sad life. Her mother heard about an international roller derby league that accepted trans-identified people, and they also had a children’s league. Through the sport of roller derby, this little girl became empowered. It was a really moving documentary.”

Still from I Am Me, Photo via Reelout Queer Film Festival

“We brought this girl and her mother to Kingston for the opening gala at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, and the guy who does our carpet service even offered a red carpet. A lot of our volunteers wanted to help out, acting as paparazzi. So when our guests showed up in a limousine at the Isabel, they were treated like the stars we saw them as.”

Through the exciting experiences offered by the fest, and the different perspectives provided to Kingston’s moviegoers through the medium of film, Salton hopes that Reelout will continue to make a positive impact on the community. “Film has a powerful, mobilizing influence for change,” he says. “Festivals like Reelout give unseen members of the community a chance to be seen and heard.”

“I think the more different stories we see and hear as a community, the more respect and empathy we will have for one another.”

Reelout Queer Film Festival runs from January 30th to February 8th, 2020 at The Screening Room (120 Princess St). Screening times, tickets, event information, and more are available at reelout.com.

December 19, 2019March 20, 2023

25 things to do in February 2020

Some of our favourite winter festivals return this February, plus things are getting a little cultured at our art galleries. And at the end of the month, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the Tim Hortons Brier kicks off with its opening draw at the Leon’s Centre. Do you have your tickets yet?

Do you have a Kingston event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our events calendar for consideration!

Make sure you click each image for even more event details.

1. Reelout Queer Film and Video Festival, Various Locations – January 30 – February 8, 2020

2. Feb Fest, Downtown Kingston – February

3. QPLS Conference “Life of a Lawyer”, John Deutsch University Centre – February 1, 2020

4. Cabin Fever: Winter Antique Show, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour – February 1-2, 2020

5. Kingston Frontenacs Games, Leon’s Centre – February 1, 2, 8, 13, 15, 18, 22, 2020

6. We Will Rock You: The Musical on Tour, Leon’s Centre – February 3, 2020

7. Human Rights Art Festival – Film Night: Advocate, Isabel Bader Centre – February 3, 2020

8. Monday Evening Throwdown Pottery Class, Amaranth Stoneware – February 3, 10, 24, 2020

9. DIY Charcuterie Boards, Tett Centre – February 6 + 20, 2020

10. Thursday Gallery Tour, Agnes Etherington Art Centre – February 9, 2020

11. Crop Kingston Winter Crafting Retreat, Four Points by Sheraton – February 7-9, 2020

12. Cezanne’s Closet 2020 Art Auction, Union Gallery – February 8, 2020

13. Guided Fishing Tours, Lake Ontario – February 8-10, 22-24, 2020

14. Inside Agnes: Spencer Evans & Doug Stewart, Agnes Etherington Art Centre – February 9, 2020

15. Beethoven 6 & Stravinsky – MW5, The Grand Theatre – February 9, 2020

16. Nautical Nights: Winter Speaker Series, Kingston Yacht Club – February 12 + 26, 2020

17. Valentine’s Day with Miss Emily, The Isabel Bader Centre – February 14, 2020

18. Romeo & Juliet by National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, The Grand Theatre – February 13, 2020

19. Family Friendly Food Tour, Downtown Kingston – February 16 + 17, 2020

20. Family Day at Kingston Museums, Various Locations – February 17, 2020

21. Old Dominion Live, Leon’s Centre – February 20, 2020

22. RELM Sports YGK Showdown, Invista Centre – February 20-23, 2020

23. Dion Howlin Husky Snowshoe Race, Mountain Bike Club of Kingston – February 22, 2020

24. Afternoon Tea at AquaTerra – February 22 + 23, 2020

25. 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, Leon’s Centre – February 29 – March 8, 2020

December 18, 2019March 20, 2023

Giving the Gift of Kingston Experiences

This holiday, give that lucky someone the gift of an unforgettable experience in our beautiful city. Sure it’s an ideal destination year-round, but the winter festivities add a unique sparkle to Kingston that can’t be missed.

The gift of giving (and receiving)

This holiday season, the fine folks at AquaTerra restaurant are adding something special when you load up on gift certificates. Get a gift when you give a gift (certificate) — like $220 when you spend $200; $340 when you spend $300, and; $450 when you spend $400. Treat your friends and loved ones to AquaTerra’s ever-evolving menu full of locally sourced and seasonally inspired ingredients, perfect at any time of day and occasions big and small.

Meet our Makers

Experience an evening of fine food, famous Prince Edward County wines, and good conversation. Join AquaTerra’s Executive Chef and a guest winemaker at the waterfront restaurant, listen to stories from the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process. Tickets include a four-course dinner with wine pairings. Seating is limited so get your tickets online today.

Watch them play

Are there hockey fans in your life? Send them to the rink in style. The Kingston Frontenacs Coca-Cola Holiday Pack includes 6 silver ticket vouchers for any regular-season game between December 28, 2019 to March 22, 2020; one signed Kingston Frontenacs puck; one Coca-Cola vintage bottle six-pack; one official Kingston Frontenacs ballcap. Holiday Packs can be bought at the Fronts Shop at Leon’s Centre until December 23 at noon.

Let us entertain you

Forget trying to select the perfect book, movie, or album for the culture vulture on your list — you’re probably going to pick the wrong one anyway. Instead, let them choose their own play or performance with a gift certificate to the Grand Theatre or the Isabel. Bonus: these gift certificates never expire!

Good wine for a good cause

The Winemaker’s Benefit Dinner, hosted by AquaTerra, invites guests to enjoy a memorable evening of great food and wine in support of the University Hospital Kingston Foundation. The speakers of the evening are cardiologist Dr. Adrian Baranchuk, who has written about the relationship between wine and cardiovascular health, and Dan Sullivan of Prince Edward County’s Rosehall Run winery. Tickets are available online.

Solve some problems

Your pals, family members, or co-workers will love the chance to prove their problem-solving skills when you gift them a booking at Improbable Escapes or Sherlock’s Escapes! Three of Kingston’s most thrilling attractions, these escape rooms offer a variety of themed rooms to choose from for tons of brain-teasing fun.

Eat and be merry

For the culinary connoisseur, give them the best of both worlds: the Kingston experience and great food. Kingston Food Tours offers a guided walk through the downtown streets, discovering the city’s history and savouring the very best of Kingston cuisine. For fans of the craft brewery scene, join a microbrewery crawl with the Beer and Bites tour.

Looking for more experiences in Kingston? Check out more Kingston attractions.

December 6, 2019March 20, 2023

Kingston Live, Episode 12: A Roundup

Kingston Live is a monthly podcast that offers behind-the-scenes insights into the Kingston music scene. If you’re looking to learn more about the city’s emerging artists and where to see them play live, you’ll find it here! If you’re a resident music lover or visitor looking for the inside scoop on Kingston’s local music scene, it’s a perfect fit for you, too.

Johnny and Riley close the year with their 12th episode, chatting with local musicians Dan Taylor and Paul Stoss, of the Dan Taylor Band and end the episode discussing the past year of the podcast, their favourite episodes and shows.

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Dan Taylor of the Dan Taylor Band starts the episode discussing his latest single “Limestone City” and what inspired him to write it three years ago. Bandmate, Paul Stoss also shares his perspective on what he loves about Kingston. “The quality of musicians and artists that do exist here — it is an inspiring place,” says Paul. They chat about the concept of the “Kingston sound” something that Johnny and Riley have touched on with many guests on the show this year. Listeners learn more about the band and their performance in Kingston’s Santa Claus Parade. Dan’s advice to aspiring artists is, “Have thick skin.” Listeners get a chance to hear their single, “Limestone City!”

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Johnny and Riley follow the tradition of listing every show worth attending in the Kingston area from now through to the new year.

They close the show by chatting in a roundtable with Executive Producer Rob Howard and writer Pete Sanfilippo to reflect on their favourite episodes, shows and festivals of the year. They discuss the growth of Back to the Farm and the changes made to the format of Wolfe Island Music Festival (for the better!). Other local show highlights include The Glorious Sons’ show at Richardson Stadium and Rockin’ the House at the Kingston Penitentiary. Listeners also get the inside scoop on their favourite musical discoveries of 2019 and their thoughts on the local music scene and why it’s thriving. They also touch on one of my personal favourite moments from this year’s episodes: the interview with Brian from Brian’s Record Option and how the Kingston community lifted him up after his store flooded and made sure he didn’t close.

The Kingston Live podcast is syndicated to all major podcast platforms. Find them wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to subscribe: Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIn and Stitcher. They also air on Wolfe Island Radio on Tuesday and Thursdays! You can also follow them on Instagram.

Missed episode 11? Catch the recap here.

December 5, 2019March 29, 2023

Guide to NYE 2019 in Kingston

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and we’re here to help you figure out your plans! But forget Chinese takeout and Netflix — with so many things happening around the city, you’ll definitely want to take advantage and spend a night out on the town! Check out our list below for all types of ideas from dress-up to live music and everything in between.

If you want to dress up

Looking for a reason to dress to the nines and wear those shoes that hurt your feet but look super cute? This list is for you. Ring in the new year with a little extra sparkle with one of these events.

NYE The Roaring Twenties

Where: Holiday County Manor in Battersea (Just North of Kingston)
Vibe: As we head into the ’20s Holiday County Manor is ringing in the new year, Gatsby style. Go full glitz and glam with this themed event.
Cost: $60+tax or $240 with overnight accomodations.
Call: 613-353-2211 to book

New Year’s Eve Gala

Where: Italo-Canadian Club
Vibe: Dancing, a five-course Italian dinner and a late-night buffet.
Cost: $70

New Year’s at Union

Where: Union Kitchen & Cocktails
Vibe: Three-course dinner and Champagne
Cost: $65
Call: 613-547-5152

New Year’s Eve at AquaTerra

Where: AquaTerra
Vibe: 5-course First Seating or 6-course Second Seating that includes sparkling wine and a cheese course.
Cost: $86 – $100
Call: 613-549-6243

If you want to support a good cause

If you want to find the balance between treating yourself and giving to others, celebrate 2020 while honouring a charity at one of these fabulous Kingston events.

Kingston New Year’s Eve Gala: Countdown to 2020 for Loving Spoonful

Where: The Harbour Restaurant & Catering
Vibe: Live music, hors d’oeuvres, games, prizes and champagne.
Cost: $95-$105. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Loving Spoonful.

NYE 2019 Charity Gala: Countdown to 2020

Where: Four Points by Sheraton Kingston
Vibe: Dancing, appetizers and drinks (two drink tickets included with ticket). Make a night of it and book a room at the Sheraton!
Cost: $100/person – $150/for two. The event benefits Sistema Kingston.

What Happens at Spearhead…New Year’s Eve Casino Night!

Where: Spearhead Brewing Company
Vibe: Showgirl performances by Chez BonBon Productions, tapas-style menu, real casino games and tables to play with proceeds benefiting the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance’s (CACHA) Congo Project.
Cost: $125
Tickets: Can be purchased at Spearhead

If you want to rock out

Want to kick off 2020 singing at the top of your lungs and sweating out your last meal of 2019? There is something here for you.

New Year’s Eve with Ambush!

Where: Ambassador Hotel and Conference Centre
Vibe: Dress-up or casual, whatever floats your boat! Just be ready for dinner and a live concert featuring Ambush.
Cost: $52

New Year’s Eve Rock and Roll Royal Kingston Curling Club

Where: Royal Kingston Curling Club
Vibe: Rock and Roll with music by Aylesworth, Jones and Pike.
Cost: $25 in advance/ $30 at the door

If you want to party economically

Is your New Year’s resolution to be more fiscally responsible? From free to very reasonably priced meals, take your pick of the Kingston options below.

Merchant NYE

Where: The Merchant Tap House
Vibe: Kingston’s go-to bar wants you to get down with DJ T-MAK.
Cost: NO COVER

New Year’s Eve at the Brewery

Where: Stone City Ales
Vibe: Chill. So chill, in fact, you can go anytime on New Year’s Eve from 11 am on for a three-course prix-fixe menu.
Cost: $30/plate

If you want to celebrate with the family

Do you want to include your little ones in the 2020 celebration? They can appreciate the fanfare of closing a year and starting a new one with one of these kid-friendly events.

K-Town Countdown

Where: Invista Centre (New location!)
Vibe: Something for every member of the family – magicians, ice-shows, three thematic ice pads, photo booths, animal encounters with Zoo to You.
Cost: FREE

Noon Year’s Eve

Where: Playtrium
Vibe: Playful fun for the young ones! Face painting, a hot chocolate bar, prizes and giveaways and a balloon drop at noon.
Cost: General Admission: Non-crawling Infants: Free; 2 years and under: $8.99; 3-16 years: $16.99; Adults: $2.99; Grandparents: Free for a limited time!

December 3, 2019April 3, 2023

The Everly: A New Face at The Table

Tucked into the corner of Wellington and Brock Streets in downtown Kingston, a brand new restaurant is underway. The Everly Restaurant and Lounge, located at 171 Wellington, is a massive construction site when I visit, but even in this state, you can clearly see that The Everly will be a beautiful and stunningly elegant addition to Kingston. Light streams in through the huge plate-glass windows. The ceiling soars above. There’s a feeling of spaciousness and airiness. It’s a perfect location, central but out of the hurly-burly. It is a surprisingly glamorous construction site.

Big things are not new to this location. It was in this very block that a young John A. Macdonald opened his first law office in 1835, a year before he was admitted to the Bar of Upper Canada.

The Everly’s owners, Amber Thom, and her partner, Jamie Hodges (a New Zealander who has spent the last 14 years in Canada), know a thing or two about restaurants. Together they co-owned both the gorgeous, ultra-stylish Juniper Café at the Tett Centre and Epicurious Catering. They’ve spent their lives working in the food industry and, amongst other things, they once ran the Red Brick Supper Club, a small dinner-party style private restaurant out of their home where reservations were hotly sought after.

The Everly, though, is a brand-new venture built from scratch and will be a unique addition to Kingston’s culinary scene. In style, it will evoke a 1930s Manhattan cocktail bar and supper club. Think soft jazz. Black walnut tables. Comfortable sumptuous seating. A massive, opulent chandelier. Warm, flattering colours and soft lighting, soaring ceilings, secluded, private spaces, a stylish outdoor patio, and wine and cocktails served in gorgeous glassware. And above all, seriously good food.

“What we’re after here is creating something that is classic and timeless,” says Amber. “We want to focus on warm hospitality and serving thoughtful food and drink with quality, professional service. We just want everyone to have a really nice time.”

The menu, which will change regularly according to seasonal availability, will feature sharing plates that will feed two to four people, as well as small and large plates. Menu items will include fresh pasta made daily on-site, local organic produce, local, humanely raised meat, and sustainable fish and seafood. Don’t be surprised to see special items crop up in the daily offerings – dishes like confit deep-fried rabbit, wagyu beef carpaccio, and on the weekends, whole suckling pig.

“We’ll be making our own ingredients,” says Jamie. “We will use the whole animal – nothing will be wasted. Prime cuts go onto the share plates. Bones will be used for stocks. Tougher cuts will be braised and then made into sauces or pates, terrines, charcuterie, and ragù for pastas. Working this way, we will be able to offer outstanding food at a well-considered, reasonable price point.”

Once dinner service concludes at 10pm, the bar will be open until late at night for food and drinks.

“We want this to be a classy, comfortable place that people can visit later in the evening,” says Amber. During the summer months, cocktails and snacks will be available on the 30-seat patio.

“We have recruited a team of 20 experienced, incredibly talented professionals from all over the province including Toronto, Ottawa, and Prince Edward County,” says Jamie. On the new team are sommelier, chefs, cooks, and servers. All will go through an intensive training program before the restaurant opens.

“Our aim is to set a new gold standard in food, hospitality, and style,” says Jamie.

And even before the doors open at The Everly, it’s already apparent that the new gold standard is well underway.

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Watch for The Everly to open in early December 2019. Tuesday to Saturday nights inclusive, from 5 pm until late.

Find more information at theeverly.ca, on Facebook or Instagram

The Everly Supplier List

Third Heart Farm
Patchwork Gardens
Salt of the Earth
Wendy’s Mobile Market
Sonset Farms
Ironwood Organics
Burt’s Greenhouse
Wallace Beef
Glengarry Cheese
Forman Farms
Quinn’s Meats
Ottercreek Farms
Beking Eggs
Hogan’s Honey
Heffernan Family Farms