25 things to do in downtown Kingston this summer

There’s always something happening in downtown Kingston. From signature festivals and live music to waterfront adventures, family-friendly programming and major community celebrations, the city’s historic core is packed with experiences throughout the summer.

TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN DOWNTOWN KINGSTON THIS SUMMER

Fill your calendar with can't-miss events like the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Skeleton Park Arts Festival, Princess Street Promenade and Forever Hip in the Square. Throughout the summer, downtown comes alive with free outdoor programming including Movies in the Square, Salsa in the Square, Swingin' Summer, Kickin' It Country and Games in the Square.

Celebrate major moments like Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026™ event or discover unique experiences at the Vintage Market, Road Trip Music Festival and Eh! Gaming Expo.

Looking to explore beyond the events? Take in the sights aboard a Kingston Trolley Tour, set sail on a 1000 Islands Cruise, or rent a kayak and experience Kingston's stunning waterfront from a new perspective.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a staycation, downtown Kingston offers unforgettable experiences.

Click each image for more information.

 1. Forever Hip: 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert

• Explore the legacy of The Tragically Hip in Kingston as the city marks 10 years since the band’s final concerts in 2016
• Your complete guide to Forever Hip

2. Kingston Food Tours

• Taste your way through downtown Kingston on a guided walking tour
• Curated stops at local restaurants, shops, and producers that showcase the city’s vibrant food scene and local ingredients
• Book tickets online

3. National Indigenous Peoples Day

• Experience a full afternoon of music, dance, and family-friendly activities, including Indigenous performers, cultural sharing, vendors, and a kids’ zone, all centred on connection, learning, and celebration
• Free to attend

4. Kingston Trolley Tours

• Discover Kingston with flexible stops, engaging live commentary, and easy access to museums, landmarks, and cultural sites across downtown
• Stay on board for the full 75-min guided tour, or hop off along the route to explore
• For easy admission into each attraction, upgrade to an all-inclusive K-Pass

5. Skeleton Park Arts Festival

• Local food vendors, live music, fine art exhibitions

• Family-oriented programming

• Free to attend

6. Princess Street Promenade

• Vibrant, walkable celebration in downtown Kingston
• 100+ local businesses and community groups
• Explore unique shopping, live music, games, activities, and more
• Free to attend

7. Vintage market

• 20+ local vendors offering thrifted pieces and handmade goods
• Closes down Montreal St. between Princess and Queen St.
• Free to attend

8. Kickin' it Country

• Live country music every Friday night downtown
• Free to attend

9. Eh! Game Expo

• Three day gaming festival that brings together esports players, casual gamers, cosplay fans, indie developers, artists, and local communities
• Feature vendors, artists, and creators selling gaming merchandise, art, collectibles, and other unique items
• Book tickets online

10. Swingin' Summer

• Enjoy the ultimate throwback to an era of romantic, joyful, and jazzy songs as local Big Bands fill the amphitheatre in Springer Market Square with music
• Free to attend

11. Yoga in the Park

• Instructors from local downtown yoga studios will be leading yoga sessions in Battery Park every Sunday
• All levels welcome
• Free to attend

12. Canada Day 

• Enjoy live music, arts and cultural programming, food trucks, a licensed area, and a fun-filled kids’ zone before a fireworks finale
• Free to attend

13. Movies in the Square

• See your favourite movies beneath the stars on the big screen in Springer Market Square
• Free to attend

14. Saturday Sessions

• A vibrant mix of local musicians and genres, providing a perfect soundtrack for a weekend stroll by the waterfront
• Free to attend

15. Chef demos

• See chefs from your favourite downtown Kingston restaurants demo their creations in Springer Market Square
• Enjoy a delicious sample for just $2 and get a recipe card to make the dish at home
• View demo schedule

16. Salsa in the Square

• Enjoy beginner-friendly lessons followed by an exciting mix of partner and line dancing set to lively Latin music
• Perfect for beginners, experienced dancers, and anyone looking for a fun summer night in the heart of Kingston
• Come solo or bring a dance partner

17. Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

• Experience four days of non-stop fun with epic stunts, magic, and comedy from some of the best Buskers in the world

• Free to attend

18. Screen-free Saturdays

• Enjoy a full day of fun featuring games, obstacle courses, face painting, bubbles, crafts, live music, and much more
• Free to attend

19. The Kick and Push Festival

• Features fun, interesting, and challenging works by award-winning Canadian artists and theatre companies
• Event dates and programming coming soon

20. Creative Kingston Walking Tours

• Explore Kingston's rich music, literature, and film histories
• Free and available 24/7

21. Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026™

• Live FIFA World Cup™ match screening  

• Pop-up football pitch with interactive games  

• Food and beverage experiences  

• Free to attend

22. Games in the Square

• Enjoy giant Snakes & Ladders, chess, checkers, Connect 4, cornhole, UNO, dominoes, and more
• Grab friends, bring your own favourite game, and join the fun
• Free to attend

23. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

• Explore sightseeing & dining cruises

• Book tickets online

24. Kayak rentals

• Rent a kayak online

• View all rentals including bike, stand up paddle board, canoe, sailing tours and more.

25. Road Trip Music Festival

• Emerging stars and internationally recognized artists are taking over downtown Kingston
• Experience one unforgettable day of multi-genre music discovery
• Book tickets online