25 things to do in Kingston this August

With warm summer days and lively evenings, August is one of the best times to experience Kingston. From celebrations honouring The Tragically Hip to waterfront adventures, live music, festivals, and outdoor markets, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN KINGSTON THIS AUGUST

Celebrate Kingston's musical legacy during Forever Hip, with multi-day programming honouring The Tragically Hip, including Rockin' the Square sponsored by Empire Life featuring Choir! Choir! Choir!, Forever Hip in the Square, a concert viewing party of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, and The Gathering hosted by The Tragically Hip Podcast Series.

Spend your days exploring Kingston's vibrant outdoor experiences with Princess Street Promenade, Summer fun on Sydenham, daily Events in the Square, and the Live 365 Summer Music Series. Wander the Memorial Centre Farmers' Market, enjoy free Yoga in the Park, or watch local chefs showcase their culinary skills during Saturday Chef Demos at City Hall.

Experience Kingston from the water aboard a 1000 Islands cruise, explore the city on a Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, set sail with Ahoy Rentals, or discover the waterfront by kayak, paddleboard, or scuba diving. Take a Kingston Food Tour, uncover local history at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum, or experience the chilling Ghosts of the S.S. Keewatin tours at the Great Lakes Museum.

August also brings a variety of festivals and cultural events, including the Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival, Women's Art Festival, Wolfe Island Music Festival, Greek Fest, the Sheep Dog Trials Festival, Back to the Farm at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing, and Fort Henry's iconic Sunset Ceremony. Whether you're exploring local culture, enjoying live entertainment, or making memories on the waterfront, August offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of visitor.

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

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1. Rockin' the Square sponsored by Empire Life featuring Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s final concert in Kingston that took place on August 20, 2016

• The ultimate Forever Hip singalong community event

• Free to attend

2. Forever Hip in the Square

• A heartfelt celebration of The Tragically Hip’s enduring legacy in Kingston

• Archival videos and clips on the big screen, Music Walking Tours, and a local Merch Market supporting Kingston musicians and makers

• At 8 pm, settle in under the evening sky for a free screening of Long Time Running (2017)

• Free to attend

3. Concert viewing party of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration

• A special concert viewing celebration featuring CBC’s commercial-free rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration

• Free to attend

4. The Gathering hosted by The Tragically Hip Podcast Series

• Four-day, fan-led community celebration

• Visit the Facebook group for more details

5. Chef demos

• Watch step-by-step cooking demos by local chefs from the city's top restaurants.

• Sample their finished creations for only $2 and bring home a recipe card.

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. Greek Fest

• Admission through cash donation or non-perishable food donation

• Live music, dance, food, and community

8. Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival

• A summer festival that combines classical artistic excellence with Indigenous cultural engagement

• Book tickets online

9. Women's Art Festival

• Artisan marketplace showcasing some of the finest artists from the Kingston area

• Free community programming including live music and children's activities

10. Sunset Ceremony

• Featuring Drums, Drill Squad, and Artillery Detachments of the Fort Henry Guard

• Book tickets online

11. Ghosts of the S.S. Keewatin 

• This Titanic-era steamship spent nearly 60 years navigating some of the most haunted waters in the Great Lakes

• Guided by local storytellers, participants hear tales of ghostly sightings, unexplained footsteps, and mysterious voices echoing through the ship’s corridors

• Book tickets online

12. Sheep Dog Trials Festival

• Admission: $10 or $25 for all three days (kids 12 and under are free)

• Cash and card accepted at the gate

13. Explore Canadian military history

• Discover the role that military communications and electronics have played for over a century

• Book tickets online

14. Wolfe Island Music Festival

• An annual grassroots indie music event on Wolfe Island, a short, free ferry ride from Downtown Kingston

• Headliners include Shad, Ken Yates, Georgia Harmer, and more.

• Book tickets online

15. Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

• 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

• Book tickets online

16. Kingston Food Tours

• Classic Kingston Tours available Wed.–Sun.

• Tapas Tours available Fri. & Sat.

• Book tickets online  

17. Yoga in the Park

• Open to all ages and skill levels, making it easy to unwind, stay active, and connect with the community

• Free admission (bring your own mat)

• Yoga schedule

18. Live 365 Summer Music Series

• Wednesdays | Swingin' Summer | Springer Market Square

• Fridays | Kickin' It Country | Springer Market Square

• Saturday Sessions | Confederation Park

19. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

• Sightseeing and dining cruises available

• Book tickets online

20. Summer Fun on Sydenham

• A vibrant pedestrian-friendly gathering space in the heart of downtown Kingston

• Features patio tables, a children's play zone, public art, live music, and community programming

21. Memorial Centre Farmers' Market

• Kingston’s producer-run farmers’ market featuring fresh local food, seasonal produce, baked goods, artisan products and treats
• Free outdoor yoga class at 10 am provided by  Samatva Yoga and  Better Balance Wellness

22. Sailing charters

• Sunset Sail, Picnic & Sail, Hourly & Full Day Charters, and Bareboat Sailing Charters experiences available

• Book tickets online

23. Back to the Farm

• Celebrate the Back to the Farm music festival's 10th anniversary

• Featuring Goldie Boutillier, Sloan, Yukon Blonde & more

• General Admission: $55 (Free for Children aged 12 and under)

• Book tickets online

24. Neptune & Salacia Diving

• Guided scuba excursions and charters to explore shipwrecks and freshwater sites in Lake Ontario
• Learn or level up your skills with a full-service PADI dive centre, with courses, rentals, and trips for beginners through advanced divers

• Reserve a spot: email or Facebook Messenger

25. Summer in the square

• Salsa in the Square | Tuesdays, 6:30 pm

• Games in the Square | Wednesdays, 6–8 pm

• Stories in the Square | Thursdays, 10:30 am

• Movies in the Square | Thursdays at dusk

Events just in

• Montreal Street Vintage Market | Montreal Street | Aug. 1, 10 am–5 pm

• Murney Fest | Murney Tower Museum | Aug. 15, 10 am–4 pm

• Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life | Kingston City Hall | Tues.–Sun., various times