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25 things to do in Kingston this July

By Visit Kingston

Updated

With hot, sunny days and cool, relaxing evenings, July marks the return of a variety of attractions to Kingston. From our world-famous Buskers Rendezvous and music festivals to boat cruises and snorkelling, July in Kingston is packed with events you won't want to miss.

TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN KINGSTON THIS JULY

Celebrate Canada Day in Confederation Park and Springer Market Square with live entertainment, activities and fireworks along the waterfront. Throughout the month, enjoy outdoor programming downtown like Games, Movies and Salsa in the Square and Yoga in the Park.

Experience the beauty of the 1000 Islands with a sightseeing cruise departing from downtown Kingston, or get out on the water with paddleboard and kayak rentals. Explore the city by trolley or discover Kingston’s fascinating history at Bellevue House, the S.S. Keewatin, and Kingston Penitentiary.

July also brings some of the city's biggest events, including the world-famous Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Fort Henry Tattoo, J80 World Championships and the Kingston Triathlon/Duathlon. Gamers can connect at Eh! Game Expo 2026, while music lovers can enjoy performances ranging from the National Youth Orchestra of Canada at The Isabel to live outdoor concerts and intimate local shows throughout the city.

Discover local flavour at the Memorial Centre Farmers' Market and Kingston Food Tours, or enjoy summer evenings at The Bank Gastrobar's Courtyard Series. From family-friendly exhibits like BEES! at the PumpHouse to outdoor adventures, waterfront experiences and cultural events, there are countless ways to make the most of July in Kingston.

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

Click each image for information.

1. Canada Day celebration

  • Free admission
  • Local music, kids’ and family activities, food trucks, a licenced beer garden (19+), a DJ dance party featuring Skratch Bastid, fireworks
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    Canada Day celebration

    Confederation Park
    July 1

2. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

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    Sunset dinner cruise

    Crawford Wharf
    Daily

3. Fort Henry Tattoo

  • A beloved Kingston summer tradition featuring military music, pipe and drum performances and fireworks finale
  • Pre-show entertainment begins at 6 pm

  • Book tickets online

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    Fort Henry Tattoo

    Fort Henry
    July 19, 7–9:30 pm

4. Eh! Game Expo 2026

  • 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
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    Eh! Game Expo 2026

    Slush Puppie Place
    July 3–5

5. 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
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    Memorial Centre Farmers' Market

    Memorial Centre
    Sundays 9 am–2 pm

6. Kingston Trolley Tours

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    Kingston Trolley Tours

    Visitor Information Centre
    Daily

7. Creative Walking Tours

  • Explore Kingston's rich music, literature, and film histories
  • Free and available 24/7
  1. Wedding Photojournalism and Unique Portraits | https://forbesphotographer.com
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    Jazz brunch

    Various locations
    Available 24/7

8. 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
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    Games in the Square

    Springer Market Square
    Wednesdays starting July 8, 6–8 pm

9. 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

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    Neptune & Salacia diving

    Portsmouth Olympic Harbour marina
    Tues.–Sun.

10. S. S. Keewatin

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    S. S. Keewatin

    Great Lakes Museum
    Daily, 9:30 am–6:30 pm

11. Movies in the Square

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    Movies in the Square

    Springer Market Square
    July 2, 16, 23, 30

12. Bellevue House

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    Bellevue House National Historic Site

    35 Centre Street
    Daily, 10 am–5 pm

13. 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
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    Yoga in the Park

    Battery Park
    July 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10 am

14. The Bank Gastrobar: Courtyard Series

  • Settle in on the historic patio for an evening of great tunes, craft cocktails, and seasonal bites

  • View the summer lineup

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    The Bank Gastrobar: Courtyard Series

    Frontenac Club
    Weekly on Wed., 5:30–7:30 pm

15. 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

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    Kingston Buskers Rendezvous

    Downtown
    July 9–12

16. Souls of Mischief

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    Souls of Mischief

    Broom Factory
    July 21, 7 pm

17. Kingston Triathlon/Duathon 

  • Race on a military base in support of children facing cancer

  • Register online

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    Kingston Triathlon/Duathon

    Constantine Arena, CFB Kingston
    July 19

18. BEES! Exhibit

  1. 18 BEES
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    BEES! Exhibit

    PumpHouse Museum
    Tues.–Sat. 10 am–5 pm

19. Paddleboard and kayak rentals 

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    Paddleboard and kayak rentals

    Ahoy Rentals
    Daily

20. National Youth Orchestra of Canada

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    National Youth Orchestra of Canada

    The Isabel
    July 23, 7:30 pm

21. J80 World Championships

  • Kingston is renowned as Canada’s freshwater sailing capital, offering world-class thermal breezes and reliable summer conditions

  • The 50th anniversary year of 1976 Olympic sailing competitions hosted in Kingston

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    J80 World Championships

    Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Marina
    July 18–26

22. Musiikki Open Mic

  • Spotlight Kingston's emerging talent

  • Free to attend

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    Musiikki Open Mic

    Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar
    Tuesdays, 7–11 pm

23. Kingston Pen Tours

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    Kingston Pen Tours

    Kingston Penitentiary
    Daily

24. 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 anyone looking for a fun summer night in the heart of Kingston
  • Come solo or bring a dance partner
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    Salsa in the Square

    Springer Market Square
    Tuesdays starting July 7, 6:30–10 pm

25. Kingston Food Tours

  • Classic Kingston Tours available Wed.–Sun.

  • Tapas Tour available Fri. & Sat.

  • Book tickets online

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    Kingston Food Tours

    Starts at the Visitor Information Centre
    Wed.–Sun.

Events just in

Patios 131

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