25 things to do in Kingston this September

September brings the first signs of fall to Kingston, with a full calendar of live music, arts and culture, food festivals, family-friendly events, and seasonal experiences. From apple picking and fall fairs to waterfront activities, historic attractions, and live performances, there are plenty of things to do in Kingston as summer winds down and a new season begins.

TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN KINGSTON THIS SEPTEMBER

Celebrate Kingston's vibrant arts and music scene with RoadTrip Music Festival, Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life, Art After Dark, and live performances at venues across the city. Catch a Kingston Frontenac's game at Slush Puppie Place, see a show at The Isabel or The Spire, or enjoy live music from local artists throughout September.

September is also a great time to experience Kingston's food and drink scene. Pick your own apples at Waddell Apples, enjoy the Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show at the Memorial Centre, or indulge in Poutine Feast. For a taste of Kingston's culinary history, join a Kingston Food Tour through downtown.

Explore Kingston's history and culture at attractions including Fort Henry, Kingston Pen Tours, and the PumpHouse Museum, where you can discover the BEES! exhibition. Take a Creative Kingston Walking Tour through the city's creative spaces, or join a Kingston Ghost Tour for a different perspective on the city's history.

There's still plenty of time to enjoy Kingston's waterfront before the season changes. Cruise the St. Lawrence River with a Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise, explore the city aboard Kingston Trolley Tours, or visit the Great Lakes Museum for Party on the Pier. September also brings community events like the Intercultural Arts Festival, Kingston Fall Fair, and Big Paws in the Basin, making it a great month to experience Kingston's local culture and community.

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. RoadTrip Music Festival

• Explore Princess Street’s shops, restaurants, artisans, community groups and free performances during the Scenic Route from 9 am–5 pm
• End the day with Katie Tupper, Kasador, Gabriel Jacoby and Peach Pit in Springer Market Square: Book tickets online

2. Bathhouse at the Belvedere

• Experience a traditional bathhouse thermal cycle with hot and cold baths, sauna and quiet spaces
• Relax and restore with invigorating showers, exfoliating salts and soothing aromatherapy
• Book online

3. Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life

• Explore Kingston’s music history, including The Tragically Hip, from their early years in the city to their iconic final hometown concert
• Discover artifacts, personal stories and behind-the-scenes pieces celebrating the people, places and communities that shaped Kingston’s sound
• Free admission

4. Kingston Frontenac's Game

• Catch the Frontenacs in action for the seasons first home games at Slush Puppie Place
• Book tickets online

5. Art After Dark

• Discover local artists and exhibitions during a special evening of art, gallery hopping and surprises.
• Free admission

6. Apple picking

• Pick your own apples at a scenic orchard
• Open daily 10 am–5 pm
• Learn more

7. BEES! at the PumpHouse

• Ideal for families with children aged 4–14
• Book tickets online or stop by in person

8. Intercultural Arts Festival

• Celebrate Kingston’s cultural diversity through live performances, cultural pavilions, artisan vendors and international cuisine
• Free admission

9. Party on the Pier: Community Event

• Spend the day enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and a chance to explore one of Canada’s most iconic historic ships
• Free to attend

10. Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show

• Variety of foods, breweries, kid-friendly fun, and live entertainment
• Free admission

11. Kingston Ghost Tours

• Various tours available, including: Ghosts of Fort Henry, Original Haunted Walk of Kingston, Ghosts of the SS Keewatin: Tales from the Great Lakes, Ghosts of Queen's University
• Book tickets online

12. Fort Henry 

• Guided tours, museum exhibits, and rifle firing demonstrations available
• Book tickets online

13. Kingston Fall Fair

• Single day passes and four day passes available
• Book tickets online

14. Kingston Pen Tours

• Book tickets: standard tour, express tour, extended tour

15. Creative Kingston Walking Tours

• Explore Kingston's creative scene at your own pace
• Literary tours, film tours, music tours available

16. Big Paws in the Basin

• Celebrate dogs and the people who love them at Kingston Humane Society’s beloved annual event
• Enjoy a fun-filled day with activities, community spirit and furry friends

17. Missing

• Chamber opera gives voice to stories of missing & murdered Indigenous women
• Free event - advance registration required

18. Kingston Food Tours

• Classic Kingston Tours available Wed.–Sun.

• Tapas Tours available Fri. & Sat.

• Book tickets online  

19. Oscar Evans

• Jazz performance in the historic Piano Room
• The show is pay what you can, suggested price $15–$25

20. Poutine Feast

• Live music, food & fun games
• Free admission

21. Drag Bingo

• Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo, prizes, and fabulous drag performances with Rowena Whey
• $5 admission

22. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise

• Sightseeing and dining cruises available

• Book tickets online

23. 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

• Book tickets online

24. The Celtic Kitchen Party "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day"

• Enjoy a lively night of Celtic music and dancing with The Celtic Kitchen Party and special guests from the McGrath School of Irish Dance
• Book tickets online

25. Esther Rose

• Country singer-songwriter known for her intimate storytelling, folk-infused, retro sound, and honest lyricism
• Book tickets online

Events just in

• Limestone City Car Classic | Memorial Centre | Sept. 5, 8 am–4 pm
• Summer in Paris: Jazz Brunch on the Terrace | Black Dog | Sept. 6, 12–3 pm
• Garden Party Festival | Hotel Wolfe Island | Sept. 17–27
• Military Communications And Electronics Museum | 95 Craftsman Blvd | Daily 9 am–4:30 pm
• Escape rooms | Improbable Escapes | Daily