Limestone buildings, lakeside studios, live music, and contemporary creativity—Kingston’s arts scene blends historic charm with modern expression. This two-day itinerary offers an inspiring mix of galleries, performances, and storytelling for groups and FIT travellers.
Day 1:
Morning
Begin at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, a historic brewery complex transformed into a hub for Kingston’s arts community. Meet working artists in their studios, take part in a hands-on workshop, or explore the building’s galleries and exhibitions. Private group experiences can be arranged year-round, including pottery, painting, and creative writing sessions.
Next door, visit the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, a striking lakeside venue renowned for its architecture and acoustics. Depending on the season, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a midday concert, film screening, or dance performance.
Lunch
Pause for lunch at Juniper Cafe, located inside the Tett Centre, where locally sourced dishes and lake views make it a favourite for both artists and visitors. The cafe offers pre-ordered options for groups and an inviting patio in warmer months.
Afternoon
Explore Creative Kingston, a self-guided walking series celebrating Kingston’s contributions to music, film, and literature. Follow the Music Tour to discover sites linked to The Tragically Hip and Kingston’s legendary live venues, or the Film Tour to spot locations featured on screen. These flexible routes work beautifully for FIT travellers or small groups.
Evening
Enjoy dinner in downtown Kingston before attending a live performance at the Kingston Grand Theatre, where concerts, dance, comedy, and professional touring productions take the stage year-round. The theatre offers group-ticket pricing for parties of 20 or more, and lounge spaces are available for gatherings. Its downtown location makes it easy to combine a show with dinner, drinks, or a stroll along the waterfront.
Optional add-on:
For a memorable end to the day, set sail on an evening cruise aboard the Island Queen. A private charter or scheduled cruise offers live local music and unbeatable views of Kingston’s illuminated waterfront.
Day 2:
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, one of Kingston’s premier art institutions, which houses a world-class collection of Canadian and European art, rare prints, and contemporary works.
Please note: the Agnes is undergoing renovations and will not reopen until late 2026. Visitors can use this time to explore surrounding galleries and public art installations in the downtown area, or plan for a return visit when the Centre reopens. FIT travellers and groups can enjoy self-guided creative walks nearby, discovering murals, sculptures, and architectural highlights that celebrate Kingston’s vibrant arts community.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Atomica Kitchen + Cocktails, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, chef-driven seasonal dishes, and group-friendly private dining options. Atomica emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the menu can be adapted for dietary preferences or group tasting experiences. Alternative lunch option includes Casa Domenico, offering Italian-inspired lunch menus in a warm limestone setting.
Afternoon
From April to November, stroll through the Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square, Ontario’s oldest continuously operating market. Meet local artisans, browse handcrafted goods, and admire the historic limestone backdrop of City Hall and downtown. In winter, the square transforms into an outdoor skating rink, framed by twinkling lights and seasonal music—a true Kingston experience.
Optional add-ons:
Film festivals (February–March): ReelOut Queer Film Festival and Kingston Canadian Film Festival
Kingstonlicious (February–March): A citywide celebration of culinary creativity featuring prix-fixe menus, tasting events, and collaborations between chefs and artists.
Summer & fall festivals: Tie your itinerary to Kingston’s cultural calendar—Kingston ArtFest, Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, or Skeleton Park Arts Festival add a lively layer of creativity to any visit.
Evening
Wrap up your Kingston arts experience at the Broom Factory, a revitalized industrial space hosting live music, film screenings, and creative workshops. For smaller groups or FIT travellers, Musiikki Café offers an intimate venue for jazz, folk, and indie performances—an authentic glimpse into Kingston’s local sound.
Trade and group notes
Ideal seasons: Year-round, with market and festival highlights spring–fall and Kingstonlicious programming February–March.
Group readiness: Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, Kingston Grand Theatre, and Broom Factory offer group-friendly programming and venue rentals.
FIT-friendly: Self-guided Creative Kingston tours, café concerts, and seasonal markets.
Accessibility: Most sites are fully accessible; advance notice is recommended for workshops or performance venues.
Hotels: Kingston Marriott, Frontenac Club, The Secret Garden Inn, and Rosemount Inn provide a range of options for groups and FIT travellers, offering downtown or waterfront locations with easy access to all itinerary stops.
