If your summer bucket list includes road trips, live entertainment, great food, and exploring somewhere new, Kingston deserves a spot on your itinerary. From world-class street performers and downtown celebrations to live music, cultural events, and a hometown tribute to The Tragically Hip, the city's festival calendar offers plenty of reasons to plan a visit between July and September.
Quick guide to summer festivals in Kingston
- Kingston Buskers Rendezvous | July 9–12
- Princess Street Promenade | August 1
- Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival | August 7–9
- Wolfe Island Music Festival | August 7–8
- Women's Art Festival | August 8
- Forever Hip Celebrations | August 20–22
- Kingston Blues Festival | August 27–29
- RoadTrip Music Festival | September 12
- Intercultural Arts Festival | September 20
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous
Downtown Kingston | July 9–12
For four days, downtown Kingston becomes one giant stage where the unexpected is part of the show. International street performers fill public squares and historic streets with acrobatics, comedy, juggling, live music, circus acts, and gravity-defying stunts that regularly stop crowds in their tracks.
Half the fun is wandering. Follow a crowd gathering at an intersection, turn a corner to discover your next favourite performer, then take a break on a downtown patio before doing it all again.
View the full performance schedule.
Princess Street Promenade
Downtown Kingston | August 1
On a summer Saturday, Kingston closes one of its busiest streets to traffic and hands it over to pedestrians. The Princess Street Promenade transforms downtown into a lively celebration where patios stretch into the street, musicians perform around every corner, and local shops spill onto the sidewalks with special displays, artisan markets, and sidewalk sales.
Whether you're shopping, people-watching, grabbing lunch, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's one of the best days of the summer to experience downtown Kingston.
Explore participating businesses and event details.
Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival
Grass Creek Park (2991 Highway 2) | August 7–9
Equal parts competition, country fair, and family day out, the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival offers something you don't see every day. Watch highly trained border collies respond to subtle whistles and voice commands as they guide sheep across open fields with remarkable precision.
Between competitions, browse local vendors, watch demonstrations, and enjoy the waterfront setting at Grass Creek Park, where agricultural traditions and summer festival fun come together.
View the full festival schedule.
Wolfe Island Music Festival
Wolfe Island | August 7–8
The Wolfe Island Music Festival pairs an incredible lineup with the laid-back charm of island life. Just a short, free ferry ride from downtown Kingston, it's the perfect excuse for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Make the most of your visit by exploring Marysville village before the music begins. Enjoy a waterfront lunch at Spicer's Dockside Grill, grab an ice cream from Jean & Aggie's, then settle in for performances by acclaimed Canadian artists, including Shad and Ken Yates, for a festival experience that feels both intimate and unforgettable.
View the lineup and ticket information.
Women’s Art Festival
City Park | August 8
For more than four decades, the Women's Art Festival has celebrated the creativity, talent, and vision of women artists. Now in its 43rd year, it's recognized as North America's longest-running women's art festival and remains one of Kingston's most beloved summer traditions.
Spend the day browsing a vibrant outdoor marketplace featuring original artwork, handcrafted goods, and unique creations from artists and makers across the region. Live music, hands-on art activities, free children's programming, and face painting create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
More than an art show, the festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and the lasting impact of supporting women in the arts.
View event updates and programming.
Forever Hip Celebrations
Springer Market Square | August 20–22
This August marks 10 years since The Tragically Hip's historic final hometown concert, and Kingston is coming together to honour the band's legacy with three days of music, storytelling, and community celebrations.
The festivities begin Thursday, August 20 (7–10 pm) with Rockin' the Square, sponsored by Empire Life, featuring an interactive Choir! Choir! Choir! singalong alongside performances by Kingston artists including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and members of Kasador.
On Friday, August 21 (noon–10 pm), Forever Hip in the Square features archival footage on the big screen, Music Walking Tours, a market celebrating local musicians and makers, and a free outdoor screening of Long Time Running (2017), the acclaimed documentary chronicling The Tragically Hip's farewell tour.
The celebrations conclude on Saturday, August 22 (7 pm) with a community viewing party of CBC's commercial-free rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration. Fans will once again gather in Springer Market Square to relive the band's unforgettable final hometown performance while celebrating the release of the new live album, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016.
Explore the complete schedule on our Forever Hip page.
Kingston Blues Festival
Various locations | August 27–29
Late August brings the sound of the blues to every corner of Kingston. From free daytime performances in waterfront parks to intimate evening concerts, the festival creates a laid-back atmosphere where it's easy to discover both legendary performers and new favourites.
Presented by the Kingston Blues Society, this year's lineup features award-winning Canadian artists, international performers, and local musicians appearing at venues including Confederation Park and the RCHA Club. Whether you're a lifelong blues fan or simply looking to enjoy live music by the waterfront, there's something to discover throughout the weekend.
Purchase concert tickets and view the full lineup.
RoadTrip Music Festival
Downtown Kingston | September 12
Making its Kingston debut this year, RoadTrip Music Festival transforms downtown into an open-air soundtrack for the day. Three outdoor stages keep live music flowing along Princess Street while local food vendors, artisans, and community organizations add to the lively festival atmosphere.
As evening approaches, the crowds gather in Springer Market Square for the headline concert, bringing Kingston's newest music festival to a memorable finish.
View lineup announcements and ticket information.
Intercultural Arts Festival
Confederation Park (216 Ontario Street) | September 20 | 11 am–5 pm
Travel the world without leaving Kingston at the Intercultural Arts Festival. Set along the city's waterfront, the festival celebrates the many cultures and traditions that help shape Kingston through music, dance, art, storytelling, food, and interactive experiences.
Discover cultural performances, browse artisan vendors, connect with local organizations, and sample international cuisine while spending the day exploring one of Kingston's most vibrant community celebrations.
View event updates and programming.
