Forever Hip Events in Kingston: Schedule, Tours and Experiences

Formed in Kingston in 1984, The Tragically Hip are an essential part of Kingston’s cultural identity, with a legacy that is inseparable from the place they have long called home.

This page serves as a hub for Hip-related sites, stories, merchandise, screenings, and public experiences in Kingston. Discover the complete story behind Forever Hip and The Tragically Hip's Kingston legacy.

Everything you need to know about Forever Hip

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"It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken" is coming to Kingston

Thousand Islands Playhouse Presents It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken, a new musical featuring songs by The Tragically Hip playing at the Kingston Grand Theatre from October 22 to November 8, 2026.

Book Tickets

Forever Hip in Kingston

Don't miss all the Forever Hip programming in Kingston this year as we celebrate and honour the 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert, performed right here in our vibrant city.

Forever Hip is funded by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.

Upcoming and ongoing Forever Hip activations

2026 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

September 26
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the iconic Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada’s biggest celebration of songwriting returns with a new class of incredible inductees: The Tragically Hip, Feist, Mike Reno & Paul Dean (Loverboy), and Roch Voisine.
The 2026 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Amazon Music will feature remarkable tribute performances from your favourite Canadian and international recording artists framed by spectacular music, moving stories, and stunning visuals.
It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken

October 22–November 8
It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken immerses audiences in a powerful original story set to the timeless music of The Tragically Hip, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have become central to Canada’s musical identity. Book your tickets.
Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life
Tuesdays–Sundays
Join us for the opening celebration of Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life, at the Market Square Cultural Space at Kingston City Hall—a celebration that traces the people, places, and performances that shaped our city's rich musical legacy.
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am–7:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
- Saturday: 12:00–4:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00–4:00 pm
Play Me Kingston

Celebrate music, creativity, and community with Play Me Kingston, a large-scale public art initiative in downtown Kingston.
10 custom-designed guitar sculptures will be installed throughout the downtown core, each created by local and regional artists.

Past Events

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

Thursday, August 20 | 7 pm–10 pm
Ten years since The Tragically Hip's final concert was celebrated with an unforgettable night of music, community, and iconic Canadian anthems at Springer Market Square.
Choir! Choir! Choir! hosted the ultimate Forever Hip singalong experience, where the crowd became the choir and every voice was welcome. The evening also featured powerful live tributes from celebrated Kingston artists including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and members of Kasador.
Forever Hip in the Square

Friday, August 21 | noon–10 pm
Springer Market Square hosted a heartfelt celebration of The Tragically Hip's enduring legacy in Kingston, featuring archival videos and clips on the big screen, Music Walking Tours, and a local Merch Market supporting Kingston musicians and makers.
At 8 pm, attendees settled in under the evening sky for a free screening of Long Time Running (2017), the documentary film chronicling The Tragically Hip's emotional final cross-Canada tour and hometown concert following Gord Downie's cancer diagnosis, a moving tribute to the band, their fans, and a moment forever etched in Canadian music history.
Concert viewing party of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration

Saturday, August 22 | 7 pm
Ten years after The Tragically Hip's historic final hometown concert, Kingston prepared to relive one of Canada's most unforgettable musical moments.
In 2016, thousands had packed Springer Market Square for a massive community viewing party while millions more tuned in across the country for the CBC livestream. On August 22, fans gathered once again in the Square for a special concert viewing celebration featuring CBC's commercial-free rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, honouring the band's enduring legacy as well as the release of their new live album, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016.

Forever Hip Merch

Gear up for Forever Hip this year and pick up merch from our Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario St.) or order online to commemorate the lasting impact and legacy The Tragically Hip has on our vibrant city.

View our merch store online

10 must-visit Tragically Hip stops in Kingston

From iconic murals and waterfront landmarks to streets and stages that shaped their story, the city offers fans countless ways to explore the band’s roots.

Creative walking tours

Discover Kingston on foot with the Creative walking tour, highlighting places conneted to The Tragically Hip's early years and legacy.

The self-guided route links key sites throughout the city, inviting visitors to explore how Kingston's neighbourhoods, venues, and landmarks helped shape the band's story.

Explore the walking tour

"Fully Completely" The Tragically Hip Stories

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Hip finds in Kingston

Bring a piece of the story home with The Tragically Hip merchandise available at local Kingston shops, including official releases and items inspired by the band's hometown roots.