Welcome to This Month in Kingston – June 2024, where we spotlight the can’t-miss family-friendly events and attractions taking place in the vibrant heart of downtown Kingston and around the city. Get ready to mark your calendars as we dive into these engaging activities and more, promising unforgettable experiences for every local or visitor!
Cannonball Crush at Fort Henry
- Date: June 8
- Location: Fort Henry
- Description: Test your limits at Cannonball Crush, a challenging 5K obstacle race set in the historic Fort Henry. Featuring 20 diverse obstacles, this event is designed for all skill levels, promoting strength, determination, and teamwork. Enjoy additional perks like the ‘Hopped Up’ Zone for an enhanced experience. Post-race, celebrate at the YGK Craft Beer Fest with free entry for racers.
- More Information: Event Details and Registration
YGK Craft Beer Fest
- Date: June 8, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Fort Henry
- Description: Experience the ultimate summer kickoff with the YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry. This festival features various craft beers, delightful food options, and all-day live music performances. Highlights include the exclusive 19+ ‘Hopped Up’ Zone, offering premium experiences such as fast lane access, an air-conditioned lounge, and special beverage tickets. Engage in games, shop from local artisans, and enjoy the festive atmosphere by the scenic waterfront.
- More Information: Visit YGK Craft Beer Fest for tickets and detailed information.
Kingston Pride Parade and Festival 2024
- Date: Main events on June 15; Pride Week from June 8-16
- Location: Downtown Kingston
- Description: Celebrate diversity at the Kingston Pride Festival, featuring a parade and community fair on June 15 under the theme “Building the Future.” Pride events span from June 8-16, promising a vibrant celebration of community and progress. Stay tuned for more event announcements.
- More Information: For the latest updates, visit Kingston Pride.
Princess St. Promenade
- Date: June 22, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Location: Princess Street, Downtown Kingston
- Description: The Princess St. Promenade is a vibrant street festival featuring over 100 businesses and community groups. Enjoy a day of family fun with free samples, shopping, live music, face painting, and kids’ games. The event promotes active living and community involvement. It’s a fantastic way to experience the heart of Kingston as the streets come alive with excitement and local culture.
- More Information: For details on transportation and more, visit Downtown Kingston.
Skeleton Park Arts Festival
- Date: June 22 & 23
- Location: McBurney Park
- Description: Celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Skeleton Park Arts Festival during the Summer Solstice Weekend. This free, family-friendly event features music by Kobo Town, Status Non Status, and more. Enjoy the Porch Jazz Parade, local food vendors, and community booths. The festival includes a partnership with the Fat Goose Craft Fair.
- More Information: For further details, visit Skeleton Park Arts Festival.
Live 365: Summer Music Series
- Date: June 26 – August 31, every Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday
- Location: Springer Market Square & Confederation Park, Kingston
- Description: Kingston comes alive with the Live 365 Summer Music Series, featuring diverse musical genres downtown all summer long. Enjoy “Swingin’ Summer” on Wednesdays, “Kickin’ It Country” on Fridays at Springer Market Square, and “Saturday Sessions” at Confederation Park. Experience the vibrant local music scene with free live performances.
- More Information: Check out Downtown Kingston’s website for updates and details on performances.
Movies in the Square
- Date: Starting June 27, every Thursday throughout the summer
- Location: Springer Market Square, Downtown Kingston
- Description: Transform your summer evenings with Movies in the Square at Springer Market Square, where a giant inflatable screen brings cinema to life under the stars. Starting at dusk for optimal viewing, enjoy a selection of films with your friends and family. Enhance your experience with reserved seating in The Star Lounge, complete with comfortable loungers. Food and snacks are available from nearby vendors, or you can visit nearby restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs for takeout.
- More Information: Visit Movies in the Square for the full movie lineup and more details.
Artfest Kingston
- Date: Saturday, June 29 – Monday, July 1
- Location: City Park
- Description: Celebrate art at the 13th Annual Artfest Kingston over the July long weekend. This free arts festival features a new management team eager to enrich the community’s cultural experience. Enjoy a variety of artistic expressions close to downtown Kingston. Stay tuned for exciting updates and program announcements for this festival and beyond!
- More Information: Keep an eye on the official Artfest Kingston website for the latest details.
Summer Fun on Sydenham
- Date: Every Saturday, May 25 – August 31
- Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Location: Sydenham Street between Princess Street and Queen Street
- Description: Bring the family to enjoy “Summer Fun on Sydenham” every Saturday this summer. The street transforms into a lively hub of kid-friendly activities, entertainers, and music, creating a perfect weekend outing.
- More Information: Visit Downtown Kingston’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest announcements and details for each weekend’s events.
Stories in the Square
- Date: Every Thursday, May 23 – August 29
- Time: 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: Springer Market Square Amphitheatre
- Description: Join the Kingston Frontenac Public Library for “Stories in the Square” every Thursday morning for storytelling, songs, and fun activities. This is a great way for children to engage in storytelling in a vibrant outdoor setting.
- More Information: For further details and updates, visit Downtown Kingston’s Celebrate Summer page.
Yoga in the Park
- Date: Every Sunday, June 23 – September 15
- Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Location: Battery Park
- Description: Unwind and rejuvenate with free Yoga in the Park sessions every Sunday morning, led by instructors from downtown Kingston yoga studios. Enjoy the tranquility of Battery Park while practicing yoga in a community setting.
- More Information: For more details, visit Downtown Kingston’s Celebrate Summer page.
Tour the S.S. Keewatin!
- Date: Tours now open
- Location: The Great Lakes Museum
- Description: The historic S.S. Keewatin, an Edwardian-era steamship liner, has arrived at the Great Lakes Museum and is now open for tours! Immerse yourself in the ship’s grandeur with two tour options. Passenger Experience Tour (starting May 13): Explore the decks, cabins, and first-class accommodations with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the ship’s rich history and imagine life aboard this grand vessel. This tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Engine Room Tour (starting May 23): Journey below deck for an up-close look at the powerful quadruple steam-powered engines that once propelled the S.S. Keewatin. Gain a unique perspective on the ship’s inner workings. This tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Book your tour and learn more here.
Fort Henry Tours
- Date: Now open
- Location: Fort Henry
- Description: Step back into the 1860s at Canada’s largest living history site, Fort Henry. Experience the daily routines of the past and explore life in that era through immersive tours. For a truly authentic experience, overnight stays are available in two charming houses on-site. Get ready to travel back in time as the main season programming kicks off. Click here for more details.
Ahoy Rentals
- Location: 21 Ontario St
- Description: Ahoy Rentals offers a variety of outdoor equipment for a perfect adventure in Kingston’s scenic landscapes. Choose from kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and bikes. Enjoy competitive rates and easy rental options to explore the natural beauty of Kingston’s waterways and trails at your pace. Visit Ahoy Rentals website for more information.
1000 Islands Treetop Trekking
- Location: 1278 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
- Description: TreeTop Trekking is an outdoor adventure park in the 1000 Islands region of Ontario, Canada. The park features a variety of aerial adventure courses, ziplines, and other activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can climb, swing, and zip through the forest canopy, enjoying scenic views of the nearby St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands. The park also offers guided night treks, team-building programs, and special events throughout the year. The website provides information about the park’s hours, rates, safety guidelines, and available courses and activities. Check it out here.
Kingston Markets
Discover handcrafted treasures that showcase the talents of local artisans. Engage in friendly conversations with vendors who pour their passion into their creations. From tasteful treats to unique crafts, springtime markets in Kingston connect you with the community and allow you to contribute to the local economy. Click here for more details on markets in the area.
- Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market – Sundays, 9 AM to 2 PM
Walking and Hiking Trails
As the weather heats up, now is the perfect opportunity to venture outdoors and explore the trails! The Kingston region boasts a plethora of trails, each offering a unique and scenic hiking experience. With trails of varying lengths and difficulties, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Be sure to bring your water and some snacks! For further information on available places to explore, click here.
Thank you for reading this month’s edition of This Month in Kingston – June 2024. Check out our blog for more exciting monthly updates on Kingston and helpful tips on buying, selling, and owning real estate. Stay tuned for more engaging content, and feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us. We are committed to bringing you the best content and resources to make your experience in Kingston unforgettable!
