“This Month in Kingston – October 2023” has arrived, and Kingston is buzzing with eerie excitement! Get ready for a spine-tingling lineup of thrilling events that’ll put you in the Halloween spirit. From haunted fortresses to mysterious cruises, we’ve rounded up Kingston’s top events for an unforgettable and ghostly good time.
Fort Fright
- Date: September 29th – October 31st, 2023
- Location: Fort Henry National Historic Site
- Description: Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure at Fort Henry this October! Fort Fright returns, and it’s darker and scarier than ever before. The historic site undergoes a nightmarish transformation, teeming with creatures and monsters that will send shivers down your spine. Are you brave enough to confront your deepest fears? Don’t miss this electrifying experience; it’s not for the faint of heart. Get your tickets and learn more here.
Pumpkinferno at Kingston Pen After Dark
- Date: September 29th – October 31st, 2023
- Location: Kingston Penitentiary
- Description: Experience the magic of fall like never before with Pumpkinferno at Kingston Pen after dark! Step into an enchanting world as the historic Kingston Penitentiary undergoes a mesmerizing transformation, adorned with a breathtaking display of illuminated pumpkins. This outdoor spectacle promises to captivate guests of all ages as they journey along a radiant pathway beneath the starry night sky. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of one of Kingston’s most iconic landmarks, beautifully illuminated and waiting to be explored in a whole new light. Click here to get your tickets.
The Wiggles “Ready, Steady, Wiggle!” Tour
- Date: October 5th, 2023
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Leon’s Centre
- Description: Get ready for an evening of family-friendly musical fun as The Wiggles bring their “Ready, Steady, Wiggle!” Tour to the Leon’s Centre in Kingston on October 5th at 6:00 PM. This high-energy celebration of music, dancing, and endless fun will surely delight children and parents alike. Sing and dance along to beloved Wiggles hits like ‘Rock-a-Bye Your Bear,’ ‘Hot Potato,’ and ‘Do the Propeller.’ The Wiggles will be joined on stage by their wiggly friends, including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword. Take advantage of this fantastic family event. Grab your tickets here and get ready to join the ultimate family party at the Leon’s Centre on October 5th at 6:00 PM.
Farm to Fork
- Date: October 11th, 2023
- Location: Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront
- Description: Celebrate Open Farm Days in style on October 11th! Chef Pankaj welcomes Frontenac County’s talented growers and producers, gathering them together against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Ontario at the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront. Whether you opt for the delightful afternoon reception, the delectable 4-course dinner, or both, these Farm to Fork events promise an exceptional and enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Frontenac County as you savor locally sourced ingredients prepared by Chef Pankaj, all while enjoying breathtaking waterfront views. Learn more and reserve your seat.
Open Farms Harvest Celebration
- Date: Saturday, October 14th, 2023
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Memorial Hall (in Kingston City Hall) and Springer Market Square
- Description: The 2nd annual Open Farms Harvest event is the grand finale of Open Farm Days celebrations! On October 14th, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, experience a ticketed autumn celebration held in City Hall and Springer Market Square. Indulge in tastings by local chefs and sample Ontario wines, craft beers, coffee, and creamery delights. Witness live culinary demonstrations and hear stories from local farmers. New this year, explore farms showcasing their products and wares. It’s a celebration of local agriculture, culinary excellence, and the people who feed our region. Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable harvest experience!
An Evening with Blue Rodeo: Celebrating 30 Years of Five Days In July
- Date: Saturday, October 14th, 2023
- Time: 8:00 PM (Doors Open at 7:00 PM)
- Location: Leon’s Centre
- Description: Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with legendary alt-country rockers Blue Rodeo as they stop in Kingston on Saturday, October 14th, 2023. This special event is part of their upcoming tour, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the band’s massively successful fifth studio album, “Five Days in July.” Get ready for a night of timeless music and cherished memories with Blue Rodeo! Get your tickets here.
Halloween on the High Seas
- Date: Saturday, October 28th
- Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Great Lakes Museum
- Description: Halloween on the High Seas is back by popular demand, offering new activities, spooky highlights, and plenty of spaces to explore. Perfect for the whole family, this interactive and festive event is ideal for getting your kids dressed up and enjoying some trick-or-treating while they complete activities and crafts. It’s a mystical adventure that welcomes mermaids, pirates, scuba divers, and all other adventurers. Stay tuned for more details! Learn more here.
Kingston Psychic & Crystal Fair
- Date: Fri, Oct 20, 2023 – Sun, Oct 22, 2023
- Location: Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Kingston Lasalle
- Description: The fall 2023 Kingston Psychic & Crystal Fair takes place from October 20th to October 22nd, 2023, at the Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Kingston Lasalle. Explore a world of mysticism and enlightenment with psychics, mediums, palm readings, numerology, astrology, tarot card readings, intuitive healers, crystal vendors, and more! Admission is $10 for a weekend pass, available via Eventbrite or at the door. Take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the mystical and discover what the future holds! Get your tickets here.
Ghost and Mystery Trolley Tour
- Date: Multiple dates throughout October
- Location: Departing from Kingston Visitor Information Centre
- Description: Embark on a captivating 90-minute evening journey through Kingston’s enigmatic past aboard the Ghost and Mystery Trolley. This tour takes you off the beaten path to explore notable sites and notorious neighborhoods, where chilling stories and spine-tingling experiences have left their eerie mark on Kingston’s history. Highlights include Downtown Kingston, known for its chilling stories, Fort Henry Hill with its haunting history, mysteries hidden within the century-old walls of The Rockwood Asylum, and uncovering the horrors associated with Kingston Penitentiary, one of Canada’s most notorious prisons. Kingston, one of Ontario’s oldest cities, has accumulated a spine-tingling list of hauntings and mysterious tales over the years. Get your tickets here to uncover the secrets of Kingston’s haunted past.
Ghost and Mystery Cruise
- Dates: Multiple dates in October
- Location: Crawford Wharf
- Description: Sail Kingston’s harbor after dark on the Ghost and Mystery Cruise. This captivating 90-minute journey reveals downtown Kingston in a different light, unveiling the mysterious tales that shroud our historic city. This chilling cruise takes you through stories of death, murder, wreckage, and enigma, including the infamous Kingston Penitentiary, child deaths at Bellevue House, the haunting of Cedar Island, and the Marysburgh Vortex. An Adults-Only (19+) Ghost & Mystery Party Cruise is available on select dates. Departing from Crawford Wharf with a floodlight leading the way, you’ll approach historic sites like Fort Henry, Rockwood Asylum, and Kingston’s Penitentiary from the water’s edge. It’s a spine-tingling experience you won’t forget! Learn more and get your tickets here.
Kingston Penitentiary Tours
- Date: Multiple dates throughout October
- Location: Kingston Penitentiary
- Description: Discover the intriguing history of Canada’s oldest penitentiary with various tour options throughout October at Kingston Penitentiary. Each tour type offers a unique perspective on this historic site, some dating back to the 1830s. Hear personalized accounts from former staff and learn about the daily routines, including stories of escapes, riots, and everything in between. All tours contain subject matter designed for a mature audience, and parental discretion is advised. Explore further and secure your tickets here to delve into the intriguing history of Kingston Penitentiary.
Kingston Frontenac Games
- Dates: Multiple dates throughout October
- Location: Leon’s Centre
- Description: Cheer on our local hockey heroes this October as they hit the ice at the Leon’s Centre in Kingston. Get ready for an action-packed month of thrilling games, unforgettable moments, and the excitement of live hockey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there’s no better way to spend your evenings than by supporting our local team. Check out the full schedule and secure your tickets here to witness the Frontenacs in action. Show your hometown pride and be part of the cheering crowd as we come together to support our local hockey team.
The Original Haunted Walk of Kingston
- Dates: Multiple dates throughout October
- Location: 200 Ontario Street
- Description: Join the original outdoor tour that started it all in 1995! Our talented storytellers, dressed in cloaks, will captivate you with spine-tingling ghost stories from Kingston’s old Sydenham Ward. With lanterns to light our way, we’ll take you on a thrilling adventure to explore some of the most haunted spots in Kingston. Get ready to uncover the secrets of haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, grave robbings, hangings at the old courthouse, and Kingston’s famous haunted courtyard. This unforgettable evening experience is perfect for all ages, making it a tried and true favorite for family fun, curiosity-seekers, and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Learn more and book your walk now.
Walking and Hiking Trails
Enjoy Kingston’s walking and hiking trails this fall as the weather cools down and leaves change colors. These trails cater to all fitness levels, offering diverse scenic experiences. Whether up for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, you’ll traverse forests dressed in autumn hues. Experience the crisp air, crunching leaves, and earthy scents that define the season. Kingston’s trails come in various lengths and difficulties, providing access to fall’s wonders, from panoramic views to tranquil riverfront paths. Bundle up, put on your hiking boots, and venture out to witness nature’s fall transformation. Click here for more trail information and get ready to explore Kingston’s captivating fall landscapes.
Kingston Fall Markets
As autumn’s colors paint Kingston, it’s time to savor the city’s cozy markets. From the rich aromas of freshly baked pies to the vibrant hues of hand-knit scarves, our fall markets offer a sensory feast of seasonal delights. Explore local craft fairs and discover unique handmade treasures that celebrate the talents of our artisans. Kingston’s fall markets are where you’ll find everything from apple cider to artisanal crafts, connecting you with the community and supporting our local economy. Click here for more details.
- 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.
Kingston comes alive with a captivating array of events this October, from thrilling chills to heartwarming family experiences. It’s the perfect month to embrace the spirit of autumn and Halloween. Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling adventures, family-friendly fun, or a taste of local culture, Kingston has something to offer. Get ready to make unforgettable memories in this historic city this October!
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