Things to Do in Downtown Kingston
Art After Dark
Downtown galleries and art-loving shops are staying open late, showcasing the best art in Kingston with special surprises along the way!
Kingston WritersFest
Kingston’s literary festival returns with events and workshops throughout downtown that inspire conversation and creativity among writers and readers alike.
Play me Kingston
This public art initiative celebrates the spirit of music in downtown Kingston- its history, its artists, and the energy that connects people through sound and performance.
The Downtown Dish
Local Spotlights From Downtown Kingston
Spin Me Something Good: Downtown Record Store's Top Vinyl Picks
Take a tour through Downtown Kingston’s local record shops as staff from Zap Records, Brian’s Record Option, and Something Else Records share their top album picks and the personal stories behind the vinyl.
Forever Hip: The Insider's Self-Guided Tour for Tragically Hip Fans
Come on a nostalgic journey through the iconic local spots, history, and landmarks that shaped and celebrate Kingston's hometown band.
The Ultimate Dog Friendly Day Downtown Kingston
Discover the ultimate dog-friendly day in Downtown Kingston, featuring pet-friendly cafés, shops, patios, parks, and pup-approved treats for an unforgettable adventure with your dog.
Local Food & Drink in Downtown Kingston
Rosas Fresh Pasta: A Taste of Italy in Downtown Kingston
Rosas Fresh Pasta is serving up authentic Italian flavours with freshly made pasta and a fun build-your-own bowl experience
Miss Bāo Brings Bold Flavours and Zero-Waste Dining to Downtown Kingston
Discover how Miss Bāo is redefining downtown Kingston’s dining scene with bold flavours, local ingredients, and a zero-waste philosophy.
10 Must-Try Spots for Vegans in Downtown Kingston
Whether you’re a full-time herbivore, a part-time plant-based eater, or just looking to try something new, Downtown Kingston has way more veggie options than you’d think, once you know where to look.
Meet the People Shaping Downtown Kingston
A Space to Give Back: The Heartwarming Mission Behind Trevor’s One Stop Shoppe
Discover the story behind Trevor's One Stop Shoppe, the new spot in downtown Kingston where affordable groceries meet genuine compassion. After walking away from his career at 58, Trevor decided to open a space focused on helping others and building community.
Behind the Beat: A Q&A with the HomeGrown Live Music Festival
Kingston's HomeGrown Live Music Festival packs over 140 local acts into one day of music. We spoke with Coordinator Chris Morris about the festival's origins, its all-local ethos, and why 375 musicians show up every year to play for the city they love.
Artists of Downtown: Leah Georgina
Discover Kingston potter Leah Georgina and her beautifully handcrafted ceramics, designed for everyday use and available at Art Noise.
Live Local – Choose Local
The Downtown Kingston Gift Card
The Downtown Kingston Gift Card is your ticket to an extraordinary shopping, dining and personal care experience!
Accepted at 160 businesses!
From fashion boutiques to cozy cafes, from unique artisanal shops to fine dining restaurants and luxurious spas, the card allows you to indulge in the best our downtown offers.
Find your next favourite.
What Visitors and Locals Are Saying
Great atmosphere, wonderful restaurants, nice open spaces and love the history and architecture.
Kingston has one of the most vibrant, welcoming and beautiful downtowns of any city of a similar size in Canada and is definitely world class!
It’s awesome. Beautiful, historical and full of spirit. And you folks did an amazing job designing the amenities with the visitors and residents in mind. 👍 settings
Respectfully acknowledging that downtown Kingston resides on land which is the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, we work towards deeper understanding by engaging in relationship and teaching.
Our partners
Subscribe to the Downtown Dish.
Stay up to date on what's happening in your downtown and discover something new about the city you love!