Things to Do in Downtown Kingston

Princess St. Promenade

August 1, 2026

Stroll down Princess Street at the ultimate outdoor shopping festival! Giveaways, live music, free samples, and the best shopping of the year in downtown Kingston.

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Salsa in the Square

Every Tuesday

Every Tuesday starting July 8th. With these FREE salsa classes and social dances, you'll discover the joy of Latin dance every Tuesday in Springer Market Square!

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Sydenham St. Commons

Daily

Sydenham Street, between Princess and Queen St., has been transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly gathering space with free community programming all summer!

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Movies in the Square

Every Thursday

Springer Market Square will once again be transformed into an open-air theatre for free movies every Thursday.

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Live 365: Summer Music Series

Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Enjoy over 50 free outdoor concerts with us this summer! Our Live 365: Summer Music Series is showcasing live music from your favourite local artists.

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Play me Kingston

Daily beginning early August

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.

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Events Calendar

People at a music festival with 'Road Trip Music Festival' branding.

RoadTrip Music Festival 2026

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Buckle up, Kingston. We're going on a RoadTrip! A new music festival is coming to Kingston, Ontario, this September!

Buy Tickets

Downtown's Summer Events & Activities

Celebrate Summer Downtown!

Discover downtown Kingston's signature summer events, weekly series and daily experiences. Come downtown for the best things to do in Kingston this summer!

Find it here

The Downtown Dish

Local Spotlights From Downtown Kingston

Emancipation Day 2026: The Artists Behind a Pop-up One-Day Exhibit

Celebrate Emancipation Day by experiencing ANITA – Cranes in the Sky, a powerful one-day pop-up exhibition by Kingston artists Alyssa Vernon and King-David Olajuwon. Through photography, collage, and immersive storytelling, the exhibition invites visitors into a reimagined Black living room that explores Black mental health, vulnerability, healing, and community. Learn about the artists, the inspiration behind their work, and why this exhibition is a meaningful part of Kingston's Emancipation Day celebrations.

Race to Kingston is Coming Back to the Limestone City

Celebrate the fourth annual Race to Kingston, a 140-mile overnight sailboat race that starts at the Mimico Cruising Club in Etobicoke and finishes right here in our backyard, at the Kingston Yacht Club.

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.

Local Food & Drink in Downtown Kingston

23 & Co: A Sweet Dream Comes True in Downtown Kingston

A new cookie shop has just opened in downtown Kingston, and the story behind 23 & Co. is as sweet as the treats they’re baking.

Smiling man in red apron holding food in a restaurant kitchen.

Original Bubba's: A Kingston OG that Keeps Things Fresh

A Kingston staple, Original Bubba's is known for legendary poutine, pizza and a loyal following. Step inside the family-run spot locals keep coming back to.

Three men smiling at a table with bowls of pasta in a colorful restaurant.

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

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.

A singer performing on stage with a guitarist in the background.

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.

A collection of white vases with lavender flowers in one.

Artists of Downtown: Leah Georgina

Discover Kingston potter Leah Georgina and her beautifully handcrafted ceramics, designed for everyday use and available at Art Noise.

the downtown dish

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.

Buy Here

Find your next favourite.

Clothing and Shoes

When you’re in downtown Kingston a new wardrobe is just around the corner.

Gift & Specialty

In downtown Kingston Specialty stores are our specialty!

Toys and Games

Downtown toy and game stores are worlds of pure imagination that will have any kid jumping for joy and even the most serious adults feeling like a kid again.

Jewellery

No matter your style you can find a gorgeous piece to accessorize any look or the perfect gift for your special someone.

Clothing and Shoes

When you’re in downtown Kingston a new wardrobe is just around the corner.

Gift & Specialty

In downtown Kingston Specialty stores are our specialty!

Toys and Games

Downtown toy and game stores are worlds of pure imagination that will have any kid jumping for joy and even the most serious adults feeling like a kid again.

Jewellery

No matter your style you can find a gorgeous piece to accessorize any look or the perfect gift for your special someone.

What Visitors and Locals Are Saying

Great atmosphere, wonderful restaurants, nice open spaces and love the history and architecture.

Visitor to downtown Kingston

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.