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10 Summer Date Ideas for under $20 in Downtown Kingston

By Mariana Flores

Coming up with a good summer date idea can be hard; it can be even harder to think of something you and your partner can do without breaking the bank. But one of the best things about Downtown Kingston in the summer is how the city comes alive with beautiful weather and vibrant energy. Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, the outdoorsy type, or just looking for a way to fill your afternoon, there is always something exciting going on for you and your significant other to explore.

So, if you're only halfway through the summer but already out of ideas for a date night, you're in luck! We've compiled a list of fun and romantic activities to help you come up with an exciting date night and create some unforgettable memories.

1. Explore Kingston's Most Popular Art Galleries & Studios:

Downtown Kingston is home to one-of-a-kind art studios and galleries that house the talents and creativity of hundreds of local Kingston artists. Highlights include Martello Alley on Wellington Street, as well as Art Noise and Gallery Raymond on Princess Street.

Martello Alley is renowned for its historic French-Canadian-inspired aesthetic, the creative pieces by local artists it features, and its shared outdoor patio with the Delightfully Different Tea Room, a patio that looks like it has been taken straight out of a children's book.

While you're exploring, make sure to stop by the Antique Emporium's vintage photo booth with your partner to capture the moment. These hidden gems and many others are scattered throughout the heart of Downtown, making it the perfect destination for art lovers (or even just for those who enjoy going on a nice walk).

Two women conversing in the Art Noise art gallery with paintings in the background.

2. Enjoy a Cold Drink from Your Favorite Coffee Shop & a Sunset Walk by the Water

Want to take advantage of the warm weather and try out some of Kingston's most popular summer drinks? This simple date idea can be turned into a much more memorable one by trying out a new downtown coffee spot or trying one of your partner's favourite coffee shops. With over 20 coffee shops to try in the downtown area, you are sure to find a new favourite summer drink staple for you and your partner to enjoy.

The BSE Skate Shop and Coffee Bar's "lemon drop," a refreshing combination of lemonade and iced coffee, may not sound like the most traditional combination to some, but don't be surprised if it becomes your new favourite summer drink after trying it. However, if you and your partner would still rather stick to something more familiar, try out Sens Cafe's iced strawberry matcha or Coffee & Company's selection of summertime smoothies to enjoy on your sunset walk around the Kingston waterfront.

Two women laughing and enjoying drinks on a sunny patio at BSE Skate Shop.

3. Try out Musikki's Life Drawing Nights:

Every Wednesday evening from 4:30 – 6:30pm, Musiikki Cafe and Whiskey Bar, which is typically known for its great live music events, hosts a weekly "Muse-iikki Life Drawing Night" where the public is invited to come try out live art drawing and create portraits of an individual from the community who has volunteered to be the "muse" for the night.

Whether you're a seasoned painting veteran or have never picked up a paintbrush, this is the event for you. Although this is not an instruction-led event, there is only a $5 entry fee; drinks are 15% off while you're there, and everyone is welcome! Best of all, the proceeds from this event go to the H'Art Center, a local nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for those with disabilities to learn about and work in the arts.

What's more, you and your partner can also stick around after the event for live music from some of Kingston's most talented artists, making for the perfect date night that allows you to try out something new, experience live music, taste some good drinks, and much more!

An artist sketches a figure seated outdoors near a stone wall at Musiikki Café

4. See What’s Playing at Movies in the Square

Catching a movie is a classic date night, but Movies in the Square puts a fun and free spin on the tradition. This year's Movies in the Square movie lineup features a wide range of genres, ensuring that there is at least one film that you and your partner will both enjoy. These movies are screened at Springer Market Square every Thursday night during the summer at dusk.

Want to elevate your Movies in the Square experience? Make sure to book two seats in the Star Lounge to get two bags of popcorn, two cold drinks, and two inflatable banana chairs to cozy up in with your significant other for just $20!

A smiling couple sitting together outdoors, holding hands in a cozy setting at Movies in the Square.

5. Play to Win at Nexus’ Board Game Nights:

A great way to discover your partner's competitive side is to check out Kingston Nexus' "Board Game Nights," hosted every Tuesday at 8 pm at their location on Bagot Street. This free, public board gaming event is open to everyone. It makes for a perfect date for those couples who like bringing out their competitive side, all while meeting new people with similar interests.

Come equipped with your favourite board game, or pick one from Kingston Nexus' collection of over 100 games to play with your partner!

People playing a tabletop game at a table with game pieces and notes at Nexus Kingston.

6. Grab an Ice Cream & Enjoy Downtown Kingston's Live365 Summer Music Events:

What better way to spend a summer evening than to go get ice cream with your significant other at your favourite downtown spot, all while listening to great live music in Springer Market Square? Make sure to try out Kingston's most popular ice cream places steps away from the exciting action happening in the square, such as Mio Gelato (including their location on King St.), White Mountain, M & J Cakes and Cookies Cafe, and General Brock's Commissionary.

After you have secured your sweet treats, head to Springer Market Square for Live 365: Summer Music events, such as Swingin' Summer every Wednesday night, Kickin' it Country every Friday night, and Saturday Sessions in Confederation Park. Pick your and your partner's favourite music genre, or try out all three events before the end of the summer!

People dancing in Springer Market Square with buildings in the background during daytime.

7. Check out Montreal St. Collective's Vintage Market:

One of Kingston's most popular vintage markets, Montreal Street Collective's Street Market, could be your next favourite date idea for the summer. Happening five times this year between May and September, the Montreal Street Vintage Market is an open-air event filled with great vintage finds and a strong sense of community.

If you or your partner love the thrill of rummaging through bins and racks of items to find your next favourite piece, make sure to head downtown with them on June 21st, July 20th, August 2nd, September 13th, or September 28th, to check out over 20 local vintage vendors and artisan stores between 10am and 5pm on Montreal Street (between Princess and Queen St.).

Best of all, this market often runs at the same time as Downtown Kingston's Princess St. Promenade, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of strolling through the streets of Downtown with your significant other!

People chatting and smiling under a market tent at the Montreal St. Vintage Market

8. Enjoy a Picnic with Takeout in the Park:

Get creative with the classic "dinner date" idea and take advantage of the nice weather by bringing it outside to one of the 200 parks in and around the Downtown area! Although patio season is a Kingston-wide favourite, that doesn't mean your next dinner date is limited to indoor or outdoor dining at your or your partner's favourite restaurant. Try heading to one of Kingston's many "to-go" food locations, such as Score Pizza, the Pan Chancho Bakery & Café, or Lay Low's brand-new grab-and-go cafe.

Next, grab a blanket and head to the park. Downtown Kingston is surrounded by hundreds of green spaces for everyone to enjoy, including Battery Park, McBurney Park (commonly known as Skeleton Park), and Navy Memorial Park. What's more, if you want to ensure a great view of the sunset by the waterfront, make sure to check out Confederation Park for an especially scenic picnic spot.

Group of four people enjoying a picnic on a grassy area under a tree in Confederation Park

9. Get Creative at Minotaur Craft Nights:

Great for social couples, Minotaur's Craft Nights are the perfect mix of one-on-one time and community engagement, making them an ideal date idea. They're sure to help you create a memorable souvenir to remember the date by. This weekly event is free to attend, and, similar to Nexus' Game Nights, they are a great way to discover your partner's creative side or to meet other couples with similar interests and hobbies to your own.  

So, make sure to head down to Minotaur Games & Gifts at 78 Princess St. on a Wednesday with your partner between 5 and 9 pm to try out their craft nights. Bring your own craft or try out the activity that is being run by Minotaur that night. Best of all, there is a different craft each week, meaning that you and your partner will always be able to try out something new!

Two women sitting at a table with colourful artwork at Minotaur Games & Gifts

10. Paddle Boarding on the Kingston Waterfront with Ahoy Rentals:

Looking for a more adrenaline-inducing activity to explore with your significant other? Been meaning to get out on the water before the end of the summer? Make sure to rent paddle boards (or any other floatation device of your choosing) from Ahoy Rentals at 21 Ontario Street, and head down to Kingston's waterfront to enjoy the day on the lake and in the sun!

Ahoy Rentals, which is Kingston's number-one destination for all your paddling, cycling, and sailing needs, is just steps away from the downtown core and is the perfect place to start your day on the water for both experts and absolute beginners. Best of all, Ahoy Rentals offers Stand-up Paddleboard rentals for just $18 an hour. Once you and your partner have secured all your equipment, be sure to ask Ahoy Rentals for route suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your day.

Two people kayaking on a calm lake.

Mariana Flores  

Hello! My name is Mariana, and I am one of the Marketing and Event Coordinators for Downtown Kingston this summer. I am currently a student entering my third year of communications at the University of Ottawa. I grew up frequently travelling and moving around the world with my parents until we unexpectedly moved to Kingston a little over three years ago. I quickly became a big fan of Kingston's unique atmosphere, and throughout these past couple of years, Kingston has become a fond place in my heart and a place that I can proudly call my "hometown." We are lucky that Downtown Kingston is filled with some truly exceptional hidden gems. I hope to keep discovering and spreading the word about these quaint little places, not only to give them all the recognition they deserve but also to allow both locals and tourists to discover some of the places that compelled me to love Kingston and its community so much.


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