Top Five Things to See and Do in August 2017
As August lurks around the corner, we realize the bittersweetness of knowing that we’re halfway through summer. But fear not! There is still plenty of summer fun to enjoy in ygk. Narrowing down a list of the Top 5 Things to See and Do in August was tricky. We couldn’t ignore the tried and true staples of a Kingston summer such as The Limestone City Blues Festival and The Wolfe Island Music Festival (welcome back!), but we also wanted to give attention to some new(er) August events such as The Kick & Push Festival, now in its third year; On The Wall, which is back after its first iteration 3 years ago; and new this year: The Memorial Centre Night Market. There is plenty more to enjoy this summer so be sure to check out events calendar to see what else is happening in August 2017.
The Kick and Push Festival, Now-August 13th: The 2017 Kick & Push Festival is in full swing. Now in its 3rd year, The Kick & Push creates a new style of summer theatre in Canada by producing and presenting engaging events that challenge an audience to go beyond simply being passive observers. The festival, which is centered around The Grand Theatre is the product of seven theatre companies and producers teaming up in a collaborative effort to fill the downtown with exciting events that are unique to Kingston. Some of the shows take place at The Grand while others will happen in mystery locations and offer opportunities for audience members to interact with the performers. Check out our Guide to The Kick & Push to learn more about each show and how to get tickets.
Wolfe Island Music Festival, August 11th and 12th: It’s back! After a year-long hiatus, WIMF is back in full force. The two day festival will fill four stages with great music by bands such as Said The Whale, 47 Teeth, Kasador, New Swears, Land of Talk and Born Ruffians, to name a few. As always, there will be a vendors village and a camping area. A weekend pass is $125 ($150 with camping) and Friday or Saturday passes are $65. Tickets are on sale now. Be sure to check the WIMF website for the full schedule and other important details.
On the Wall, August 21st-26th: In 2014, Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour, in collaboration with The Water Access Group, held the first ever On The Wall Street Art event at Douglas Fluhrer Park. Twenty Kingston artists worked daily over the course of the event to create large scale art pieces on the retaining wall located in the park. Now it’s time for a refresher and this year On The Wall is collaborating with the City of Kingston to present a second iteration with a theme of Canada 150. Artists will work from noon-8pm and all are welcome to come and observe the transformations! The week will end with a Celebration of the Arts at the park on August 26th from 11am-4pm, with food, live music and fun, family friendly events.
Memorial Centre Night Market, August 24th: For the first time ever, Loving Spoonful will host a Night Market at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market (303 York St.). In addition to the regular vendors, market goers can also enjoy pig and corn roasts, a mobile pizza oven, beer, wine, cider and more. The event is a fundraiser for Loving Spoonful and will focus on local fare and breweries. Funds will be raised through a portion of wine and beer sales, direct donations and on-site raffles. The market runs from 6pm-10pm and admission is free to all ages.
Limestone City Blues Festival, August 24th-27th: One of Kingston’s best loved music festivals is back in its 21st year in downtown Kingston. The Limestone City Blues Festival attracts blues lovers from all around and features some of the best acts in the genre. This year’s line up includes Blackburn, Carlos del Junco, Adam Karch, Dawn Tyler Watson with special guest Angelique Francis and more! In addition to the three outdoor stages, many downtown venues will be hosting live shows as well and you can enjoy Homegrown Blues Food at many downtown restaurants during the 4 day festival. Bracelets go on sale on August 1st and re $15, which gets you entrance to all outdoor concerts plus entrance to all participating venues for the entire fest. Bracelets are available at all participating venues and at the Visitor Information Centre.
Photo credit to The Kick and Push Festival, Wolfe Island Music Festival, Nono Fotos, Denise Mattox, and Roberta.