Top Five Things to See and Do in September 2016
Whether the idea of September makes you cringe or cheer, the month that brings us school, students and pumpkin spice has arrived. While transitioning back to regular routines, close-toed shoes and long pants can be difficult for some, the good news is that there is no shortage of fun to be had this month. We’ve sifted through our calendar, looking for some of the most promising events to take in and handpicked what we consider to be the Top Five Things to See and Do in September 2016.
Kingston Symphony Fall Book Fair, September 7-10 and 17-18 2016: This year’s highlights include fiction of all kinds: mysteries, popular Young Adult novels, horror stories, children’s books, as well as a few vintage series collections such as Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Beatrix Potter anthologies. We have on site a university professor’s large personal library of Canadian history, politics, & political biographies in excellent condition. We have books in Psychology, Philosophy, Science, and a very large Canadian military section. In other sections you will find a good selection of adult learning-to-play music books, biographies, many beautiful art books, and even some collectible antique book sets. No matter the genre you are looking for, you will find it at the Fall Book Fair! Tickets for Early Bird Entry are $20 each and are available by calling 613-546-9729. Only 50 tickets are available. Regular admission tickets are $5 each and are available in person only on September 7 after 2 pm at the door. Admission is free from the 8th on. The sale takes place at The Kingston Symphony Warehouse, 785 Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, Unit 7A.
Ribfest and Craft Beer Show, September 9-11 2016: The tasty return of ribs and craft beer to the Memorial Centre grounds will make the first week of routine a little easier to take. Celebrating their fourth anniversary, this succulent spectacular is proof that there’s a significant local appetite for award winning brisket, blooming onions, roasted corn and smoked ribs slathered in southern-inspired BBQ sauce. The other half of the equation, for those who enjoy perfectly poured craft beer, is the presence of mostly Canadian craft brewers. This year’s line up includes established names such as Double Trouble, Sam Adams and Big Rig, but will also have appearances by new, local players Skeleton Park Brewery, Napanee Beer Company and for a second year, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. With enough down home fare to please the pickiest of eaters, and an impressive roster of craft beer brewers, and live music, it’s no wonder this festival continues to be a widely anticipated bookend to summertime in Kingston. Admission is free to the park but donations for Partners in Mission Foodbank are encouraged. A $6 wristband is required for tastings and tastings are $1 each.
Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival, September 11 2016: This celebration of diversity features dozens of Cultural Pavilions, each showcasing food, art and cultural activities from a host of regions around the world. World music and dance performances on the main stage, located on the doorstep of City Hall, keeps things lively and entertaining throughout the day. Globetrotting visitors will make their way from one pavilion to the next, taking in special artistic workshops which provide opportunities to do everything from playing a musical instrument to learning a new dance style. The 7th annual Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival is both a free and family-friendly affair, while its popularity underscores the vibrant and vast arts and culture scene that’s alive and well in our city. The festival runs from 11:30am-5:30pm.
Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival, September 17-18 2016: The first ever Limestone City Tattoo and Arts Festival will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton. This intimate festival will feature 40 carefully curated tattoo artists representing Canada, the USA and beyond. The wide range of artists will give the show an eclectic mix of styles and ideas and artists will be available to create custom tattoos for those hoping to acquire some unique body-art. There will be a variety of vendors as well, offering artwork and tattoo culture-related products for purchase during the weekend. The convention will include two days of tattooing open to the public accompanied by organized events, entertainment and after-show parties for artists and patrons alike. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 for a weekend pass.
WritersFest, September 28-October 2 2016: This first official event of Fall 2016 proudly caters to readers of every age and taste. WritersFest is a celebration of literature, which allows curious attendees to attend intimate and interactive discussions with notable authors. This year’s impressive roster includes: Robert Bateman, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Samuel Archibald, Ian Brown, Sonia Faruqi, Peter Behrens, Steven Heighton, Emma Donoghue, Helen Humphreys and many more as well as musician Sarah Harmer and CBC radio host Eric Friesen. Aspiring writers may also attend workshops led by accomplished authors and professionals from within the literary profession. With book signings, poetry readings and stuff for the kids, there truly is something for everyone at this festival. With Kingston WritersFest events already selling out, now’s the time to get your tickets and stimulate the imagination.
Photo credits to CCAC North Library, Isaac Wedin, Multicultural SA, Marina Setti, and imanka.