Top five things to do in Kingston this July
Photo by Laura Meggs.
As summer continues, so does the seemingly endless amount of fun and entertaining things to do all around the city. While there are awesome events that happen on a regular basis (the Music in the Park series downtown, the Music in the Gardens series in the west end, Movies in the Square on Thursdays, and Local Chef Cooking Demos on Saturdays) there’s also the Kingston Public Market, the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, and the newly-opened Kingston West Farmers’ Market to offer a little retail therapy or inspire your inner chef throughout the month. But the great local happenings don’t end there! Below are the top five events not to be missed throughout July.
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous 2018
They’re funny, they’re fearless, and they’re fiercely talented and entertaining! Each year, the Buskers festival brings together a wide variety of professional street performers – some of your classic favourites, and some like you’ve never seen before. This year, the 30th annual Buskers Rendezvous offers four days of unbelievable performances from over 20 different acts, groups, bands, or individuals. Grab the whole family for a wander around downtown to take in one of the most beloved events of the year.
Where: All around downtown Kingston
When: Thursday, Jul. 5 to Sunday, Jul. 8, 2018
Schedules, maps and more information: www.downtownkingston.ca/events/2018/kingston-buskers-rendezvous
The Portsmouth Art Market and the Waterfront Arts Market
Kingston’s two newest markets are both now open and fully stocked with local artists and artisans showing off their talents and wares. The Portsmouth Art Market in historic Portsmouth Village is open Saturdays throughout July and August, and the Waterfront Arts Market, situated in the marina area on the shore of Lake Ontario between the bottom of Johnson Street and Clarence Street, is open Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of the summer.
Find out more about the vendors, location, and hours of operations for the Portsmouth Art Market here, and for the Waterfront Arts Market here.
The Kick & Push Festival
Always intriguing and inspiring, the Kick & Push Festival is a collection of innovative, alternative theatre performances that take place in eight different venues. For nearly a full month, award winning performers from across the province will move in to downtown Kingston. From dramatic performances in unusual places (programming in the past has used fire escapes, alleyways, and even graveyards as stages), to exciting and innovative acts that involve the audience, the Kick & Push surprises audiences with talent and variety, breaks the mould of ‘traditional theatre,’ and always entertains audiences like never before.
Where: The festival’s home base is The Grand Theatre, but performances take place throughout the downtown core.
When: Thursday, Jul. 19 to Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018
More information on performances, tickets, venues and schedules: thekickandpush.com/
Storefront Fringe Festival
Take three empty storefronts in downtown Kingston, schedule in 18 different shows over the course of eight days, and make sure you span the gamut of theatrical genres, and you have Storefront Fringe Festival. Comedy, drama, romance, fantasy; whether you’re looking for suspenseful thrillers, murder mysteries, hilarious outtakes, fun for the whole family, or striking performances that touch the soul, the Storefront Fringe Festival can and will deliver. Theatre Kingston packs this week-long festival with such variety, there is something for everyone, and always something new and exciting to draw audiences in.
Where: Three different locations in downtown Kingston
When: Friday, Jul. 20 to Saturday, Jul. 28, 2018
More information on shows, tickets, venues and schedules: www.theatrekingston.com/storefront-fringe.html
Taste of Kingston
Never has supporting a great charitable cause tasted so great! A must-attend on every foodie’s calendar, Taste of Kingston features a huge variety of different culinary delights from some of Kingston’s most well-known and beloved chefs and restaurants. Pay to try whichever cuisines tempt your taste buds, with all proceeds supporting Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps for children and youth with Type 1 diabetes in Ontario. Season to taste with live music and entertainment, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect Kingstonian summer day.
Where: Confederation Park
When: Saturday, Jul. 29, 2018, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information and ticket prices: www.downtownkingston.ca/events/2018/taste-of-kingston