Downtown Kingston BIA announces end of Limestone City Blues Fest

After 26 years of bringing world-class blues talent to the Limestone City, the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) has announced the end of the Limestone City Blues Festival.

According to a release from the BIA, the “beloved annual event” has been an “integral part of the community,” showcasing amazing blues talent, fostering a sense of togetherness, and creating lasting memories for countless attendees.

As a decades-long passion project for the organization, the decision to end the festival was made with careful consideration and an eye toward the future, the BIA noted. The organization said it is currently working on plans for a new music festival, set to launch in 2025. According to the release, the new festival will be designed to better reflect Kingston’s growing population, and will aim to invite a broader audience to enjoy the experience of a large-scale live music event held in the heart of the city.

“Kingston has such a rich history of producing top-level musical talent and a reputation as one of the best live music destinations in Canada,” said Jan MacDonald, festival Artistic Director and Director of Events at the BIA. “Blues has been a key part of that. Creating a new event is an exciting opportunity to build on that culture, and celebrate live music with an even broader audience.”

In the release, the BIA extended its “heartfelt gratitude” to everyone who has supported the Limestone City Blues Festival over the years — the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and, of course, the dedicated blues fans. 

As the organization bids a fond farewell to the Limestone City Blues Festival, and said it looks forward to creating a new musical tradition that will be as vibrant and dynamic as Kingston itself.