Top five things to do in Kingston this September
It’s the beginning of a month again, and that means it’s time for us to give you our top five picks of events happening in the Limestone City! School might be back in session, but there’s still plenty of warm weather to enjoy your fair share of outdoor activities, so we made sure all of our picks this month are outdoors – you have to soak up the Ontario summer while you can!
While some of the regular summer events have now ended for the season, there’s still lots of time to check out the Kingston Public Market, the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market, and the newly-opened Kingston West Side Farmers’ Market to satisfy your latest craving or find a new must-have item. And the great local happenings don’t end there! Below are the top five events not to be missed throughout September.
Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
Need we say more? This annual event brings together the things that are meant to be together: barbeque and beer. But it isn’t just any barbeque and beer! Sample ribs, wings, and a smorgasbord of other tasty treats, and wash it all down with some great craft beer, from the area, and from across the province. All that combined with live music and enough seating for you and your whole family, and you have the makings of a great day outside, meeting up with people you haven’t seen in a while, and surely needing a steady supply of toothpicks and napkins. The event runs for three days, so you have lots of time to take advantage!
Where: Kingston Memorial Centre grounds
When: Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8 from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 9 from noon to 6 p.m.
More information, including entertainment live up, a list of vendors, and more: here.
Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival
Art, food, and entertainment from all over the world set up shop in downtown Kingston for a full day of delving into the beautiful mosaic of cultures that call Kingston home. A perfect event for the whole family, there will be lots for the kids to see and do, including live performances, art workshops, and browsing through the 22 participating pavilions on site. Workshops include interesting and exciting projects, from learning Arabic calligraphy, to making Mayan worry dolls. Presented by Kingston Immigration Partnership, this event will have you inspired in so many ways, from tempting your taste buds, to tapping your feet.
Where: Confederation Park
When: Sunday, Sept. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
More information, including a full line up of pavilions and entertainment: here.
Kingston Fall Fair
Another of Kingston’s favourite annual events, the Kingston Fall Fair is unlike any other event that happens all year round. Four days full of so much to see and do, you could literally go to the Fair every day and not get bored (or hungry). From agricultural shows, like horse shows, fruit and vegetable competitions, and even Agriculture Education Day, to live performances, an exciting midway, and, of course, a huge array of food vendors, the Fair is a great time for those of all ages. You have to go to their website to see all of the cool events that take place over the four days, but on our shortlist of things to check out are: the Artisan Alley, the Country Singing Showdown, and the Canine Water Sports events. Don’t miss your chance to come face-to-face with a rooster, or ride the Ferris wheel for an outstanding view of the city.
Where: Kingston Memorial Centre (inside and on the grounds)
When: Thursday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 16
More information including ticket pricing, daily hours, and a full schedule: here.
CORK Fall Regatta
Presented by CORK, Sail Kingston, and Ontario Sailing, the 2018 Fall Regatta will pack two days full of sailing, including the Ontario Provincial Championships, the i420 Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian 505 Championship, and the Ontario Sailing Combine.’ Watch as the professionals show us all why Kingston is the ‘fresh water sailing capital of the world,’ and take in some sunshine on the shoreline before it gets too cool.
Where: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
When: Friday, Sept. 21 (registration and check in), and racing on Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23.
More information, including complete schedule of events: here.
Fall Princess Street Promenade
All the fun of the summer Promenade, without all the heat! One of the city’s most bustling events, Promenade sees businesses, restaurants, and community groups all fill Princess Street for the entire day. With the street closed off, you can wander up and down Princess Street, checking out stores and restaurants who often have samples to indulge in or activities to engage in. You can also learn about all sorts of community groups and local initiatives, take part in a variety of family-friendly games and activities, and inevitably bump into lots of people you know – it is Kingston, after all!
With free transit offered throughout the city all day, it’s easy to get to or from Promenade, so grab the bus and take in this event before the leaves turn and snow flies.
Where: Princess Street from Division Street to Ontario Street
When: Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information: here.