Kingston any time of the year is, undoubtedly, an unreal place to be. But one of the prime times to be there? During the warm, pier lounging season we call summer (though you may call it, I'm not in the library 24/7 anymore lol).
It's a combination of the unreal people here and the location that this limestone city is dropped in. But who to conquer this summer bucket list with?! Why not grab your bae. Sans bae? Um hello, grab your BFF instead, still your number one and, presumably, still down for some great times.
Climb Rock Dunder and take in the Sunset
How long does it take to fall in love? About 3.9km (Summit Loop), surprisingly that is also the length of the trail up to the spectacular view on Rock Dunder over the Rideau Waterway.
Cannonball Crush // Fort Henry
Run through this former operating military fort - but not just through the fort. This five km run is stacked with 15 obstacles. Get ready to climb, swim, crawl and more. The best part? At the end you and your S.O. won't only have the glory of having completed this race, but you'll also get free entry to the YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry that afternoon.
Doors Open Kingston // Various Locations
Go on a romantic adventure exploring the city you thought you knew so well. Over 25 of Kingston's most stunning buildings (including the Agnus Etherington Art Centre, Islamic Centre of Kingston, and St. George's Cathedral). will be open to the public, many with guided tours!
Art After Dark // Various Galleries in Downtown Kingston
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Head downtown on May 26th from 7pm to 10 pm for FREE to see some awesome art. Some of the 20 places you can visit include Black Dog pottery, Gallery Raymond, and Meraqi Art Annex.
Mandarin MS Walk
Get sporty, support a good cause, and get out with your number one. This 5km walk can be done marathoner speed walk pace, or like you just went to Stages last night #whitebooth. It's Sunday, May 28th and only 5km.
Beat Beethoven // Confederation Park
Feel like getting bringing your competitive side out? The Kingston Symphony is back again with this crowd favourite; finish either an eight km race or four km "fun run" before the Kingston Symphony finishes playing 50 minutes of Beethoven's classics.
Go explore Kingston's hidden gems // Various Locations
See the full, epic list here!
Skeleton Park Arts Festival // Skeleton Park
Celebrate the summer solstice like you never have before (or maybe it's your first time celebrating it, but any reason to party is a good one right?). This five-day festival from June 21st-25th covers just about everything you could ever want in a festival; outdoor film screenings, Lost Cousins concert, Free Morning Yoga, Metis Fiddler Quartet, a poetry stage, porch jazz parade and so much more is on the roster for this epic event.
Kingston Penitentiary Tours // Kingston Pen
It was locked to the public for 180 years, and now it's open and ready for you. Take a tour with your number one through one of the oldest and highest security prisons in Canada for an irreplaceable experience.
YGK Craft Beer Fest // Fort Henry
CALLING BEER AND CIDER LOVERS, this is for you. Sit on te south hill of Fort Henry while tasting a plethora of craft beers and ciders. Even better? There will be live music there all day, including Kasador and JJ Shiplet. Bonus, if you run in Fort Henry's Cannonball Crush that morning, you get free entrance to the beer festival. Buy your tickets to skip the line.
Catch some live music and Schooners // The Mansion
You and your bae will be rocking out thanks to the amazingly curated live music at the Mansion. Whether you're going for a casual concert or a full on sweat show, head here for an awesome time. We can't wait to catch Spencer Burton and Queen's Players. See the schedule for all the shows here.
Hear some indie music live // Musiikki Cafe
Half cafe, half whisky bar - all cool. Head here for open mics, jazz nights, and some unique Indie acts in an intimate environment. Here's the schedule!
ArtFest Kingston // City Park
This year they're not only celebrating Ontario arts, but 150 years of Canadian art and craft. Head here July 1st-3rd to see art workshops, pottery, jewellery, gourmet food, live music, and the two new additions this year - the First Nations Artist Pavilion and a Craft Beer and Wine Tent.
Movies in The Square // Market Square
Starting June 22nd to September 7th, Market Square will be playing a movie outdoors every Thursday! Bring some blankets and cuddle up while you enjoy the beautiful summer nights (cue the Grease song).