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Community Events & Festivals

Kingston hosts many festivals and special events throughout the year that are popular with local residents and attract visitors from other communities. Activities range from community fun runs and triathlons to festivals that stretch over several days and numerous locations.

Every year, Kingston celebrates its role as the first capital city of Canada with a First Capital Day festival of special events and activities. Another popular event, especially with families, is the annual Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, featuring jugglers, acrobats, musicians, magicians and other performers who take to the downtown streets for four days in early July.

Examples of other festivals and events in Kingston include:

  • Limestone City Blues Festival: A four-day summer festival featuring the best blues performers.
  • Kingston Sheep Dog Trials: A three-day summer competition involving North American dog handlers and their dogs.
  • Kingston Dragon Boat Festival: A one-day festival and fundraiser for a local organization.
  • Febfest: A five-day winter festival featuring hockey tournaments, free public skating, figure skating demonstrations and food.
  • Kiwanis Music Festival: A three-week non-competitive music festival in which amateur musicians of all ages perform for professional adjudicators.
  • Kingston Canadian Film Festival: A four-day festival celebrating Canadian film and filmmakers.
  • Reelout: A week-long event featuring the best queer films and videos.
  • Leisure Showcase: Community organizations get together under one roof twice a year to demonstrate the different ways people can get fit, have fun and be active.
  • Canadian Olympic Training Regatta (CORK): A week-long international sailing regatta held every year at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.

Information about the special events and festivals in Kingston is available from the City of Kingston and Kingston Economic Development Corporation websites.

For More Information

First Capital
An annual celebration of special events marking Kingston’s role as the first capital city of Canada.

City of Kingston Events Calendar
A list of special events hosted by the city of Kingston. Includes date, time, location and a brief description.

Kingston Festivals and Events
A directory of festivals and events in Kingston, including dates and a brief description. Website included if applicable.

Kiwanis Music Festival, Kingston
An annual music festival in which performers of all ages are judged by adjudicators. Categories include piano, voice, wind, strings, ensembles, choirs, band, guitar, speech arts and drama, and folk singing.

Leisure Showcase
Community organizations demonstrate the different ways people can get fit and stay active. Includes registrations, demonstrations and free admission.

The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials
A three-day competition that pits North America handlers and their dogs in the largest sheep dog trials in Canada.

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