When August arrives in Canada, the days stretch long, the evenings glow with warm sunsets, and Kingston transforms into a city alive with music, food, laughter, and culture. I’ve visited Kingston many times, but the first August I spent here felt like stepping into a celebration that never ended. Everywhere I turned—whether strolling along the waterfront or wandering through Market Square—there was something happening. The energy was palpable, and I realized quickly that August is the month when Kingston wears its most festive face.
To make the most of this trip, I booked my accommodation through Hotels.ca, choosing a boutique hotel downtown so I could walk to most festival venues. My flight from Toronto was a short hop with Air Canada Express, secured at a discount thanks to Expedia.ca. For restaurants, I relied on OpenTable to reserve tables, especially when the city swelled with festivalgoers. Even booking tickets for performances and museum events felt effortless using Parks Canada and Ticketmaster.ca for official listings. With logistics handled, I could immerse myself in what mattered: the celebrations.
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous
The Kingston Buskers Rendezvous was my first festival of the month, and it set the tone for everything that followed. Spanning several days in early August, this event turned downtown Kingston into an open-air stage. I remember arriving at Princess Street one afternoon and being greeted by a crowd encircling a juggler who tossed flaming torches into the air with effortless precision. The smell of popcorn from a nearby vendor mixed with the faint scent of street food drifting through the air, and I could hear the clinking of coins as people rewarded performers. The atmosphere was electric—every corner promised a new act, and every act drew in a curious audience.
What Struck Me Most
The diversity of performers was astounding: magicians, acrobats, living statues, and musicians all competed for attention. One performer balanced on a unicycle taller than me, cracking jokes while juggling knives. Another twisted balloons into fantastical shapes that delighted children. I wandered from act to act, feeling like I was moving through a living carnival.
Each performance felt personal, like the artist was speaking directly to me through their craft. When a mime caught my eye, he followed me with exaggerated steps until the whole crowd erupted in laughter. I dropped coins into hats, applauded until my palms stung, and even got pulled into a comedy skit at one point—something I’ll never forget. The comedian asked me to hold a prop umbrella, and before I knew it, I was the punchline of a joke, blushing and laughing along with the crowd.
What impressed me most was the way these performers connected with people of all ages. Families with young kids stood shoulder to shoulder with university students and retirees, all equally captivated. The sense of community was tangible; strangers exchanged smiles, swapped recommendations for which act to see next, and shared benches in the shade.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early in the evening to secure good spots for the more popular acts. Performances at Springer Market Square and along Princess Street draw the largest crowds, and the earlier you claim your space, the better your view will be.
- Carry small change or bills; tipping performers is customary. Most artists rely on audience generosity, and tossing a few dollars into their hat is both respectful and appreciated.
- Stay hydrated—August afternoons in Kingston can get surprisingly hot. Many people bring reusable water bottles, and I found filling stations around Market Square convenient.
- Don’t be afraid to interact. Buskers thrive on audience participation, and stepping outside your comfort zone can make the experience unforgettable.
Limestone City Blues Festival
By mid-August, the air buzzed with guitar riffs and soulful voices during the Limestone City Blues Festival. Spread across multiple downtown venues and outdoor stages, this event attracted musicians from across Canada and beyond. The streets pulsed with energy; posters and banners decorated storefronts, and every bar seemed to hum with live music.
My Experience
One evening, I stood in Confederation Park, the lake shimmering in the background, as a blues band played a heart-wrenching ballad. The music rolled across the crowd, binding strangers into a single, swaying rhythm. I closed my eyes and felt the bass vibrate in my chest—it was raw, honest, and deeply moving. At another stage, a guitarist tore into a solo that made the crowd erupt into cheers, and I found myself shouting along with them, swept up in the sheer emotion of the moment.
What I loved most was the variety. One venue might host a soulful singer accompanied by a harmonica, while another featured a full electric band shaking the windows of downtown pubs. The intimate shows in smaller bars offered a chance to sit close, order a local craft beer, and feel like the music was being played just for you. Out in the open-air stages, the sense of community was overwhelming—hundreds of voices clapping in unison, strangers striking up conversations about their favorite performers, and the skyline of Kingston framing it all.
Practical Advice
- Festival passes are affordable, usually around CAD $20–$30, and can be purchased online at KingstonBlues.com or through Ticketmaster.ca. Buying in advance saved me both time and money.
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the outdoor shows. Confederation Park fills quickly, and having something comfortable to sit on makes a long evening much more enjoyable.
- Many local restaurants partner with the festival—booking tables through OpenTable ensures you won’t miss dinner before the headliners begin. Some even offer special “festival menus,” which I found to be a perfect way to sample Kingston’s culinary scene while staying close to the music.
- Don’t forget ear protection for children or sensitive ears; the amplifiers can be powerful, especially in enclosed bar settings.
Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
No August in Kingston feels complete without indulging at Ribfest. Held at Memorial Centre Fairgrounds, the festival combines smoky barbecue aromas with the refreshing tang of Ontario craft beers.
The Feast
I started with a half-rack of ribs slathered in tangy sauce, followed by pulled pork sandwiches and corn bread that crumbled perfectly in my hands. To balance it all, I sampled local brews—from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs—served by cheerful vendors eager to share their brewing stories.
Visitor Notes
- Entry is often free, but food and drink tickets must be purchased.
- Lines get long in the evenings; I found lunchtime visits easier for sampling without waiting.
- Bring cash or use the on-site ATMs—some vendors don’t take cards.
ArtFest Kingston
At City Park, I discovered ArtFest Kingston, an event that showcases over 200 Canadian artists and artisans. The leafy park transformed into a gallery under the open sky, with tents brimming with paintings, jewelry, photography, and sculpture.
A Personal Highlight
I stumbled upon a booth selling hand-painted Lake Ontario landscapes. The artist told me she had captured each scene during early morning walks along the shoreline. I bought a small canvas, and now whenever I see it hanging in my living room, I feel transported back to Kingston’s waterfront.
Tips for Shoppers
- Bring a reusable bag for purchases.
- Prices vary—don’t hesitate to chat with artists, who often offer smaller prints or pieces at lower costs.
- Early morning visits mean quieter browsing, but late afternoons sometimes bring last-minute discounts.
Movies in the Square
Every Thursday evening in August, Springer Market Square becomes an outdoor cinema for Movies in the Square. I went with a group of friends, and as the sun set, families spread blankets and kids clutched bags of popcorn from nearby vendors.
My Favorite Screening
We watched a classic family film projected onto a massive inflatable screen, the historic City Hall glowing in the background. Sitting under the stars, laughing with strangers, I felt part of something both intimate and grand.
Advice
- Arrive early for good seating spots.
- Bring a blanket and sweater—it cools down after dark.
- Snacks from local cafés make the experience even better.
Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival
Though slightly outside downtown, at Grass Creek Park, the Sheep Dog Trials Festival was an unforgettable slice of rural charm. Watching expertly trained dogs herd sheep with precision was thrilling. Families picnicked on the grass, and children giggled as they petted animals in the small petting zoo.
What I Loved
Seeing the connection between handler and dog was emotional. Every whistle, every command created a seamless partnership that reminded me of the deep bond between humans and animals.
Visitor Pointers
- Admission is around CAD $10–$15, tickets available at the gate or online.
- Bring sunscreen and hats—the fields offer little shade.
- Parking is plentiful but fills quickly; arriving before noon helped me avoid long walks.
Taste of Kingston
Hosted by the Canadian Diabetes Association, Taste of Kingston gathered local restaurants in Confederation Park to showcase their dishes. It felt like a culinary treasure hunt, with bite-sized portions allowing me to sample everything from gourmet tacos to artisan ice creams.
Personal Discovery
I discovered a vegan poutine that surprised me with its rich flavor and crispy texture. Sampling it by the water, surrounded by food lovers, was one of those small moments that left a big impression.
Helpful Hints
- Food tickets are affordable and sold in bundles.
- Bring friends—it’s more fun to share and try a variety of dishes.
- Check the official website for participating restaurants each year.
Wolfe Island Music Festival
A short ferry ride from Kingston took me to the Wolfe Island Music Festival, a grassroots event that mixes big-name performers with emerging local talent. The ferry itself felt like part of the adventure, with festivalgoers chatting excitedly on the deck.
The Music
I spent the evening swaying to indie rock and folk tunes, surrounded by open fields and starry skies. There was something liberating about dancing on the grass, far from city lights, with music echoing into the night.
Practicalities
- Ferry rides are free but fill up fast—arrive early.
- Bring cash for food trucks and merchandise.
- Accommodations on the island are limited; many visitors book hotels back in Kingston via Expedia.ca or Hotels.ca.
My August Reflections in Kingston
Looking back, August in Kingston was a whirlwind of sound, flavor, color, and community. Every festival brought me closer to the city’s spirit: inclusive, joyful, and deeply proud of its culture. Whether clapping along with blues bands, biting into smoky ribs, or marveling at artisans’ work, I felt Kingston welcoming me with open arms.
For travelers planning their own August adventure here, I recommend booking flights early on AirCanada.com or WestJet.com, securing accommodations via Hotels.ca, and reserving restaurants through OpenTable. Festival tickets, when needed, are best purchased in advance through Ticketmaster.ca or official festival sites.
Each event offered not just entertainment but an experience—moments that stitched together into a tapestry of summer memories I’ll carry with me always.
