Friday, Aug. 21
Video programming, Music Walking Tours and a local music merch market from 12 to 5 p.m.:
- Stop by Springer Market Square to catch videos and clips up on the big screen that reflect on The Tragically Hip’s ongoing legacy in Kingston, highlighting the lasting relationship between the band, the city and its local music community.
- The Kingston Music Office will also be offering a Creative Music Walking Tour at 2 p.m., led by knowledgeable local guides. Along the way, you'll discover the stories behind iconic venues, artists, landmarks, and moments that have shaped the city's music scene, with archival photos, videos, and fascinating local insights bringing each stop to life. Advance registration is required. Sign up for the Music Walking Tour.
- Visit the local music Merch Market, showcasing the talents of Kingston’s very own local musicians and makers. Every dollar spent at the Music Merch Market goes directly to local musicians, supporting them in their journey to grow and create more magic.
- The Merch Market runs from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
- Free screening of Long Time Running (2017) at 8 p.m.
- Bring your chairs down to the Square to watch a free screening of Long Time Running (2017), the feature documentary film that follows The Tragically Hip’s 2016 Man Machine Poem cross-Canada tour and final concert in their 2hometown of Kingston, after the band’s announcement that lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. The documentary blends interviews, intimate behind-the-scenes moments, fan testimonials, audience experience and performance footage, and attempts to capture that moment in all its complexity and freeze it in time.
- Music From Miles Around, sponsored by Empire Life, in City Hall. Enter from the main entrance of City Hall (216 Ontario St.) or from the Market Street doors.
- Step into the story of a city shaped by sound. Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life explores Kingston’s rich and evolving music history across generations, from early musical traditions and foundational institutions to the rise of radio, record culture, festivals, live music, and today’s creative scene.
- Extended hours during the Forever Hip weekend:
- Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22
- CBC rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration 7 p.m.
Join us back in Springer Market Square to experience this special concert once again, together as a community. CBC rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration.
- Extended hours of Music From Miles Around exhibition in City Hall, sponsored by Empire Life
- Step into the story of a city shaped by sound. Music From Miles Around, Sponsored by Empire Life explores Kingston’s rich and evolving music history across generations, from early musical traditions and foundational institutions to the rise of radio, record culture, festivals, live music, and today’s creative scene.
- Extended hours during the Forever Hip weekend:
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 23, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Other Forever Hip events taking place in 2026
Starting in August, there will be a new Downtown Kingston BIA temporary public art installation. Titled, Play Me Kingston, the installation will transform downtown into a living gallery featuring 10 large-scale guitar sculptures designed by local and regional artists, and are inspired by Kingston’s music scene, its history, performances, artists, venues, and the sense of connection music brings to the community.
This fall, Kingston Grand Theatre is home to a three-week run of a brand-new Canadian musical, It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken, featuring songs from the iconic catalogue of The Tragically Hip. The show is presented and produced by the Thousand Islands Playhouse in partnership with David and Hannah Mirvish, and Michael Rubinoff, the originating producer of the most successful Canadian musical in history, Come from Away.
Tickets are on sale on the Kingston Grand Theatre website.
Transportation
Parking
There is limited street parking around Springer Market Square. There are multiple options for parking, all located less than a 10-minute walk away from Springer Market Square, including surface lots, parking garages and on-street parking.
Accessibility information
- Springer Market Square is fully accessible.
- Accessible public washrooms are available in the Visitor Information Centre in Confederation Park. Additional accessible washrooms are located inside City Hall where there is one single-stall non-gendered restroom.
- Water bowls will be available for service dogs at the Special Events Office information booth.
Washrooms
There are public washrooms in the lower level of City Hall, accessible from both the courtyards, and there is a ramp via the north entrance off Brock Street.
Weather
These events will happen rain or shine. The events will only be cancelled if it becomes unsafe to be outside. Some activities may need to stop temporarily if it is raining but will start again when it is safe to do so.
