Celebrate Canada Day at Confederation Park and Springer Market Square on July 1

Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Canada Day together as a community on Wednesday, July 1. From 12 to 10 p.m., enjoy a day of free activities, live entertainment and family-friendly fun at Confederation Park and Springer Market Square.  

“Canada Day is a chance to experience and enjoy the best of summer in downtown Kingston, and we’re especially excited for this year’s celebrations, with expanded arts and culture experiences and offerings, as there is so much to see and do,” says Megan Sirett, Manager, Events and Programs, Arts & Culture Services, City of Kingston.  

The daytime festivities will showcase local musicians and entertainers including Music in the Park presented by Downtown Kingston, Fire10 Caribbean fire dancing and drumming, magician Rob Driscoll, Yo-Yo Dave, and local artists from Kingston’s Ground UP Dance Festival. Kids can join the fun at the Kids Zone with inflatables, a climbing wall and face painting. All day long, attendees can enjoy a licenced beer garden (19+) and local food for purchase in Springer Market Square. 

The City’s Canada Day celebration will also include a live installation of a new public artwork by local artist Lee Stewart at the corner of Clarence and Ontario Streets, and attendees can visit the new Music from Miles Around free exhibition, sponsored by Empire Life, in the Market Wing Cultural Space at City Hall, open12 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

As the sun goes down, Springer Market Square will transform into an all-ages dance party with local DJ, DJ Deena delivering a high-energy opening act, and headliner Soul Sublime’s incredible fusion of funk, disco and R&B on the main stage, sponsored by WFCU.  

At 10 p.m., gather at Confederation Park for a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Ontario! 

“WFCU is a proud partner, and celebrating Canada Day together is just one of the ways we support the communities we serve with trusted financial services,” says Eddie Francis, President and CEO of WFCU Credit Union. “As the main stage sponsor, we’re thrilled to be part of such a cherished community event and to help make this day memorable for everyone in attendance.” 

Learn more about Canada Day in Kingston, including a full schedule of events, parking and transit information and more, on our event page.

About the Artists 

Ground UP Dance Festival: Launched in summer 2022, Ground UP focuses on building community, providing performance platforms for emerging and established choreographers, and supporting artists throughout their journey in creation and development as the first annual festival for professional dance in Kingston.

Chris Precious (Fire 10 Entertainment): Originally from St. Lucia, Chris is known for performances that reflect where he comes from: breathtaking fire acts, authentic Caribbean dance, limbo, broken‑bottle dancing, and dynamic live drumming. His artistry also extends into Soca and Reggae, where he channels the same island energy that shaped his childhood.

Lee Stewart: Lee was born and raised in Kashechewan, a small remote reserve on James Bay, Northern Ontario. He spent years in the Rideau Lakes region and studied film and art history at Carleton University in Ottawa, and lived in Vancouver before returning to establish himself in Kingston. As a self-taught artist, Stewart’s experimentation, innate curiosity, and openness continue to shape his evolving style. 

DJ Deena: Using mainly vinyl, DJ Deena has been spinning wax since their childhood. What began as a way to share their passion for record collecting is now a major part of their life on the local music scene. Deena hosts Different Circles on CFRC 101.9 FM in Kingston every Friday, but locals may have danced the night away to their amazing sets at Grad Club, Hotel Wolfe Island, the Legion, Musiikii, 12Cat, Stone City Ales, and Modern Fuel at some point.  

Soul Sublime: Founded in Toronto in 2022, Soul Sublime brings the hottest disco and R&B grooves from the ‘70s to the present day. Inspired by the DJ culture of Studio 54, this septet of young virtuosos has one mission: to deliver an unending stream of hits and positive energy to the dancefloor. The ensemble’s catalogue features a curated mix of dance classics from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and present-day, with their high-energy and unique renditions of Earth, Wind & Fire, ABBA, CHIC, Jamiroquai, Daft Punk, Beyoncé, and more.