City prepares to mark 10 years since The Tragically Hip's final hometown concert with Forever Hip event series

On August 20, 2016, The Tragically Hip returned home to Kingston for a final concert that became a defining cultural moment for the city and for Canada. This August, residents and visitors are invited once again to celebrate and reflect on the band’s enduring legacy through Forever Hip - music, public art, storytelling and shared community experiences.  

"Ten years later, the memory of that August night means so much to Kingston and to Hip fans," says Danika Lochhead, Director, Arts & Culture Services at the City of Kingston. "Forever Hip is a chance to collectively express what The Tragically Hip means to us, and celebrate the musicians, artists and community members who continue to shape our City's music community." 

Together with Tourism Kingston, the Kingston Music Office and the Downtown Kingston BIA, the City's Arts & Culture department is hosting three days of FREE special events and activities in Springer Market Square:  

Thursday, August 20 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

Rockin’ the Square sponsored by Empire Life, with Choir! Choir! Choir! and a special set of live performances by notable Kingston musicians.  

The Forever Hip series begins 10 years to the day since The Tragically Hip’s final concert with a free evening of live music in Springer Market Square. 

The evening will feature Choir! Choir! Choir!, the internationally celebrated participatory singing experience led by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman. Audiences are invited to lend their voices to a shared singalong of some of The Tragically Hip’s most beloved songs. No experience is necessary and all voices are welcome. 

Rockin' the Square will also feature a special set of live performances by notable Kingston musicians including Miss Emily, The Abrams, members of Kasador, members of Tiny Horse, Chantal Thompson with Chris Brown, and Abby Stewart, with more to be announced, as they pay tribute to the music of The Tragically Hip. Thanks to Factor Canada for its support of Rockin’ the Square.  

Friday, August 21 – 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

From 12 – 5 p.m., Springer Market Square will show videos and clips on the big screen reflecting on The Tragically Hip’s lasting relationship with Kingston and the local music community. 

The Kingston Music Office will also offer Music Walking Tours and host a Music Merch Market, showcasing local musicians and makers. Every dollar spent at the Music Merch Market goes directly to local musicians, supporting their continued work and creativity. 

At 8 p.m., bring a chair to the Square for a free outdoor screening of Long Time Running. The 2017 feature documentary follows The Tragically Hip’s 2016 Man Machine Poem cross-Canada tour and final concert in Kingston, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, fan reflections and performance footage from a moment that resonated deeply across the country. 

Saturday, August 22 | 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

Kingston will host a special event and concert viewing party as CBC rebroadcasts The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, the band’s final Kingston concert, commercial-free. 

Ten years ago, 6,700 fans gathered inside Kingston’s large entertainment venue, now known as Slush Puppie Place, while approximately 25,000 people gathered nearby in Springer Market Square for Kingston’s unforgettable public viewing party. Across the country, more than 11.7 million Canadians watched the live CBC broadcast. 

On August 22, the rebroadcast will return to the big screen in Springer Market Square, offering the community a chance to relive and reflect on an evening that united Kingston, Canada and fans around the world. 

Don't miss it: public art and musical theatre pay tribute to The Hip 

Several pieces of public art are activating downtown Kingston this summer as part of Forever Hip including a large wall mural, commissioned by Tourism Kingston and painted by local artist Aaron Forsyth on Wellington Street, and Play Me Kingston, a Downtown Kingston BIA temporary art installation featuring large-scale guitar sculptures designed by local and regional artists.  

Additionally, the City’s Kingston Grand Theatre is hosting a brand-new musical, It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken, on its stage later this fall for a three-week run. Presented and produced by the Thousand Islands Playhouse in partnership with David and Hannah Mirvish, and Michael Rubinoff (originating producer of Come from Away), the musical features music from The Tragically Hip's iconic catalogue. Tickets are on sale on the Kingston Grand website.  

Learn more about ForeverHip on Tourism Kingston's website.