Forever Hip: What to know before you go, from packing essentials to parking solutions

Downtown Kingston is getting ready to come alive with music, memories and community spirit as the Forever Hip event series takes over Springer Market Square on August 20 – 22.

With thousands expected to gather in Springer Market Square over three days to celebrate the legacy of The Tragically Hip, in honour of the 10th anniversary of their final hometown concert, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead to make the most of this exciting lineup of events.

To help ensure everyone has a great time at Forever Hip, please consider and plan for the following:

• Forever Hip is a series of FREE events taking place in Springer Market Square from Thursday, Aug. 20 to Saturday, Aug. 22.  

• • Thursday, Aug. 20: Rockin’ the Square, sponsored by Empire Life, featuring Choir!Choir!Choir! plus a special set of performances featuring prominent Kingston musicians | 7 – 10 p.m.

• • Friday, Aug. 21: Forever Hip in the Square | noon – 5 p.m.

• • Friday, Aug. 21: Free screening of Long Time Running | 8 p.m.

• • Saturday, Aug. 22: Free viewing of CBC’s rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration | 7 p.m.

• More details of each event, along with places to eat, stay and visit, can be found on Tourism Kingston’s website.

• Forever Hip events are all rain or shine, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring everything you need for a day outside including hats, umbrellas, sunscreen and water bottles.  We will post updates in the event of inclement weather such as thunderstorms or extreme conditions.

• Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the screenings of Long Time Running and The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration. Seating is first-come, first-served. A designated area in Springer Market Square will be reserved for accessible seating.

• We encourage attendees to choose active transportation or public transit where possible. Plan your route using the Kingston Transit trip planner. Springer Market Square is about 7 minutes away from the downtown bus transfer station on foot.

• There are also a number of park-and-ride locations throughout the city that allow you to park for free before hopping on a bus. Standard bus fare is $3.50 per person over 14 years of age and must be exact change. Children under 14 ride for free!

• If you are driving, the City has parking lots and garages downtown within walking distance to Springer Market Square. Learn more about special event parking, including walking times and rates in Municipal parking lots.

• Accessible parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Clarence Street between King Street and Ontario Street.

• Market Street will be closed from August 19 to 23 to facilitate event setup and teardown. Additional road closures immediately around Springer Market Square will also be in place during event times on Aug. 20 and 22.

• Check Municipal511.ca to stay up to date on road closures.