Mark your calendars for the City’s 2026 Special Events

The City of Kingston produces a variety of inclusive, accessible, events every year, promising exciting activities and cultural celebrations.

Led by the Special Events Office in Arts & Culture Services, with support from City departments, civic events and ceremonies bring communities together to celebrate and recognize days of national or cultural significance, support local events run by partner organizations and the public, and permit over 800 externally-run events in City parks and Springer Market Square every year.  

Mark your calendars  

All civic events and ceremonies are to be held at Confederation Park unless otherwise specified: 

• Victoria Day – May 18
• National Indigenous Peoples Day in partnership with Kingston Native Centre and Languages Nest and the City’s Indigenous Initiatives Office – June 21
• Canada Day – July 1 at Springer Market Square and Confederation Park
• Emancipation Day in partnership with the City’s EDI Office – August 1
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Kingston Native Centre and Languages Nest and the City’s Indigenous Initiatives Office – September 30
• Remembrance Day – November 11 at Macdonald Park 
• New Year’s Eve – December 31 at Springer Market Square and Confederation Park 

These events are produced and/or supported by the Special Events Office and Arts & Culture Services department along with strategic partners:  

• Kingston Sheep Dog Trials – August 7- 9 in Grass Creek Park
• Rockin’ the Square Concert, celebrating the legacy of The Tragically Hip and the tenth anniversary of their final concert, sponsored by Empire Life – August 20 in Springer Market Square
• Intercultural Arts Festival – September 20 in Confederation Park 

Stay tuned to the City’s website and social media channels for event announcements and updates throughout the year. 

The City is also excited to be hosting large-scale events in partnership with Tourism Kingston including:  

• Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup™ Tour – June 27 in Springer Market Square
• A special event, details to be announced, to mark the tenth anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s final concert in Kingston – August 22 in Springer Market Square  

Call for volunteers 

The Special Events Office is seeking volunteers to support the delivery of our civic ceremonies and events again this year. Volunteers help create a welcoming and safe experience for residents and visitors while supporting event staff.   

Volunteer responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with event setup and teardown
• Serving as greeters and assisting at the information booth
• Supporting crowd flow and tracking attendance 
• Assisting activity areas and event programming   

Apply through the City’s Special Events Volunteer Portal before May 15  

Call for Vendors 

We invite local food and craft vendors to be part of these events. This is your chance to share your products with thousands of residents and visitors at City events throughout the year. 

To learn more or express interest, contact the Special Events Office at: 
specialeventsoffice@cityofkingston.ca 

Application deadline: May 15 

Call for Sponsors 

Corporate support helps to keep these events accessible to all. These events can showcase businesses and provide a unique way to reach target audience(s). View a complete list of special event sponsorship opportunities.