Gooood morning, Kingston, and happy Monday! The mayflies are out, the trails are buzzing (literally), and your calendars are about to get a serious workout.
And that’s just the start! Today around YGK:
It’s Election Day in Canada (Monday, April 28) — find out where to vote in Kingston.
Ticks are loving Kingston’s spring vibes a little too much.
Nancy’s spilling the beans on a coffee shop you’ll want to try.
Saturday was Canadian Independent Bookstore Day 📚 So, we asked, “What kind of indie bookshop browser are you?”
You said…
53 percent are "one more shelf won’t hurt" wanderers
44 percent can’t resist judging a book by its cover
12 percent are just there for the vibes (and the tote bags)
Two percent ask for staff picks... and buy them all
18 percent “accidentally” spend hours in the stacks
Six percent chose “Other”
Clearly, Kingston’s indie book lovers know how to make the most of a good browse — whether it’s one shelf, one cover, or, let’s be honest, one entire afternoon at a time. Keep stacking those stories, YGK.
News Notes
Smile Cookie Week returns today
From flipping pages to flipping for cookies, Kingston knows how to rally for a good cause — and maybe sneak a sweet treat while we're at it. (The Whig)
Incentives for creating rental units now available
Kingston's offering cash incentives to help boost local housing — but funding is first-come, first-served. (City of Kingston)
Culinary demand heats up in Kingston
Restaurants across Kingston are feeling the pinch as demand for skilled chefs rises post-pandemic. With culinary program suspensions at Loyalist and St. Lawrence Colleges, local kitchen talent is getting even harder to find. (The Whig)
Note: News notes with three asterisks (***) means that there is a pay wall to read the article.
Spring in Kingston Starter Pack
The flies are out in full force, and they are not messing around. (Locals know the drill.) Yesterday my cousin and her daughter were visiting from Montreal, and what started as a friendly game of tag turned into an accidental full-speed sprint through a thick cloud of flies, mouth open and all…
And because Kingston never does spring halfway, here’s what else is buzzing:
Photo by Ben Pitasky on Unsplash.
Rotary Park, MacLean Trail, and Memorial Centre off-leash dog parks will see phased closures for trail upgrades and small dog enclosures between late March and early May. Watch for signage at gates and check online for alternative locations. (City of Kingston)
Protect yourself against ticks this season
Kingston is a high-risk area for blacklegged ticks, which can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses. It’s important to check for ticks daily, remove them promptly, and take precautions in wooded or grassy areas. (KFL&A Public Health)
Learn more about Outdoor safety, prevention tips and tick removal.
Business Recommendation
Tracy H. is spreading the word about Nora’s Coffee + Sandwiches!
Free parking? Check. Amazing coffee? Check. A mouthwatering menu from decadent sweets to satisfying sandwiches for breakfast or lunch? Double check. But what really stands out is the staff. They're always smiling, friendly, and – most importantly – kind.
Photo from Nora Coffee + Sandwiches Facebook page.
Brought to you by the founders of Days on Front, Nora’s is all about quality, quick-service coffee and delicious bites, served with a side of friendly faces. Plus, they’ve got a drive-thru, so you don’t even have to leave the car! Open every day of the week, including today – so why not swing by for your morning pick-me-up?
Events
This week
Photo from McDonald Institute website.
Astronomy on Tap Kingston | Tuesday, April 29 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | The Mansion | Free entry | Astrophysicists, trivia, and sci-fi debates collide upstairs at The Mansion—grab a drink, test your space smarts, and win prizes while you're at it.
Dino Trivia Night | Thursday, May 1 | 8:00 p.m. | Something in the Water Brewing Co. | Free entry | Flex your prehistoric knowledge and fight for trivia glory—hosted by Riley Jabour.
First Friday Networking & Social | Friday, May 2 | 4:00–7:00 p.m. | Pedal Works Café | Free | Connect with Kingston’s rising entrepreneurs, hear from 40 under 40 stars, and grow your network over good coffee and conversation.
J.F. Youth Film Night | Friday, May 2 | 7:00 p.m. | 1296 Bath Road | Catch films by Kingston’s next-gen creators, plus a Q&A with the filmmakers. Part of Juvenis Festival.
CFB Kingston Craft Sale + Fresh Food Pop-Up | Saturday, May 3 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | CFB Kingston | Free entry | Shop local crafts and score fresh market deals at this special spring pop-up.
Kids Creativity Club: Storytelling Edition | Saturday, May 3 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Theatre Kingston Incubator Space | PWYW | Kids and parents team up for storytelling adventures with crafts, prompts, and plenty of imagination.
Mother's Day Market at Modern Fuel | Sunday, May 4 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Modern Fuel | Free | Celebrate all caregivers with a vibrant market full of local artists, kids' activities, and creative community vibes.
Announced/Upcoming
Science Rendezvous Kingston | Saturday, May 10 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Slush Puppie Place | Free | 60 booths, epic science shows, free trolley service, and a full day of hands-on STEM fun for the whole family.
Canada Day Festival at The Mansion | Tuesday, July 1 | 1:00-9:00 p.m. | The Mansion | $10 early bird until May 5 | Rock out with Healey Brothers and friends—Canada Day at The Mansion just got electric.
Image from ticketcsene.ca
Sunday, August 10 | Doors 2:00 p.m. | The Broom Factory | $15 | All-ages afternoon show with rising star Mattmac and opener Almond Milk—get your tickets before they’re gone.
Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.
Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.
Hot Links 🔥
Food & Drink
Bar Mayla is serving up Turkish brunch (yes, including Turkish coffee). See the menu.
Pedal Works Café is now open late Thursdays — think creative workshops, chill vibes, coffee, and sparkling rosé on tap.
Mother’s Day afternoon tea and fondue are on the menu at Secret Garden Inn, May 9–10.
Tango Nuevo now accepts bar reservations — insiders say it's the best seat in the house.
Night owls, take note: La Vida is serving gourmet nachos, burgers, and DJs 'til 3 a.m. every weekend.
Shopping & Local Markets
YGK Thrift’s Summer Sale is on — 20 percent off everything until May 2.
A Latin market on Wellington Street is stocking everything from Tajin to authentic Latin American staples, and bringing some serious flavour to Kingston.
Fitness & Fun
Cannonball Crush is launching its first-ever teen race and they’re looking for volunteers.
BGC South East has opened registration for swim fitness classes, with beginner and advanced options starting this May.
Free community yoga is happening every Thursday at noon. Roll out your mat for a midweek reset, no experience needed.
Weather
Monday
High 13°C 🌡️ Low 6°C | ☀
Tuesday
High 19°C 🌡️ Low 4°C | ⛅ 🌧 ⛈ ← yes, all of these!
🌡️ View current weather here.
🚗 See live traffic here.
⛽ Check out local gas prices here.
Signing Off
That’s a wrap, Kingston. Catch you Wednesday!
What did you think of this edition of YGKtoday?
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