Crack the Code for Free Poutine & Easter Prizes

Gooood morning everybody! Happy Friday! The weekend is so close, you can almost taste it—and it might just taste like free poutine! From cracking clues to live tunes, we've got something for everyone. So grab your coffee, check out what’s happening, and get ready for a weekend packed with local flavour!

News Notes

Grey Cup Comes to Kingston for Kidney Fundraiser
CFL fan of the Year Kelly Hallett is bringing the Grey Cup to Kingston on Friday, April 25, for a special fundraiser supporting the Living Kidney Donation program at KHSC. The event runs 2–4 p.m. at the Merchant Tap House, marking one year since her husband’s life-saving transplant and Kelly’s own donation through the Paired Kidney Donation Program. (UHKF)

Queen’s Relay for Life Breaks National Fundraising Record
Queen’s students raised over 225 thousand dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society at this year’s Relay For Life—setting a record for the highest-ever total by a Canadian university. More than 750 students and community members took part in the 12-hour overnight event, marking a milestone in the fundraiser’s 19-year history on campus. (Queen’s Gazette)

Food recalls hit instant noodles, hummus & ground beef
Heads up, grocery shoppers: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a new batch of recalls for everything from tahini to chocolate bars. Contamination risks include E. coli, undeclared allergens, and even stones (yes, actual rocks). Time to double-check your fridge and pantry. (Narcity)

Apply now: Kingston’s 5,000 dollar rural community grants
Got a big idea for rural Kingston? The City’s new Rural Community Program Fund is offering five 5 thousand dollar grants to support events, beautification projects, rec programming, cultural initiatives, and more. Applications are open now for creative projects that bring life to Kingston’s rural communities. (City of Kingston)

Early voting begins next week for Kingstonians
Skip the lines and vote early: advance polls are open Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21. Can’t make it? Mark your calendar for Election Day: Monday, April 28, 2025. (Elections Canada)

Queen’s Honours Top Educators with 2025 Teaching Awards
Queen’s has announced the 2025 Principal’s Teaching and Learning Award winners, spotlighting educators and staff who are shaking up classrooms with inclusive, tech-savvy, and globally minded approaches. Recipients include faculty across Nursing, English, Biology, and more — and even a team from English for Beginners. (Queen’s Gazette)

Local Biz

Pan Chancho Bakery is serving up a Vegan Easter Dinner featuring Moroccan fried tofu, braised kale, and a fresh herb & legume salad. Order now for pickup or delivery through their online store.

Giveaways and contests

Sun Harvest Greenhouses is celebrating you with a “Your Happy Place” Giveaway! Enter in-store or online by April 15 for a chance to win a 100 dollar gift card. Winner announced April 16.

Daughters General Store is now stocking non-alc Lime Margaritas and Mojitos from local makers Finally — and they’re giving away a 6-pack to celebrate! Enter by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16.

Great Lakes Sourdough is teaming up with local faves for a massive Easter Giveaway — think deep dish pizza gear, chocolate, a spring planter, and gourmet oils. Enter by April 18 for your shot at this flavour-packed prize pack!

Smoke’s Poutinerie Kingston is hiding 22 digital Easter eggs across the internet — crack the clues and you could win FREE poutine for a year. Clues drop daily on Instagram. Enter by April 21 at 11:59 p.m.!

Events

What’s happening this weekend

Local Museum Deals for Tourism Week | Now through May 31 | Various Locations | Kingston residents get free or discounted admission to museums across the city—just show ID and soak up the local history.

’Kind of Sketchy’ by EronOne | April 12–13 | The Wherehouse | The artist behind that eye-catching waterfront mural is back with a weekend exhibition of new sketches—plus a book launch and an artist talk on Friday at 7:30 p.m.!

Weekend at the Tett Centre | April 12–13 | Tett Centre | Botanical Market, fibre art exhibition, and a gouache painting workshop—something creative for everyone.

She’s Crafty Social at Juniper Café | Sunday, April 13 | 5:00 p.m. | $45 | Beer, bites, and badass women—celebrate the release of Laguz Nordic Lager with samples, snacks, and a sunset lake dip (if you're feeling brave).

Announced

Montreal Street Vintage Market | Kicks off Sunday, April 27 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Corner of Montreal & Princess | Thrift lovers, rejoice—20+ vendors slinging vintage, thrift, and local finds at this street-style market all season long.

First Friday Networking & Social | Friday, May 2 | 4:00–7:00 p.m. | Pedal Works Café & Studios | Free | Connect with Kingston’s entrepreneurial crowd and catch a panel featuring local 40 Under 40 stars—plus plenty of time to mingle.

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

Tourism Kingston is calling on local makers to showcase their work at the Visitor Information Centre in 2025. Apply by Friday, April 18 to be considered — jewellery, ceramics, candles, woodwork, and more are all welcome!

Visit Kingston is highlighting free and discounted museum admission for locals during National Tourism Week this week, with some offers running year-round! Don’t miss seasonal deals like 15 percent off the Military Communications Museum, on now through Friday, May 31.

Skeleton Park Arts Fest is now accepting applications for community booths at this year’s festival from June 21 to 22. Non-profits, charities, and groups with a family-friendly focus can apply for free. Deadline is May 19.

KCFF’s Slaight Music Video Program is back for 2025–26! Local musicians and filmmakers can team up to create a music video, score a subsidy, and hit the KCFF red carpet. Submissions are now open.

Visit Kingston is bringing the Canadian Little League Nationals back in 2025! The U13 tourney hits the field July 12–23, and yes — the Cricket Field fence is here to stay. Batter up, Kingston!

City Sips Walking Wine Tour invites you on a leisurely sip through Downtown Kingston. With four tasting stops, five tour options, and wine from around the world, it’s the perfect blend of local charm and global flavour — tours run Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 3:00–5:30 p.m.

Weather

Friday
High 6°C 🌡️ Low 2°C | Mixed precipitation ☔️ 🌨️ 

Saturday
High 9°C 🌡️ Low 3°C | 🌥️ 

Sunday
High 12°C 🌡️ Low 3°C | 🌤️ 

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

That’s all for today, friends! I hope your weekend is filled with all the local goodies—poutine, tunes, and maybe even a little surprise or two. Can’t wait to catch up with you again on Monday. Until then, enjoy every minute of it!

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