It’s Friday. It’s artsy. It’s after dark.

Gooood morning, Kingston! The calendar says “almost summer,” but the weather’s still giving “mid-March mood.” Luckily, the weekend forecast includes gallery crawls, cultural gems, and community wins to warm things up. If you're bundled in a hoodie and contemplating hot soup in May, you're not alone. Let’s dive in.

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News Notes

KGH main entrance closing May 26–31
Heads up if you're heading to Kingston General Hospital next week. The main entrance on Stuart Street will be closed from May 26 to 31 for repairs. (Kingston Daily)

Kingston crowned top small city for startups…again!
For the sixth year running, Kingston has been named Canada’s best small city for startups, climbing to #9 nationally and #178 worldwide in StartupBlink’s 2025 index. The city also cracked the global top 10 for cleantech, ranking #4 among small cities for energy and environment. (Kingston Daily)

Queen’s duo named Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Storytellers finalists
Two Queen’s students are among 20 national finalists in the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge, showcasing how their research is shaping culture, healthcare, and the future of AI. They'll compete live on June 13, with a shot at an extra $1,000. (Queen’s Gazette)

Apply now for Kingston’s Neighbourhood Activation Fund
Got an idea for a block party, movie night, or neighbourhood event? The City’s Neighbourhood Activation Fund is back for 2025, offering up to $2,500 in in-kind support for community-led fun. Applications are open now. (City of Kingston)

City invests $200K in Kingston’s music scene
Kingston City Council is throwing down $200,000 to boost Tourism Kingston’s Music Office, aiming to expand rehearsal space access, grow local gigs, and connect musicians. The funding may also help launch a fair wage policy to ensure artists get paid at city-supported events. (Kingston Daily)

13 Kingston-area students launch summer startups
These students are turning ideas into businesses through the 2025 Summer Company program, with support from Kingston Economic Development. (Kingstonist)

Note: News notes with three asterisks (***) means that there is a pay wall to read the article.

Events

Things to do this weekend

Art After Dark | TONIGHT! Friday, May 23 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Downtown Kingston | Free | Explore galleries, sip and shop, meet local artists, and enter to win $500 toward original art at this beloved after-hours crawl.

Great Canadian Cheese Festival | Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Fort Henry | Ticketed | Canada’s largest cheese event returns to Fort Henry with 100+ vendors, artisan goods, craft beverages, and a full weekend of curd-loving culture.

Announced

Movies in the Square 2025 is lighting up Springer Market Square with free films under the stars every Thursday starting July 3. Plus special Pride Month screenings on June 5 and 19.

Kingston Artists’ Showcase Part Two Opening Reception | Wednesday, May 28 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Market Wing, Kingston City Hall | Free | Celebrate the launch of Part Two with light refreshments, local artists, and a fresh installation featuring prints, textiles, stained glass, and more.

The Truth About Traffic | Thursday, June 5 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Tett Centre, Malting Tower | Free | Urbanist Brent Toderian leads this myth-busting talk and panel on how Kingston can tackle traffic with smarter, people-first planning.

Italia Day

Sunday, June 8 | 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Italo-Canadian Club, 1174 Italia Ln | Free entry | A festive day of Italian food, games, kids’ activities, and live cooking demos. Bring cash and your appetite!

Kingston Pride Parade | Saturday, June 14 | From Kingston Memorial Centre to Confederation Basin | Free | Celebrate love, inclusion, and community at one of Kingston’s biggest and brightest parades.

Evening of Pride: All Ages Drag Show | Saturday, June 14 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Kingston Visitor Centre | Free | Perla from Canada’s Drag Race headlines this all-ages outdoor show hosted by Rowena Whey.

Foreigner: The Juke Box Hero Tour | Wednesday, October 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Slush Puppie Place | Ticketed | Foreigner rolls into Kingston with 54-40 for a night of classic rock hits. Part of their farewell tour before Juke Box Hero: The Musical hits the stage in 2026.

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

1000 Islands Cruises launches new Shipwreck Cruise, featuring Kingston’s submerged maritime past, live-guided storytelling, and waterfront views.

The Kingston Residents’ K-Pass is back with unlimited local attractions from May 20 to October 13, on sale now for $99 plus HST until May 31.

Lionhearts’ Fresh Food Market Pop-Ups are back with fresh, affordable produce and chef-made meals at rotating locations across Kingston. Need a visual? Check out their map.

Kingston wants your input on new rules for driveway and walkway repairs. Survey open until June 3.

Help shape Kingston’s Playground Accessibility Plan at a drop-in workshop June 11 or join the virtual session on June 12.

Community First Scholarship is now open to graduating high school students—submit your audio reflection by June 3 for a chance at $2,500.

Weather

Friday
High 11°C 🌡️ Low 8°C | 🌧️ 

Saturday
High 12°C 🌡️ Low 8°C | 🌧️ 

Sunday
High 15°C 🌡️ Low 9°C | ⛅️ + 🌧️ 

 🌡️ See today’s weather | 🚗 Live traffic  | ⛽ Local gas prices

Signing Off

That’s a wrap on this chilly Friday edition. We’ll be back Monday, same time, same inbox, and hopefully fewer layers. Until then, enjoy the art, the eats, and maybe an extra blanket or two. Stay cozy, YGK.

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