Short Week, Full Calendar

Author

Leila Nasr-Sharifi
May 21, 2025

Gooood morning, Kingston! Look at us, halfway through the week and barely realizing it’s Wednesday. Some of us had Monday off, while others powered through like true civic superheroes. Either way, the city’s waking back up, and so are we!

The results are in!

On Monday we had our first YGKtoday trivia. We asked:
What year was Victoria Day first declared a Canadian holiday?

The 17 percent who chose 1867 were thinking Confederation vibes (wrong Queen, right energy).
A whopping 68 percent guessed 1901 — solid logic, but nope.
And 7 percent went with “The year someone said, ‘You know what would be nice? A day off in May.’” Honestly? Still valid.
Turns out 8 percent of YGKers were right on the regal money — it’s 1845.

Long live trivia and long weekends.

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Local Biz

Chez Piggy
Recommended by Katel

Nestled in a former limestone stable and lovingly dubbed “the Pig” by locals, Chez Piggy has been serving up globally inspired, locally sourced dishes in the heart of downtown since 1979. Whether you're popping in for cocktails on the sun-soaked courtyard, Sunday brunch, or a romantic dinner, this family-run favourite is rich in history, full of flavour, and always worth the wander down the alley.

Beautiful, sun-dappled patio with a great vibe and even greater waitstaff. A not-so hidden gem in a Kingston alleyway, serving up delicious food and creative drinks.

Katel

Got a favourite spot you think deserves a shoutout in our ‘Local Biz’ section? Send us your rec — we love a good tip-off.

Events

This week

Music Trivia at Riverhead Brewing | Tonight! Wednesday, May 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Riverhead Brewing Company | Free entry | Test your music chops with Host Reid at this midweek trivia night. Cold brews and bragging rights on tap.

Jewelry Workshop with Jaylene Cardinal | Thursday, May 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Pedal Works CafĂ© & Studios | $65 | Create your own piece with Indigenous artist and 2024 Mayor’s Arts Award winner Jaylene Cardinal. Includes all supplies and a drink.

Friday, May 23 | Doors 7:00 p.m., Show 8:00–11:00 p.m. | The Spire, 82 Sydenham St. | $25+HST | Part of Flying V’s Emerging Artists Series, this all-ages show features rising local talent and feel-good, live music energy.

La Bella Beauty Bar at Art After Dark | Friday, May 23 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | La Bella Beauty Bar, 271 Queen St. | Mini manicures, live sax and vocals by Daynah Hansen, Vanessa Jane art, and After Dark lemonade—La Bella’s first Art After Dark is a vibe.

Danielle Hope at The Elm CafĂ© | Sunday, May 25 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. | The Elm CafĂ© | Pay What You Can

Catch soulful singer-songwriter Danielle Hope as part of the Sundays Best Series hosted by The Gertrudes.

Next Week

Clay Magnet Workshop | Wednesday, May 28 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Lazy Daisies | $35+HST | Make, fire, glaze, and magnetize five custom clay pieces. Perfect for your fridge or as fun little gifts.

Thursday, May 29 – Sunday, June 1 | Various times | The Broom Factory 305 Rideau Street | Free–$30 | Four days of live music, indie showcases, and free industry panels across downtown Kingston. Featuring Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Lowest of the Low, Terra Lightfoot, and more.

Spring Reverb for free? Kingston Live Music’s giving away 2 all-access passes. Giveaway ends tomorrow night!

Cocktail Workshop at The Bank | Sunday, May 25 | 3:30 p.m. | The Bank Gastrobar | $75 | Dig into flavour, sustainability, and technique at this hands-on workshop blending bar craft, kitchen smarts, and creative ingredients.

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.

KCFF 2025 is now accepting film submissions!

Kingston Arts Council is now accepting submissions for its Pocket Gallery exhibition space. Apply by June 1 to show your work starting this August.

Riley Scott’s Dollface is raw, poetic, and signed. Grab your copy at Novel Idea before it disappears off the shelves.

Tett Centre turns 10 and wants your stories to be part of their anniversary celebration this fall. Written, visual, audio, or video formats welcome. Deadline June 20.

Weather

Wednesday
High 15°C đŸŒĄïž Low 9°C | đŸŒ§ïž 

Thursday
High 10°C đŸŒĄïž Low 8°C | đŸŒ§ïž 

đŸŒĄïž See today’s weather | 🚗 Live traffic  | ⛜ Local gas prices

Signing Off

Got a favourite local biz? A hot tip? A brilliant idea for our next trivia question?
We’re all ears. Send your thoughts to [email protected] or just hit reply.

Catch you Friday!

Sign off graphic that has a photo of Leila and the email ygktoday@gmail.com

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