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What’s open, what’s bumpin’, what’s worth your time
Leila Nasr-Sharifi
May 16, 2025
Gooood morning, Kingston! It’s the Friday before the long weekend, and we’re riding that fine line between productivity and already being at the lake in our minds. From what’s actually open on Monday to live music, local beer, and a fiddling fiesta, this edition is your long weekend cheat sheet.
And hey—if you're working Monday? You're the real MVP. We see you, we raise a coffee to you, and yes, your Monday newsletter will still be showing up. On time, fully caffeinated, and ready to roll.
Top Clicks of the Week
Today’s Question
What's your long weekend vibe? |
News Notes
Kingston teens: ever wondered what it’s like to run the city?
The Mayor for a Day program is back, giving local 13 to 18-year-olds the power (and probably a fancy pen) to pitch civic ideas straight to the top.
SLC students strike gold and silver at skills showdown
Three St. Lawrence College students just flexed some serious talent, snagging top medals at the 2025 Skills Ontario competition. (Kingstonist)
Wolfe Island ferry legend remembered by many
Brian Johnson captained the Wolfe Islander III for 35 years — and turned a daily crossing into local legend. His send-off was all poems, foghorns, and salty stories. (The Whig)
Winners announced at 2025 Kingston Business Awards
Local stars took the spotlight Thursday night, with wins for Frontenac Club (Hospitality), New Day Marketing (Social Impact), Go Oil (Skilled Trades), and Dr. Jenn Bossio (Business Person of the Year). (Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce)
Note: News notes with three asterisks (***) means that there is a pay wall to read the article.
Local Biz
Biz recommendations
A downtown Kingston institution with charm to spare, and beer to match. YGKtoday reader Mike gives it a big thumbs up for its classic pub food, courtyard patio, and friendly service, all tucked inside a historic building that feels like home. Add in live music and lively conversation, and it’s easy to see why this spot is a go-to for locals who know what’s good.
West-enders, this one’s for you.
Spearhead Brewery’s had a glow-up, and Kingstonians are loving it. The space is newly renovated, the staff are top-tier, and the food menu now includes wood-fired pizza that pairs perfectly with their craft brews. The fully covered patio means you can catch live local music without melting in the sun. According to one YGKtoday reader: “There’s always something going on!”
Got a favourite spot you think deserves a shoutout in our ‘Local Biz’ section? Send us your rec — we love a good tip-off.
Long Weekend, What’s Up?
What’s actually open in Kingston this Victoria Day? ***
Not the liquor store, library, or city hall—so plan your bonfire supplies accordingly. Checkout the full what’s open, closed, and happening list before heading out.
Note: News notes with three asterisks (***) means that there is a pay wall to read the article.
Today—Friday
Fine Balance Brewing has 15-packs of YGK Light ready for the May long.
National Fiddling Day hits its 10th year with a two-day celebration (Friday and Saturday).
La Vida Bistro Bar & Social brings the heat every Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. with nonstop salsa and bachata.
Saturday
Ahoy Rentals opens for the season.
K-Pass launches.
Murney Tower Museum kicks off its 100th season.
Breaking Brad’s Smash Room is offering a free extra crate this weekend with your smash session.
Friends of Lemoine Point are hosting their spring tree sale.
Spring Into Summer takes over Lake Ontario Park with food trucks, live music, kids' activities, and a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m.—admission is free.
Sunday
The Screening Room launches a book-to-screen film series with post-show discussions. First up is High Fidelity.
Memorial Market hosts another Kid’s Bike Sale with Gear Up Kingston.
Monday—Victoria Day
Great Lakes Museum is open! Explore exhibits, tour the S.S. Keewatin, and spend the holiday by the water.
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.
The National Stage
📫 Canada Post hits pause—again—over union talks With less than ten days to strike deadline, Canada Post has hit pause on negotiations, blaming stalled talks and promising “comprehensive proposals”... eventually.
🌊 Loblaw braces for a flood of price hikes Over 6,000 products might soon cost more as Loblaw’s CEO warns of tariff-fueled sticker shock. He’s betting on a quick trade-war truce, but maybe don’t hold your grocery list hostage.
By the Numbers
🧠 52 hours. That’s how long some modern folks are working each week—triple the hours of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, and it might be bulking up brain grey matter in all the wrong, stress-laced ways, according to a new study.
📉 9.8 percent — That’s how much Canadian home sales slumped in April compared to last year, as the market continues its quiet streak amid tariff jitters and buyer hesitation, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Hot Links 🔥
Fort Henry visitors on May 17 or 31, heads up—the LaSalle Causeway will be fully closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan your route via the Waaban Crossing.
Kingston Square Foot Show is back this fall—Canadian artists can apply now through June 22 to be part of this juried exhibit at the Tett Centre.
The Belvedere Hotel, featured by The Globe and Mail, is offering up to $200 off stays of two nights or more in May and June.
…brings back its Patio Pups menu just in time for the long weekend—treat your dog and support the Kingston Humane Society.
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area awarded over 380 thousand dollars in Spring 2025 grants to support 43 local projects across arts, health, education, and more.
Daughters General Store is expanding its fridge with chilled Ontario craft beer, seltzers, and ready-to-drink drinks for summer sipping.
City of Kingston rolls out new curb and driveway standards. Check the specs before your contractor pours, or risk paying twice.
Weather
Friday
High 18°C 🌡️ Low 12°C | 🌦️
Saturday
High 17°C 🌡️ Low 11°C | 🌦️
Sunday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low 8°C | 🌧️
🌡️ See today’s weather | 🚗 Live traffic | ⛽ Local gas prices
Signing Off
That’s your long weekend lineup, Kingston! Cloudy skies or not, the city’s still serving vibes. Whether you’re dodging raindrops at the market, fiddling downtown, or just mastering the art of the indoor lounge, we hope it’s exactly the kind of break you need. We’ll be back Monday, bright and early. Forecast: 100 percent chance of local goodness.
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