Your Victoria Day, done right

Gooood morning, Kingston! Happy Monday! Still staring at your coffee wondering what to do today? We’ve got you! Plus, we’ve got your long weekend poll results, a royal trivia moment, and a full lineup of events to keep your week anything but boring.

And if you need a moment to move, breathe, or just stretch out the long weekend vibes, Studio330 is offering free classes today at both of their locations.

Victoria Day
Today, Monday, May 19

From patios to public pools, Kingston’s keeping things lively this Victoria Day.

City Hall’s lighting up, Cirque de Paris pros are flipping at the RioCan, and tacos are flying off the grill in Bath. Plus, there's a cannon or two, a half-price thrift haul, and the 1225 Princess Street Food Basics that’s definitely open (thanks, insider tip).

And if you want the full scoop, Kingstonist shares what’s open and closed today around town.

Curious to learn more about Victoria Day (beyond tacos and time off)? The Canadian Government’s got you covered with a handy explainer right here. Royal history, official status, and all the fun facts.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Dog park updates for May 20–23
Meadowbrook off-leash dog park will be closed this week to adjust fencing. Small dog zones at MacLean Trail and Rotary Park also remain closed while grass grows. (City of Kingston)

Wolfe Islander IV finally back afloat tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20
The ferry’s been MIA since it bumped into trouble in December, but the Wolfe Islander IV is returning to service with an 80-minute roundtrip schedule starting this week. Just in time to dodge cottage traffic gridlock. (The Whig)

Splash pad season now on
Ready to trade your AC bill for hours of free hydration therapy? The city’s splash pads are now open and run daily from 9 to 9. Heads up: the pads at Molly McGlynn Park and Gerard Hunt Park aren’t ready just yet, but all others are good to go. (City of Kingston)

Confederation Park fountain gets a glow-up
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20, Confederation Park’s iconic fountain is getting a makeover. Think fresh basin, new fencing, and LED lighting that'll make your evening strolls a little brighter. The plaza will be fenced off, but paths through the park will stay open. (City of Kingston)

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

Events

This week

Cirque de Paris

Today until May 25 | Various times | RioCan Centre | Ticketed | Acrobats, aerialists, and edge-of-your-seat spectacle. Cirque de Paris brings big top thrills to Kingston.

Kingston Artists' Showcase – Part 2 | Opens Wednesday, May 21 | City Hall | Free entry | Part Two of this vibrant exhibit returns with 60+ local artists and fresh works across styles, mediums, and stories.

Level 1 and 2 Salsa Dancing | Wednesday evenings, May 21–June 11 | Pedal Works Café & Studios | $79 | Step into Cuban-style salsa for a four-week level 1 or 2 beginner course with great vibes and smooth moves. No partner needed.

Art After Dark | Friday, May 23 | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Kingston | Free | Downtown galleries and shops keep the lights on late for a one-night art crawl. Plus a $500 draw for original artwork!

Public Works Day | Saturday, May 24 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Public Works Headquarters at 701 Division Street | Free | Get behind the scenes with the City’s big machines at this hands-on, family-friendly open house hosted by Public Works.

Free Yoga & Tai Chi at Memorial Market

Sundays | Yoga 10:00 a.m., Tai Chi 11:00 a.m. | Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market | Start your Sunday with a peaceful flow. Outdoor yoga followed by Tai Chi, right at the market.

Announced

Kingston Startup Ecosystem: Funding & Community Support | Friday, May 30 | 7:30–9:00 a.m. | Rose Event Commons, 69 Union Street | Free | Learn how to secure funding and pitch your startup at this early-morning session with local experts from OCI, Launch Lab, and Kingston EcDev.

Summer Memories Workshop | Sunday, June 1 or Sunday, July 20 | 1:00–5:00 p.m. | The Loft Art Studio above Antique Emporium | $125 | Create a personalized oil painting from your own photo in this guided, memory-filled workshop with artist Shannon Dickie.

The Bridge City Sinners at The Broom Factory

Saturday, September 27 | The Broom Factory | $35 | Portland punk-folk legends The Bridge City Sinners hit Kingston with guests in tow for an all-ages show that’s loud, rowdy, and unmissable.

Tett@10: Reflections | Saturday, October 4 | 7:00–10:30 p.m. | Tett Centre | Ticketed | The Tett turns 10 with a one-night creative bash packed with art, music, interactive installations, and a celebration of Kingston’s artistic heart.

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 🔥 

Northside Espresso has officially left 281 Princess but isn’t going far. Stay tuned for details on their opening at 198 Princess.

Kingston Arts Council…

…is hiring a Program Administrator — full-time for 8 weeks with a possible extension.

Sadiqa de Meijer’s Fieldwork turns one unforgettable lecture into a powerful chapbook. Get your signed copy at Novel Idea.

Weather

Monday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low 7°C | 🌤️ 

Tuesday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low 8°C | 🌤️ 

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

Signing Off

That’s a wrap on your Monday edition. We’ll be back Wednesday with more YGKtoday goodness, so until then: enjoy the day, dodge the rain, and maybe swing by City Hall for a little light magic!

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