*This article was originally published on Kingstonist.*
While the weather is colder, the days are starting to get longer. Perfect to enjoy cold weather activities and all things indoors! Even though February is the shortest month (even when it’s a leap year!), I’ve put together a collection of things to do in the Kingston area for February 2024, which should inspire you to keep enjoying the winter months, find something new, and maybe better connect with the community.
Take a look at some things to do in Kingston this February:
Keep your eyes on the Horizon
Starting Feb. 1, 2024, Downtown Kingston is inviting everyone to cast their eyes to the sky with a serene light and sound experience called Horizon. The interactive light and sound installation will be set up in Springer Market Square.
“Relax inside a beautifully constructed cocoon and look up as the rhythmic rocking of the cocoon’s chair triggers a magical series of lights and music inspired by the twinkling stars, soaring birds and wind-swept trees!” Downtown Kingston noted on its website. Find more details here.
Reelout Queer Film Festival
The 25th annual Reelout Queer Film Festival will take place this month. At the Screening Room, from February 1 to 11, 2024, the festival will offer over 90 films from 35 countries/diasporas for the silver jubilee anniversary. According to organizers, the festival will be revisiting some of its most beloved themes from past years, and showcasing retrospective works from the early 90s by Midi Onodera (Skin Deep) and the Kingston-lensed Dreamers of the Day by Patricia Rivera Spencer!
Learn more about the festival, including a full show lineup and how to get tickets here: https://www.reelout.com/
Froid’Art
The annual winter celebration of art returns to the downtown Kingston area, with 10 works of art by local artists encased in 300 lb crystal-clear blocks of ice.
This local art initiative was started by David Dossett of the Martello Alley Gallery and Art Space located in downtown Kingston and sees local Kingston artists commission pieces on plexiglass, which are then sent away and frozen inside large slabs of ice. They are on display from January 25 until the ice melts.
Find the art pieces encased in ice blocks in various locations around downtown Kingston. Follow Martello Alley on Facebook and Instagram for updates and specific locations.
Kingston Winter Antiques Show
The Kingston Winter Antiques Show is always held the first weekend of February. This year, the Cabin Fever show featuring some of the best dealers from Ontario and Quebec takes place at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour on February 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and February 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to organizers, this year’s show has a diverse selection of well-respected dealers whose offerings include furniture, both country and formal, academic and folk art, fine china, glass, jewelry, textiles, collectibles, nostalgia, mid century modern, retro etc. There’s sure to be something for every taste and every budget.
Learn more: https://www.cabinfeverkingston.com/
Make Pom-Pom Monsters at the Museum of Lennox and Addington
According to the museum, for this craft attendees will be walking through the metaphorical deep dark forest to discover the creatures that give us goosebumps.
“We’re exploring all things spooky (and maybe even a little bit silly) when we create our own pom-pom monsters!”
The free event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, and is for children aged 4 to 11. It begins at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required, but once the event reaches capacity and/or supplies run out, the event will be closed.
More details: https://countymuseum.ca/event/pom-pom-monsters-kids/
Timeless Memories Wedding Show
This year marks the 20th edition of the Timeless Memories Wedding Show. On Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, join over 50 vendors at St. Lawrence College.
According to organizers, this wedding show is a one stop shop for all of your Wedding Event needs!
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and admission is free. The event features swag bags, a $500 cash giveaway to spend at any vendor booth at the show, and $5000 in door prizes. Pre-register at www.mytimelessmemories.ca
Kingston Polar Plunge
On Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, Kingston Police are hosting the annual Kingston Polar Plunge next month, and invite everyone to help raise awareness and funds for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Ontario.
Find all the details, including how to register a team, in our previous coverage: Kingston Police set lofty goal for 2024 Kingston Polar Plunge
Everyone is welcome at Crawford Wharf at 11 a.m. to cheer on those who are ready to get wet!
Spectrum Voices Fundraiser Concert and Open Mic
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, join Spectrum Voices, Kingston’s new and very first 2SLGBTQ+ and allied choir, at the Grad Club for a night of “heart-wrenching harmonies and soulful solos”, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
According to organizers, no tickets or RSVPs needed, but donations are welcomed to help keep the choir free to join while paying quality 2SLGBTQ+ musicians their worth. Visit the Eventbrite page to make a donation online, or for more information about the evening.
Kingstonlicious
Every year, restaurants in Kingston craft winter menus featuring premier prix fixe meals and curated culinary events across the city. This year, organizers are inviting everyone to “dig into the international tastes of Kingstonlicious,” starting on January 15.
“From cozy, feel-good dishes to mouthwatering multicultural menus, Kingston’s restaurants have crafted a world of flavours,” organizers stated.
This year’s events, menus and packages are outlined on the Kingstonlicious website. Which one will you try first?
Teddy Bear Hospital
On Family Day, Monday, Feb. 19, children and families are invited to bring their teddy bear or other special stuffed animal to the Museum of Health Care where trained “teddy doctors and nurses” will be on hand to examine and treat any bumps, lumps, and bruises.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. museum staff and volunteers will share in the experience of a check-up for their stuffie, and help with bandaging, ‘x-rays,’ splinting, and casting with children. Get all the details here.
Kingston CCA-AFC Cat Show
On Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, the Canadian Cat Association / Association Féline Canadienne is holding a Cat Show at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
“Come out and see the world of cat showing! Many purebred cats, domestics and rescues will be competing to be the best of the best. Different vendors will be on site selling some amazing products. Come for an hour, or for the day! We will be happy to have you there,” organizers stated on the Facebook event page.
Kingston Canadian Film Festival
Running from Wednesday, Feb. 28 to Monday, Mar. 3, 2024, the 24th annual Kingston Canadian Film Festival is sure to draw film and cinema enthusiasts from across North America, as it always does.
While the full festival schedule was not available at the time of publication, festival highlights are outlined in our previous coverage: Save the dates: Kingston Canadian Film Festival announces 2024 opening night events
There are always things to do at Kingston Frontenac Public Library
KFPL offers plenty of events and programs for people of all ages to enjoy. Here are a few upcoming events in February:
The History & Mystery Behind Foods We Eat – a four-week program for kids aged 6 to 9 with supervising adult
PA Day programming – Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, is a PA day and KFPL is offering three programs to help entertain the kids!
Puzzle Swap – Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Books and Beans – Books by Black Authors – Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m. “Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s New Adult Advisory Board presents a series of casual book discussion mixers. Just don’t call it a book club!”
Visit the KFPL programs page for a full listing of what’s coming up at your local branch!
Get outside!
Winter might be cold, but when the weather is just right there are a lot of things to do around town to get some fresh air and active time.
- Now that the snow is here, try these sledding hills:
- Fort Henry Hill
- Hill at the Corner of Indian Road and Princess Street
- J Earl Burt Park, Wilton
- Lake Ontario Park
- Lions Civic Gardens hill behind/beside the Isabel Turner Library branch
- Patrick Street school (south of Stephen Street on Patrick Street)
- Rodden Park on Norman Rogers Drive
- Take a look at Kingstonist’s full list here.
- Take a turn on the rink at Springer Market Square, or other neighbourhood rinks (check out the status of City-operated outdoor rinks here.)
- Hike, ski, or snowshoe at a nearby Conservation area (Little Cataraqui Creek, Lemoine Point, or Parrott’s Bay)
Jessica Foley is a freelance writer, the Assistant Editor and Lead Content Writer at Kingstonist, and has spent many years finding fun things to do in the Kingston area with her family. In this monthly column, she will share what she knows, and she’s always open to learning about more area events and happenings. Email her at jessica.foley@Kingstonist.com with suggestions.
