The Downtown Kingston BIA is launching its Live 365: Summer Music Series this week, bringing more than 50 free outdoor concerts to Springer Market Square and Confederation Park through August 2026. Residents and visitors can catch live music every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with genres ranging from big band jazz to country and a mix of local favourites.
The series kicks off Friday, July 3, with Kickin’ It Country at Springer Market Square behind City Hall. Shows run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by line dancing from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. with instructor Jacob Vestervelt. Swingin’ Summer starts Wednesday, July 8, featuring big band jazz from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the same venue, sponsored by Empire Life. Saturday Sessions begin July 4 at Confederation Park on the waterfront, with performances from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Downtown Kingston BIA, which represents over 700 downtown property and business owners, organizes the series to support local musicians and give people affordable summer entertainment. Generous support comes from the Music Performance Trust Fund, a national nonprofit that funds free live music programs. The schedule pauses during Kingston Buskers Rendezvous from July 9 to 12 and Forever Hip in the Square on August 21.
Springer Market Square holds up to 3,000 people and sits behind Kingston City Hall at 216 Ontario Street. Confederation Park faces City Hall along the waterfront. Both venues have hosted community events for decades, and the summer concerts have been a staple of downtown life for years.
A full list of performances and any weather updates are available on the Downtown Kingston website. Admission is free for all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
