Ontario

Kingston’s Fort Fright Named One of Ontario’s Top 100 Events

By

James Sinclair
March 2, 2026 3:47 pm

The annual Fort Fright Halloween festival in Kingston, Ontario, has been recognized as one of the province’s best attractions for the 2026 season. On February 25, 2026, Festivals and Events Ontario named the event to its Top 100 list during an annual conference. This award is given to events that show high levels of creativity and have a strong impact on their local communities.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission operates the festival at Fort Henry and expects the recognition to drive even more visitors to the area this fall. In 2025, the commission’s three main seasonal events generated nearly $18 million in economic activity for the region. The organization is currently using an $82.2 million provincial investment to modernize its sites and prepare for larger crowds.

Local makers and sellers interested in the event have until March 31, 2026, to apply for space at ‘The Trade Square’ inside the fort walls. Geoff Waycik, the Director of Historic Sites, said the provincial honour is a result of the hard work put in by staff and partners. The expected increase in tourism may lead to more demand for local transit and parking near the site during the festival dates.

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