Kingston in the Fall — Improbable Escapes

While it’s true that autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go, that doesn’t mean we have to say “Sayonara” to fun now that a new (albeit a bit chiller!) season is upon us.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re into live music, art, or the simplistic splendour of great outdoors, there is no shortage of things to see, do, taste and enjoy as we embrace the season of cosy sweaters, golden colours, and of course, the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte.

Make Your Blood Run Cold

Tis’ the season of spooky things...why not make the most of it?

If you want to make your most terrifying nightmares come to life (c’mon, who doesn’t?) Fort Fright should be stop numero uno on your fall tour.

This year marks the twelfth season, so you know the peeps at Fort Henry are doing something right, and have figured out the right combo of terrors to keep people coming back for more.

This year, we’re getting in on the frightening fun with an escape room and an Augmented Reality experience that’s included with the purchase of an admission ticket.

Not quite quaking in your boots yet? Check out Coroner’s Report, an escape room experience here at Improbable Escapes that comes with a warning for “extreme content” for a hella good reason. (If you have a heart condition, we also recommend you stay away. For realz.)

In this game, you and your friends decide to explore an abandoned hospital. What happens when two of your friends become trapped and horrifying screams are heard coming from the inside? We dare you to find out.

We’re also currently hosting Panic at the Pumphouse, a non-traditional escape room game at the Pumphouse Steam Museum. This game’s only on until November, so get your thinking caps on explore the entire museum as you search for a hidden water supply to save the city from an arsonist on the loose.

Shake Yo’ Groove Thang

If you believe that “Live music is the cure for what ails ya’” (thanks for the inspo, Henry Rollins!), you’re in luck. Kingston boasts a pretty darn respectable music scene and has welcomed a huge number of big-time performers like Elton John, The Tragically Hip and Bryan Adams.

This fall, the line up of awesomeness continues.

On Oct. 2, check out Dean Brody and Dallas Smith’s Friends Don’t Let Friends Tour Alone 2019 at the Leon’s Centre. Well-known country music superstars, these two have won multiple JUNO awards, and are two of the most celebrated artists in Canadian country music.

Wanna feel like a top banana? Spoil yourself (you totally deserve it!) with the VIP packages that include an intimate performance, a meet and greet, exclusive merch, and early access to the Leon’s Centre.

Nov. 16, our city will warmly welcome The Arkells to the Leon’s Centre. One of the most “in-demand” rock bands today, The Arkells - a quintet that hails from Hamilton, Ontario - will get you up on your feet with their signature high-energy performance.

From Nov.16-24, Tone Deaf Kingston - which regards itself as “Kingston’s festival of adventurous sound performance - will proudly showcase a selection of both established and up-and-coming artists from all over the world. If you’re seeking an alternative to conventional tunes, you’re gonna find what you’re looking for right here, folks.

Still don’t have your musical fill? It’s all good. There’s more where that came from.

City and Colour will pay us a visit on Nov. 26, joined by Jacob Banks and Ben Rogers. All four of City and Colour’s previous studio albums have achieved platinum status in Canada, making it a must-see performance for music lovers of all kinds.

Get Wild in the Wilderness

Feeling like getting out to cow country? There’s no better season to do it. Think fresh, crisp air, crunchy leaves beneath your feet, and the splendour of changing colours that act as a feast for the eyes.

The Wolf Island Corn Maze is a great place to start, guaranteeing fun for the entire fam jam. This year’s design features not just one, but two, mazes. Wanna up the ante? Take part in one of the flashlight nights. There’s no better way to get lost, we promise. The maze runs till mid-November, so be sure to make some time for it before it’s too late!

If you want to be outside, but to you, “outdoor fun” still involves paved streets, shopping and gourmet restaurants, head to the Princess Street Promenade, which takes over (you guessed it, smartypants: Princess Street!), on Sept. 28. Get your shopping on, enjoy some fun activities, and breathe in that fresh fall air all at the same time. Check, check and check!

Wanna get your heart pumping? Take a hike (or you could tell someone who annoys you to...we won’t judge) and get some fresh air at Lemoine Point Conservation Area. Bordered by Lake Ontario and Collins Bay, this gem boasts a plethora of stunning fall colours, and gives you an hour or two of exercise. And after all those pumpkin spice lattes, you might want it. Just saying.

Down to a Fine Art

If you want to get in some culture before the leaves make their disappearing act, the Limestone City has you covered.

Check out Art After Dark, which takes place on Sept. 27. During this event, galleries and art-loving businesses in the downtown core open their businesses from 7-10 p.m. for you to enjoy some of the best art you’re gonna find in K-town.

Psst: Don’t forget to enter the draw to win $500 towards the purchase of original art at participating businesses.

And last, but not least, in commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the death of Rembrandt van Rijn, The Agnes Etherington Art Centre at Queen’s University is hosting Leiden circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges from Sept. 19 until Dec. 1. Don't miss out on this amazing exhibition.

Disclaimer: We know there are tons more events happening in Kingston this fall, but we only have so much space! Be sure to leave a comment on what you’re most excited to experience this autumn!