Autumn in Kingston is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, and the calendar is packed with ways to enjoy it. As a local real estate broker who has called this community home for over 20 years, I have watched the fall tradition list grow year after year. From the storied Kingston Fall Fair to harvest markets and ghost walks through the historic downtown, there is truly something for everyone this September and October.
Here is my curated guide to the best Kingston fall events of 2026, so you can mark your calendar and make the most of the season.
Kingston Fall Fair: A 194-Year Tradition
Date: September 17 to 20, 2026 Location: Kingston Memorial Centre, 303 York Street
The Kingston Fall Fair returns for its 194th year, and it remains the anchor of the region's autumn calendar. Held at the Kingston Memorial Centre, the fair brings together everything that makes a country fair great: exciting horse shows, the ever-popular demolition derby, a full midway, agricultural and homecraft competitions, and a petting farm that is always a favourite with the little ones.
It is a Kingston tradition in the truest sense. Families return year after year, and newcomers quickly understand why. If you are thinking about buying a home in Kingston, spending an afternoon at the Fall Fair is a wonderful way to feel the community spirit that makes this city so welcoming.
Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
Date: Fall 2026 Location: Springer Market Square, Downtown Kingston
For food lovers, the Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show is the can't-miss event of the season. Set right in the historic downtown market, the festival fills Springer Market Square with the irresistible smell of smoky barbecue while local and regional craft breweries pour their finest. It is the kind of event where neighbours meet, families share a table, and the whole city seems to gather under one sky.
Between the ribs, the brews, the live music and the lively market atmosphere, it is a perfect afternoon out, and a great reminder of why downtown Kingston is such a special place to live.
Fall-A-Palooza at the Odessa Fairgrounds
Date: September 13, 2026 Location: Odessa Fairgrounds
Just a short drive from Kingston, the Odessa Fairgrounds hosts Fall-A-Palooza, the event formerly known as the Odessa Family Fun Fair. True to its name, it is a day of pure family fun, with games, activities, food and the small-town charm that makes Loyalist Township such a lovely place to call home. It is a gentle, relaxed alternative for families who want a full day out without the crowds.
Pumpkin Smashing & Corn Maze at Forman Farms
Date: September 26, 2026 Location: Forman Farms, Seeley's Bay
Head out to the countryside for a classic harvest day at Forman Farms in Seeley's Bay. The pumpkin smashing is exactly the kind of joyful, slightly silly activity that kids remember for years, and the corn maze offers a perfect challenge for the whole crew. Combine it with a drive through the fall countryside and you have a picture-perfect autumn day near Kingston.
Light the Night Kingston
Date: September 26, 2026 Location: Kingston Waterfront
When the sun goes down, Light the Night Kingston lights up the waterfront in a moving community event that brings people together to honour and remember. It is a reflective, meaningful evening and a beautiful way to see Kingston's shoreline glow. Whether you join with family or with friends, it is an event that stays with you long after the night ends.
The 55th Annual Gem Storm Show
Date: Fall 2026 Location: Kingston Area
The 55th annual Gem Storm mineral and gem show brings dealers from across Ontario and Quebec to the Kingston area. From dazzling crystals to fossils and jewellery, it is a treasure hunt for collectors and curious families alike. It is also a great indoor activity for a crisp autumn day, and a wonderful example of the interesting, unexpected events that make the Kingston area so livable.
Ghost Walks and Dark-History Tours
Date: Select Thursday evenings in September and October Location: Crawford Wharf, Downtown Kingston
As the evenings grow longer, downtown Kingston's ghost walks and dark-history tours set out from Crawford Wharf on select Thursday evenings in September and October. Guides lead you through the limestone streets and share the legends, hauntings and hidden stories of one of Canada's most historic cities. It is a wonderful way for history buffs and thrill seekers to see a side of Kingston that most visitors never find.
Live Music and Theatre Season
Fall is when Kingston's cultural scene comes alive. The RoadTrip music festival fills the downtown with live performances, while Domino Theatre and the Kingston Grand Theatre unveil their fall lineups of plays, concerts and special events. There is no shortage of ways to spend a comfortable autumn evening enjoying world-class entertainment just steps from home.
Harvest Season at the Markets
Finally, no fall in Kingston is complete without a visit to the markets. The Memorial Centre Farmers' Market and the historic Kingston Public Market fill their stalls with pumpkins, squash, apples and the work of local makers. It is the perfect place to stock up for Thanksgiving dinner, meet the people who grow your food, and experience the seasonal rhythm that defines life in this region.
Considering a Move to Kingston or the Surrounding Area?
If this season's events have you imagining yourself in Kingston, you are in good company. The Nadeau Real Estate Group helps buyers find everything from downtown luxury condos to waterfront homes in the Thousand Islands, and I have spent over 20 years matching people with the homes and neighbourhoods that fit their lives best.
There is no better way to judge a community than to live its seasons, and fall in Kingston is a spectacular introduction. Contact Pierre Nadeau for a conversation, and let's find the home that puts you right in the middle of it all.