Kingston Intercultural Arts Festival 2026: Free Newcomer Guide

Kingston’s Intercultural Arts Festival takes place today, Sunday 20 September 2026, from 11:00 to 17:00 at Confederation Park, 216 Ontario Street. Admission is free. For international residents and newcomers, the event is unusually useful because it combines live music, dance, food and cultural pavilions with the City of Kingston’s Welcome to Kingston Fair, where local organisations will provide settlement, employment and community information.

Why the festival is especially useful for newcomers

The event is more than a cultural festival. The Welcome to Kingston Fair brings together local services that can help people who are new to the city understand employment, settlement, libraries, community programmes and other practical supports.

Participating organisations listed by the City include Immigrant Services Kingston and Area, KEYS Employment & Newcomer Services, Kingston Immigration Partnership, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, francophone immigration support organisations, community services and the City of Kingston itself.

That makes the festival a useful first stop for someone who has recently moved to Kingston, as well as an easy way for longer-term international residents to make community connections.

Related Babylon guide: Canada allows eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months without a study permit.

What is on at the Intercultural Arts Festival?

The main-stage programme runs through the day and represents communities from across Kingston. The City’s published schedule includes The Raag & Rhythm Band, Kings DON Taiko, Mabuhay Filipino-Canadian Incorporation, Kingston Nepali, AfroMama Rytmées, the Chinese Canadian Association of Kingston and District, Kingston Malayali Association, the Ukrainian Children’s Choir, McGrath Irish Dance with the Celtic Kitchen Party, and Sazanami, Miyake Renshu-kai.

Cultural pavilions and community booths will represent communities including Venezuelan, Irish, Indian, Italian, Japanese, African Caribbean, Filipino, Peruvian, Turkish, Ukrainian and others. Food and artisan vendors will offer a mix of international dishes, clothing, crafts and cultural products.

Citizenship ceremony and immigrant stories exhibition

The day also includes a Canadian citizenship ceremony in Memorial Hall at City Hall, opposite the park, from 10:00 to 12:00. The City says 55 residents will celebrate becoming Canadian citizens.

From 12:30 to 17:00, Memorial Hall will host IN BETWIn: Stories of Kingston’s Immigrants, a temporary portrait installation by Venezuelan-Canadian artist and designer Sergio Jaua. The project focuses on the experiences and identities of immigrants living in Kingston.

Transport and road closures today

Anyone travelling to the festival should allow extra time. The City says the LaSalle Causeway will be fully closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from 06:00 to 17:00 on Sunday 20 September. Ontario Street will also be closed between Clarence Street and Brock Street.

Public transport is encouraged. Street parking is free on Sundays, and the City lists surface lots, garages and on-street parking options within a short walk of City Hall.

Is the festival accessible?

Confederation Park is fully accessible, although some activities take place on grass. Accessible and non-gendered public washrooms are available in the Visitor Information Centre, with additional washrooms in City Hall. Water bowls for service dogs will be available at the Special Events Office information booth.

How to make the most of the day

• Arrive before midday if you want to combine the festival with the end of the citizenship ceremony.
• Visit the Welcome to Kingston Fair early if you want time to speak with newcomer and employment services.
• Check the main-stage programme rather than assuming performances run continuously.
• Allow extra travel time because of the LaSalle Causeway and Ontario Street closures.
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing: the festival is scheduled to run rain or shine.

Official information

The City of Kingston is the primary source for the programme, access information and any same-day changes. Check the official Intercultural Arts Festival page before travelling, particularly if weather or transport conditions change.

Last verified: 20 September 2026 at 07:20 ET. Event details, closures and accessibility information were checked against the City of Kingston’s official festival page and city announcement.

Featured image: Kingston, Ontario. Photo by Anthony Aird via Unsplash.