Community Partners

Downtown Kingston! B.I.A.

Downtown Kingston! B.I.A supports the downtown business community working together to promote downtown as the vibrant and healthy commercial, retail, residential and entertainment centre of our region – attracting more people to live, shop, work and gather.

Community Actions

Action	Target	Status	Themes
Fare in the Square The annual harvest celebration at the Kingston Public Market. This event showcases the quality and variety of local food available at the market and the talent of Kingston’s farmers and chefs. The celebration includes local food tasting, chef cooking demonstrations, live music, face painting, and more.	- To increase the awareness of local food at the Kingston Public Market and at Kingston restaurants. - To provide the Kingston community with high-quality, family-oriented, outdoor entertainment and activities while supporting Kingston’s downtown core.	Ongoing (annual event)	Primary theme: CU1 All themes by pillar Cultural: CU1 Economic: EC5 EC6 EC2 Social: SO3
Limestone City Blues Festival The festival runs for four days in August and includes close to 70 live performers playing on 3 large outdoor stages, and in over 12 downtown venues. With over 50,000 in attendance, the festival is a valuable contributor to the cultural signature of the City.	To bring authentic blues entertainment to the Kingston community while supporting Kingston’s downtown core.	Ongoing (annual event)	Primary theme: CU1 All themes by pillar Cultural: CU1 Economic: EC1 EC2 EC5
Busker's Rendezvous Ranked as one of the top busker festivals in North America, the festival showcases over 50 performers from Kingston, and around the world. The festival draws a crowd of over 100,000 during the 4 days and includes outdoor events and activities for all age groups.	To provide the Kingston community with high-quality, family-oriented, outdoor entertainment and activities while supporting Kingston’s downtown core.	Ongoing (annual event)	Primary theme: CU1 All themes by pillar Cultural: CU1 CU3 Economic: EC2 EC5
Feb Fest Kingston’s premier winter festival providing the community with an opportunity to enjoy outdoor winter entertainment and activities. It takes place in and around Kingston’s Historic Springer Market Square.	To provide the Kingston community with high-quality, family-oriented, outdoor winter entertainment and activities while supporting Kingston’s downtown core.	Ongoing (annual event)	Primary theme: CU1 All themes by pillar Cultural: CU1 CU2 CU3 Economic: EC2 EC5
Local Food Local Chefs A partnership program that aims to increase awareness of local food in Kingston by creating local food events, websites, promotional and educational materials/opportunities.	- Increase sales of local food at the Public Market. - Increase the number of restaurants and shops featuring local food. - Build regional market opportunities for the local food industry. - Build Kingston as an authentic culinary tourism destination. - Increase consumer awareness of local foods in Kingston.	Ongoing (annual event)	Primary theme: SO3 All themes by pillar Cultural: CU1 CU2 Economic: EC5 EC1 EC6 Social: SO3 SO1 SO2