Kingston is planning a weekend of events from Aug. 20 to 22 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert in their hometown on Aug. 20, 2016. The band's farewell show at the K-Rock Centre (now Slush Puppie Place) drew 6,700 fans inside, while 25,000 more gathered in Springer Market Square to watch the livestream. At least 11 million people watched the CBC broadcast across Canada.
Weekend events include singalongs, screenings, and walking tours
Tourism Kingston, the Kingston Music Office, and the Downtown Kingston BIA have organized the commemorative weekend. "The band's management has certainly been involved to ensure that everything is within their rights, although they won't necessarily be part of the specific weekend," said Moira Demorest, music officer for Tourism Kingston.
On Aug. 20, Rockin' the Square will feature Choir! Choir! Choir! leading an interactive community singalong of The Hip's greatest hits in Springer Market Square, along with tribute performances from Kingston musicians including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and Kasador's Cam Wyatt and Thom Draper. "It will be a full-fledged concert with many songs, with live performances by Choir! Choir! Choir!," said Demorest. "So it's sort of an interactive community singalong of Tragically Hip's greatest songs."
Video screenings and documentary on Aug. 21
On Aug. 21, Springer Market Square will show music videos and clips on the big screen throughout the day. The Kingston Music Office will also offer Music Walking Tours and host a Music Merch Market. "The Music Walking Tour sort of tells some of the Hip story," said Demorest. "And a bit of a Hip focus of our creative music walking tours that we've already designed but also weaving in the lasting legacy of pieces for every kind of music fan."
Later that evening, a free screening of the documentary Long Time Running (2017) will take place in the square. "We hope throughout the weekend to have as many people as possible," said Demorest. "but we do a weekly movie in the square, so there's usually a few thousand."
Community viewing party on Aug. 22
On Aug. 22, Springer Market Square will host a community viewing party for CBC's commercial-free rebroadcast and global livestream of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration. "We hope to have somewhere near (the 25,000 people who gathered in 2016) for those that want to commemorate," said Demorest. "Certainly, we'll be gathering at that time to watch the rebroadcast."
Ten ways to experience The Tragically Hip in Kingston
1. Music From Miles Around Exhibit: A free, year-long exhibition at Market Wing in City Hall featuring artifacts and stories from Kingston's music history, launching in June.
2. Play Me Kingston: A temporary public art installation starting in August, with 10 large-scale guitar sculptures designed by local artists.
3. It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken: A jukebox musical coming to Kingston on Oct. 22, built around The Hip's hits. Tickets on sale now.
4. Creative Kingston Music Walking Tours: A free self-guided tour connecting visitors to places tied to the band's early years.
5. The Backstage Suite, Frontenac Club: A suite celebrating the band with Hip memorabilia.
6. The Tragically Hip Mural: Located along the Waterfront Pathway, a four-minute walk from City Hall.
7. Local pubs: Clark Hall Pub and The Toucan & Kirkpatrick's pub (formerly Terrapin Tavern) were early gig spots for the band.
8. The Tragically Hip Way and The Hip Sign: The street outside Slush Puppie Place was renamed in 2012; a sign with an interactive "I" was installed in 2024.
9. The Hip Tribute Stone: A commemorative stone engraved with lyrics from Blow at High Dough in Springer Market Square.
10. Gord Edgar Downie Pier: Named after the late lead singer, located at Breakwater Park.
