Summer Kickoff Music Festival

May 23rd, 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Centennial Park

Summer Kickoff Music Festival 2026

Join us for some live, local music at the Summer Kickoff Music Festival! The event is a true celebration of local talent and artistry, bringing together masters of their craft in the music, food, and drink industries here in South Frontenac.

The event takes place at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted at the gate with proceeds going towards the next event.

For our youngest rock stars

Kids zone

The playground at Centennial Park is the perfect homebase for our popular kids zone. We're excited to host our community's best family friendly experiences, including appearances from:

Come hungry, leave happy

Food and drink vendors

In keeping with our celebration of all things local, we've rounded up the best food and drink vendors in our region to join us at the event. The hardest part of your day will be trying to decide what to have for dinner!

Many vendors will accept cards, but we recommend bringing cash just in case. 

Don't forget your reusable water bottle to fill up at the Utilities Kingston Water Buggy!

Remember, no outside alcohol is permitted, so plan on supporting our regions finest wine, beer, and spirit vendors that will be on-site.

Where summer comes alive

More than the music

Of course we've got the best of live, local music covered. But we’re taking the classic Canadian summer experience to the next level. We're excited to feature:

  • Cozy firepits to add to the ambiance 
  • A artisan vendor market filled with local creators
  • Cornhole games hosted by the crew at Hartington Equipment
  • Horseshoe matches at the pits

And don’t forget—Centennial Park is packed with even more ways to play! Enjoy a round of pickleball, let your pup run free at the off-leash dog park, or gather some friends for a pickup game on one of our two baseball diamonds.

Learn more about our line up

Since first stepping in front of MuchMusic’s national cameras in 1992, Bill Welychka has become one of Canada’s most enduring, recognizable and respected television personalities. He has over 5,000 interviews under his belt (and counting!) - including film and TV stars, royalty, politicians, athletes and the planet’s biggest music legends. 

Check out Bill’s book, A HAPPY HAS-BEEN, Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists, available from FriesenPress.

Lukas is a very talented singer/musician, who has been performing since he was 13 years old.

His charismatic charm, raw talent, and eclectic musical tastes, leave audiences amazed and wanting more. He has only just started his journey into music but expect much more from this talented teenager.

He is well versed in Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, Harmonica, Saxophone, ​Ukulele.

He first picked up the guitar in February of 2024 at 13 years old after he fell at a skateboarding competition and busted his shoulder. Guitar became his therapy, and music became his addiction. 

Kingston Ontario's Country Duo featuring Amanda Sorensen and Mike Grice. Singing your favorite hits. Whiskey Smoke is all about good tunes, strong vocals, and that unmistakable country feel. Mixing heartfelt ballads with upbeat, boot-stomping favourites, this duo brings a sound that’s as smooth as whiskey and just the right amount of smoky. Perfect for long summer nights, cold drinks, and great company.

Sittin’ Ducks are a Classic Rock/Country Rock band based out of the Kingston and have been playing in area for decades. Specializing in dance and party songs from the 50’s to the 80’s, this band will bring the music you remember to life. 

With tight music and stellar harmonies and songs from Canadian Artists to the British Invasion, plus everything in between, you’ll hear hit after hit with this exciting event band.

Mellow Lily is an accomplished Canadian singer-songwriter and gifted multi-instrumentalist based in the Kingston, Ontario region, she has over 15 years of dedicated experience in the music industry, and has built a reputation for heartfelt original songwriting, expressive performances, and a dynamic presence on stage and in the studio.

Eastern Ontario’s rockin' party band, the band that rocks the stage with their high energy blend of hot new country and southern rock. Enjoy the ride!

Rudy has been heating up the stage with his live performances since 2000. His passion for singing was evident to his audiences when he began competing in numerous singing competitions including the 2006 and 2007 Kingston Fall Fair Country Singing Showdown and the 2007 city-division finals of the Colgate Singing Competition. In all three competitions, he competed in as one of the top ten finalists. Through the many wins in local competitions, Rudy has developed a large fan base that is still growing.

The Adam Knapp Band delivers a high-energy blend of country, rock, and crowd-favourite classics that keep audiences engaged from the first note to the last encore.

Known for their dynamic stage presence and tight musicianship, the band brings a mix of original songs and well-loved hits that appeal to all ages. Whether performing at festivals, community events, or local venues, the Adam Knapp Band creates an upbeat, feel-good atmosphere that gets people dancing and singing along. With strong vocals, driving rhythms, and authentic sound, they’re a perfect fit for the Summer Kickoff Music Festival.

Scott's desire to entertain and contribute to a good time is the driving force behind an upbeat and energetic live show. If he is on a stage it is because he is there for YOU.

His sound reflects the profound influence of the 90's country era that shaped his upbringing, but he likes his country rockin' too. Often drawing comparisons to Jason Aldean and Eric Church has not been surprising, given they are two of his biggest modern influences. Playing both covers and his own original compositions, Scott is all about crafting a musical experience that resonates with an audience.

Event FAQ

Got questions? We have answers! If we left something out, please feel free to email recsupport@southfrontenac.net

Thanks to our local sponsors and businesses, this event is free to attend. Please support local businesses! Donations will be gratefully accepted at the gate with all proceeds going towards hosting next year's event.

Yes! This is a family friendly event and there will be a kids zone throughout the whole event.

Well-behaved pooches are welcome as long as they are on a leash the entire event. We operate on a poop-and-scoop basis.

Yes! Please bring cash. Some vendors may accept cards, but cash is highly recommended. And while there is no cost for admission, donations will be gratefully accepted. 

You can't bring any alcohol!  

We have local drink alcohol and non-alcoholic drink vendors on site at the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

The Utilities Kingston Water Buggy will also be there, don't forget your refillable water bottle.

Great question! You should plan on relaxing, connecting with friends and neighbours and staying a while. Some things you may find handy at the event include:

  • Cash
  • Chair or picnic blanket
  • Any weather related clothing (i.e. sunscreen if its sunny, rain coat if its not)
  • Toe-tapping shoes
  • A refillable water bottle

Nope! We're running rain or shine. Dress for success and plan on joining us.

Yes, we have free on-site parking. Please follow the direction of our parking volunteers and signage. 

No! We do not have permission to camp or stay over night. Please plan ahead, designate a driver, and get home safe.

YES! We always need volunteers. If you are willing to help out for a few hours, we would love to have you.

Volunteers will get an event t-shirt (who doesn't love a good, free t-shirt?), as well as a meal voucher to use at the event as a small token of appreciation. If you are willing and able to help out, please email recsupport@southfrontenac.net today! 

Volunteers and collaborations welcome

Get involved

Do you want to get involved? We're always looking for volunteers and new ideas for collaborations. Get in touch today for more information.

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