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Summer Kickoff Music Festival

May 24th, 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Centennial Park

Summer Kickoff Music Festival 2025

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.

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.

Leaning into the summer vibes

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.

Visit his website at Bill Welychka - Home 

Wendy is an award-winning classic country entertainer from St. Catharines. Wendy was raised in Temagani, Ontario and is a Status Indian and member of the Temagami First Nations Indian Band. Wendy started in the music business in April 2009 at the age of 45 and had recorded three CD’s, one in Nashville as well as two in Canada with some of Canada’s top musicians, many of whom still play with her. Wendy was the winner of numerous music awards, and continues to perform at festivals, fairs, and other venues throughout Canada and in the USA. 

Find Wendy on YouTube.

Hailing from right here in South Frontenac, Crossing Boarders is a classic-rock/ country party-band playing popular hits from the ‘80’s, ‘90’s, and 2000’s that are perfect for any occasion. From high-energy rock tunes to laid-back ballads, they’ve got something for everyone to enjoy. 

Find them on Facebook and YouTube. 

The Trevor Walsh group have been playing classic rock in the Kingston area for almost 20 years. They’re upbeat rock and roll with Sandy Mackenzie Keith Gordon and Trevor Walsh will have you dancing in the aisles. 

Find them on Facebook. 

REV IT UP is a 5-piece party band based out of Kingston, Ontario. Their music has, “Reflections of Classic Rock, Rock-a-Billy and Old Distant Country, with a dose of Cajun Spice and a Tex Mex Groove, all wrapped up into a danceable, toe tapping ball of energy! 

Find them on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

River Cats are a dynamic fusion of funk, blues, rock, Latin and country. This tight-knit ensemble is more than just a band; they're a musical experience that leaves audiences grooving and coming back for more. River Cats try to create an immersive experience that transcends genres and captivates audiences. With infectious energy, soulful melodies, and a commitment to musical excellence, the River Cats want you up and dancing!!! 

Connect with them at www.river-cats.com. 

Loaded with unapologetic authenticity and armed with a vibrant, high-energy show, Dean James is widely renowned for his ability to entertain any audience, no matter the stage. With over 1.3 million streams across all platforms, he seamlessly blends the spirit of new country/rock swagger with the throwback country roots he grew up on, creating a unique fusion of genres that defines his sound. Dean delivers honest lyrics with a raspy vocal edge, infusing every line with his soulful essence. 

Find Dean at www.deanjames.ca or on all social platforms at Dean James Music. 

Abby Stewart is a powerhouse country singer/songwriter from Kingston, ON. She feels most at home on the stage, achieving some pretty impressive success.  

She opened for Hunter Hayes on his Tattoo Your Name Canadian Tour dates along with Dan + Shay, and has had the privilege of singing duets with Dean Brody, Dallas Smith, Aaron Pritchett, and more. She has also opened for many Canadian country talents such as Cold Creek County, Brett Kissel, Jade Eagleson, Michelle Wright, Tebey, Tim Hicks, and many others.  

Abby’s love of music has taken her all over Canada and down south to Nashville, Tennessee many times, performing on Broadway and writing with some of music row’s most presigious songwriters.  

She cannot WAIT to rock out with everyone during the South Frontenac Summer Kick-Off Party! 

Socials: 

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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