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Boards Up: Rink Sports in the Square Brings Four Days of Ice, Action, and History to Downtown Kingston

January 14, 2026

Kingston, ON – Downtown Kingston is turning up the winter fun as Boards Up hits Springer Market Square from Thursday, January 22 to Sunday, January 25, 2026. With boards installed around the outdoor rink, this 4-day event transforms the Square into a lively rink sports hub packed with exciting games, hands-on activities, and a nod to Kingston’s hockey history. 
 
From curling stones to square pucks, Boards Up invites residents and visitors alike to experience the thrill of rink sports in the heart of downtown. Highlights include a curling demonstration, minor hockey showdowns, ringette, a historic hockey game reenactment, and the chance to skate alongside the Kingston Frontenacs. 
 
The action kicks off on Thursday, January 22 from 6pm-8pm when members of the Greater Kingston Curling Association will be onsite to demonstrate and let visitors try their hand at this beloved Canadian sport. 
 
On Friday, January 23 from 6pm-8pm, the spotlight turns to ringette, showcasing fast-paced action and skill on the ice. 
 
Saturday delivers two can’t-miss moments. From 1pm-3pm, the Historic Hockey Game reenacts the very first hockey game played in Canada when, in 1886, Queen’s students and RMC cadets squared off on the frozen Kingston harbour. Players will don period-accurate uniforms and equipment, including the iconic square puck. Later that afternoon, fans can lace up their skates and share the ice with their hometown hockey heroes when members of the Kingston Frontenacs take to the ice from 4pm-5pm. 
 
The weekend wraps up on Sunday, January 25 with Minor Hockey Day. Ten teams from the Church Athletic League, Kingston Area Minor Hockey Association, and Greater Kingston Girls Hockey Association will face off in five exciting games, celebrating the next generation of local hockey talent. Games run from 10am to 3pm with the Town Crier dropping the ceremonial puck to kick things off. 
 
Produced by the Downtown Kingston BIA, representing more than 700 business and property owners in the downtown core, and supported by the City of Kingston, Boards Up: Rink Sports in the Square is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates winter, sport, and Kingston’s rich hockey heritage.