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Forever Hip

Explore the legacy of The Tragically Hip in Kingston as the city marks 10 years since the band’s final concerts in 2016.

Formed in Kingston in 1984, The Tragically Hip are an essential part of Kingston’s cultural identity, with a legacy that is inseparable from the place they have long called home. 

This page serves as a hub for Hip-related sites, stories, merchandise, screenings, and public experiences in Kingston, with more to be added as anniversary programming and initiatives develop. 

Forever Hip in Kingston

Don't miss all the Forever Hip programming in Kingston this year as we celebrate and honour the 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip's final concert, performed right here in our vibrant city.

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    Rockin' the Square live concert with Choir! Choir! Choir!

    Thursday, August 20 | 7 pm–10 pm

    Celebrate 10 years since The Tragically Hip’s final concert with an unforgettable night of music, community, and iconic Canadian anthems at Springer Market Square. 

    Join Choir! Choir! Choir! for the ultimate Forever Hip singalong experience, where the crowd becomes the choir and every voice is welcome. The evening will also feature powerful live tributes from celebrated Kingston artists including Miss Emily, The Abrams, and members of Kasador. 

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    Forever Hip in the Square

    Friday, August 21 | noon–10 pm

    Visit Springer Market Square for a heartfelt celebration of The Tragically Hip’s enduring legacy in Kingston, featuring archival videos and clips on the big screen, Music Walking Tours, and a local Merch Market supporting Kingston musicians and makers. 

    At 8 pm, settle in under the evening sky for a free screening of Long Time Running (2017), the documentary film chronicling The Tragically Hip’s emotional final cross-Canada tour and hometown concert following Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis — a moving tribute to the band, their fans, and a moment forever etched in Canadian music history.

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    Concert viewing party of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration

    Saturday, August 22 | 7 pm

    Ten years after The Tragically Hip’s historic final hometown concert, Kingston is preparing to relive one of Canada’s most unforgettable musical moments. 

    In 2016, thousands packed Springer Market Square for a massive community viewing party while millions more tuned in across the country for the CBC livestream. 

    Now, on August 22, fans will gather once again in the Square for a special concert viewing celebration featuring CBC’s commercial-free rebroadcast of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, honouring the band’s enduring legacy as well as the release of their new live album, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016.

Other events and activations

Beginning in August, downtown Kingston will come alive with Play Me Kingston, a vibrant public art experience featuring 10 oversized guitar sculptures created by local and regional artists and inspired by Kingston’s rich musical legacy. Later this fall, Kingston Grand Theatre will host the world premiere run of It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken, a new Canadian musical built around the iconic songs of The Tragically Hip and produced by the team behind Come from Away — continuing Kingston’s celebration of the band’s lasting cultural impact.

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10 must-visit Tragically Hip stops in Kingston

From iconic murals and waterfront landmarks to streets and stages that shaped their story, the city offers fans countless ways to explore the band’s roots.

"Fully Completely" The Tragically Hip Stories

Hip finds in Kingston

Bring a piece of the story home with The Tragically Hip merchandise available at local Kingston shops, including official releases and items inspired by the band's hometown roots.

What to watch

Iconic Hip moments; captured on film and on stage, highlighting the music, the moments and the legacy.

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Creative walking tours

Discover Kingston on foot with the Creative walking tour, highlighting places conneted to The Tragically Hip's early years and legacy. 

The self-guided route links key sites throughout the city, inviting visitors to explore how Kingston's neighbourhoods, venues, and landmarks helped shape the band's story.

Explore the walking tour

Stories of the Hip