If you’ve been hunched over books, screens, or lab equipment lately, here is your reminder to calm your mind, stretch your body, and just move it move it. Kingston has a lot of fun, free ways to destress and get moving this summer. Here are some of my favourites:
- When: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, from June 29 to September 21, 2025
- Note: Classes are cancelled in heavy rain
- Where: Battery Park (in downtown Kingston along the waterfront)
- What It Is: Unwind and stretch with free outdoor yoga classes every Sunday morning this summer. Grad school can be so stressful. I find this outdoor yoga to be a perfect way to reset, centre your core, and practice self-care. Each week features a different instructor from a local studio, which allows you to sample a variety of yoga practices and teaching styles (this is perfect if you are looking for a studio to join). You cannot beat the location, with the beautiful Kingston waterfront as your calming backdrop.
- Cost/Registration: Free. Drop in. No need to register. All levels welcome.
- What to Bring: A yoga mat, water, and comfortable attire
- Optional: Bug spray, sunscreen, and a friend
- Dates and Locations:
- July 27:
- Aug 3:
- Aug 10:
- Aug 17:
- Aug 24:
- Aug 31:
- Sept 7:
- Sept 14:
- Sept 21:
- When: Every Tuesday, 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM, from July 2 to August 27, 2025
- Note: Bathrooms do not open until 9:00 AM. Classes are cancelled in heavy rain
- Where: Lake Ontario Park (in Kingston’s west end along the waterfront)
- What It Is: If you are living near West Campus and are an early bird, this option is for you. Start your Tuesday mornings with a free, gentle, low-impact outdoor yoga session led by instructor Shobha. What could be a better way to start your day? Stretch your tired, sore, and stiff body and relax your mind through intentional movements and focused breathing. A peaceful, energizing start to the week. Namaste.
- Cost/Registration: Free. Registration required. Space is limited — register here. All levels welcome.
- What to Bring: A yoga mat, water, and comfortable attire
- Optional: Bug spray, sunscreen, and a friend
- To make the most out of the yoga classes, see my Gradifying Blog Post: BYOYM – Bring Your Own Yoga Mat
- When: Every Thursday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM, from July 3 to August 28, 2025
- Note: Bathrooms do not open until 9:00 AM. Classes are cancelled in heavy rain
- Where: Breakwater Park, waterfront Kingston
- What It Is: I love Zumba! It is a fun, Latin inspired dance workout with many respective movements making it perfect for all ages and abilities. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, the upbeat music and dancing help melt away my grad school stress. I always leave class feeling energized, refreshed, and smiling.
- Cost/Registration: Free. All levels welcome.
- What to Bring: Water bottle, comfy clothing
- When: Every Tuesday, July 8 to September 9, 2025, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- 6:30–7:15 PM: Beginner Salsa/Bachata/Merengue lessons
- 7:15–8:00 PM: Line dancing
- 8:00–10:00 PM: Open dance floor (partner & group, including reggaeton)
- Schedule:
- July 22: Lesson by La Vida Bistrobar & Social with Bonnie and Alexei
- July 29: Lesson by Los Encantos with Tamara, Terra, and Ksenia
- August 5: Lesson by Dansani Dance Co. with Nomsa
- August 12: Lesson by La Vida Bistrobar & Social with Bonnie and Alexei
- August 19: Lesson by Los Encantos with Tamara, Terra, and Ksenia
- August 26: Stay tuned!
- Where: Springer Market Square, downtown Kingston behind City Hall
- What It Is: Feeling inspired by the Latin music? Come to Salsa in the Square and learn to dance Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba right in the heart of downtown Kingston. No partner required. These fun, free outdoor lessons are open to all levels and a great way to meet people, move your body, and dance, dance, dance. Pro tip? Have a little Mio gelato during break. My favourite flavour is pistachio.
- Cost/Registration: Free. Drop in. No need to register. All levels welcome.
- When: Every Friday evening, from June 27 through August 22, 2025
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Line & Square Dancing Lessons with Sarah Doyle
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Live Music Performance
- July 25: Paused this week due to Rockin' the Square
- August 1: Teagan McLaren
- August 8: Courtney Kane
- August 15: Clem Chesterfield
- August 22: Chelsea Road
- August 29: Emilie Steele & the Deal
- Where: Springer Market Square (216 Ontario Street, Downtown Kingston)
- What It Is: Growing up line dancing and barn dancing and listening to country music in Alberta, this one is perfect for me. My mom and I checked out Kickin’ It Country this week and it was so fun! There were at least 100 people learning to line dance followed by a beautiful country music duo. Each week features the same dance instructor and different local performers. Cowboy hats and boots not required but certainly encouraged.
Yeehaw! - Cost/Registration: Free. Drop in. No need to register. All levels welcome.
- What to Bring: A lawn chair or blanket, dancing shoes or comfortable footwear, and optionally a hat or light jacket. Cowboy hats and boots not required but encouraged.
So, are you ready to move it move it?
Whether you’re stretching by the water or dancing in the square, Kingston offers so many free and fun ways to shake off the stress of grad school. Grab a friend, your yoga mat or cowboy boots, and have some fun.