Tickets on sale now for one of Kingston’s most celebrated summer events
Kingston, ON — The iconic Fort Henry Tattoo showcase returns on Saturday, July 25, 2026, bringing together top military and civilian musicians from across Ontario for an evening of music, pageantry, and tradition at Fort Henry National Historic Site. Tickets are on sale now.
One of Fort Henry’s most anticipated annual events, Fort Henry Tattoo delivers a high-energy, large-scale musical showcase that transforms the historic Parade Square into a vibrant performance space. Featuring multiple bands performing both individually and together, the evening culminates in a powerful massed-band finale with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up Kingston’s waterfront.
Music and performance are key elements of the Fort Henry experience. “At the heart of the signature Tattoo event is our Fort Henry Guard,” said Fort Henry Manager Kathryn Lowe. “This event is an opportunity to showcase their skill, discipline and artistry alongside some of the best musicians in the province. It’s an experience that brings history, music, and community together in a really powerful way.”
Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the Tattoo has evolved from a simple military signal marking the end of the day into a dynamic celebration of music and ceremonial performance. Today, it brings together the precision of military drills with the energy of live musical performance. The 2026 Tattoo features five high-calibre civilian and military bands, including brass, reed, pipe, and drum ensembles, joined by the Fort Henry Guard Drum Corps and Artillery. Together, they will deliver a heart-pounding program of musical mastery, drills, and ceremonial spectacle inside the Fort’s iconic limestone walls.
This year’s event also celebrates local talent and community collaboration, featuring Kingston-based groups including the Rob Roy Pipe Band and Highland Dancers, one of the region’s most prominent Scottish ensembles, and the LaSalle Causeway Swing Band, providing lively pre-show entertainment with classic swing and rock favourites. Adding to the local connection, Canadian author Tom Taylor, known for his Brock’s Agent historical fiction series set in Kingston during the War of 1812, will be on-site at Fort Henry for a pre-show book signing.
General Admission and Premium Balcony tickets are available now at forthenry.com. Guests can elevate their experience with Tattoo Balcony Seating, offering reserved elevated seating, comfortable high-back chairs with armrests, an optimal view of the performance, a specialty themed treat, and a souvenir program. An accessibility shuttle will be available to assist guests travelling to and from the Lower Fort before and after the show. With a full evening of programming, including pre-show entertainment and large-scale performances, the Fort Henry Tattoo offers an engaging and immersive experience that blends history, music, and military tradition, delivering exceptional value and one of the most dynamic live events of the summer in Kingston.
About Fort Henry
Fort Henry was built between 1832 and 1837, designed as the key site in a network of fortifications for the defense of the Rideau Canal and the Kingston harbour. Garrisoned by British soldiers until 1870, and abandoned by Canadian troops in 1891, Fort Henry fell into disrepair. In 1936, the Fort underwent restoration and opened as a living history museum in 1938. Now a National Historic Site, Fort Henry has seen millions of visitors pass through its gates, entering the realm of 19th century military life. Guests experience self-guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard, a highly disciplined group of student recruits trained as British soldiers from 1867.
About St. Lawrence Parks Commission
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site designation); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways.
Since 2019, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has undertaken a series of major infrastructure improvements, culminating in a historic $82.2 million investment announced in 2025. These upgrades are part of a multi-year revitalization strategy aimed at modernizing facilities, improving environmental sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences across Eastern Ontario.
To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca
Media Contact
Katie Forrester
Communications and Media Relations
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
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