Tickets Now Available as Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony Returns with Expanded 2026 Schedule
Kingston, ON — Fort Henry’s iconic Sunset Ceremony returns for the 2026 season, offering six Wednesday evening performances and welcoming guests to one of Kingston’s most celebrated summer traditions. Tickets are on sale now.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kingston waterfront at sunset, this award‑winning performance transforms the Parade Square into a vibrant stage, bringing the sights and sounds of 19th‑century military heritage to life. Rich in pageantry, Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony has become a must-see experience for both residents and visitors to the limestone city.
A signature Kingston summer event, the Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony invites guests to settle into the historic setting and connect with a long-standing tradition enjoyed across generations. Blending history, performance and atmosphere, the experience reflects both historical interpretation and community tradition, continuing a legacy that has evolved over decades.
At the heart of the performance is the Fort Henry Guard, a highly trained group of student performers who bring 19th‑century military life to life through a dynamic sequence of music, precision drills, and ceremonial demonstrations. Each Sunset Ceremony highlights the full scope of the Guard, including drums, drill squads, artillery, and colour party, showcasing the discipline, coordination, and artistry that define this respected group.
The Sunset Ceremony offers a complete night out. Arrive early to enjoy the Fort’s scenic setting, dining and retail amenities, and pre-show atmosphere. Throughout the evening, spectators will experience a multi-sensory performance combining sound, movement, and the dazzling waterfront setting. From precision marching and intricate rifle drills to stirring military music and the thunderous firing of guns, the ceremony builds toward a breathtaking fireworks finale over the Kingston waterfront (conditions permitting). Families and youth will enjoy the interactive Muster Parade, where children can participate in a hands-on introduction to guided drills inspired by 19th-century recruitment practices. Following the performance, meet members of the Fort Henry Guard, ask questions, and take photos, creating a meaningful connection to the people behind the experience.
As part of the 2026 season, one Sunset Ceremony will be dedicated to Canada’s Highway of Heroes Military Museums. This special evening will recognize a network of museums along the Highway 401 corridor that collectively preserve and share Canada’s military history from the 19th century to the present day. Engage with participating museums through on-site displays and activations offering insight into how military history is interpreted and presented across Canada.
With its expanded 2026 schedule and immersive programming, Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony continues to offer one of the most dynamic and memorable evening experiences of the summer in Kingston. Performances take place on select Wednesday evenings: July 29; August 5, 12, 19, 26; and September 2, 2026. General Admission and reserved Premium Balcony seating tickets are available at www.forthenry.com/event/sunset-ceremony/.
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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