FESTIVAL FAQs

What movies should you see? Who’s got the best pizza in town? Where should you stay? We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding everything KCFF. Have a question not addressed below? Shoot us a line at [email protected]

KCFF is the globe’s largest all-Canadian film festival entering its 26th year! In terms of films, we try to provide a great snapshot of Canadian film and strive to provide something for everyone! Be aware, though, that many of our films are not yet rated. Have a look at the content advisories on each film page to assess what is appropriate for different audiences. And don’t forget – the festival experience is much more than just watching a movie – most screenings are followed by a Q+A with cast and/or crew, so stick around after the film!

A ticket is great for the casual movie lover who wants to see a few movies during the Fest. If you’re planning on seeing more, you might wish to consider purchasing a Festival Pass. Festival Passes allow patrons to select tickets to 6, 9, or 12 movies and save on standard in-person ticket prices. As an added bonus, with a Festival Pass (the 9 or 12 Film Pass) you’ll also get free access to our Mix and Mingle Reception on Saturday, February 28 at Mayla (2-4pm) with complimentary beverages + apps! Passes are meant for one person and are non-transferable. Read more about tickets and passes here.

All of our venues are accessible. If you have accessibility questions or concerns, please get in touch with us in advance!

Once a screening or event is sold out, it is sold out! We don’t hold back tickets for last-minute or rush purchases; our Box Office does have a waitlist but there are no guarantees that patrons will be accommodated. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance or checking out a different event instead.

IN PERSON BEFORE THE FESTIVAL
There will be a few opportunities to buy tickets in person once they go on sale. Our “pop up” in-person box office will be at the Broom Factory (305 Rideau Street) on these dates and time:

Friday, January 30 – 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Saturday, February 7 – 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sunday, February 15 – 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

IN PERSON DURING THE FESTIVAL
Visit us at the KCFF Box Office located on the ground floor of The Screening Room, 120 Princess Street. Hours of operation are:

February 26 — 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm,

February 27/28 — 9:00 am to 9:45 pm

March 1 — 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

We can accept cash, credit, or debit. 

If you have a general question during the festival, please visit the KCFF Box Office located in the ground floor of The Screening Room (120 Princess Street) or ask one of our volunteers and they will be happy to assist (they’ll be wearing the bright volunteer t-shirts)! We also have KCFF info booths at each venue and will have staff available to answer your questions. If you have a concern during one of the screenings or events please speak to a volunteer and they’ll speak with the KCFF Venue Manager on site. If your issue is an emergency, call 911.

If you have a non emergency that is not time sensitive, you may also send us an email and we’ll do our best to reply promptly: [email protected]

Our local restaurant and hotel partners are some of the best in the city – and who knows, you might even see the director of a film you just saw at dinner, or at the front desk of your hotel! Start planning your visit with our recommendations. 

Our friend at the Downtown Kingston BIA have info here!

Or, depending on which venue you’re headed to, check out these recommendations:

BABY GRAND +  REGINA ROSEN @ THE GRAND THEATRE:
218 Princess Street

The Chown Memorial Parking Garage is located on Brock Street directly behind Kingston Grand Theatre.  Access to the theatre is provided through the 3rd-floor stairwell in the garage. Pricing $3.00 flat rate evenings 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Free on-street parking is available after 5:30 pm Monday – Saturday and all day on Sundays.

Public Transit – the Grand is a 3 minute walk from the downtown transfer point on Brock Street. Turn right onto Montreal Street and left onto Princess.

ISABEL BADER CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:
390 King Street West

Parking – limited parking is available in front of the building (accessible lot), as well as in an upper and lower lot located to the right of the Isabel. Parking is enforced Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm. Pricing $2.35 per hour, daily max is $10.35, via HonkMobile. Free parking after 5pm.

Public Transit -Take the City of Kingston Transit bus Route 3 “Kingston Centre – Downtown.” Get off at “The Isabel and Tett Centres” stop located at the north side of King Street.

THE SCREENING ROOM:
120 Princess Street

Parking – The Hanson Municipal Parking Garage is located at 105 Brock Street at the corner of Brock St & Wellington St. Access to the theatre is provided through the stairwell in the garage.

Parking costs $1.50/hr until 6pm, and $3.00 maximum after 6pm and on Sundays. Please note garage access is NOT wheelchair accessible – there are 10 steps to the lobby. Wheelchair access is available through the front door.

Free on-street parking is available after 5:30 pm Monday – Saturday and all day on Sundays.Public Transit – the Screening Room is a 3 minute walk from the downtown transfer point on Brock Street. Turn left onto Bagot Street and right onto Princess.

BROOM FACTORY:
305 Rideau Street

Parking – limited staff parking on site behind the building. Additional free parking is available in the Woolen Mill parking lot across the street (2 Cataraqui St). Please do NOT park in the lot in front of the vet’s office directly across the street.

Public Transit – the closest bus stop is located at Montreal and Charles Street (where the Elm Cafe is located). The Broom Factory is around a 5 minute walk away.

Kingston is home to two hospitals that also double as walk-in clinics. Kingston General Hospital is located close to Queen’s campus and the Isabel Bader Centre at 76 Stuart Street and is open 24/7. Hotel Dieu Hospital is located closest to The Screening Room, Kingston Grand Theatre, and the Downtown (Public Transit) Transfer Point at 166 Brock Street, however hours are limited from 8 am to 8 pm.

We couldn’t do this without our fabulous volunteers! If you want to get involved head over here to get more info. We’ll be putting out a call for volunteers in late 2025/early 2026. You can also sign up for our newsletter to make sure you’re up to date on all things KCFF!