1st Annual Kingston Harbour Sock Burner
TSEC – Brigantine Presents: 1st Annual Kingston Harbour Sock Burner – Boats & Bivalves Fundraiser
Event Category: Family, Food & Drink, Music, Sports, Fundraiser
Get ready to set your socks ablaze and celebrate the arrival of sailing season with a time-honoured maritime tradition! The “Sock Burner” began in Eastport, Maryland, in the spring of 1978 when boatbuilder Bob Turner, weary of a long, snowy winter, defiantly threw his socks into a bonfire to welcome the return of warmer weather and bare feet. This playful act of rebellion caught on across marinas and yacht clubs worldwide, becoming a cherished rite of passage to kick off the sailing season — celebrating spring, freedom, and a spirit of adventure.
Now, for the very first time, Kingston Harbour joins the tradition with the 1st Annual Kingston Harbour Sock Burner, hosted by Tall Ship Expeditions Canada – Brigantine in partnership with the Kingston Yacht Club!
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Kingston Yacht Club, Kingston, ON
Kick off the festivities at 2:30 PM with the symbolic sock burning — a lively farewell to winter and the start of barefoot sailing days! Then, join the “Slow-Poker Sailing Rally” from 3:00 to 4:30 PM in Kingston Harbour, a fun sailing treasure hunt where sailors “race” to collect prize tickets.
Main Event Activities (5:00 – 9:00 PM):
Fresh PEI oysters ✨
Bonfire and live shanty & music performances 🎶
Local brews and beverages (available for purchase)
Fun games and activities for all ages
Delicious snacks included with entry!
Ticket Info:
Adults (19+): $20/person
Youth (13-18): $10/person
Tickets include snacks and access to all festivities!
Oysters and beverages available for purchase
Why Attend?
Celebrate the return of spring, support youth sailing, outdoor learning, and development programs, and enjoy an afternoon and evening packed with laughter, great food, music, and community spirit.
Don’t miss the bonfire, oysters, music, laughs, and the official start of Kingston’s sailing season!
