Kingston Daily Briefing

Parking changes as Pike Plan work gets underway

City officials have issued a new executive order limiting parking on North Front Street and Wall Street from February 7 through February 13. The restrictions, tied to preparation work for demolishing the Pike Plan canopies, are meant to keep pedestrians and drivers safe while crews and equipment move through the Uptown business district. Drivers are urged to watch for posted signs and give themselves extra time to navigate the area.

Special event parking today near Old Dutch Church and UPAC

Additional no-parking rules are in place today around two major gathering spots. On Main Street, parking is prohibited along the Old Dutch Church side between Fair Street and Wall Street for an event expected to draw steady foot traffic throughout the day. Near the Ulster Performing Arts Center, there is no parking on one side of Cedar Street from early this morning until 2:00 a.m. Sunday to accommodate tonight’s audience and keep emergency access clear.

Black History Kingston kicks off month of events

This afternoon’s Black History Kingston 2026 Kick Off at the Cornell Creative Arts Center launches a full month of programs honoring Black history and culture in the city and across Ulster County. Organizers are planning performances, talks, youth activities and neighborhood history projects that highlight contributions of Black residents past and present.

The celebration builds on recent countywide efforts marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and ongoing work at sites such as the Pine Street African Burial Ground. Local historians and cultural groups say this year’s series aims to connect those stories more directly to everyday life in Kingston today.

Family fun and nightlife across the city

Families have plenty of options this morning and afternoon, from storytime and crafts at the Reher Center to kids’ art workshops in Midtown and a Take Your Child to the Library Day celebration in the Town of Ulster. Wellness sessions, a sustainable clothing swap and tours of historic Reher’s Bakery add to the daytime mix.

As evening falls, Kingston leans into its reputation as a small city with big-culture energy. A full-scale production of Swan Lake takes the stage at the Ulster Performing Arts Center, while the Jazz Mandolin Project returns to Assembly for a rare tour stop. Local venues are also hosting live bands, film screenings and dance parties, including a rock show at a downtown brewery and late-night sets at area music clubs.

Sources

• https://www.kingston-ny.gov/news/?FeedID=3571
• https://www.kingston-ny.gov/news/?FeedID=3565
• https://www.kingston-ny.gov/news/?FeedID=3564
• https://kingstonhappenings.org/events/
• https://kingstonhappenings.org/locations/keegan-ales/
• https://allevents.in/kingston-ny
• https://www.ulstercountyny.gov/Government/News/Newsroom/2026/02/2026-02-02-Black-History-Month-Celebration
• https://parks.ny.gov/history/black-history