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25 things to do in Kingston this May

By Visit Kingston

Published

May welcomes the return of iconic Canadian attractions in Kingston. Explore Fort Henry, cruise the 1000 Islands, experience Kingston’s history on a trolley tour, or go back in time on a Titanic-era steamliner

Visit Kingston with $100+ on us! Book a package at select hotels in Kingston and receive up to $200 to explore the rich history of Kingston, Canada’s first capital.

Do you have an event you’d like featured on our monthly list? Add it to our Kingston events calendar for consideration. If you’re looking to submit a French-language event, please use our French submission form. 

Click each image for information.

1. Mother’s Day Brunch

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    Mother's Day Brunch

    Academy Food + Drink
    May 11, 11 am–5 pm

2. K-Pass

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    K-Pass

    Various locations
    Starting May 18

3. The BIG Art Show

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    The BIG Art Show

    Tett Centre
    May 2, 6–10 pm; May 3, 11 am–5 pm; May 4, 11 am–4 pm

4. S.S. Keewatin tours

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    S.S. Keewatin tours

    Great Lakes Museum
    Starting May 11

5. Spring Reverb

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    Spring Reverb

    Various locations
    May 29–June 1

6. Bellevue House National Historic Site

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    Bellevue House National Historic Site

    35 Centre Street
    Thurs.–Mon., 10 am–5 pm, starting May 17

7. Kayak rentals

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    Kayak rentals

    Ahoy Rentals
    Daily, starting May 17

8. Spring Metal Rocks show & sale

  • Free admission

  • In the Malting Tower (room 311 on the top 3rd floor)

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    Spring Metal Rocks show & sale

    Tett Centre
    May 1–4

9. HomeGrown Live Music Festival

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    HomeGrown Live Music Festival

    Various locations
    May 3

10. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

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    Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

    Departs from Crawford Wharf
    Daily

11. Ottawa REDBLACKS Fan Fest & Open Practice

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    Ottawa Redblacks Fan Fest & Open Practice

    Richardson Stadium
    May 17

12. Drag show & karaoke with Bekka Blake

  • No cover charge

  • Free parking available

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    Drag show & karaoke with Bekka Blake

    Royal Tavern 2.0
    May 17, 7:30–9:30 pm

13. Fort Henry National Historic Site

  • Tickets: $10–$20, $65 for families (2 adults, 3 youth)

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    Fort Henry National Historic Site

    1 Fort Henry Dr.
    Starting May 17, 10 am–5 pm

14. Gunguo Sculpture Farm

  • Tickets: $18.88

  • Includes, guided tour of sculpture exhibition, 2km+ of sculpture trails, meet the artists, and more.

  • Indoor Gallery in Historical Farmhouse

  • Book tickets online

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    Gunguo Sculpture Farm

    1414 Unity Rd.
    May 9–11, 14–19, 21–24, & 29–31

15. Meta4 string quartet

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    Meta4 string quartet

    Isabel Bader Centre
    May 1, 7:30 PM

16. Great Canadian Cheese Festival

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    Great Canadian Cheese Festival

    Fort Henry
    May 24, 10 am–5 pm & May 25, 10 am–4 pm

17. Kingston Food Tours

  • Classic Kingston Tours available Wed.–Sun.

  • Tapas Tour available Fri. & Sat.

  • Book tickets online

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    Kingston Food Tours

    Starts at the Visitor Information Centre
    Wed.–Sun.

18. Cirque de Paris

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    Cirque de Paris

    RioCan Centre
    May 16, 4:30 pm

19. Kingston Trolley Tours

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    Kingston Trolley Tours

    Starts at the Visitor Information Centre
    Daily

20. Art After Dark

  • Take a free walking tour of participating galleries and get a chance to win $500 towards the purchase of original art.

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    Art After Dark

    Downtown Kingston
    May 23, 7–10 pm

21. Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic

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    Queen: It's a Kinda Magic

    Kingston Grand Theatre
    May 7, 7:30 pm

22. Monster Spectacular

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    Monster Spectacular

    Slush Puppie Place
    May 25, 2 pm

23. Science Rendezvous Kingston

  • Free admission

  • View chemistry experiments, physics demonstrations, robots, and special on-stage shows.

  • Free Kingston Trolley services and parking is available. View details online.

  • Here’s a sneak peak on what to expect: Science Rendezvous Kingston

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    Science Rendezvous Kingston

    Slush Puppie Place
    May 10, 10 am–3 pm

24. Explore Canadian military history

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    Explore Canadian Military History

    Military Communications and Electronics Museum
    Mon.–Fri., 10 am–3:30 pm

25. Creative Kingston Walking Tours

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    Creative Kingston Walking Tours

    Downtown Kingston, Queen's University
    Available 24/7

Events just in

9 Home Grown

View more things to do, packaged experiences, and places to dine in Kingston

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