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25 things to do in Kingston this May

By Visit Kingston

Published

May is one of the best times to visit Kingston, Ontario, as the city shifts fully into spring with the return of iconic attractions and unforgettable on-the-water experiences. From cruising the 1000 Islands to hopping aboard a historic trolley tour or stepping back in time on a Titanic-era steamliner, Kingston offers no shortage of things to do in May 2026. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or searching for seasonal events, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, this guide highlights the top things to do in Kingston this May for every kind of visitor.

Explore our curated packages that combine an overnight stay with signature Kingston attractions and experiences.

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 Afternoon Tea

  • Enjoy delicate cakes, buttery scones, petit fours, and the occasional glass of bubbly

  • Make a reservation

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    Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

    The Secret Garden Inn
    May 10, 12–4 pm

2. Retro Rewind: 80's and 90's themed Roller Disco and Vintage Market

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    Retro Rewind: 80's and 90's themed Roller Disco and Vintage Market

    Memorial Centre
    May 2, 5–9 pm

3. The BIG Art Show

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    The BIG Art Show

    Tett Centre
    May 1–3

4. S.S. Keewatin tours

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    S.S. Keewatin tours

    Great Lakes Museum
    Guided experiences from May 16

5. Spring Vendor Show

  • Shop over 50 local vendors

  • Take a stroll through the beautiful resident artist studios and pop by Juniper Cafe for a treat

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    Spring Vendor Show

    Tett Centre
    May 9, 10 am–4 pm

6. François Massicotte

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    François Massicotte

    Le Sésame Theatre
    May 2, 7 pm

7. Kayak rentals

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    Kayak rentals

    Ahoy Rentals
    Daily, starting May 16

8. Kingston Food Experience & Stay at Frontenac Club

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    Kingston Food Experience & Stay at Frontenac Club

    Frontenac Club
    Available Wed.–Sun.

9. HomeGrown Live Music Festival

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    HomeGrown Live Music Festival

    Various locations
    May 2

10. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

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    Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

    Departs from Crawford Wharf
    Daily

11. James Ehnes - Violinist

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    James Ehnes - Violinist

    Isabel Bader Centre
    May 1, 7:30 pm

12. A Night on Broadway: The Isabel Voices

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    A Night on Broadway: The Isabel Voices

    Isabel Bader Centre
    May 2, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm

13. BEES! exhibit

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    BEES! exhibit

    PumpHouse Museum
    Tues.–Sat., 10 am–5 pm

14. Fierce Female Showcase

  • A night of bold stories, beautiful moments, and an unforgettable community of women in Kingston

  • Book tickets online

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    Fierce Female Showcase

    4 Cataraqui St.
    May 7, 6–8 pm

15. Cirque Mondial

  • Experience daring aerial artistry, razor-sharp timing, and playful storytelling that pulls you into the action

  • Book tickets online

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    Cirque Mondial

    Cataraqui Centre
    May 14–24

16. Craft Brewing Workshop for Beginners

  • Discover the secrets of crafting your own delicious beers

  • Designed especially for beginners

  • Book tickets online

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    Craft Brewing Workshop for Beginners

    2787 Princess St.
    May 9, 2 pm

17. Kingston Potters' Guild Spring Pottery Sale

  • Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramics in Kingston

  • A great opportunity to pick up a meaningful Mother’s Day, teacher’s gift, or something special for you

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    Kingston Potters' Guild Spring Pottery Sale

    Tett Centre
    April 30–May 3

18. A Tragically Hip Celebration with 50 Mission

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    A Tragically Hip Celebration with 50 Mission

    The Spire
    May 23, 8 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 22, 7–9 pm

21. Trivia Night!

  • Free event

  • Great food, craft beer and prizes

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    Trivia Night!

    Riverhead Brewing Company
    Thursdays 7–9 pm

22. Kingston Pen Tours

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    Kingston Pen Tours

    Kingston Penitentiary
    Daily

23. Science Rendezvous Kingston

  • Free admission

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

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

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    Science Rendezvous Kingston

    Slush Puppie Place
    May 9, 10 am–3 pm

24. Spring Reverb

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    Spring Reverb

    Downtown Kingston and the Inner Harbour
    May 28–31

25. Heart & Soul: Yoga + Reiki + Sound Bath

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    Heart & Soul: Yoga + Reiki + Sound Bath

    Holistically Hip
    May 10, 5:30 pm

9 Home Grown

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

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