May is Blooming with 39 events in South Eastern Ontario
Let the sunshine in this month as the outdoors becomes a warm playground again and the allure of getting out of the house becomes too much to bear! South Eastern Ontario has you covered - make these May events your excuse for hitting the road and spending time exploring! From tulips to art shows, birding to buskers, good times are blooming in South Eastern Ontario!
1. May 1 and 2: Upper Canada Playhouse presents The Highway Men
Be awestruck by this powerful live concert featuring the sound of the American country music supergroup of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson that became known as ‘The Highwaymen’ in the unique setting of the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg.
2. May 1: Songwriter’s Showcase hosted by Lynn Miles in Merrickville
It’ll be a night to remember with incredible music and talented artists at the first Thursday Songwriter Showcase at The Pews in Merrickville. Discover new songs and connect with fellow music lovers!
3. May 2 to 4: Before the Summer Art Show, Gananoque
Be inspired by fabulous painters and artisans around Ontario at the Before the Summer Art Show at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque! From art dolls, to acrylic paintings and from pottery to jewellery, the 2025 show is bursting with creativity.
4. May 2 to 4: Murder on the Orient Express Dundas County Players
Picture this: just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. A tycoon lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Now they’re isolated and with a killer in their midst! Watch the mystery unravel at the Old Town Hall in Winchester.
5. May 3: HomeGrown Live Music Festival in Kingston
WIth more than 140 performances on 16 stages, the HomeGrown Live Music Festival in Kingston is highly anticipated and always a blast. All access wristbands are only $10 and proceeds go to Joe’s Music Mill. Find the full lineup here and plan to attend!
6. Until May 9: Taco Love in Cornwall
Bet this will make your mouth water: one-of-a-kind tacos at Cornwall restaurants during Taco Love, until May 9! Yes, that’s 10 days of tacos, uniting local restaurants in a festive homage to one of the most beloved dishes - the taco. Check out participating restaurants and plan your taco tour during the spirited season of Cinco de Mayo.
7. May 9 and 31: Eastern Ontario School Mountain Bike Challenge
This is a series of three events for school-aged riders! Hosted by experienced mountain bikers who want to introduce this fun and healthy activity to others, this celebration of mountain biking is great for people already in the know, as well as those students who are total beginners. Three dates and locations are on the roster, with the first one being Limerick Forest on May 9, followed by Batawa Ski Hill on May 31 and Kingston on June 14, 2025. Learn something new!
8. May 9 to 11: Spring Birding Festival in PEC
Celebrate migratory birds and spring at Prince Edward Point Birding Observatory during the Spring Birding Festival! Learn, connect and be inspired at this three-day event during peak migration. Guided walks, bird-banding demos, workshops, children’s activities and more await bird and nature lovers of all ages!
9. May 9 and 10: Brockville Multicultural Festival
Now celebrating its 39th year running, the Brockville Multicultural festival is fun for the whole family! Experience a variety of cultural foods, entertainments, educational booths, crafts, dance and live performances! Tickets are $5 cash only at the door.
10. May 9 to 11: Terroir in Prince Edward County
Learn about and taste PEC Terroir in your glass! From community tastings to the Terroir Passport it’s set to be a great time. Join in the Winemaker’s Tasting on Sunday to sample wines from six different soil regions on PEC and hear from the winemakers themselves what sets their wines apart.
11. May 10: Mothers Day Pop-Up Tulip Bar
Add a splash of colour to her day at the Mother’s Day Pop-Up Tulip Bar! This special event at Brighter with Blooms in Finch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day with fresh, locally grown tulips. Whether you’re picking up a gift for Mom or treating yourself, you’ll love the beauty and joy of spring flowers.
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12. May 10: Science Rendezvous Kingston
This one-day, free science extravaganza brings together the Kingston community with local S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) experts and Queen’s University researchers. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Slush Puppie Place, get ready to explore 60 booths, chemistry experiments, physics demos, robots and special shows on stage.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this new event at the Chesterville & District Arena promises all this nerdy, geeky and nostalgic! This event will showcase more than 60 vendors so whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore collector, this event offers something for everyone.
14. Until May 10: Return to Seymour Street in L&A County
Peter visits his empty, run-down boyhood house and tries to rekindle a romance with his childhood sweetheart - and that’s where things turn odd! Directed by Nicole Butler, Return to Seymour Street is a not-to-be-missed offering from the Lennox Theatre in L&A County.
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15. May 11: Sunday Market in Bath Opening Day Celebration
Live music, a seedling sale, kids crafts and more than 30 vendors will help kick off another season of the Sunday Market in Bath. Every Sunday from May to October, the market at Centennial Park is the place to be. Farmers bring the freshest seasonal product and artisans showcase their creativity.
16. Starting May 16: Botanica at ANDARA Gallery in PEC
Bursting with colour, texture and creativity, Botanica features fine art paintings and photography-based digital art by Canadian artists, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson. The open house reception is May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the show running at ANDARA Gallery until Aug. 31.
17. May 16: Cirque de Paris in Kingston
Join Europe’s famous circus family for an immersive circus experience! Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione showcases circus-rich traditions of France, with a ring full of thrills, humour and elegance. The 90-minute extravaganza features aerialists, jugglers, tightwire dancers, clowns and more!
18. May 17: Ottawa REDBLACKS Fan Fest
The REDBLACKS will be heading to Queen’s University in Kingston for their 2025 Training Camp! This is the first time that the team’s training camp is taking place outside of Ottawa. The team will host a Fan Fest at Queen’s on May 17 with open practice!
19. May 17: Kemptville Buskerfest
Kemptville Buskerfest returns to the streets of downtown Kemptville on Saturday May 17, 2025, ready to shock and delight! People of all ages can experience Downtown Kemptville in a carnival-like atmosphere with performances, surprises, a kids zone and live entertainment. New this year, a kick off party is planned on Friday night!
20. May 17: Music Brewfest at Windmill Brewery
Tunes, brews and barbecue! Nothing kicks off summer like this: running from noon to 9 p.m. see 20 local musicians for 20 minutes each at Windmill Brewery in Johnstown. Stay until it’s over and experience a big jam at the end!
21. May 17 and 18: Ontario Guild of Town Criers Provincial Championships
Oyez, oyez, oyez! Lend an ear to the Ontario Provincial Guild of Town Criers for their annual crier championships. Taking place on May 17 to 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gananoque will welcome criers from across the province to Town Park - all vying to see who will showcase the community the best, who has the best delivery, who is most humorous and more!
22. Starting May 17: Art in the Park - The Department of Illumination at Delhi Park
The Department of Illumination is setting up a mobile art studio in Picton’s largest green space this summer! Visitors can drop by every Thursday to Saturday to see this blending of art, nature and community while exploring the park and creating collaborative art and enjoying free programming like music, dance and puppetry.
23. May 18: Mohawk Landing in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Witness the Mohawk Landing paddle-in and ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 18 near 353 Bayshore Road in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. A church service will be followed by a luncheon, presentation and artisan market at 12:30 p.m. at the Community Centre. Look for more info about a bus tour afterwards - register ahead of time.
24. May 22 to 25: Lilac Retreat
This transformational yet grounded healing retreat, promises to leave participants feeling renewed and attuned. The Lilac Retreat ignites your senses through food, drink, rituals, nature, full lilac immersion, live music and loads of community all led by expert practitioners at the Drake Devonshire in PEC.
25. May 23: Art After Dark
The best art in Kingston showcased after dark at downtown galleries and art-loving shops! For one night, they stay open late with special surprises and a fun, festive atmosphere. Enjoy a free walking tour of local galleries, and enter to win $500 towards an original artwork. We’re talking paintings, mixed media, jewellery, music, pottery, samples and live painting. Be there; be inspired!
26. May 23 and 24: Lansdowne Fair presents Black Creek Pro Rodeo
Enjoy an adrenaline-filled rodeo with saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and, of course, the bull riding on May 23 and 24, 2025 in Lansdowne! The Lansdowne Agricultural Society is presenting this pro rodeo for a second year. Live music will follow the rodeo both nights!
27. May 23 and 24: Paranormal Investigations at the Historic SDG Jail
The Haunted Walk and Phantoms of Yore will explore some ghastly encounters at the SDG Jail in Cornwall! Tickets can be purchased to not only be on site for the paranormal investigations, but to experience being an investigator. Due to the SDG Jail's dark history and frequent strange stories it has attracted the interest of ghost hunters from across North America.
28. May 24 to 25: NWNC Dark Skies Festival
Stargazers and adventurers, take note! This weekend-long immersive celebration of the night sky is all about unique ways to connect with the natural world. With guided stargazing tours, telescope demos, astrophotography workshops, nature walks, birding, night diving, readings, live music and much more, explore in Westport, Narrows Lock and beyond!
29. May 24 to 25: Great Canadian Cheese Festival
The country’s largest cheese event! Fort Henry sets the stage for the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, taking place over two days and bringing together more than 100 cheesemakers, artisans, and some craft beverage producers to support the Canadian Dairy Industry. Look for tutored tastings, kid’s cheese-making, live music and more. Say cheese!
30. May 24: Shop the Street A Pirate’s Paradise in Downtown Brockville
Ahoy mateys! Get ready for a swashbuckling pirate-themed adventure: Downtown Brockville will be transformed into A Pirate’s Paradise for a day of shopping, entertainment, and family fun. Shop, play and explore like a true buccaneer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a vendor village, streetside shopping, best dressed pirate competition, free swag bags, Farmers Market fun, and a window decorating contest.
31. May 24: Dog Day at Sugarbush Vineyards
Bring your best friend for a hike through the Sugarbush trail, play doggie strivia, pose with your pup for photos and enjoy a wine tasting, too! This fab vineyard welcomes dogs all year round, but this day is special for furry friends!
32. May 24: Summer Kickoff Music Festival in South Frontenac
This third annual event features live music, local food, artisan vendors, and kids’ zone with face painting, henna, storytime and a ninja course at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. Headline Abby Stewart will take the stage at 8 p.m. with regional performers Wendy Lynn Snider, Crossing Boarders, The Trevor Walsh Group, Rev It Up, River Cats, and Dean James. Admission is free with donations accepted!
33. May 24, 25, 31 and June 1: Glengarry Rambles Charlottenburgh Bus Tour
Join the fun and learn the hidden histories of people and places in Charlottenburgh Township, the tour starts in St. Raphael’s Ruins! Historic bus tours hosted by Allan J. Macdonald, The County Archivist and presented in partnership with Glengarry, Nor'Westers & Loyalist Museum and Glengarry County Archives. See Glengarry’s only two covered bridges, the largest still found in the region, a bicentennial farm, Glengarry’s longest running general store and more!
34. May 25: Ride for DI in L&A County
Hit the road on two wheels while supporting the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Foundation Diagnostic Imaging Services! The Ride for DI is a cycle fundraiser where participants can ride solo or with a team and enjoy the 30 km scenic ride through the Town of Greater Napanee and Stone Mills Township.
35. May 25: Makers at the Mill Opening Day
Odessa’s newest market! Running every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Babcock Mill in Odessa, Makers at the Mill starts on May 25 and runs until October 19.
36. May 30 to 31: Guided Stargazing Tour at L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area
Look up – way up! The Dark Sky Viewing Area is hosting another popular laser-guided stargazing tour event on May 30 to 31, 2025 from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night! Get an informative guided tour of the night sky and take a peek through a telescope.
37. May 31: Glengarry Renaissance Festival
Be transported back in time to a world of knights, princesses, and medieval marvels! Experience the excitement and wonder of the Middle Ages in a festival like no other in Maxville.
38. May 31: Bay of Quinte Arts Festival
Celebrating creativity and community! The Bay of Quinte Arts Festival will see an outdoor artist vendor festival once again take place beside the Centennial Park Pop-ups in Trenton. Showcasing the incredible artistic talent within the Bay of Quinte region, with food from the Pop-Ups and live music throughout the festival!
39. May 31: Clarence-Rockland Concert Series
Multi-talented artist, Réal Béland will be accompanied by Jean-Claude Gelinas and Rachelle Elie, at the Optimiste Performance Hall on May 31! This show is part of the spring cultural program through the City of Clarence-Rockland. Réal Béland has taken on one artistic project after another, with absurdist humor like no other live performer. Be there for a fun evening out.
A big SEO Shout Out to welcome back these seasonal attractions:
- The Pop-ups on the Bay in Belleville and Quinte West Pop-ups both open at the end of May!
- Farmer’s Markets of Bay of Quinte, including Belleville Farmers Market, Front Street Farmer’s Market, Homestead Farmers Market, and Codrington Farmers Market.
- Sunday Market in Bath, opening for the season on May 11.
- Frontenac Markers Market opening for the season on May 8.
- Beautiful Rock Dunder in Morton overlooking the Rideau Canal opens for the hiking season on May 15
- Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises: Departing daily! Sightseeing and dining cruises along Kingston’s historic waterfront and 1000 Islands.
- S.S. Keewatin Tours: This Edwardian-era (think Titanic-era) steamship is opening again on May 11. It is permanently dry docked at the Great Lakes Museum. This unique and rare experience opens daily for two tours.
- Kingston Trolley Tours: offering city tours daily in a unique red trolley!
- Bellevue House: A place for conversation and for visitors to experience, engage, and reflect on a journey of learning. Opening for the season on May 17.
- Fort Henry: The wooden gates open again on May 17, allowing visitors to enter the realm of 19th-century military life through guided tours, scenic views, precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard and more!
- KPASS: Starting on May 17, more than a dozen of Kingston’s top museums and attractions are included in the K-Pass, with a 24-hour, 48 hour or 72 hour pass available for purchase.
- Kayak, SUP rentals with Ahoy Rentals: Opening for the season on May 17
- Cornwall Motor Speedway: Season opener on May 11
- Brockville Ontario Speedway: Season opener on May 10
Make your spring bloom in South Eastern Ontario with events to capture the season!
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