Make it a May to remember in South Eastern Ontario
Bring on spring! South Eastern Ontario is blooming with events and wonderful experiences opening this month for the season. From flower farms to cruises and from live music to farmers markets it’s all happening in May in SEO! Grab your umbrella and comfy shoes, and prepare to explore with these 38 events plus season openers.
1. Until May 24: Women of the Fur Trade in Gananoque
The season at the Thousand Islands Playhouse gets underway with Women of the Fur Trade at The Firehall Theatre. The edgy satire Women of the Fur Trade reminds us that the women at the edges of history were never bystanders.
2. May 1 to 3: The Big Art Show in Kingston
Witness this exclusive art showcase features 40 stunning large-scale pieces by a talented collective of local artists at the beautiful Tett Centre!
3. May 2: Morgan Toney at St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage, Morrisburg
Morgan Toney is making his way to Morrisburg fresh from his 2026 JUNO win. It will be a night to remember! Morgan is joined by special guest, Graham Lindsey, at the Upper Canada Playhouse.
4. May 2: Terroir in Prince Edward County
Learn about and taste PEC Terroir in your glass! On Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. an immersive tasting experience will bring together the best of PEC under one roof at The Eddie Hotel & Farm. This walk-around tasting event showcases a curated selection of local wineries and cideries, in a relaxed and welcoming setting!
5. May 2: HomeGrown Live Music Festival in Kingston
Heads up music lovers! HomeGrown Live Music Festival is a celebration of live music in Kingston - we’re talking 140 acts on 17 stages! It’s also a fundraiser for the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library.
6. May 2 and 3: Halfway to Halloween in Gananoque
Get ready to celebrate the spookiest night of the year - halfway in advance! Halfway to Halloween promises vendors and celebrities at the Lou Jefferies Gananoque TLTI Recreation Centre.
7. May 3: The Sunday Spread with VVitch Farm in PEC
Join VVItch for a Sunday Spread on an enchanted homestead in Northport! Celebrate the great awakening of spring with a casual and generous meal where making connections and slowing down is a priority.
8. May 8 to 10: Spring Birding Festival in PEC
Celebrate migratory birds and spring at Prince Edward Point Birding Observatory during the Spring Birding Festival! Set against peak migration at Prince Edward Point, enjoy expertly guided walks, engaging speakers, bird-banding demos, as well as interactive and fun activities for kids and families during this three day event.
9. May 9: Savour the Heat in Downtown Belleville
Savour the Heat is back on Saturday, May 9 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.! The event will see downtown businesses compete for the best spicy food dish. Taste test along the way for only $2 each, cash only. Be sure to bring your fork - and some water!
10. May 9: Kingston Artists Spring Show
Discover the much anticipated single day, annual vendor art show! With 55 local vendors in the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning it promises inspiration and bold creativity.
11. May 9: Mothers Day at The Willows
It’s the first flower-picking event of the season at The Willows Flower Farm + Market in Corbyville! Join in this colourful day for pick-your-own tulips and a vendors market with the most beautiful handcrafted items for Mom.
12. May 9: Astrophotographer’s Assemble L& A County Dark Sky Viewing Area
The monthly Astrophotographers Assemble events are geared toward night sky photographers, encouraging a pristine night sky shoot in the dark sky viewing area! Come out and photograph the stars overhead during this informal evening.
13. May 9: Family Fishing Day in Loyalist Township
Reel in some fun! This free, family-friendly event invites people of all ages to try fishing during Ontario’s licence-free weekend. Taking place at the Stella Bay Park and Neilson Store Museum & Cultural Centre on Amherst Island, it combines hands-on fishing with kids’ activities, live entertainment, and educational exhibits about conservation and water safety. Bring your rods!
14. May 9: 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.
15. May 10: Mother’s Day at Fort Henry in Kingston
Celebrate Mom with free admission for mothers and a relaxed spring visit inside Fort Henry National Historic Site. Explore at your own pace or join a guided tour! Catch select demonstrations, including Women of the Garrison, and see glimpses of the iconic Fort Henry Guard in training.
16. May 10: Mother's Day Forest Bathing Walk
Join Claire Beach, a Certified Nature Therapy Guide, on a guided walk, 'Forest Bathing for Families'. This is a playful, immersive and, at times, quiet experience to notice the forest. Children of all ages are welcome. The afternoon walk is for teens 16 and over and adults. Treat Mom to some peace!
17. May 15 to 16: 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 15 to 16 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.
18. May 15 to 16: Kemptville Buskerfest
Kemptville Buskerfest returns to the streets of downtown Kemptville on May 15 to 16, 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. Be sure to experience The First Act of Buskerfest on Friday evening - a free glow dance party!
19. May 15 and 16: Paranormal Investigations at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum
This one is spooky, friends! Join in a seven-hour, unrushed, deep-dive Investigation into one of Ontario’s most mysterious historic sites! Immerse yourself in an all-night paranormal investigation at one of Eastern Ontario’s most haunted locations: The Glengarry Pioneer Museum.
20. May 15 to 18: Prescott Pop Ups and Market Opening Weekend
Join in the fun as Prescott’s waterfront season kicks off May 15–18 with the opening weekend of the 2026 Prescott Pop-Ups and Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. On Friday, May 15 celebrate the season opening of the Prescott Pop Ups with live music, food, vendors and a first glance at Prescott’s signature waterfront destinations. Next up on Saturday, May 16 is the opening day of Prescott Farmers and Crafters Market with local food as well as handmade and artisan goods. Also that morning, the South Grenville River Run will take a jog by! Sign up!
21. May 16: Creasy’s Apple Blossom Festival
Sip on some hot apple cider, hop on a wagon ride through the orchard, enjoy a piece of apple pie, savour baked goods and appreciate the start of another apple season!
22. May 16: Mrs. Roper Romp in Gananoque
Dust off your caftans and grab your wigs - dress like the iconic Mrs. Roper and visit downtown restaurants and shops in Gananoque for a rollicking evening of cocktails, costumes and fun.
23. May 16: Discover Gems of the Rhone Valley
Join us for an intimate, hands-on exploration of France’s Rhône Valley at Decanter PEC! Guided by Marnie Williamson, guest presenter and sommelier, taste a curated selection of wines.
Step into an immersive wedding show experience at Compass Rose. From engaged to “I do” the region’s talented local wedding professionals will be on hand in the curated space, ready to bring your dream wedding visions to life.
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25. May 20: Tunes Day in the Township with Shaylyn Kickin’ It County Show Band
Your toes will be tapping in Amherstview this summer with this weekly concert series! On May 20, Shaylyn Kickin’ It County Show Band will be taking the stage at the amphitheatre at Loyalist Park. All concerts are free - bring a lawn chair or a blanket!
26. May 22 to June 6: Fairy Tale Courtroom
Lennox Community Theatre presents Fairy Tale Courtroom, a playful comedy where famous storybook characters take the stand and the audience acts as the jury! The show offers a fun and fantastical, interactive experience that’s perfect for families and fans.
27. May 22 to June 14: Sugar Road in Gananoque
See Sugar Road, a heartfelt story about the one who got away - and the unexpected sweet turns in life. Taking place at Canada’s Dockside theatre, the Springer Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Don’t miss it!
28. May 22: Art After Dark, Kingston
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 being inspired by paintings, mixed media, jewellery, music, pottery, samples and live painting.
29. May 23: A Tragically Hip Celebration with 50 Mission in Kingston
Get ready for a powerful night of music and memory! Tribute band, 50 Mission, showcases the raw energy and aching beauty of The Tragically Hip’s music note for note to The Spire. Fans of The Hip will dig this show!
30. May 23: Shop the Street Downtown Brockville
Picture this: stores spill into the streets, live music and entertainment fills the air, and it’s accompanied by a fun atmosphere! That’s Shop the Street in historic Downtown Brockville. The first event is set for May 23 with the theme of A Springtime Stroll. Grab a cool bevvy and have fun shopping!
31. May 23 and 24: Rossland Gardens Lilac Forest Experience
Lilac season at Rossland Gardens on beautiful Amherst Island holds a certain kind of magic - whether wandering through the fragrant lilac forest or marvelling at the blooms themselves! Don’t forget to pick up a bouquet to take home or a jar of small batch lilac jelly!
With three marked courses of 25, 50 and 100 km, riders can see some of Prince Edward Country’s beautiful cycling routes and vistas. Refreshments at all checkpointers and the day culminates with a post-ride barbecue!
33. Saturday, May 24: 242nd Mohawk Landing
Join in to honour the 242nd Mohawk Landing starting with a paddle-in and ceremony at 10 a.m. from 348 Bayshore Road in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, followed by a church service and lunch presentation!
34. May 28 to 31: Spring Reverb in Kingston
Celebrate live music with shows, panels, workshops and industry events in Downtown Kingston! Enjoy both free and ticketed shows - and be sure to check out the new punk rock flea market!
35. May 29 to 30: 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 29 to 30 in Lansdowne! The Lansdowne Agricultural Society is presenting this pro rodeo for a third year. Live music will follow the rodeo both nights!
36. May 30: Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison Revisited
International Award Winning Johnny Cash Tribute Artist, Paul Anthony as CASH, is known as “The Preacher in the Church of Johnny Cash”! CASH at FOLSOM PRISON REVISITED will be at the Historic SDG Jail in Cornwall for a unique show. A guided jail tour is included in the ticket price!
37. May 30 to 31: Merrickville Wooden Boat Show
Calling all antique and wooden boat enthusiasts! This is the show for you. With more than 65 boats on display, BeaverTails, live music, vendors and more the Merrickville Wooden Boat Show is a great way to cruise into spring. Best of all - it’s free entry!
38. May 30 to 31: Glengarry Renaissance Festival in Maxville
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.
A big welcome back to these seasonal gems:
Golf courses of Bay of Quinte: This region is praised for its golf courses, known for their exceptional quality, value and variety. The Bay of Quinte area boasts 12 courses in total, building a reputation for the Bay of Quinte being a top golf destination in the province.
L&A Chamber of Commerce Market Saturdays (Napanee): Starting up again on May 16 selling your fresh favourites from local farmers, makers, and bakers!
Kingston Pen Tours: Visit Kingston Penitentiary to explore over 180 years of Canadian history inside this world-renowned maximum-security prison and national historic site! Tours start seven a week on May 6 running until Oct. 31 - look for evening tours, as well!
S.S. Keewatin: Step aboard the S.S. Keewatin, the last of her kind - older than the Titanic! Witness the splendor of steam passenger liner travel. Tours open May 16 for the season!
Fort Henry: Opening for the season on May 16. Look for expanded kids' programming this year and more opportunities for rifle-firing!
City Cruises Gananoque and Ivy Lea: See the famous islands and historic landmarks that make the 1000 Islands one of Canada’s most iconic destinations! City Cruises are now open for the season.
Rockport Cruises: Open for the season! This is the only cruise line in the Thousand Islands to showcase Boldt Castle on every cruise. Discover and experience the Heart of the 1000 Islands!
1000 Islands Seaway Cruises: See the 1000 Islands your way with traditional sightseeing cruises, Tiki Cruises, special events and even dining cruises departing from Brockville! Open for the season.
1000 Islands Kayaking: Ready for a little adventure? See the islands up close and learn about the heritage and culture on a guided half day, full or even a camping tour. Did you know they also offer shuttle services?
Beautiful Rock Dunder in Morton overlooking the Rideau Canal opens for the hiking season on May 15
1000 Islands Tower: Opening for the season on May 14, enjoy the breathtaking view from the 1000 Islands Tower, see the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River from a bird’s eye view!
Rideau Canal, UNESCO World Heritage Site: Visit a historical lockstation or navigate through the locks themselves and along the stunning waters of the world famous Rideau Canal running from Kingston to Ottawa. The Navigation season starts again on May 15.
Brockville Railway Tunnel: Stroll through Canada’s First Railway Tunnel and be amazed with a light and sound experience inside. Opening for the season on May 15.
Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg: Opening for the season on May 9! Free admission for Moms on Mother’s Day. Watch for special events throughout the season.
Historic SDG Jail: The Historic SDG Jail opens for the season May 17! Look for new exhibits, and a brand new fully reimagined self-guided tour. Guided tours are also still available twice daily. Learn the site’s fascinating history!
Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers Market: Every Sunday starting May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall this all-local, producer-only market features over 40 vendors offering a diverse array of products, including farm fresh produce, meats, baked goods, preserves, and artisan crafts.
South Eastern Ontario kicks off the season in style! With unique events in every region, better get a whole new calendar rocking for the destination tours that are about to make spring 2026 beautiful. Be our guest!
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