Our Top Picks for What to See & Do
Spring is in full swing and it’s time to embrace the warmth and excitement of May! And what better way to do that than by attending some of the hottest festivals and events in South Eastern Ontario?
From music festivals and foodie events to outdoor adventures and cultural celebrations, we’ve got you covered with our list of 33 must-attend events this May. So get ready to explore the best that this region has to offer, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Juvenis Festival, Kingston
Starts April 27th – May 7th, 2023
Back for its 8th season, the Juvenis Festival is one you won’t want to miss this April and May. Entertainment and talent including two musicals, dance performances, art galleries, storytelling and workshops take place throughout the week at a variety of places around the city. Enjoy a musical theatre dance fitness workshop at the Tett Centre or grab a seat for The Spongebob Musical at the Convocation Hall at Queens, just two of many fun activities to join in on this year.
2. Andara Gallery, Prince Edward County
May – June 30th, 2023
Let your imagination explore the unique talents of Tara Wilkinson at her Photography & Imagination Solo Exhibition and Sale, a daily from April 1s to June 30th at the Andara Gallery. Ponder the view of the stunning photos of waters that have been enhanced with digital paintbrush strokes.
3. Hotel Wolfe Island, Wolfe Island
Several Dates in May, 2023
Formerly known as the General Wolfe Inn, this historic hotel has made a home for local musicians, artists and community members to demonstrate their talents. Check out their events page to see what’s happening! With open mic nights, pre-booked musicians and comedic acts happening throughout the week and on the weekends you are bound to find plenty of reasons to visit.
4. The Cove Inn Events, Westport
Several Dates in May, 2023
The Cove gives you plenty of reasons to go for a visit this spring with their onslaught of local talent including musicians like Chris Murphy and the Young Petty Stones. Take a look at their events calendar to see what talent is coming up and grab a seat for a night of great music and even greater company.
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5. Hayloft Dancehall, Prince Edward County
Several Dates in May, 2023
Enjoy the charm of this century old barn as it is a hot-spot in the county to locals and visitors alike. Check out their events calendar and choose one or many weekends from their musical talent line-up all summer long! Events include Kojak and Feral Minks on May 19th, Oh Hayyyyyy! Drag Show, plenty of barn parties and so much more.
6. Frontenac Farmers Market, Harrowsmith
Fridays, May – October 2023
Head to Centennial Park in Harrowsmith on one (or many) Fridays between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM all summer long to take a peek at what the annual Frontenac Farmers Market has to offer this year! With a new look and vendors including Black Maple Farm, Elements Fitness & Wellness, Kingston Pickle Company and many more, you’ll be sure to find some goodies to take home.
7. Paranormal Investigations at the Historic SDG Jail, Cornwall
May 5th – 6th, 2023
Discover the dark and haunted history of the Historic SDG Jail with this exclusive Paranormal Investigations event. Hear the stories of the past and get briefed on the equipment and best practices before embarking on your 3.5-hour adventure inside the jail. You never know what you might uncover in the dark, so don’t miss your chance to investigate this infamous location. With limited tickets available, book your spot now for an experience you’ll never forget.
8. HomeGrown, Kingston
May 6th, 2023
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of The HomeGrown Live Music Festival to kick off the warmer season all while raising funds to support Joe’s M.I.L.L, a Kingston Instrument Lending Library. Great music is promised, so keep an eye on their web page for updates.
9. Treetop Trekking, Mallorytown
May 6th, 2023
Opening to the public on May 6th, Treetop Trekking is the perfect family adventure to get you in the mood for fun! Suitable for kids and adults of any age, you can enjoy the tree walk village, discovery kids course and even a Zipline Aerial Course if you have the need for speed!
10. FANATICCON, Brockville
May 7th, 2023
Grab your cosplay gear and get ready for a great time at this year’s FANATICCON in Brockville! You might even get to meet their guest of honor, Robert Bockstael, known for his roles in shows including X-Men, Robocop and North of 60. There will be plenty of exhibitors to check out including O.G Toys, Kurt Lehner Celebrity Artist and many more.
11. Science Rendezvous, Kingston
May 13th, 2023
Head to the Leon’s Centre from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to see the largest pop-up science discovery centre in Canada! The day will include swag bags, take-home activities, new discoveries made in labs, space and more!
12. Base 31, Prince Edward County
Starting May 13th, 2023
Home to galleries, retailers, artists, services and trades, Base31 is a unique experience, living on the site of a 70-acre World War II air training base. It promises to offer some of the hottest concerts in the area starting on Saturday, May 13th so take a look at their events to find what’s best for you!
13. Alvarium Fine Arts Showcase, Brockville
May 13th, 2023
Experience the exciting culture of Brockville by delving into their arts scene with the Alvarium Fine Arts Showcase. Check out dancers, painters, sculptors, musicians and photographers work their magic and even find something special to take home. Grab your tickets soon and get ready for a night full of artistic awesomeness!
14. Garden Party Market, Winchester
May 13th, 2023
If you are looking for a more intimate shopping experience, head over to Winchester for their monthly Garden Party Market, running once a month from May to October. This event promises to have lots of wonderful local vendors to check out including the event hosts, The Painted Arrow Flowers & Gifts.
View more events in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
15. Kemptville Farmers Market Opening Day, Kemptville
May 14th, 2023
Get ready for the ultimate shopping experience! The Kemptville Farmers Market is back and better than ever, kicking off the season with a Mother’s Day celebration on May 14th.
From May 14th to October 29th, the market will host a staggering 50 vendors each week, featuring local veggie and meat producers, bakeries, specialty pastries, specialty coffee & tea, woodworking, candy and popcorn, artisan craft makers, locally grown flowers, local honey, specialty sauces and preserves, grab-and-go hot food vendors, and numerous other vendors to delight you with their creative wares.
16. Rock Dunder Early Access, Lyndhurst
May 14th, 2023
You will make mom feel extra special this Mothers Day when you take her for an early access visit to the beautiful Rock Dunder. Spend your day exploring the serene nature in the Rideau Lakes and get that quality one-on-one time you and your mom deserve.
17. Mother’s Day Brunch at Furnace Falls Farm, Lyndhurst
May 14th, 2023
What is better than a delicious brunch with the one who gave you life? Celebrate her with a Mother’s Day Brunch at Furnace Falls Farm where you can enjoy delicious goodies including farmhouse sausage patties, an omelet station, deviled eggs, crepe cake and more. Make sure to take your magnificent mother over to Wendy’s Country Market for their plant sale! Together you can choose a beautiful new plant to nurture and grow and make this mothers day an extra special one.
18. Mothers Day Dinner at Hotel Kenney Rideau, Elgin
May 14th, 2023
Treat mom to a special dinner just for her at the rustic Hotel Kenney Rideau, located in Jones Falls. Did you know that this hotel was actually featured on the popular show Salvage Kings? Learn their story and brag to your mom about this cool spot.
19. Martello Alley Jardin’art in the Garden, Kingston
Starting May 15th, 2023
Downtown Kingston is the place to be in the spring and summer, and Martello Alley knows how to take it to the next level with their Jardin’art in the Garden art installations located all throughout the downtown core.
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20. Twilight Tuesday Makers’ Market, Brockville
May 16th, 2023
Beginning May 16th, you can meet just outside of the Brockville Railway Tunnel every 3rd Tuesday to enjoy the annual Brockville Makers Market all summer long! Shop among local vendors including Charleston Botanicals, Shelley’s Jellies and Preservatives, and Papillon Potions, just to name a few.
21. Travelling Bricks: A Larger-Than-Life Exhibition of LEGO Bricks, Brockville
Starting May 20th – August 20th, 2023
Looking for an event that’s worth travelling for? Look no further than Travelling Bricks – the larger-than-life exhibition of LEGO bricks presented by The Aquatarium in Brockville! This summer, prepare to be amazed as you witness 120 stunning models crafted from 1,000,000 LEGO bricks by professional artists. These incredible creations bring to life 60 epic scenes that will leave you speechless. But that’s not all – the interactive playzone is a must-see for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. With 200,000 LEGO bricks at your fingertips, you can let your imagination run wild and create your own masterpiece.
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22. RiverWalk Promenade, Prescott
Starting May 20th, 2023
Starting on Victoria Day long weekend, you can find plenty of fun in the sun to enjoy at the RiverWalk Promenade for each long weekend during the summer. There are performances that include acrobatics, juggling and comedy, a local market, and live music to name a few fun things to look forward to!
23. Merrickville Picnic Party, Merrickville
May 20th, 2023
Celebrate a day of fun in the sun in the Victorian Village of Merrickville. Open from 10:00 Am to 3:00 PM, you and the family can enjoy shopping among small local vendors for unique items, pre-order mouthwatering picnic lunches, enter a best dressed contest to win a prize and simply enjoy the stunning surroundings of the gardens. This will be the second annual event hosted by Pickle and Myrrh.
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24. Kemptville Buskerfest, Kemptville
May 20th, 2023
Experience a day of entertainment at the annual Kemptville Buskerfest. Free for all, you can watch in awe at the street talent including street performers, comedians, musicians and more. There will be opportunity to shop local vendors and join in on fun activities for all ages. There is even free parking and a shuttle service, they really thought of everything!
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25. Prescott Pop-Ups, Prescott
May 20th, 2023
Go with a full wallet and an empty belly to the east end of Sandra S. Lawn Harbour and Marina, where retail cottages have been adorned with local vendors to offer their unique merchandise to visitors. Plenty of food trucks will be set up around the waterfront to serve delicious treats while you enjoy the beautiful views by the water.
26. Prescott Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, Prescott
May 20th, 2023
There is plenty of fun to be had at the annual Prescott Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market in Prescott! Every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM offers local goodies including fresh baked goods, jams, fruit and veggies as well as live entertainment and games to its guests. Keep an eye on the website for this year’s location!
27. Period Reenactments at Fort Wellington Historic Site, Prescott
May 20th – 21st, 2023
Learn what it was like to be a soldier in the 1800s at the Fort Wellington Historic Site. Starting on Victoria Day weekend, members of the Glengarry Light Infantry will be joining together to reenact what it was like to be a part of the war of 1812. Want more? Guided tours and experiences will be available all summer long starting the same weekend.
28. Market at Wolfe Island Commons, Wolfe Island
Starting May 21st, 2023
It’s the season to shop-til-you-drop and Wolfe Island is the place to be! Support the wonderful community by taking a ride on the Wolfe Island Ferry to meet some local vendors such as Island Candle Co. and the Wolfe Island Hopyard. The market is open every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM.
29. Prescott Poutine Feast, Prescott
May 25th – 28th, 2023
If you are a lover of fries, gravy and cheese then you won’t want to miss the Poutine Feast hosted in Prescott at the Prescott Pop-Up! Enjoy the delicious Canadian delicacy while playing games, listening to music, shopping and getting great views of the St. Lawrence River.
30. Terroir Run, Prince Edward County
May 27th, 2023
Dress up and run? What could be more fun? Meet up at The Old Third Vineyard between 8:30 and 9:30 AM to register and be brought to Rosehall Run to begin your trek on foot! Enjoy some post-run snacks and a local lunch with wine, beer and spirits to refresh your soul!
31. Family FUNfest: Spring Edition, Belleville
May 27th, 2023
Plan your day of fun with the whole family! This event has something for everyone, with tons of activities and entertainment for kids and adults alike. From carnival games and face painting to live music and delicious food vendors, you won’t want to miss out on this exciting event.
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32. Summer Kickoff Music Festival, Harrowsmith
May 27th, 2023
Kick off your summer with some great music, refreshing drinks and delicious food in South Frontenac. Fun for the whole family to enjoy with food trucks, craft beer and local musicians to entertain! A kids zone will be available for the little ones too, so bring them along!
33. Lilac Rides, Prince Edward County
May 28th, 2023
Join together at the Picton Community Centre Rotary Hall and bring your bicycle for a day of riding along some beautiful routes. Catch some great views of Big Island, Northport and Green Point with their 100km and 50km routes, and then finish off your day with a delicious BBQ to celebrate your accomplishments.
View more events in Prince Edward County
Start planning your trip today and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this stunning region. We can’t wait to see you there!
