Welcome to This Month in Kingston – May 2024! As spring unfolds, Kingston bursts into life with diverse events for everyone. This month, enjoy everything from the Spring Metal Rocks Show & Sale, perfect for unique gifts, to thrilling spectacles like the Monster Spectacular. Dive into arts with the Juvenis Festival, explore scientific marvels at Science Rendezvous, or step back in time at Fort Henry. With vibrant markets, outdoor adventures, and fun festivities, May in Kingston is full of opportunities to explore and enjoy. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and make your month unforgettable!
2024 Spring Metal Rocks Show & Sale
- Date: May 2nd – 5th, 2024 (Various Times)
- Location: Malting Tower, 3rd Floor, Tett Centre
- Description: The Kingston Lapidary & Mineral Club presents their annual Spring Metal Rocks Show & Sale! This event is a great opportunity to find unique handcrafted jewelry, rocks, minerals, home decor, and other gift items created by club members. It’s perfect timing to find a special Mother’s Day gift! Click here for more information.
The Juvenis Festival
- Date: May 2nd – 12th, 2024
- Location: Various locations across Kingston
- Description: Experience the vibrancy of Kingston’s arts with the Juvenis Festival, returning for its 9th season this spring. This 11-day event celebrates young talent under 30 through musicals, plays, visual arts exhibitions, film screenings, and a music battle. Participate in free workshops and witness the passion and creativity of Kingston’s budding artists as they showcase their skills. The Juvenis Festival is a fantastic opportunity to discover Kingston’s next generation of artistic talent. Experience the energy, passion, and creativity of young artists as they take center stage. Visit the official website for more details and a complete schedule of events.
Science Rendezvous Kingston
- Date: May 11th, 2024
- Location: Slush Puppie Place
- Description: Join the celebration of science and innovation at Queen’s University’s Science Rendezvous! This free event offers interactive exhibits, demos, and experiments suitable for all ages. Dive into diverse scientific fields, engage with future scientists, and ignite your curiosity. Be inspired by the next generation of scientific minds as they showcase their passion for discovery. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of science, ignite your curiosity, and celebrate innovation! For more information and a complete list of activities, visit Queen’s University webpage.
MEKA Miniature Show and Sale
- Date: Saturday, May 11th, 2024
- Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
- Description: Dive into the fascinating world of miniatures at the MEKA Show and Sale! Enjoy displays of dollhouses, furniture, animals, and more crafted by club members. Participate in a scavenger hunt to find mini versions of displayed full-sized items, with prizes for all participants. The event features vendors from across the province offering everything from beginner kits to artisan pieces. Visit MEKA Miniature Show and Sale for more information.
Tour the S.S. Keewatin!
- Date: Tours start May 13th, 2024 (Engine Room Tours start May 23rd)
- Location: The Great Lakes Museum
- Description: The historic S.S. Keewatin, an Edwardian-era steamship liner, has arrived at the Great Lakes Museum and is now open for tours! Immerse yourself in the ship’s grandeur with two tour options. Passenger Experience Tour (starting May 13th): Explore the decks, cabins, and first-class accommodations with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the ship’s rich history and imagine life aboard this grand vessel. This tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Engine Room Tour (starting May 23rd): Journey below deck for an up-close look at the powerful quadruple steam-powered engines that once propelled the S.S. Keewatin. Gain a unique perspective on the ship’s inner workings. This tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Book your tour and learn more here.
Fort Henry Tours
- Date: Reopens on Saturday, May 18th
- Location: Fort Henry
- Description: Step back into the 1860s at Canada’s largest living history site, Fort Henry. Experience the daily routines of the past and explore life in that era through immersive tours. For a truly authentic experience, overnight stays are available in two charming houses on-site. Get ready to travel back in time as the main season programming kicks off. Click here for more details.
Monster Spectacular
- Date: Sunday, May 26th, 2:00 PM
- Location: Slush Puppie Place
- Description: Get ready for a monster good time at the Monster Spectacular! This family-friendly motorsports show combines racing, stunts, and audience interaction for an unforgettable live event. Witness the power of incredible monster trucks as they compete in side-by-side racing, freestyle competitions, and wheelie contests. Click here for tickets and more information.
Montreal Street Vintage Market
- Date: Sunday, May 26th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: 39 Montreal St, between Princess and Queen St.
- Description: This vibrant outdoor event showcases a variety of local vintage and thrift shops such as Moxie & Mine, Thrifty Girl, Reid’s, and others. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore unique finds and support local makers.
Under the Sea Gala
- Date: Thursday, May 30th, 5:00 PM
- Location: Our Lady of Fatima Parish
- Description: Dive into a night of enchantment at the “Under the Sea” Gala to support Almost Home. Experience a transformed venue into an aquatic paradise, complete with a delicious meal, live music, and a charity auction. A perfect evening of elegance and philanthropy. For tickets and details, visit the event page on Eventbrite.
Ahoy Rentals
- Location: 21 Ontario St
- Description: Ahoy Rentals offers a variety of outdoor equipment for a perfect adventure in Kingston’s scenic landscapes. Choose from kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and bikes. Enjoy competitive rates and easy rental options to explore the natural beauty of Kingston’s waterways and trails at your pace. Visit Ahoy Rentals website for more information.
1000 Islands Treetop Trekking
- Location: 1278 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
- Despcription: TreeTop Trekking is an outdoor adventure park in the 1000 Islands region of Ontario, Canada. The park features a variety of aerial adventure courses, ziplines, and other activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can climb, swing, and zip through the forest canopy, enjoying scenic views of the nearby St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands. The park also offers guided night treks, team-building programs, and special events throughout the year. The website provides information about the park’s hours, rates, safety guidelines, and available courses and activities. Check it out here.
Kingston Markets
As spring breathes new life into Kingston, it presents the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant markets and support local vendors. The options are endless, from bustling farmers’ markets to charming craft fairs. Discover handcrafted treasures that showcase the talents of local artisans. Engage in friendly conversations with vendors who pour their passion into their creations. From tasteful treats to unique crafts, springtime markets in Kingston connect you with the community and allow you to contribute to the local economy. Click here for more details on markets in the area.
- Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market – Sundays, 9 AM to 2 PM
Walking and Hiking Trails
As the weather heats up, now is the perfect opportunity to venture outdoors and explore the trails! The Kingston region boasts a plethora of trails, each offering a unique and scenic hiking experience. With trails of varying lengths and difficulties, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Be sure to bring your water and some snacks! For further information on available places to explore, click here.
Thank you for reading this month’s edition of This Month in Kingston – May 2024. Check out our blog for more exciting monthly updates on Kingston and helpful tips on buying, selling, and owning real estate. Stay tuned for more engaging content, and feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us. We are committed to bringing you the best content and resources to make your experience in Kingston unforgettable!