For the most recent 25 things to do list in May, please visit this link.
Kingston is in full bloom this month with an abundance of events happening in the city. From the Juvenis Festival to a great lineup of concerts to seasonal museums opening in Kingston – there’s something fun to bring anyone out of their winter hibernation.
Theatre + Live Performances
1. Don’t miss out on initially/(un)conditionally, a performance presented by Blue Canoe Theatrical Productions Inc. as part of The Juvenis Festival. (May 1)
2. Based on the classic 1989 film, Blue Canoe Theatrical Productions and Reelout Arts Project are putting on a performance of Heathers – The Musical as part of the Juvenis Festival. Catch one of their shows this month at The Grand Theatre. (May 3 – 8)
3. [title of show] is an off-broadway hit, telling the story of two struggling writers trying to get their big break. Performed as part of the Juvenis Festival, don’t miss this performance at the Tett Centre. (May 4 – 7)
4. The Poetry Show at Café Church is a night to share your own poetry and other written pieces, as well as enjoy a performance from award-winning slam poet Andre Prefontaine. (May 5)
5. Follow the action of The Sam Shepard Series at the Kingston Community House. Performers move from room to room with the audience in tow for a performance full of drama and twists. (May 7 & 8)
Concerts + Music
7. On Friday Nights, Tir Nan Og is home to live jazz music with The 20th Century Band. Come down and join in on a great night of music! (every Friday)
8. Come to St. George’s Cathedral to see Music with H’art, performed by Melos Choir & Period Instruments. (May 1)
10. The Scott Woods Band is one of Canada’s top talents, and the best fiddling show you’ll ever see. Two hours of old-time fiddling, country gospel songs, perennial favourites, and a few laughs will make for an unforgettable evening at the Grand Theatre. (May 4)
11. There’s not much that’s out of reach for the Encore Saxophone Quartet to cover, ranging from Baroque to Bieber. Check out their performance at the RCHA Club as part of the Juvenis Festival. (May 5)
12. Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip and recording artist Emily Fennell are judging the Battle of the Bands as part of the Juvenis Festival! Head to the Ale House and Canteen to support some young, local talent. (May 6)
13. The Isabel hosts Orchestra Kingston with Canta Arya for an evening of Bach, Rossini, Mascagni, John Burge, Clifford Crawley, and John Palmer. The latter three are Kingston natives, so come indulge in some international classics, as well as some of Kingston’s own incredible talent. (May 7)
16. Allison Brown will be performing at Musiikki Café this month! (May 12)
17. The Rankin Gallery is hosting the Trio Balkan Springs this month, performing a fusion of Balkan music. (May 12)
18. Award-winning organist David Gray will be performing at the Kingston Korean Church this month. (May 13)
20. The Live Wire Series will be presenting Shari Ulrich with Karen Savoca, performing this month at Octave Theatre. (May 14)
Festivals + Events
23. Commemorate those who were lost at sea during the Battle of the Atlantic in WWII. Join Canada’s naval community at the Navy Memorial Park to pay your respects and learn something new about Canada’s war history. (May 1)
27. The Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada was monumental in the mid-19th century to defend the Kingston and St. Lawrence region from an American invasion. Now, it’s a museum that you can tour and learn about the military history of Kingston. The museum will be opening for the season mid-May.
29. Head to the Alibi for a Pub Trivia Night, inspired by the Outlander series! (May 16)
31. Head to the Central Branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library for a screening of Highlander as part of their Outlandish! program series. (May 30)
Community
32. Find a unique gift (or something for yourself!) at the Kingston Potters Guild Spring Show and Sale at the Tett. (May 1)
34. Support the Kingston Grandmother Connection at their Spring Fun Fair and Sale for Africa, just in time for Mothers’ Day! The organization cares for grandmothers who are raising orphaned grandchildren in the small country of Lesotho in southern Africa. (May 7)
35. Celebrate Victoria Day with food, fireworks, and music at Lake Ontario Park! (May 23)
36. Support the Kingston Boys & Girls Club by participating in the Capital One Race for Kids! Get a team together for a day of fun (and lots of awesome prizes!) for a great cause. (May 28)
Food + Drink
37. Love Scottish cuisine? Or maybe just keen to try something new? Join food historian Paul Fortier at Sir John’s Public House for a free haggis tasting and a history lesson to go with it. (May 19)
The Arts
38. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 30 can take place in this Poetry Writing Workshop at the Tett Centre. There’s limited spaces though, so sign up now because it’s sure to fill up! (May 1)
39. Come celebrate some talented young filmmakers at a Film Festival featuring short films made by members of the KFPL Central Branch Teen Advisory Group, along with other local youth. (May 3)
40. Kingston’s youth have been challenged to create short films in just 48 hours. Come check out what they created at the Rapid Reel Screening at Landmark Cinema! (May 4)
41. Life Drawing for All at the Tett with Tim Rosillo is a class for all levels of artistic experience. So whether you’re a seasoned sketcher, or just looking to try something new, drop in to this class for an evening of creative fun. (May 5)
43. Looking to improve your photography skills? Head to the Photo & Digital Media Convention at St. Lawrence College for classes and workshops, and meet people in the industry within Kingston. (May 12 & 13)
45. Take the Photography Intensive course at the Tett Centre to boost your skills (or learn where to start!) with your camera. The workshop will be a full day spent with two established photographers, and you’ll surely walk away feeling more confident and creative with your camera than ever before. (May 14)
46. Sign up for the Shaker Woodworking Skill Series at the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum. Over the course of 4 workshops, participants will learn new skills to create a shaker-inspired candle stand. (first workshop May 21)
47. Visit the Agnes Etherington Art Centre for Tour and Tea: New Men at the Agnes. Explore two new additions to the gallery, followed by tea in Etherington House. (May 25)
49. Already have a pretty good understanding of how your camera works, but can’t quite get that composition right? Join Mark Bergin and Suzy Lamont for Imagine: A Photographic Journey at the Tett Centre for a workshop that will leave you with a whole new perspective. (May 28)
50. The African Beat is an event being held at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre to celebrate African culture. This drop-in event will be a day of great food, music, and art-making, featuring a drumming workshop with Julian Gregory. (May 29)
