10 Free and Almost Free Events in Kingston this May

By Kristina Pernar

The Kingston Public Market
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until November
8:00am – 6:00pm
Springer Market Square, King St. E
Check out the oldest market in Ontario, open 3 days a week, with local fruits and vegetable vendors, garden vendors, craft vendors, and more. You can find fresh baked goods and produce, and one of kind, handmade items. For information on the vendors and a look at The Kingston Public Market history, check out http://kingstonpublicmarket.ca/about.

The Juvenis Festival Kingston Youth Arts Festival
Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 11
Locations and times vary per performance
FREE
As part of National Youth Art Week and National Youth Initiatives Week, this festival takes place all around Kingston at locations including the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Queen’s University, the Tett Centre, and more. Check out the talented artists, musicians, performers, story tellers and more to celebrate Youth in Kingston. For a list of locations and performances check out the Juvenis Festival website. http://www.juvenisfestival.ca/Festival-Schedule.php

Queen’s University: Science Rendezvous Kingston
Saturday, May 11
10:00am
Leon’s Centre
Free
Join the celebration of the Kingston-area science and scientists at the Leon’s Centre for a pop up science show, Science Discovery Centre. You will have the opportunity to meet scientists and learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Enjoy experiments and the opportunity to take home a prize given to the first 2,000 families. Check the link attached for more information: http://www.leonscentre.com/event/science-rendezvous-kingston-2019/

Night Hours 2019
Thursday, May 16 – Friday, September 27
Participating businesses, open until 8:00pm
Participating stores in Kingston will be open until 8:00 pm starting on Thursday, May 16. Stores participating will have Night Hours signs on their doors, so keep your eyes open at your favourite local shops. Visit https://www.downtownkingston.ca/events/2019/night-hours for more information on participating businesses.

Fort Henry Season Opener
Saturday, May 18
1 Fort Henry Drive
Price varies per age group
Head to Fort Henry for the season opener to enjoy breathtaking views of the City of Kingston and the St. Lawrence River, enjoy shopping, the museum, guided tours, and the history and heritage all offered inside the Fort walls. Check out the website for more details on dining options, getting, tickets, other activities, and the season opener celebrations https://www.forthenry.com/

Victoria Day at Lake Ontario Park
Monday, May 20
Lake Ontario Park, 920 King St. West
Free
This year, the City of Kingston will be celebrating Victoria Day with a fireworks show at Lake Ontario Park. Head over to the park in the afternoon for the playground, food trucks, and to enjoy a walk along the waterfront paths. For more information head to www.visitkingston.com

Spring Art After Dark
Friday, May 24
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Galleries and businesses in Downtown Kingston
Free
Galleries and businesses in downtown Kingston will be open to the public for those interested in local art and artists. This is a free event with the opportunity to purchase art and enter a raffle to win $500 towards purchasing a piece of art from the exhibition. For more information and the list of galleries go to, https://www.downtownkingston.ca/events/2019/spring-art-after-dark

LEGO My Library
Wednesdays
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Kingston Frontenac Public library, Rideau Heights Branch
Free
A drop in event for children of all ages to build with LEGO and DUPLO blocks. Get involved with the Community and make new friends while engaging in the weekly building challenge. For more information and schedules of all library branch events head to:
https://www.kfpl.ca/programs-and-events/2019-05-01/lego-my-library-rideau-heights/

Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Open Daily
Front Road in Kingston or by Hwy.33 at Collins Bay
Free and free parking
Head to Lemoine Point to check out gorgeous views, hike 11km of scenic lookouts and mostly flat trails. Great for bird watchers and viewing small forest critters.
https://crca.ca/conservation-lands/conservation-areas/lemoine-point-conservation-area/