Weekend Adventures: 8 Things to Do in Naturally L&A This May

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May is an ideal time to explore Lennox & Addington through seasonal events and outdoor experiences. The weather has warmed up, the landscape is in bloom, and communities like Greater Napanee, Bath, and Tamworth begin to fill with activity. At the same time, the peak summer crowds have not yet arrived, making it easy to move at your own pace.

Whether you are visiting for a day or building a weekend, May offers a wide range of things to do across Lennox & Addington without needing to rush.

1. Walk Through the Rossland Gardens Lilac Forest on Amherst Island

 For a short window in late May, Amherst Island shifts into bloom. The Lilac Forest Walkabout returns on May 23 and 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. At Rossland Gardens, the lilac forest comes into season with rows of mature lilac trees filling the property with colour and scent. The experience is simple. You walk through the grounds, take your time, and move at your own pace as the landscape opens up around you. Getting there is part of the day, as the Amherst Island ferry adds a natural transition that slows things down before you arrive.

After your visit, you can continue exploring the island or return to the mainland and follow the shoreline through Loyalist Township.

2. Settle Into an Evening at TuNes Day in the Township

 As the days get longer, the evenings start to open up. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, TuNes Day in the Township kicks off its summer season, bringing live music outdoors to the amphitheater at Loyalist Park in Amherstview. This evening features the Shaylyn Kickin’ It Country Show Band, creating a relaxed setting where you can arrive early, bring a chair or blanket, and stay through the sunset.

People come and go, settle in, and let the night build around the music. You can pair the concert with a walk along the nearby shoreline or a casual dinner beforehand, making it an easy way to extend your day without overplanning. While the series continues with monthly performances through August, there is something special about the energy of the first outdoor show of the year.

3. Browse the GrassRoots Growers Spring Plant Sale in Tamworth

In Tamworth, the Spring Plant Sale at the Tamworth Hotel on Saturday, May 23, 2026, is one of those events that reflects the season directly. Local growers bring vegetable seedlings, perennials, and early season plants, with tables set up for browsing rather than rushing through.

It is the kind of place where conversations happen easily, whether you are asking a neighbour about how a specific variety grows or deciding which heritage tomato to bring home for your own garden. You can build this stop into a larger route through Stone Mills, visiting the hotel for the sale before continuing along the quieter backroads that define the beauty of this part of the region in late May.

4. Spend the Day at Family Fishing Day on Amherst Island

May is one of the best times for kids to get out on the water, especially during the license free fishing weekend. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Family Fishing Day at Stella Bay Park turns the shoreline into a hub of activity between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Whether it is the excitement of a first catch or the simple joy of dropping a line into the water, the park offers an open, family friendly space where discovery is the main event.

The fun starts before you even reach the park. The ferry crossing is a highlight for children, offering a front row seat to the sights and sounds of the lake. After a morning of fishing, the day stays flexible. You can explore the island’s winding roads to search for local wildlife or find a spot for a picnic by the water. It is a day built for active families to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the island’s unique spring energy.

5. Catch a Performance of Fairy Tale Courtroom in Greater Napanee

If you are looking for an indoor activity to balance your weekend, the Lennox Community Theatre offers a lively change of pace throughout May 2026. Their production of Fairy Tale Courtroom is an interactive performance where the audience helps decide the fate of famous characters like the Big Bad Wolf and the Wicked Witch. It is an engaging way to bring the family together for a few hours of live storytelling, adding a fun, creative layer to your visit.

This show is a great anchor for a day in Greater Napanee, providing a structured experience that fits easily between outdoor explorations.

6. Experience the Night Sky at the Dark Sky Viewing Area

If you are planning to spend time under the stars in May, the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area gives you two ways to make the night more memorable.

On May 9, 2026, Astrophotographers Assemble brings together night sky photographers of all experience levels. The gathering is informal and accessible, with people setting up their cameras, comparing shots, sharing tips, or simply taking in the sky. You can stay for as long as you like, whether you are there with a full camera setup or just curious about photographing the stars.

The following weekend, on May 15 and 16, 2026, the Laser-Guided Stargazing Tour offers a more guided experience. These free evening tours begin about an hour after dusk and last approximately 60 minutes. You can learn more about the night sky, follow along with the laser-guided tour, and possibly take a peek through a telescope, weather permitting.

Together, these events make May a strong time to visit the Dark Sky Viewing Area. Come for the photography night if you want a slower, self-guided experience, or choose the laser-guided tour if you prefer a structured introduction to the stars.

Event Details
Astrophotographers Assemble
Date: May 9, 2026
Time: Dusk to dawn
Cost: Free (Tickets Here)
Type: Dark Sky Viewing, For Adults

Laser-Guided Stargazing Tour
Date: May 15–16, 2026
Time: 9:30–11:00 p.m. each night, weather permitting
Cost: Free (Tickets Here)
Type: Dark Sky Viewing, For Adults, For Families

7. Build Your Day Around Local Farm Experiences

May is when the countryside becomes something you can really begin to appreciate. Across Lennox & Addington, farm experiences open up in a way that feels immediate and hands-on, perfect for families who want to experience the landscape rather than just drive past it. A typical stop begins with pulling into a gravel drive and walking into an active farmyard to meet the people and animals that define rural life.

At places like Barking Goat Farm, you move through the space alongside goats, donkeys, and chickens, with plenty of time to interact rather than observe from a distance. For a quieter contrast, nearby apiaries, such as The Hive & Heartstone, and other small producers offer a chance to sample raw honey, pick up fresh goods, and see how the food on your table connects back to the land around you. These stops are easy to build into your day without a strict itinerary.

8. Register for the Naturally L&A Gravel Ride

May is the time summer plans start to take shape. The Naturally L&A Gravel Ride is one of the region’s signature cycling events, and while the ride itself takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the month of May is the critical window for registration. Early bird pricing remains open only until the beginning of the month, and planning ahead now gives you time to build a full weekend around the event.

The 53 kilometre route moves through Stone Mills, Tamworth, and Centreville, combining paved and gravel roads with plenty of technical variety. The experience is about more than just the ride; it includes rest stops, local food, and a strong sense of community throughout the course. Whether you are a competitive rider or looking for a personal challenge, securing your spot in May allows you to focus on the ride and the local landscape come June.

Make the Most of Your May Visit

To get the most out of your time in the region, consider these simple ways to keep your trip balanced and relaxed:

  • Check the Calendar: While these events are scheduled, it is always a good idea to verify dates and times on the Naturally L&A Events Calendar before you head out, as local schedules can occasionally shift.
  • Combine Your Interests: Try pairing one main event, like a morning at the plant sale or an afternoon at the theatre, with a nearby trail walk or a slow wander through a local shop to keep the day’s pace unhurried.
  • Stay for the Weekend: One day is rarely enough to see the transition from the shorelines of Bath to the highlands of Tamworth. Extending your visit into a full weekend gives you the space to experience multiple communities without needing to rush.

You can explore more upcoming events and begin mapping out your trip through our planning pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events and activities are happening in Lennox and Addington in May? Visitors can enjoy a variety of community events and seasonal experiences, including the Lilac Forest Walkabout, outdoor concerts in Amherstview, and spring plant sales in Tamworth. From interactive farm visits to live theatre in Greater Napanee, there are options for both quick day trips and relaxed weekends.

Are there things to do near Kingston, Ontario in May? Yes. Lennox & Addington is located just west of Kingston and offers a range of nearby activities. You can explore the historic shoreline of Loyalist Township, visit the local shops and restaurants in Greater Napanee, or head north for the quiet trails and rural landscapes of Stone Mills.

Is May a good time to visit Lennox and Addington? May is an ideal time to visit. The landscape is in full bloom, seasonal events are beginning to open, and you can explore the region’s parks and small towns comfortably before the peak summer crowds arrive.

What can you do on the May weekend in Lennox and Addington? The Victoria Day weekend is perfect for a rural road trip. You can attend seasonal events like the plant sale in Tamworth or the Lilac Walkabout on Amherst Island, visit local farms to meet new spring animals, and enjoy the first outdoor concerts of the season.
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