Ontario Investing More Than $20 Million to Support Local Festivals and Events

Press Release

April 29, 2026

Investment will celebrate Canadian culture, create jobs and boost local tourism across the province

TORONTO — The Ontario government is protecting Canadian culture and identity by investing over $20 million to support nearly 400 festivals and events across the province this year. The funding, made through Experience Ontario 2026, will help boost tourism, create jobs and celebrate the best of the province’s local communities.

“From Ontario’s charming and historic small towns to its vibrant cities, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As we continue to work to protect Ontario and Canadian identity, investing in these homegrown experiences helps welcome more visitors and ensures communities across the province continue to thrive.”

The Experience Ontario 2026 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact, helping municipalities and event organizers offer locals and tourists of all ages opportunities to enjoy new and familiar experiences of all kinds.

From food festivals featuring local flavours, to music and arts events, Francophone and Indigenous-led celebrations, harvest festivals and everything in between, this year’s investment will help deliver dynamic Ontario-grown experiences for families, friends and visitors to enjoy in every corner of the province. Some of this year’s recipients include:

Festival Franco Ontarien, an annual Francophone music and culture festival in Ottawa.
Grimsby Lights & Après Winter Nights, a winter event featuring festive light displays, live entertainment and activities in downtown Grimsby.
Thunder Bay Festival of Colours, a summer waterfront festival celebrating South Asian culture with food, performances and interactive experiences.
Ottawa Bluesfest, a multi‑day outdoor music festival showcasing Canadian and international artists.

Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in revenue, while bolstering the province as an attractive destination for international and domestic visitors to explore.

Quick Facts

In 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.
Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
This year, a new Capacity Building stream will provide opportunities to support first-time festival and event organisers.
To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2027, email experienceontario@ontario.ca.
In 2025-26, the government invested over $200 million in the tourism sector through industry funding, grant programs, Destination Ontario marketing, ministry attractions and tourism agencies.

Quotes

“Experience Ontario continues to play a vital role in ensuring the viability of Ontario’s festival and event industry. The program has helped Ottawa Bluesfest expand into an annual international event, contributing over $40 million a year in tourism economic benefits to Ottawa.”
– Mark Monahan
Founder, Ottawa Bluesfest

“Support from Experience Ontario has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the T.U. Jazz Fest. In 2025, this investment enabled us to attract artists and audiences from across Canada and internationally, strengthening Ontario’s position as a vibrant cultural destination. Beyond tourism, the program directly supports emerging artists by creating meaningful, paid performance opportunities while connecting communities through accessible, high-quality live music.”
– David Lee
Executive Director, Emerging Artists Association

“On behalf of Republic Live and the Boots & Hearts Music Festival, we’re grateful for the continued support of the Experience Ontario program. Investments like this play a vital role in strengthening live music, cultural tourism, and the local economies that rely on them. Boots & Hearts is built on community, connection, and shared experience, and this support enables us to continue growing as a premier destination festival—welcoming fans from across Ontario and around the world while showcasing the province as a leader in world-class live events.”
– Todd Jenereaux
Executive Vice President of Republic Live

“The Yonge North York BIA is an enthusiastic supporter of the Experience Ontario program and appreciates the ongoing commitment of MPP Stan Cho, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, and all partners. The funding provided by Experience Ontario is an important and very welcome source of assistance for tourism programs and events throughout the province. This investment helps communities showcase their hospitality, further elevates tourist destinations, increases visitor spending, drives stronger local economies, and supports the growth of vibrant main streets.”
– Laura Burnham
Executive Director, Yonge North York BIA

Additional Resources