Ontario Investing $20 Million to Support Festivals and Events Across the Province

Press Release

April 24, 2025

Investment will celebrate Canadian culture and boost local tourism and economies

THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is investing nearly $20 million in more than 350 festivals and events across the province this year. The funding, made through Experience Ontario 2025, will help boost tourism, strengthen local economies and celebrate the best of Ontario’s communities.

Today’s announcement was made by Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, along with Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay.

“Ontario’s festivals and events showcase the best of our province, while instilling pride, creating jobs and boosting local economies,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support our local communities.”

The Experience Ontario 2025 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact, helping municipalities and event organizers in offering locals and tourists alike of all ages with opportunities to enjoy new and familiar experiences of all kinds. Today’s investment includes support for two festivals in Thunder Bay that promote Canadian heritage and culture, create jobs and attract visitors:

Bayfest, a rock music festival taking place at Fort William from July 18 to 20, is receiving $125,000.

The Wake the Giant Music Festival, an event celebrating all cultures with a focus on Indigenous artists, which will be held on Thunder Bay’s waterfront on September 6, is receiving $55,000.

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

Quick Facts

Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2023, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs.
Since 2021, the ministry’s Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported over 2,000 Ontario festivals and events.
In 2024-25, the ministry invested more than $20 million to support more than 250 festivals and events around the province.
Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched on November 28, 2024, with direct outreach to over 4,000 stakeholders, and closed on December 30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026, email experienceontario@ontario.ca.
In 2024-25, the government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, ministry attractions and tourism agencies.

Quotes

“I’m pleased to share that our government is investing $180,000 through the Experience Ontario 2025 program to support the Wake the Giant and Bayfest music festivals, helping bring exciting new entertainment to Thunder Bay–Atikokan. This program not only supports organizations in hosting festivals and events that attract visitors, it also strengthens our local economy and showcases the unique culture and experiences our communities have to offer. Congratulations to both recipients, and thank you for bringing these fantastic experiences to our region.”
– Kevin Holland

MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan

“Wake the Giant is grateful to receive this funding—it helps us continue growing something truly special, and welcome hundreds of Indigenous youth to Thunder Bay while creating a space where they feel celebrated and connected. At the same time, it gives festival-goers an unforgettable experience that blends music, art, and culture in a way that’s exciting and inclusive. Wake the Giant is more than just a festival – it brings people together, shines a spotlight on Indigenous culture, and has become a major draw for visitors as a world-class event.”

– Sean Spenrath

Wake the Giant Co-Founder and Organizer

“This Experience Ontario grant will help expand and grow the reach of Bayfest, creating more opportunities for bands and will help take the festival in a new direction; a multi genre music event better for everyone to enjoy.”
– Dave Allen

President of Redneck Productions

Media Contacts

Kelsey Hrappstead
Minister’s Office
kelsey.hrappstead@ontario.ca

Denelle Balfour
Communications Branch
Denelle.balfour@ontario.ca

ILR5