Investment will celebrate Canadian culture, create jobs and boost local tourism across the province
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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
