Provincial Funding Targets Nearly 400 Events Across Communities
TORONTO — The Ontario government is allocating more than $20 million to support nearly 400 festivals and events across the province in 2026, positioning the investment as a key driver of tourism, job creation and cultural promotion.
The funding, delivered through the Experience Ontario 2026 program, is intended to strengthen local economies while showcasing the province’s diverse cultural identity. Officials say the initiative will help communities attract both domestic and international visitors while sustaining a sector that contributes significantly to Ontario’s broader economy.
“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.”
Experience Ontario Program Expands Reach and Impact
The Experience Ontario program provides financial support to festivals and events that demonstrate measurable tourism and economic benefits. The funding enables municipalities and organizers to expand programming, improve visitor experiences and attract broader audiences.
This year’s funding spans a wide range of events, including food festivals, music and arts programming, Francophone and Indigenous celebrations, and seasonal community gatherings. The province says the diversity of supported events reflects Ontario’s cultural landscape and aims to provide accessible experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Among the 2026 recipients are Festival Franco Ontarien in Ottawa, Grimsby Lights & Après Winter Nights, the Thunder Bay Festival of Colours, and Ottawa Bluesfest, one of Canada’s largest outdoor music festivals.
Tourism Remains a Key Economic Driver
The investment comes as Ontario continues to emphasize tourism as a cornerstone of economic development. In 2024, visitors spent approximately $33 billion in the province, supporting more than 300,000 jobs.
Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program—previously known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario—has supported more than 2,700 festivals and events. The 2026 iteration also introduces a new Capacity Building stream aimed at assisting first-time organizers in launching events.
The province has further committed to broader sector support, investing over $200 million in tourism-related initiatives during the 2025–26 fiscal year, including marketing through Destination Ontario and funding for attractions and agencies.
Industry Stakeholders Highlight Economic and Cultural Benefits
Organizers and industry leaders say the program continues to play a critical role in sustaining and expanding Ontario’s events sector.
“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
Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Applications for future funding cycles are already being encouraged, with organizers invited to register interest for Experience Ontario 2027. The province says continued investment in festivals and events will remain central to its strategy of strengthening cultural identity while fostering sustainable economic growth.
With the 2026 funding now underway, Ontario is positioning its festivals sector as both a cultural showcase and a competitive economic asset in the national and global tourism landscape.