The Ontario government is investing nearly $20 million to support more than 350 festivals and events across the province this year, including those that bring visitors and tourism dollars to communities like those in Northumberland County.
The funding, delivered through the Experience Ontario 2025 program, is aimed at strengthening local economies, supporting job creation and celebrating Canadian culture. The announcement was made April 24 by Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay.
“Ontario’s festivals and events showcase the best of our province,” said Cho in a release. “They boost pride, create jobs and help local communities grow.”
Two Thunder Bay events-Bayfest and Wake the Giant Music Festival-were among the recipients of Experience Ontario funding this year. But the program supports festivals across the province, particularly those that contribute to tourism and economic activity in their region.
The province says festivals help communities thrive by attracting visitors who stay in local accommodations, eat at restaurants, and shop at small businesses-supporting main streets in places like Cobourg, Port Hope, and Brighton.
In 2023, tourism in Ontario generated $33 billion in visitor spending and supported over 325,000 jobs. Since 2021, more than 2,000 festivals have received support from the province through the program.
The Experience Ontario 2026 application period is expected to open later this year.
Event organisers interested in receiving updates can contact the ministry at experienceontario@ontario.ca.
The government also announced it had invested more than $192 million into the tourism sector overall for 2024-25.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
