Ontario Investing in York Pride Festival
Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen York Region’s economy
NEWMARKET – Ontario is investing $55,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support the annual York Pride Festival held in Newmarket. This is part of a more than $20 million government investment to help municipalities and event organizers deliver high-quality programming and experiences for people of all ages.
“From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, 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 work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore — and proud to call home.”
MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy announced the funding on the festival’s Main Stage on Saturday June 13.
In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting nearly festivals and events of all sizes across the province, strengthening tourism and supporting local economies while celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Ontario unique.
“York Pride Festival is a celebration of community, inclusion, and the diversity that makes Newmarket and York Region such welcoming places to live,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “I am proud to see this investment through the Experience Ontario program support a festival that brings residents and visitors together, strengthens local businesses, and creates meaningful opportunities for people to celebrate and foster a greater sense of belonging.”
“York Pride is grateful to the Government of Ontario and MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy for this support through Experience Ontario.” said Jacob Gal, Talent, Hospitality and Partnerships, York Pride “This investment helps us deliver a safe, accessible, and family-friendly festival by strengthening partnerships with emergency service providers, expanding programming, and creating welcoming spaces where people can connect and build community. For many 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, especially young people who may not always find support at home, events like York Pride provide an important sense of belonging and connection. This funding helps ensure those opportunities continue to be available across York Region.”
QUICK FACTS
Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
The government also supports festivals and events through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs.
Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.
