Ontario investing $643K in 24 festivals and events in 3 area ridings this year
Almonte Celtfest, Stewart Park Festival and Guitars & Gasoline Music Festival among recipients
The money is meant to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
Ontario is putting the “fun” into its funding, supporting festivals and events across the province to the tune of nearly $20 million.
By way of the 2025 Experience Ontario program — a Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport funding initiative — an investment of $643,029 will support 24 festivals and events in three area ridings.
The money is meant to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
The $346,886 in the riding breaks down as follows:
$20,000 — Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow in Smiths Falls.
$18,886 — Almonte Celtfest.
$20,000 — Stewart Park Festival in Perth.
$55,000 — Ontario Festival of Small Halls.
$233,000 — Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Canada Day 2025 in Kingston, Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Kingstonlicious, PXR Experience 2025 in Kingston, Festival of Live Digital Art in Kingston and The Kick & Push Festival in Kingston.
Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston member of provincial Parliament John Jordan said he is happy to see some of his riding’s “most cherished festivals” receive support.
“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, its people and its culture all the while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province,” he added.
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
The following events in Leeds and Grenville will receive a total of $190,000 in funding:
$55,000 — 1000 Islands Regatta in Brockville.
$55,000 — Brockville Tall Ships Festival.
$20,000 — South Grenville Bluegrass Festival in Spencerville.
$20,000 — Brockville Ribfest.
$20,000 — Le FestivILES in Gananoque.
$20,000 — Mermaid March break 2026 at the Aquatarium in Brockville.
MPP Steve Clark thanked the volunteers who organize these events, supporting local businesses and adding to everyone’s quality of life.
“I am thrilled our government is providing financial support to help these events grow — to add more programs and attractions,” he said. “It will ensure even more visitors are making plans to come to our beautiful corner of Ontario and contribute to our tourism economy.”
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
MPP Billy Denault announced the following local events will receive funding:
$20,000 — Beachburg Fair 2025.
$20,000 — Palmer Rapids River Festival 2025.
$2,275 — Farm to Trail and Pints & Gourds in Petawawa.
$20,000 — Downtown Pembroke Buskerfest.
$20,000 — Guitars & Gasoline Music Festival in Calabogie.
$3,868 — Canada Day 2025 in the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards.
$20,000 — Pembroke Multicultural Festival 2025.
“We are very pleased the Government of Ontario has provided over $105,000 through the Experience Ontario program to the riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke,” Denault said.
“This investment will go a long way in showcasing the incredible festivals and vibrant communities we are proud to call our own,” he continued.
