Province supports Wasaga Beach blues festival with $20K grant

‘This event not only celebrates culture and music, but also helps strengthen our local economy,’ says MPP

Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, was pleased to attend the opening ceremonies of the 13th annual Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival.

This year’s festival featured 20 world-class musical acts and brought a weekend of music, culture, and community spirit to Wasaga Beach. Through the 2025 Experience Ontario program, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming provided $20,000 in support to help make this year’s festival possible.

“Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, and performers who brought this year’s festival to life,” said MPP Saunderson. “This event not only celebrates culture and music, but also helps strengthen our local economy by drawing visitors to Wasaga Beach and supporting businesses across Simcoe-Grey.”

“As someone who helps bring live music, culture, and community together with the Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival, I could not be more proud of the way it draws thousands of visitors to Wasaga Beach from across Ontario, Canada, and beyond. This infusion into the community helps to strengthen and celebrate the unique energy of Wasaga Beach well beyond summer. Our festival showcases what a group of committed volunteers can do when they are rooted in a love of outdoor recreation and live music.” — Kathy Mulgrew, Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues board chair

“The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival is more than just great music — it’s a celebration of our community and the people who make Wasaga Beach such an incredible place to visit or call home,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “Each year, the festival brings thousands of residents and visitors together to celebrate and sing the blues, support local businesses, and shine a spotlight on our town. I want to thank all of our partners who contribute to the success of this annual event, which, without the passion of local volunteers, investment by local sponsors, and support from the Ontario government, would not be possible.”

“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, its people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province. They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” said Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”

In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.

Quick facts

• Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy. In 2023 visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs.
• Since 2021, the ministry’s Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported over 2,000 Ontario festivals and events.
• In 2024-25, the ministry invested more than $20 million to support more than 250 festivals and events around the province.
• Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
• The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched on Nov. 28, 2024, with direct outreach to over 4,000 stakeholders and closed on Dec. 30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026, email experienceontario@ontario.ca.
• In 2024-25, our government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, ministry attractions, and tourism agencies.

By CollingwoodToday Staff