$165,000 to Support Local Festivals
April 30, 2026NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $165,000 to support three local festivals through the Experience Ontario 2026 program. This support from Experience Ontario provides municipalities and event organizers support for festivals and events that have a positive economic impact on tourism.
“The Experience Ontario 2026 program provides support that is central to the government’s plan to protect Ontario by safeguarding its people and places.” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Today’s funding will enhance tourism, create jobs, and celebrate the best of Nipissing.”
Today’s funding includes:
- $55,000 for the Town of Mattawa for Mattawa Voyageur Days.
- $55,000 for les Compagnons for the Carnaval des Compagnons.
- $55,000 for Smoke ‘N’ Spurs Festival LTD for the Smoke ‘N’ Spurs Festival.
This year, the Experience Ontario program is supporting festivals and events across the province through two funding streams. The brand-new Capacity Building stream provides funding support specifically designed for new, first-time festivals and events and the Established Events stream, which supports recurring Ontario festivals and events, including those that may have previously received Experience Ontario funding.
“Mattawa is holding its 27th annual Voyageur Days. Held the last weekend of July, the event brings in thousands of people from all over. Support from the Experience Ontario Program allows the Town to bring in fresh talent and events every year and this year’s line up is no exception,” says Mayor Raymond A. Bélanger. “Come celebrate with us!”
“We are extremely grateful for support from the Province of Ontario and MPP Fedeli’s office. This funding will assist us in continuing to grow the festival and provide a safe, welcoming and accessible festival to be enjoyed by families.” – Garry Anderson, Smoke ‘N’ Spurs Festival Owner.
The Capacity Building and Established Events streams have specific eligibility criteria. Please see the Experience Ontario 2026 Program and Application Overview for more information.
Quick Facts
- In 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.
- 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.
- To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2027, email experienceontario@ontario.ca.
- In 2025-26, the government invested over $200 million in the tourism sector through industry funding, grant programs, Destination Ontario marketing, ministry attractions and tourism agencies.
Additional Information
- To learn more about the application process, please visit Experience Ontario.
- 2026 Ontario Budget | A Plan to Protect Ontario