Ontario Investing in 10 Festivals and Events in Simcoe-Grey

May 20, 2026

Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen the local economy

NEWS: May 20, 2026 – For Immediate Release

Stayner, ON: Ontario is investing $259,270 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support 10 festivals and events in Simcoe-Grey. 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.”

Today, Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey announced that the following local events are receiving funding support up to:

$20,000 for the 2026 Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival
$55,000 for the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival
$20,000 for Collingwood Fashion Week
$20,000 for the Barrie Fair 2026
$19,270 for Clearview’s Small Halls Festival
$20,000 for the Creemore Arts Fest 2026
$20,000 for Wasaga Beach’s Hootenanny and Mayor’s Rodeo
$55,000 for Collingwood Pride 2026
$20,000 for Sidelaunch Days
$10,000 for the Frost and Flavour Festival

In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting nearly 400 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.

“Festivals and events are an important part of community life across Simcoe-Grey,” said MPP Saunderson. “They support local businesses, attract visitors, and showcase the people and communities that make this region such a special place to live and visit. This investment will help local organizations continue delivering experiences that strengthen our economy and bring people together.”

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.