$20M+ Investment in Ontario Festivals and Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON - April 30, 2026
Yesterday, the Ontario government announced an investment of more than $20 million in funding to support nearly 400 festivals and events across the province through Experience Ontario (EO) 2026. This investment is significant to supporting the cultural and economic vitality of live music and events across Ontario.
The CLMA applauds the announcement, and recently recommended a sustained investment in EO in its 2026 Ontario Budget submission, saying: “Festivals, concerts, and live music events have demonstrated the ability to produce high-impact visitor spending and rapid economic returns when appropriately supported.”
"Experience Ontario continues to play a vital role in ensuring the viability of Ontario's festival and event industry. The program has helped Ottawa Bluesfest expand into an annual international event, contributing over $40 million a year in tourism economic benefits to Ottawa," said Mark Monahan, Founder of Ottawa Bluesfest and member of the CLMA.
“Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in revenue, while bolstering the province as an attractive destination for international and domestic visitors to explore,” said yesterday’s release.
Key Facts:
Ontario’s $20M+ investment supports nearly 400 festivals and events province-wide
In 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs
To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2027, email experienceontario@ontario.ca
Read the official release from the Ontario government here
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CONTACT:
Canadian Live Music Association