Ontario Investing 1.4 Million to Support Festivals and Events in Ottawa

Ottawa, ON - The Ontario government is investing $1.4 million through the 2025 Experience Ontario program to support 23 festivals and events in Ottawa. This is part of a nearly $20-million investment in more than 350 festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand programming and will celebrate Canadian and local culture, boost tourism and strengthen Ottawa's economy.

"This support from the Ontario government will enhance the festivals and events in the City of Ottawa," said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton. "Ottawa has a strong tradition of festivals that celebrate our city's music, food, arts, beauty and the multi-cultural make-up of the capital region. These festivals offer local residents a great opportunity to rediscover everything that Ottawa has to offer."

The following local events receiving funding:

• $55,000 for Art & Water's Dockside Festival

• $125,000 for Escapade Music Festival

• $20,000 for Ottawa Kosher BBQ & Festival

• $55,000 for 50th Ottawa GreekFest

• $125,000 for CityFolk 2025

• $20,000 for Crackup 2025

• $55,000 for 2025 Ottawa Lebanese Festival

• $125,000 for Ottawa Children's Festival" 40th Anniversary

• $125,000 for Ottawa Jazz Festival

• $20,000 for Crave Food & Wine Festival

• $55,000 for 2025 Ottawa Christmas Market

• $125,000 for Music and Beyond/Musique et Autres Mondes

• $20,000 for City of Om

• $55,000 for Canadian Tulip Festival

• $55,000 for 2025 Capital Pride Festival

• $20,000 for Italian Week Ottawa 2025

• $55,000 for 2025 Ottawa Fringe Festival

• $20,000 for Festival des sucres de Vanier

• $55,000 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

• $125,000 for Ottawa International Animation Festival (OAIF)

• $20,000 for Ottawa Italian Festival

• $55,000 for Magic of Lights Ottawa 2025/2026

• $20,000 for Indian Food Festival of Ottawa

"Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, it's 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 Camping. "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 sport local communities."

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