Contact me!

MPP Oosterhoff Delivers Over $1 Million in Provincial Funding for Local Festivals and Events

May 1, 2026

Beamsville – Today, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, announced that the Ontario government is investing $1,015,130 through the 2026 Experience Ontario Program to support nineteen festivals and events across Niagara. 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.

“Aligned with the Destination Niagara Strategy, these critical investments in festivals and events in Niagara help unlock the full potential of our region and are another example of how our government is protecting Ontario,” said MPP Oosterhoff.

“This critical provincial support for our region as a world-class, four-season tourism destination will not only help Niagara attract more visitors from coast to coast across North America, but from around the globe.”

The Experience Ontario Program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact, helping municipalities and event organizers offer locals and tourists of all ages opportunities to enjoy new and familiar experiences of all kinds.

“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 Hon. 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.”

MPP Oosterhoff announced that the following local events are receiving support from the province:

  • $125,000 for the Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $125,000 for the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $125,000 for the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls

  • $125,000 for the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in St. Catharines

  • $125,000 for the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival in Port Colborne

  • $55,000 for the Niagara 5000 Automotive & Aviation Showcase in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $55,000 for the Ontario Culture Days Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $55,000 for the Icewine Village Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $45,380 for the regional International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration

  • $20,000 for the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival in Lincoln

  • $20,000 for The Foster Festival in Pelham

  • $20,000 for the Sip Niagara Food & Beverage Festival in Lincoln

  • $20,000 for the Welland Salsa & Cumbia Festival

  • $20,000 for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival

  • $20,000 for Canada Day Celebrations in St. Catharines

  • $20,000 for the Niagara Children’s Festival in St. Catharines

  • $19,750 for the Music Niagara Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • $10,000 for the Niagara Comedy Festival in Niagara Falls

  • $10,000 for the Grimsby Lights & Après Winter Nights Festival

“As Niagara’s largest cultural charity, we are deeply grateful to the province for this important investment into both arts and tourism through the Experience Ontario Program,” said Tim Jennings, Executive Director of the Shaw Festival Theatre.

“This funding will help us continue to deliver world-class theatre while strengthening the Niagara’s position as a premier cultural destination. Cultural tourists typically spend three times that of other tourists, meaning this impact extends far beyond our stages – for every dollar they spend at the Shaw Festival Theatre, our patrons spend more than seven times that amount with other local businesses in our community and across the region.”

“As the only theatre company exclusively delivering homegrown Canadian stories in Niagara, The Foster Festival is deeply grateful for this support from the Experience Ontario Program,” said Emily Oriold, Founder and Artistic Director of The Foster Festival.

“This funding not only strengthens our artistic work but also enables meaningful partnerships with outstanding local businesses like Sons & Daughters Winery in Pelham. Together, we are creating vibrant cultural experiences that invite visitors to discover and enjoy the beauty of our region. It is a true win for artists, audiences and our community – ensuring Canadian theatre continues to thrive while contributing to a dynamic and growing tourism landscape. We sincerely thank the Ontario government for this provincial support.”

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.