​Application period open for Experience Ontario 2025 program

The Ontario government is continuing to invest in festivals and events in 2025-26.

That is why it has announced the launch of the Experience Ontario 2025 grant program for festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

A press release, issued Wednesday by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson’s office, states that applications will be accepted until Dec. 30, at 4 p.m.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for funding.

Festival and event organizers continue to develop and deliver exciting programming in communities across the province. Your many efforts attract visitors to explore all that Ontario has to offer, boosting local and regional economies while celebrating the diverse identities and cultures that make our province a special place to live, work and play.

Experience Ontario is a competitive funding program to support eligible in-person festivals and events that will have an economic impact and generate increased visitor spending.

Applications will be measured against program criteria and there is no guarantee of funding, including for past recipients.

The government has also announced that the program will be launched through a new on-line portal platform in Transfer Payment Ontario. The portal has been designed to improve the application process with enhanced functionality and streamlined questions for applicants.

Information about the program and how to apply, is available at Ontario.ca. You can also visit the Experience Ontario Application Guide.

Applicants should read the Experience Ontario 2025 Application Guide, watch the program overview video and consult with their Regional Advisor to discuss their event proposal or send an E-mail message to ExperienceOntario@ontario.ca with questions.