Ontario Investing in Four Festivals and Events in Durham Region

May 4, 2026

Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen Durham Region’s economy

NEWS May 4, 2026

DURHAM REGION – Ontario is investing $150,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support two festivals and events in Durham Region. 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.”

The following local events are receiving funding support:

· Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce: Convergence Music and Art Festival – $55,000

· Happy Epoch Entertainment Inc.: 2026 North of Nowhere Music Festival – $55,000

· Central Lake Conservation Authority: Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival – $20,000

· The Corporation of the City of Oshawa: Peony Festival – $20,000

“Investing in programs like Experience Ontario 2026 means investing in the people, places, and experiences that bring our communities to life. This program is empowering municipalities and organizers across Durham Region to create memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences for both residents and visitors—inviting everyone to discover and celebrate the very best our province has to offer,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham.

“By supporting festivals and events across the Durham Region, we are strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and celebrating the cultural experiences that bring families, friends, and visitors together,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and Children, Community and Social Services. “Experience Ontario 2026 is building opportunity while honouring the traditions that connect us.”

Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.

QUOTES

“We thank the Ontario Government for investing in the City of Oshawa’s signature Peony Festival, along with Oshawa Tourism’s award-winning Convergence Music & Art Festival and CLOCA’s Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival. These annual festivals attract tens of thousands of visitors from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond to the great City of Oshawa. Support through Experience Ontario helps strengthen tourism and our growing reputation as a vibrant destination for festivals and events.”

– Mayor Dan Carter, City of Oshawa

“The Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival is a cherished community tradition that welcomes more than 10,000 visitors each spring and celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of maple syrup production in our region. Support from the 2026 Experience Ontario program will strengthen the festival’s continued growth and further enhance visitor experiences, educational demonstrations, and more.”

– Bob Chapman, Chair of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Regional and City of Oshawa Councillor

QUICK FACTS

· 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.

· To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2027, email experienceontario@ontario.ca.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Eric Hutchins

Office Manager

Lorne Coe

MPP Whitby

Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org

905-430-1141