May 14th, 2026 – SCUGOG – Ontario is investing over $70,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support two amazing festivals and events in Scugog. 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 Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham announced today that the following local events are receiving funding support:
• $55,000 for Theatre 3×60 for their “Summer Festival 2026”
• $15,965 for the Scugog Council for the Arts, for “Culture Days in Scugog”
In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting nearly 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.
“Investments in programs like Experience Ontario 2026 are about more than funding,
they are about strengthening the heart of our communities,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP
for Durham.
“Organizations like Theatre 3×60 and the Scugog Council for the Arts bring people together, spark creativity, and drive local economic growth, helping make North Durham an exceptional place to live, work, and play”.
Through our $20 million commitment, the Experience Ontario Program is empowering municipalities like Scugog and event organizers to create vibrant, memorable experiences that showcase the very best our province has to offer.
“Once again, we are extremely appreciative of the support of the Province of Ontario through its Experience Ontario program. It is with the funding provided by Experience”
“Ontario that we can engage the high-quality professional Ontario theatre artists and
creators that draws locals and visitors to our extraordinary annual summer festival.”
– Carey Nicholson, General Manager, Theatre on the Ridge
QUICK FACTS
• Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
• 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.
