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Ontario Investing in $209,250 Festivals and Events in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

May 2, 2026

Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen the County of Renfrew’s economy

PEMBROKE – Ontario is investing $209,250 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support six festivals and events in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. 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.”

Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, announced today that the following local events are receiving funding support:

• KHR Canada Day Celebration in Killaloe – $4,250
• 170th Beachburg Fair in Beachburg – $20,000
• Guitars & Gasoline Music Festival in Calabogie – $125,000
• Cobden Fair in Cobden – $20,000
• Palmer Rapids River Festival in Palmer Rapids – $20,000
• Ottawa Valley Buskerfest in Pembroke – $20,000

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.

“Festivals and events are an important part of life in Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, bringing our communities together and drawing visitors to our region,” said MPP Billy Denault. “Through the Experience Ontario program, our government is proud to support these local events as they continue to create economic opportunities, celebrate our communities, and showcase all that the Ottawa Valley has to offer.”

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.