Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston festival funding includes support for Stewart Park Festival, Celtfest and Festival of Small Halls
More than $322,000 in provincial funding is heading to festivals and events across the Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston riding through Ontario’s 2026 Experience Ontario program.
The funding, announced May 5 by LFK MPP John Jordan, will support 11 events throughout the region, including festivals in Smiths Falls, Perth, Almonte, Mississippi Mills and Clarendon Station.
“I was happy to see more investments from this government going into some of the most loved and well-attended events throughout Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston,” Jordan said in a release. “Not only do these festivals bring dollars into local communities, they showcase the high-quality programming and experiences that residents of all ages can enjoy.”
According to the province, the funding is part of a broader $20-million investment supporting festivals and tourism events across Ontario.
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, said festivals continue to play an important role in local economies and community identity.
“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,” Cho said. “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.”
Among the local recipients are:
- $20,000 for the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow in Smiths Falls
- $20,000 for the Stewart Park Festival in Perth
- $20,000 for Almonte Celtfest
- $20,000 for Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival in Almonte
- $55,000 for Festival of Small Halls events in Mississippi Mills
- $20,000 for the Blue Skies Music Festival in Clarendon Station
- $167,000 for five events in Kingston, including Kick & Push Festival, Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Kingston WritersFest, Canada Day celebrations and Kingstonlicious.
Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said the funding for the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow will help support both tourism and cultural awareness in the community.
“We are grateful to Experience Ontario for supporting the 2026 Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow,” Pankow said. “This investment helps us celebrate Indigenous culture, strengthen community connections, and welcome visitors to Smiths Falls for a truly meaningful and memorable experience.”
Cathy McNally, director of community services with the Town of Perth, said the support will help sustain one of Perth’s longest-running community events.
“The Stewart Park Festival has been part of this community for 35 years, and it really is something people care about,” McNally said. “It’s a tradition that is well loved and embraced, and it doesn’t happen without a huge amount of volunteer effort.”
“We’re grateful to MPP John Jordan and the Province for this support,” she added. “Funding like this helps us keep the energy of the festival strong and continue delivering the kind of experience people have come to expect.”
The province said tourism contributed $33 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2024 and supported more than 300,000 jobs across the province.
SOURCE: The office of MPP John Jordan
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