On May 22nd, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Board of Directors approved its 1,000th investment: $7,000 to the Marie Dressler Foundation for its 32nd Annual Vintage Film Festival, taking place in Cobourg this fall.
OCAF — which began in 1999 as a $20 Million fund — made its first investment to the Royal Ontario Museum for their “Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids” exhibition. The exhibition exceeded attendance and earned revenue projections and repaid a full 50% of the $1 Million investment back to the Fund.
Due to the repayments model, the $55.75 Million of provincial government funding has translated into more than $92 Million of investments into the marketing and promotion of a wide range of events across the province, including arts, heritage, and science-based tourism attractions.
“Bravo to the OCAF Board and staff on reaching this remarkable milestone for the Fund,” said Kathleen Sharpe, Founding Executive Director Emerita. “From the days of a $1 Million blockbuster investment for the Royal Ontario Museum’s Egypt in the Age of the Pyramids exhibition in 1999 to the 1,000th investment to the Marie Dressler Foundation in Cobourg, the funding range reflects the program’s evolution over the past 26 years. Starting out as mainly an investment program for major and extraordinary events, it now supports a huge variety of diverse events in every corner of Ontario.”
Mosaic Festival returns August 1-2 to Mississauga Celebration Square, marking its 20th anniversary. Featuring music, dance, film, and visual arts, the Festival showcases an eclectic lineup of international and local talent. Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances, vibrant art installations, and the popular Rising Star competition. The site also features family-friendly programming, interactive workshops, and a diverse array of South Asian street food vendors.
Smiths Falls will come alive August 2–9 as Old Home Week celebrates a century of history, heritage, and hometown connection. Held just once every 25 years, this special edition marks 100 years since the community first gathered for this beloved tradition. The week-long festivities feature daily parades, concerts, heritage exhibits, and family-friendly programming. Highlights include the Floatfest boat parade, a dazzling drone show, and the spirited Nightshirt Parade. From local vendors and live music to wellness events and cultural showcases, there’s something for everyone at this once-in-a-generation celebration.
SummerWorks celebrates its 35th anniversary season August 7–17 across Toronto. Known for pushing creative boundaries, the Festival features theatre, dance, music, and immersive art in both traditional venues and unconventional city spaces. This year’s theme, Back to the Future | Forward to the Past, explores time, memory, and transformation through over 35 works by local and international artists. Highlights include site-specific performances, experimental collaborations, and community-driven storytelling.
The Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games returns August 8–10 to Centre Wellington in Fergus for its 80th anniversary, bringing Scottish heritage to life with music, sport, and tradition. The three-day celebration features Highland dancing, pipe and drum competitions, and iconic heavy events like caber tossing and hammer throws. Visitors can explore over 50 clan tents, the popular Heritage Village, and Whisky Tasting sessions. Evening concerts showcase Celtic rock bands and international acts, while storytelling, crafts, and family-friendly programming round out this immersive cultural experience.