Ontario Culture Days announced that 13 communities have been selected to be official 2024 Festival Hubs for the fall festival on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
The festival will run throughout Ontario from September 20 to October 13, 2024.
The Festival Hubs serve as local community leads for Ontario Culture Days, helping visitors to find events and learn more about the festival. Hubs represent a selection of the diverse communities within Ontario, and present a high volume of quality programming for all ages during the annual festival.
“If you’re searching for a creative community to visit this fall, look no further than our Festival Hubs,” said Ruth Burns, Executive Director, Ontario Culture Days.” We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Festival Hubs from towns and cities across Ontario. Festival Hubs provide on-the-ground representation and help get the word out about the hundreds of community events that will happen in their communities this September.”
ONTARIO CULTURE DAYS FESTIVAL HUBS
In response to the incredible community engagement seen in 2022 and 2023, Ontario Culture Days is thrilled to continue the Festival Hub program into its third year. These Hubs are strategically positioned in cities and towns across the province. The Hubs serve as focal points for visitors to discover local events and gain insights into the diverse cultures of the areas.
- County of Brant: Home to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, this mostly-rural region invites outdoor adventures and cultural exploration.
Partner: County of Brant
- Gananoque & 1000 Islands: Once known as Manitouana (“Garden of the Great Spirit”) by the Haudenosaunee, this region on the St. Lawrence River is a year-round destination.
Partner: Gananoque Arts Network
- Guelph: Guelph, known as The Royal City and nestled between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers in Southwestern Ontario, is famed for world-class arts festivals.
Partner: City of Guelph
- Halton: Perched against the Niagara Escarpment, Halton captivates with its stunning landscapes and historic villages, providing a haven for the artists that live there.
Partners: Town of Oakville, Arts Milton, City of Burlington
- Manitoulin Island: Manitoulin Island, “Spirit Island” is a unique geographic feature that lies within the Great Lakes, and an arts and culture hub in Northeastern Ontario.
Partner: 4elements Living Arts
- Ottawa Region: Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, offers impressive museums, galleries, and a wealth of festivals and cultural events. Nearby, Prescott and Russell offer charming rural landscapes and a burgeoning local culture and art scene.
Partner: Conseil des arts Prescott-Russell Arts Council
- Sault Ste. Marie
“Bawating” as named by the Ojibwe people, is a gateway to the further-north, and a vibrant hub for arts and culture in Northern Ontario.
Partner: Art Gallery of Algoma
- Scugog: Scugog, a township bordering its eponymous lake, is a creative hub northeast of Toronto, featuring artisan workshops and performances for the perfect creative getaway.
Partner: Scugog Arts
- St. Catharines & Niagara Region: The St. Catharines and Niagara region, bustling since the 1820s, has transformed into a thriving arts hub hosting several prominent arts destinations.
Partner: City of St. Catharines
- Thunder Bay: Stunning landscape meets unique history in Thunder Bay. Situated on Lake Superior, the city is rich with history, artists, and landmark institutions.
Partner: City of Thunder Bay
- Toronto: In Toronto, diverse neighbourhoods and an iconic skyline set the stage for city-wide arts events that showcase community spirit.
Partner: Urbanspace, Queen West Art Crawl
- Vaughan: Vaughan is a creative urban city that uniquely integrates art into its public realm, making art accessible to all.
Partner: City of Vaughan
- Windsor: The Windsor-Essex Region, a gateway to Ontario that borders the Detroit River, is a vibrant arts hub with historical ties to the Underground Railroad.
Partner: Arts Council Windsor & Region
Ontario Culture Days will take place between September 20 to October 13, 2024. Individuals, groups, and organizations can showcase their creativity and connect with their communities by hosting arts, culture, and heritage events across the province. Start planning your events now – registration opens in the spring. For more information, visit onculturedays.ca.
