Open
Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)
Funding for major Ontario tourism events
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Funding supports large-scale Ontario events that attract tourists and generate strong media exposure. It provides up to 20% of eligible cash operating expenses for programming, production, media buys to tourist markets, security, and accessibility services.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hosting large-scale blockbuster events in Ontario
- Programming and production for public events
- Media outreach to tourists and out-of-province visitors
- Event security and accessibility improvements for attendees
Documents Needed
- Completed, electronically signed application form
- Incorporation documents
- Most recent audited financial statements
- Economic impact assessment report
- Marketing plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario municipalities
- For-profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Groups of organizations with event hosting mandates
Who is not eligible
- Events still in the bidding stage
- Annual or biennial recurring events in Ontario
- Amateur sporting events funded through Ontario Sport Hosting Program
- Trade fairs and primarily commercial events
- Special-interest or recruitment-focused gatherings
Eligible expenses
- Artist, performer, presenter, travel, accommodation, and booking fees
- Programming and production costs, including sound, lighting, and venue rental
- Targeted media buys for tourist markets, including digital, print, broadcast, social, and outdoor advertising
- Distribution of printed marketing materials
- Event security and accessibility services or temporary accessibility improvements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Administrative and overhead costs
- Salaries, travel, hospitality, consultant fees, and bid or licensing fees
- Marketing creative, production, website upgrades, and media buys targeting local audiences under 40 km away
- Capital costs, prizes, gifts, alcohol or cannabis-related products
- Costs for events outside Ontario or paid through in-kind support
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Northern Ontario districts: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timiskaming
Selection criteria
- Organizational capacity and financial health
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities
- Quality of marketing plan and tourism outreach
- Partnerships and expected economic impact
- Performance measures and event budget quality
How to apply
1
Preliminary Steps and Consultation
- Read the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster Application Guide thoroughly.
- Consult with the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster Program Lead or a Regional Tourism Advisor to discuss your event proposal.
2
Accessing the Application Platform
Create or access your ONe-key account to gain secure entry to the Government of Ontario system.
3
Prepare and Gather Required Documents
- Complete the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster Application Form, ensuring it is electronically signed and dated.
- Attach incorporation documents for your organization in the Transfer Payment Ontario System (if not already submitted).
- Prepare the most recent audited financial statements by a Chartered Public Accountant.
- Develop an economic assessment report estimating the event's economic impact using TREIM or a third-party impact report.
- Draft a detailed Marketing Plan that aligns with projected event attendance numbers.
4
Submit the Application
- Submit the complete application via the Transfer Payment Ontario System at least four months prior to the event date.
- Ensure that all mandatory documents are uploaded.
- Verify successful submission by checking for an email confirmation within 24 hours of submission.
5
Follow-up and Additional Information
- Contact Transfer Payment Client Service if the confirmation of submission is not received.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the ministry before the application is evaluated.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through Transfer Payment Ontario
- Eligible and complete applications are scored against program criteria
- The Minister makes the funding decision
- Applicants are notified after the decision is rendered
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is issued
Additional information
- Applications are assessed through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- No appeal process is available for unsuccessful applicants.
- Non-mandatory websites and attachments are not reviewed.
- The ministry may request additional information before making a decision.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) Program
What is the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
Funding supports large-scale Ontario events that attract tourists and generate strong media exposure. It provides up to 20% of eligible cash operating expenses for programming, production, media buys to tourist markets, security, and accessibility services.
How much funding can be received?
Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program?
To be eligible for the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program, you must:
Legal entity in operation for 1+ year
Event in Ontario and open to the public
Must meet Blockbuster event definition
What expenses are eligible under Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
Hosting large-scale blockbuster events in Ontario
Programming and production for public events
Media outreach to tourists and out-of-province visitors
Event security and accessibility improvements for attendees
Who can I contact for more information about the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport by email at TPONCC@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-325-6691 / 1-855-216-3090.
Where is the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) available?
The Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) is a Grant and Funding