BRAMPTON, Ont. — The City of Brampton is now accepting applications for its 2026 Tourism Sponsorship Program, offering funding to festivals and amateur sport competitions that attract visitors, celebrate culture and deliver measurable economic benefits to the community.
The program supports events that provide diverse, visitor-focused experiences while strengthening Brampton’s growing tourism sector. City officials say the funding helps showcase local talent, highlight Brampton’s multicultural identity and position the city as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
In 2025, the Tourism Sponsorship Program supported 24 sport tourism events, generating more than $18 million in economic impact. Those events contributed over 20,000 overnight stays and welcomed more than 28,000 participants — including athletes and coaches — along with over 43,700 spectators.
Focus on sport tourism
Brampton is aiming to become a national leader in culturally significant sport events, supported by the city’s first-ever Sport Tourism Strategy. Funded events are expected to attract visitors, stimulate local spending and create long-term economic and community benefits.
To be eligible for sport tourism funding, organizations must:
Be incorporated non-profits or registered charities in good standing with the City of Brampton
Host events open to the public
Include at least two consecutive days of amateur competition, with a minimum of seven hours per day
Generate at least 50 room nights at recognized Brampton accommodations
Attract participants where at least 50 per cent travel more than 40 kilometres one way
Support for festivals
The program will also fund one new festival in 2026 that promotes art, culture, food, music, dance or other experiences celebrating Brampton’s diversity. These festivals are intended to build community pride and attract visitors from across the region and beyond.
Festival eligibility requirements include:
Open public access
A marketing and communications plan targeting visitors from more than 40 kilometres outside Brampton
Attendance of more than 1,000 unique visitors
A minimum overall budget of $60,000
At least 25 per cent of entertainment, food and operational vendors based in Brampton
Delivery by an incorporated non-profit or registered charity operating for at least three years
The same organization must have delivered the festival for at least three previous years
The event must take place in Brampton in 2026
Applications are open until Feb. 2, 2026. Full eligibility details and application information are available at brampton.ca/grants.
What city leaders are saying
Mayor Patrick Brown said the program plays a key role in strengthening the city’s tourism profile.
“Brampton’s diversity, world-class facilities and vibrant cultural scene make us a leading destination for festivals and sporting events,” Brown said. “Through the Tourism Sponsorship Program, we are proud to support events that celebrate our community, attract visitors and strengthen Brampton’s reputation as Canada’s premier hub for sport tournaments, festivals and community events.”
Regional Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar, chair of the city’s Corporate Support Services Section, said the program helps local organizations deliver high-impact events.
“Brampton’s festivals and sport events bring energy and pride to our city,” Brar said. “The Tourism Sponsorship Program helps build the capacity of local organizations to inspire residents, welcome new audiences and contribute to a stronger, more connected community.”
The program is delivered through Experience Brampton, which promotes the city’s sport tourism, arts and culture, special events and culinary offerings. In 2025, the city supported 24 sport tourism events and 13 festivals through the program.