As art festivals face rising costs and shrinking grants nationwide, organizers behind Port Hope’s Hibernate Festival say they’re looking to make their festival free for all.
Described as a four-day celebration of live music, arts, crafts, food and community spirit, festival organizers say they’re on a mission to make the 2026 edition free for everyone and a weekend of shared connection regardless of circumstance. To accomplish this, the Cultivate Community launched a fundraising campaign on Dec. 2.
Through early support, which includes help through a $12,500 matching gift from the Steve and Sally Stavro Family Foundation, the festival has already reached about 45 per cent of its goal towards a free festival, Cultivate has announced. Meanwhile, fundraising continues until Dec. 31.
“Festivals everywhere are struggling just to stay afloat,” said Jeff Bray, executive director of Cultivate Community. “Instead of pulling back, we’re choosing to open the doors even wider.
“Hibernate is meant to be warm, welcoming, and accessible – a place where families and neighbours can share a moment of joy in the middle of winter (and) this year, we want that experience to be free for all.”
The festival is set for the Family Day long-weekend on Feb. 14 to 16 and will transform downtown Port Hope shops, galleries and bookstores into “warm creative hubs during the coldest stretch of the year.”
Hibernate features live music, family-friendly workshops, food and cultural programming, along with downtown “activations” aimed at bringing to life Port Hope during the slowest month of the year.
Removing ticket costs aims to increase participation for families, youth, newcomers, rural residents, and anyone facing financial barriers to the arts, explained organizers.
The full 2026 festival lineup is set to be announced on Jan. 9.
