Destination Stratford is now accepting applications for its 2026 Music Pop-Up Program, offering local businesses, organizations, and artists financial support to host live performances in Stratford throughout the summer and fall.
The program, which is now in its fourth year, provides funding in three tiers of $250, $500, and $1,000. These grants are intended to help host live music and spoken word performances at various patios, venues, and public spaces across the city. The goal of the initiative is to support local talent and enrich the experiences of visitors to encourage them to stay overnight and explore the city further.
This program is a key part of the Stratford After Dark campaign, which showcases the city’s late-night entertainment scene at 16 local venues. In 2025, the program saw strong participation, with 13 locally led initiatives receiving a total of $10,000 in funding to host events. Participants, such as the local venue The Starlight, have noted that the support helps smaller establishments build their reputation as musical venues while providing patrons with high-quality evening entertainment.
Applications for the 2026 program remain open until 5:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2026. Interested parties can find more information and apply through the official Destination Stratford website.
