Visit Canton and ArtsinStark awarded $214,707 in Cultural Tourism Grants to 19 Stark County organizations. Cultural Tourism Grants are awarded for the purpose of generating increased visitation and economic impact for the region through the support of arts and culture events and marketing initiatives.

Cultural Tourism Grants

Application Due by 5:00 PM on May 1, 2024

Visit Canton in partnership with ArtsinStark will award Cultural Tourism Grants up to $20,000 to each approved marketing or event initiative. Grants will be awarded for the purpose of generating increased visitation and economic impact for the region through the support of arts and culture events and marketing initiatives. The initiatives must take place between July 1 - December 31, 2024, and encompass visual arts, museums, performing arts, theaters, attractions, authentic historic and cultural places, and events to encounter traditions, history, music, and art. Read More...

Downtown Canton Partnership Event Grant Program

Application Due by 5:00 PM on April 19, 2024

The Downtown Canton Partnership is offering a grant program for events that take place in Downtown Canton, specifically within the boundaries of the Special Improvement District. Read More...

City of Canton Interior Renovation Program

Rolling Application While Funding is Available

The Interior Renovation Program (IRP) will assist businesses located within appropriately designated commercially zoned areas through the City of Canton. The IRP seeks to assist these qualifying businesses in qualifying zoning districts to encourage business reinvestment and renovation. The program helps fund the interior enhancement and renovation of business facilities by providing a 50% rebate, up to $24,999 on eligible expenses. Read More...

Legends & Lore^® Marker Grant Program

Application Due by 5:00 PM on April 29, 2024

Does your community have a great piece of folklore that should be shared? Legends & Lore is designed to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage. The historic folklore market grants are non-competitive, which means they do not limit the total number of marker grants awarded during each grant round. Applicants cannot apply for more than five (5) markers per grant round. Read More...

Ohio Open Doors Event Stipends

Stipends are available for Ohio Open Doors events on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizations with an annual budget of $50,000 or less, or three or fewer paid staff, are considered eligible to request a marketing costs stipend. Read More...

Enhance your skills as a tourism ambassador of Stark County! Attend a Visit Canton Frontline Training session to amplify your knowledge of our destination, get tips on making recommendations for visitors, and ideas to implement at your own attraction.

This free training is valuable for business owners, managers, frontline staff, interns and volunteers alike. Our goal is to create a destination that is warm, welcoming, friendly, and helpful so our guests leave happy and with a desire to return!

Attend on April 23rd at 9:00 AM or April 24th at 3:00 PM

Visit Canton hopes you will support our efforts to boost the knowledge and experience of the tourism ambassadors we train. Students who complete the training will receive access to the new Explore Stark Frontline STAR Passport to experience Stark County attractions with a visitor’s perspective in mind!

We encourage you to provide a free admission, or discount offer if you don't have an admission fee, to attendees of our STAR Frontline Training Sessions. It is important that our frontline staff to have firsthand knowledge of the attractions they’re recommending to visitors.

Friday & Saturday | May 3 & 4 | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

As tourism season heats up, Visit Canton will host a travel showcase at the Belden Village Mall. Exhibitor Booths will be available for industry partners to highlight fun attractions, events, and things to do around Stark County all summer long!

The center court stage will be available for partners to showcase special programs and performances. Step into the spotlight on the stage to entertain and engage!

Fee to Participate: In County Partners $50 | Regional Partners $100

Why should you participate?



• Showcase your attraction to local and regional audiences looking for summer fun.
• Connect with Northeast Ohio event planners and media partners.
• Promote seasonal job postings and career opportunities.

Visit Canton is seeking friendly, outgoing team members who love to promote Stark County!

Are you hiring? Let us know and we will add them to our Tourism Jobs page!



The Chicago Bears will take on the Houston Texans in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 1st! Tickets go on sale on April 12th at 10:00 AM.

Stark Parks naturalists were featured on WKYC Good Company to speak on the Solar Eclipse!

Food Safety Honors have been awarded to Almost Heaven Ice Cream!

The Canton Monster Fest was featured in the news! They are returning to Canton for their second annual event!

Check out Dreamstream, the new installation in Umbrella Alley in Louisville!

@VISITCANTON