JANUARY FESTIVALS

FEBRUARY FESTIVALS

PORT CREDIT COMEDY FESTIVAL
Four days of non-stop laughter in Port Credit. World-renowned comedians, like local Mike Bullard, take the stage to lighten up the mood.
www.portcreditcomedy.com

MARCH FESTIVALS

MAPLE MAGIC
March 9-17, 2019
Mississauga’s favourite maple tradition returns to the Bradley Museum for March Break. Tap a tree, taste sweet treats, take in live entertainment and eat pancakes at Mississauga’s only Maple Festival.
www.museumsofmississauga.com

THE PORT CREDIT EASTER FAIR
April 20, 2019
Free Face Painting and Children’s Activities.
www.portcredit.com

APRIL FESTIVALS

ARTS ON THE CREDIT
April 27/28, 2019
For the eighth year, the highly anticipated Arts on the Credit: Show will highlight the curated work of over 40 remarkable artists at the gorgeous Waterside Inn in Port Credit.  Highly skilled fine artists will exhibit side by side with established local artists, giving art lovers a unique opportunity to view some of the best art in Ontario and meet the artists. By combining art, community and conversation, Arts on the Credit attracts thousands of visitors each year, to discover, re-connect and purchase work from the artists.  A special ticketed preview will be held on Friday, 26^th April at 7.00pm for those keen to view and purchase the art ahead of the show, and early bird prices are also available on-line. This year, in addition to the regular workshops, artist meetings, and a brand new on-line gallery and shop showcasing the artists,  AOTC is proud to be working with Sheridan College on a sponsorship programme that highlights promising student artists, who will also be exhibiting at the show. Launched in 2012, Arts on the Credit is an independent arts organization showcasing, promoting and mentoring local artists with annual high-end juried shows. Arts on the Credit is the umbrella organization, with three annual events; the Arts on the Credit: SHOW each April, the Arts on the Credit: TOUR each September, and the Arts on the Credit: ARTWEAR Show in October. Media Passes and Art JPEG’s are available on request. Organizers and artists are available for comment and interview.
www.artsonthecredit.ca

MAY FESTIVALS

SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL
www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com

MISSISSAUGA VEG FEST
May 11, 2019
This new vegetarian/vegan food festival showcases all things healthy and sustainable, focusing on fitness, clothing, beauty, and of course amazing food.
www.mississaugavegfest.ca

ARTFEST PORT CREDIT
May 25-27, 2019
Artfest Port Credit is a 3-day outdoor art and craft festival that takes place May 25-27 in Port Credit Memorial Park. Artfest Ontario, is run by Lory MacDonald who has a reputation for hosting high quality events in beautiful historic settings. It features over 100 award winning artists from across Ontario and Quebec including many local artists. Visitors will see pottery, glass, jewellery, paintings, woodcrafts, photography, gourmet foods and more. This is the 4th year for the art festival in Port Credit’s Memorial Park. The waterfront location is an ideal setting for this outdoor juried Arts & Craft show. The artists love the venue and the Port Credit downtown area. Originally, the show was temporarily moved to Port Credit from the Distillery Historic District in Toronto, but the artists loved the area so much, that they wanted to make the show a permanent feature event in Port Credit. Artfest Port Credit is free to the public and features free art workshops for children and live music. There is a food area with a variety of delicious cultural food choices. The hours are Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm.
www.artfestontario.com/portcredit

CARASSAUGA, MISSISSAUGA’S FESTIVAL OF CULTURES
May 24-26, 2019
Carassauga Festival is an incorporated not-for-profit volunteer community organization that will be celebrating its 33rd Anniversary in 2018. It operated for the first time in 1986 with 10 Pavilions. Carassauga was created in response to a challenge put out by the former Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, to all ethno cultural groups at a meeting of her calling in the old City Hall in the fall of 1985. It has quickly evolved into a 3 – day, 22 hour event. During the Festival weekend, guests will be able to visit multiple Pavilions for only the cost of a Carassauga Passport. Passports are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door. Visitors will experience the breathtaking entertainment, taste the exotic cuisine and enjoy the cultural diversity of the many cultures showcased in our 31 Pavilions. Visit our Kids Zone, a family fun area located in the Indoor Soccer Field at the Mississauga SportZone. Have your photo taken with our mascots; Carra & Missi, also Elsa, Spiderman, Belle and Captain America. Ride FREE on Mi Way or the Carassauga Shuttle buses during Festival hours. Children 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult passport holder. FREE parking is available at all Pavilion locations, with extra overflow parking at Hershey Centre.
www.carassauga.com

VESAK: BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
May 26, 2019
Vesak is the festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, some 2600 years ago. Buddhists around the world mark the event with food, parades, costumes, cultural performances and charitable works. This family-friendly day of art, food and entertainment from many parts of South East Asia and Canada is hosted by four Buddhist temples representing all three of the major schools of Buddhist thought. In addition, the event this year commemorates Canada’s 150th birthday & United Nations day of Vesak. From humble beginnings in 2013 our event has become the largest Vesak festival in Canada. Last year we had 30 participating temples, over 100 monks and nuns from all three major Buddhist traditions and 25 VIPs from all three levels of Canadian government and the diplomatic corps. The event could be described as a South East Asian cultural festival with more than a dozen languages from about 20 countries, native costumes, music, dance, food and fellowship – all served up with a Canadian perspective. We invite you to eat ethnic delicacies, enjoy the devotional art, listen to monks and nuns chant, watch volunteer singers and dancers perform and participate in our Buddhism 101 tent to learn how Buddhism is a vibrant part of the Canadian mosaic.
www.vesakcelebration.com

JUNE FESTIVALS

STREETSVILLE FOUNDERS’ BREAD & HONEY FESTIVAL
May 31-June 2, 2019
The Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey Festival is the largest and longest running festival in Mississauga and in all of Ontario only 2nd to the CNE. Although this TOP 100 Festival continues to grow year after year attracting visitors from all over, you will still get the feel of a small friendly village, celebrating its history, traditions and community spirit. Founded in 1972 and incorporated in 1973, now celebrating its 46th year, the festival reflects the history of the Streetsville Founder Timothy Street and the flour mill he built in 1821 in the town of Streetsville, that still exists today. Each year at the festival everyone enjoys complimentary freshly baked bread, generously coated with honey, originally supplied by our bee keeper. The Bread and Honey Festival is held at the Streetsville Memorial Park, a natural amphitheatre situated on 30 acres overlooking the picturesque Credit River. Many service groups, along with hundreds of volunteers give their time and energy to this annual event always held on the first weekend of June. On Saturday morning our massively popular village wide parade comes through our town led by our Mayor, officially kicking off a weekend full of events and activities.
www.breadandhoney.ca

MISSISSAUGA UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL
June 1, 2019
Since the 1880s, when immigrants from Ukraine to Canada embraced the opportunity to work, prosper and raise families in peace and freedom, Ukrainian culture has enriched the Canadian landscape in every facet of life. Today, over four million people in Canada can trace their heritage to Ukraine, and Ukrainian Canadians, by virtue of 125 years of contribution, are well organized and respected members of their communities. In 1995, Toronto was twinned with Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and to mark this occasion, the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival was established under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch. Originally known as the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival, it was meant to be a showcase of the most widely identifiable aspects of Ukrainian culture in Canada – music, dance, food, visual arts and community. It was an instant hit, establishing itself as one of the premier Ukrainian festivals in North America and growing to attract audiences well in excess of 700,000 from across Canada, the US and abroad. In an effort to share the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture to a growing audience, the festival has expanded to include a day of toe tapping, high stepping dance and music to take place in the heart of Mississauga. The Mississauga Ukrainian Festival, happening at Celebration Square on June 2nd 2018, offers something for everyone. Sample the culture and cuisine of Ukraine. Enjoy the outdoor market and meet local artisans. Savour delights from Ukraine in the refreshment garden and above all else ENJOY!!
www.ukrainianfestival.com/MississaugaFestival.htm

MISSISSAUGA POLISH DAY
June 8, 2019
The Canadian Polish Congress – Mississauga District is excited to host the fourth annual Mississauga Polish Day! It’s the city’s first and only Polish cultural festival. Did you know that Polish-Canadians make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the city? Mississauga Polish Day was founded in 2015 in order to share Polish-Canadian culture with the public at large, in the spirit of multiculturalism. Last year’s festival took place at Celebration Square and attracted 15,000 visitors, a jump from 5,000 visitors in the inaugural event! Mississauga Polish Day offers visitors an exciting day of live performances, hearty traditional food, a beer garden, visual art showcase and kids activities. The event also features exhibits like a vintage car show and pieces from the Orlinski War Museum. All attractions reflect Polish culture with a Canadian twist. Come out and enjoy our hospitality, savour our cuisine and become steeped in the Polish Canadian culture for at least a few hours on June 9, 2018!
www.MississaugaPolishDay.ca

MISSISSAUGA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
June 9, 2019
The Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival originated in 2003 after club representatives realized the potential for both the Canoe Club and City to be involved with the Mississauga Waterfront Festival (MWF). In the inaugural MDBF event, a team lead by Mac Hickox (past Head Coach at MCC) coordinated the ‘maiden paddle’ of the club’s inclusion in the MWF with Mayor Hazel McCallion sitting up front in the ceremonial Drummers Seat of the first Dragon Boat down the race course. Organizers at the Club at that time had the vision to intertwine the great fundraising opportunity that is the Dragon Boat Festival with the MWF celebrations. Back then, dragon boating was and still is, a booming recreational activity fit for any and all participants. It was a natural complimentary activity to the MWF and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Credit River and surrounding local businesses. Recently, the Canoe Club has added its annual sprint racing Home Regatta, (a yearly tradition since 1959) and other racing events to the calendar leading into the Mississauga Waterfront Festival – further contributing to making the first two weeks of June here in Port Credit a bustling time for the community.
www.mississaugacanoeclub.ca/dragon-boat-festival

MISSISSAUGA HALAL FOOD FEST
June 14, 2019
The Mississauga Halal Food Fest originated in 2014 as a festival to highlight the significance and benefits of Halal food products. It was very successful as there had never been such a festival celebrating Halal food in Mississauga. It has become an annual event that has been taking place at Mississauga Celebration Square for the last 4 years. Our main goal for this festival is to bring communities together to one platform to share, experience and enjoy the festivities and cultures of each other. Halal food is a type of food that is primarily a part of several cultures such as South Asia, Middle East and South Africa and several more. This event gives a multicultural experience for people of all communities to enjoy the food, fashion and entertainment of these countries. As the main attraction, we have an international artist performance and local talent who will be entertaining, along with entertainment for the whole family, a variety of foods and activities for children.
www.mississaugahalalfoodfest.com

MISSISSAUGA WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
The Mississauga Waterfront Festival was founded in 1997. The City of Mississauga approached Patricia Anderson, O.M.C. festival Chairperson, to create an event for the community to celebrate the refurbishing and grand reopening of the Port Credit Marina. The following year the event was registered as a not-for-profit organization servicing the needs of marginalized families. The MWF has a very holistic and inclusive philosophy. We have partnered with Service Clubs such as, the Lions Club, Civitan’s and St. John’s Ambulance giving them an opportunity to earn money for their organizations by assisting us in operating various components of our event. We have given scholarships to young people who volunteer for the event through their schools or institutes: Sheridan Police Foundations and Metalworks Institute. Each year the event has grown and is now a free event to ensure that families of all income levels are welcome to celebrate being a part of the community. The MWF is now attracting 71,000 people to Mississauga annually. Through our Sponsor a Child Program, we have also invited 4,000 marginalized families annually to the Festival providing free food and carnival rides. Now celebrating our 22nd year, we are very pleased to have accomplished such great outreach work in Mississauga.
www.themwf.com

TD IRIE MUSIC FESTIVAL
The TD IRIE Music Festival is celebrating its 7th anniversary as one of the Greater Toronto Area’s most highly anticipated summer events at Mississauga Celebration Square. TD IRIE Music Festival is one of the most culturally diverse events and will feature international and Canadian artists in various artistic disciplines: music, dance, spoken word, and visual arts. A diverse array of Caribbean and international tropical foods, drinks and unique gift ideas complete this event. It is free for the whole family. A beer and wine garden will be part of the event, as well as the special IRIE Craft Beer event. There is something for everyone. For more info, visit: www.iriemusicfestival.com or call: 905799-1630. Like us on Facebook: IrieMusicFest/Follow us on twitter: @iriemusicfest/Follow us on Instagram: iriemusicfestival
www.iriemusicfestival.com

JULY FESTIVALS

CANADA DAY AT CELEBRATION SQUARE
Mississauga Celebration Square is Mississauga’s premier outdoor event venue and home to a dynamic mix of festivals and events, including the City’s Canada Day Celebration. Since the opening of Celebration Square, the Canada Day festivities have grown to attract over 100,000 visitors throughout the event. Past performers at Canada Day have included Carly Rae Jepsen, The Strumbella’s, Down with Webster, Alyssa Reid, Kardinall Offishall, and Dragonette. Visitors can take in a live concert featuring internationally-renowned Canadian recording artists and local musicians across two stages, make a big splash in the fountain, grab a bite from one of our 25 food trucks, and cap the night off with an unforgettable fireworks finale presented by Tim Hortons.
https://culture.mississauga.ca/event/celebration-square/canada-day-celebration-2017

CANADA DAY IN THE MEADOWS
This culturally-diverse, entertainment-packed event takes place July 1 at Churchill Meadows Community Common from 2 pm to 10 pm and features fun for all ages and an opportunity to experience a taste – quite literally – of the many rich traditions that make up Mississauga’s northwestern neighbourhoods. Performances include Aboriginal music, Irish dancing, martial arts demonstrations, a Chinese lion dance, and a reenactment of the War of 1812, to name just a few. Artisans and food vendors will add to the cultural flavour. The evening features musical performances by local artists from a variety of styles including country, pop, and South Asian, all capped off by a magnificent fireworks display. An “Escape Room” experience is being added this year for teens and families. Canada Day in the Meadows, was The Together Festival and previously the Churchill Meadows Canada Day carnival that was hosted by the ICNA Sisters. Four community-minded groups have partnered together to put on the 2018 festival: Churchill Meadows Residents Association, Lisgar Residents Association, Muslim Neighbour Nexus and Ward 10 City Councillor Sue McFadden.
www.canadadaytogether.ca

MALTON CELEBRATES CANADA DAY
This year, Malton will host its biggest Canada Day celebration to date as we commemorate Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation. stThe festival will run July 1 at Westwood Square on Goreway Road from 2-10pm. The 2017 festival will run longer than ever and include more entertainment, activities and family fun. New this year are a number of inflatable obstacle courses and bouncy castles, as well as a trackless train ride. A vendor marketplace and expanded food offerings are also planned additions. As in previous years, a wide range of performances will take the stage beginning at 5pm and the night will end in a bang at 10pm as a spectacular fireworks display set to music is launched off the roof of the mall. This year will mark the third year for Malton Celebrates Canada Day. Created in 2015 by Councillor Parrish, the festival was an initiative designed to give Malton residents access to a free and inclusive community wide event to celebrate its national heritage
www.carolynparrish.ca/canadaday

PAINT THE TOWN RED – PORT CREDIT
For the first time in 14 years, Paint the Town Red, Port Credit’s Canada Day Celebration will be a two-day event, st ndfrom Saturday July 1 to Sunday July 2 , to celebrate thC anada’s 150 birthday on Mississauga’s vibrant waterfront community. The Festivities begin on July 1st with the Hazel McCallion Canada Day Parade along Lakeshore Road, followed by an enormous cake cutting, served by our wonderful volunteers. Dignitaries, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Sven Spengemann MP, The Honourable Charles Sousa MPP and Jim Tovey Ward 1 Councillor will help serve cake, mingle with the crowd, and maybe even pose for selfies! At noon, join us at Port Credit Memorial Park where live music, tribute and local bands, and up-and-coming stars will entertain you throughout the afternoon and evening. There is a great selection of local and international food and craft vendors to enjoy. We also have several Canadian artists, youth groups, children’s entertainers, and Kids Zone in the park. On Saturday night, we end the first day of festivities with a BANG, a phenomenal 25minute fireworks display lighting up the Port Credit skies. Come back on Sunday, July 2 for more music, fun, and great food. Let’s celebrate thCanada’s 150 in Port Credit. O CANADA!
www.paintthetownred.ca

STREETSVILLE CANADA DAY
For over 20 years, the Streetsville Canada Day celebrations have delighted crowds with festivities all designed to celebrate our shared heritage and pride in our nation. 2017, with Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary, will certainly be extra special! Each year, residents & visitors join together to enjoy entertainment from local performers, share a piece of our patriotically decorated cake, and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show to finish the evening. One of the most moving parts of the event has always been the flag-raising and singing of “O Canada”, both led by our resident retired RCMP officer, and the Streetsville Legion’s Colour Guard.
The Streetsville Canada Day event, like so many others, was started to bring the ever-changing community of Streetsville together for fun and fellowship in the name of our great country. Each year, the BIA endeavours to bring the spirit of patriotism to life and celebrate the diverse cultures all living in the great ‘mosaic’ that is Canada.
www.villageofstreetsville.com

PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL OF MISSISSAUGA (FORMERLY “FIESTA NG KALAYAAN”)
In 2011, Filipinos living in Mississauga and its environs took their celebration of the Philippine Independence Day to the mainstream by holding it at Mississauga Celebration Square and opening it to the public. Formerly called Fiesta ng Kalayaan, the Philippine Festival of Mississauga (“Philippine Festival”) is the largest cultural Filipino event west of Toronto. The Philippine Festival is a community based and family-oriented event led by the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization in partnership with three Filipino organizations: Culture Philippines of Ontario, Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, Kalayaan Cultural Community Center (KCCC), as well as ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel. The event brings together artists, small businesses, entrepreneurs and the community. Now in its 8th year, the Philippine Festival has attracted thousands of people each year. Some highlights this year will include: a Kids Village with train rides, bouncy castles, Filipino crafts and Filipino games, dozens of vendors serving sumptuous dishes that the Philippines is known for, attractive merchandise such as personal accessories and home décor, music from Canadian composers, musicians and bands, as well as cultural presentations by leading Filipino and other ethnic cultural organizations.
www.philippinefestivalmississauga.com

AMACON MISSISSAUGA ROTARY RIBFEST
The Rotary Club of Mississauga and the Rotary Club of Mississauga-West present the 15th annual Ribfest at Celebration Square. Over 100,000 people will walk through the gates by the time the four-day event draws to a close. Talk about growth from our first year of 10,000. What’s in store – Ribs! Awesome delicious racks of ribs, corn, blooming onions, craft beer, and live music. 2018 is the fiftheenth year of this family focused event. It’s grown to an event with live music, and over 55 vendors! In fact it has grown with the Square as it developed and changed shape along with the space. From bringing in a stage to having access to a first class facility, we are proud of having grown along with the space to bring the City one of its largest festivals. Mississauga and Mississauga West Rotary Clubs have donated over $1M from Ribfest with proceeds supporting such diverse groups as Trillium Health Partners Foundation, ErinoakKids Centre, Peel Regional Science Fair, Mississauga Food Bank, and Peel Children’s Aid Society.
www.mississaugaribfest.com

#BOLLYWOOD MONSTER MASHUP
#BollywoodMonster Mashup (BMM) fuses Bollywood culture and performance favourites with western music and dance, and features an original fusion music act and Bollywood headliner each year. Along with music, dance and film, the BMM festival includes club nights, KidZone activities (for hands-on experience with instruments), comedy shows and more. Born in 2011 and now the largest South Asian festival in Canada, the first BMM event was a single concert created as an IIFA Buzz event alongside the awards in Toronto. It became a stand-alone festival in 2012, and continues to be organized in full by MonstrARTity Creative Community. BMM now includes additional events throughout the month, and the free BMM main event at Mississauga Celebration Square. Monster Monde celebrates the new face of Canadian dance & music with performances from French-Canadian, South Asian, Chinese and Indigenous Canadian disciplines.
www.bollywoodmonstermashup.com

STEAMPUNK INVASION: MAD SCIENCE AT BENARES HISTORIC HOUSE
Featuring music, performances, vendors, food and family activities, this event reimagines 19th century technology for a contemporary audience.
culture.mississauga.ca/museums

MISSISSAUGA LATIN FESTIVAL
The Mississauga Latin Festival was the result of seven years of programming made by “Colombia en Mississauga,” an organization dedicated to the celebration of Colombian cultural traditions in Mississauga. Following the success of those festivals, “Colombia en Mississauga” decided to create “The Canadian Latin Heritage Association” a nonprofit organization, which would promote and showcase the varied cultural influences, not only of Colombia, but of all 19 countries of Latin America through events as MISSISSAUGA LATIN FESTIVAL, where the Mississauga community and visitors can enjoy and learn about the heritage of LATIN traditions through a big PARADE, music, folklore, painting, dance and Latin gastronomical delights. Mississauga Latin Festival welcomes all cultures to enjoy the warmth, music, food and Latin culture at the only LATINO FESTIVAL in Mississauga and the Region of Peel.
www.mississaugalatinfestival.com

AUGUST FESTIVALS

TD MOSAIC – SOUTH ASIAN FESTIVAL OF MISSISSAUGA
Mosaic’s vision is to continue to be recognized as a multi-disciplinary arts festival setting the standard for other South Asian festivals, through its unique, high caliber original programming and highest standards of production and presentation. Each year we search for and select popular artists and performers who are recognized amongst their peers as true masters in the fields of visual and performing arts, including painting, dance, music, folk, film, theatre, comedy, literature and more. Mosaic festival and all its components is completely free to attend. A glance at Mosaic’s programming in previous years can be found at www.communityart.ca or at www.mosaicfest.com

MISSISSAUGA ITALFEST – FERRAGOSTO IN THE CITY
Mississauga ITALFEST is a cultural event for its residents and its neighbouring community. There has been a great deal of care in bringing this event to you and we look forward to celebrating all things Italian – food, music, wine, culture, dance and heritage. We have no doubt this will be a memorable, fun-filled day for the entire family!
Mississauga ITALFEST is a volunteer driven event. A portion of the funds raised during the event, are invested back into the community through Tomorrow’s Community of Hope (TCOH).
www.mississaugaitalfest.com

PORT CREDIT BUSKER FEST
Port Credit Busker Fest is an international street performer’s festival, presenting the most sought after circus-type acts in the world. Featuring high energy circle shows and eccentric roving characters throughout The Village. New this year will be the Friday Night Opening Show; featuring a Rock n’ Roll performance by BIG NAZO – bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized puppet characters. Also, be sure to bring the family out to the Kidz Zone! Where kids and kids at heart can learn to be Buskers and get creative with interactive art installations. The festival started in 2006, inspired by BIA General Manager Ellen Timms. Ellen knew a busker festival would thrive in booming Port Credit, and she set out to make it happen. The first one was tested on a small scale; one performance site and a handful of performers. The idea was to grow slowly and steadily, and learn as we grew. Over the years we have built a solid festival team, foundation, and excellent reputation with street performers on an international level. From the beginning we have strived to always treat everyone with respect, make our event accessible to all, and offer incredible hospitality to our performers as well as attendees.
www.portcreditbuskerfest.com

JAPAN FESTIVAL
Amazing “Japan Festival”, renamed as “Japan Festival CANADA 2017” introduces Japanese food, culture and technologies to the community of Mississauga. This year marks Canada’s 150th Anniversary welcoming special guests for a commemorative ceremony during the event. This culturally colourful event has attracted many visitors to enjoy the true Japan. With the strong support of the Government of Canada and Japan, Canadian and Japanese corporations, organizations, vendors and communities, “Japan Festival CANADA 2017” is expecting more than 70,000 visitors over the 2 day event. “Japan Festival CANADA 2017” is for all ages, families and friends to truly enjoy and experience Japanese food, culture and technologies especially highlighting Canada’s 150th Anniversary. “Japan Festival CANADA 2017” is the largest Japanese festival in Canada and many visitors are looking forward to attending the event.
www.japanfestivalcanada.com

MUSLIMFEST
MuslimFest 2017 arrives on the heels of Canada’s 150th anniversary. To honour the anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, our festival will feature an unprecedented array of 150 contributions from Canadian Muslims to our country. Unlike any other non-profit organization in our field, MuslimFest will be the first to feature an exclusive mixed-multimedia exhibit dedicated to #Canada150. The exhibit will host visual art pieces, as well as short stories, maps, vocal performances and short films. Fans can always count on MuslimFest for being its own brand of family fun and free entertainment. This year’s festival is organizing an unforgettable event with new artists, fun workshops and bigger on-stage shows. Attendees can look forward to brand new festival themes showcasing a celebration of unique comedy, youth and prime-time concerts. MuslimFest 2017 will also feature an exclusive international movie screening. To supplement last year’s unprecedented 35,000 crowd-turnout, the festival will organize a heartfelt tribute to victims of the Quebec City shooting. The idea of MuslimFest began with a brainstorming session in a post 9/11 milieu in Mississauga with young leaders, educators, and artists who determined the need for a cultural space to provide young Muslims an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and cultural expression. Another opportunity identified was a venue for Muslims and their neighbours to experience the lighter, cultural side of Islam that is often missing in the public portrayals of this faith. MuslimFest was launched in 2004 at the Living Arts Centre, with 40 plus artists and 6,000 attendees. Over the past 13 years, MuslimFest has grown into an award-winning, signature Mississauga festival attracting over 90 artists, 300 volunteers and 30,000 attendees.
www.muslimfest.com

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS

TIM HORTONS SOUTHSIDE SHUFFLE BLUES AND BBQ FESTIVAL
The annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & BBQ Festival, in its 19th year, is a 3 day outdoor music festival held in Port Credit September 8th to 10th that attracts over 70,000 people. This year we are celebrating Canada and Ontario’s 150th anniversaries with 100% Canadian acts featuring the best of Canadian Blues including Ladies Sing The Blues, First Nations performers, the rising stars of the Blues and a performance on the influence of the Underground Railroad for Blues in Canada. Port Credit’s Memorial Park is the centerpiece of the festival and includes four stages of non-stop entertainment. The entire park is licenced allowing festival goers to enjoy beer and wine as they shuffle through the festival grounds. Lakeshore Road in the Village is closed to traffic for Saturday afternoon’s Rabba free Street Shuffle featuring over 20 bands performing on steps, patios and sidewalks. Vendor Village features a variety of arts and crafts, clothing and jewellery presented by local artisans and the Southside Food & BBQ Court provides a wide variety of food choices. FREE ADMISSION TO VENDOR VILLAGE, FOOD COURT AND SOUTH STAGES 1 & 2! Visit www.southsideshuffle.ca for details.

EGYPTIAN COPTIC FESTIVAL
September 8, 2018

VIET SUMMER FEST
Viet Summer Fest showcases the Vietnamese culture through art, music and cuisine. This event preserves and promotes the Vietnamese culture, while highlighting Mississauga’s cultural diversity. Viet Summer Fest is an annual festival and each year thousands of people from the GTA and surrounding areas gather to participate in this festival, which has kept an ongoing tradition of fun, culture and entertainment for all ages. Celebration Square will be alive with the sights and sounds of Vietnam on Saturday, September 9th, 2017 from 3pm-8pm when Viet Summer Fest moves in for its 9th year. The event is a celebration of Vietnamese culture featuring singers, folk musicians and dancers. Vendors will be there serving up authentic Vietnamese food and selling traditional crafts and providing games for children.
www.minhchauproduction.com

ENGAGEMENT AT BRADLEY 1812
Join Heritage Mississauga and Thompson’s Company, 2 Regiment of York Militia 1812 Reenactment Company for the Engagement at Bradley, a re-enactment weekend, on September 15-16. The weekend will feature 1812-era skirmish re-enactments, soldiers drill, musket firing demonstrations, sutlers, encampment and cooking demonstrations. Come out and experience 1812! For more information on Thompson’s Company’s please visit: http://2ndyork.com/ Or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2nd-Regiment-of-York-Militia-Thompsons-Company-138994486266850/ Special thanks to the Museums of Mississauga for opening the Bradley Museum (1620 Orr Road) site for this special re-enactment weekend.

DRAGON LION DANCE FESTIVAL
This event will usher in a grand national party filled with entertainment and food for all ages. The Dragon Lion Dane Festival consists of a parade of dragon and lion dances, Chinese style art performances, dance, Tai Chi and martial arts demonstrations.
www.en.mma99.com

DOORS OPEN ONTARIO
Discover the story behind every door! From April to October, explore Ontario’s heritage treasures at free weekend events across the province, including Doors Open Mississauga on September 22! Doors Open Ontario, an annual program of the Ontario Heritage Trust, provides access to over 1,000 fascinating sites with unique experiences and family activities. From farms to fire stations, schoolhouses to city halls, power plants to places of worship, Doors Open Ontario has something for everyone! As you discover the story behind every door, share your stories through MyOntario – A vision over time. As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we recognize that the cultural history of what is now Ontario stretches back more than 10,000 years. Many nations and many peoples have called this place home. Be the province’s storytellers, record keepers, historians and visionaries! Join the conversation at heritagetrust.on.ca/myontario and look for special MyOntario activities at Doors Open events across the province! The Doors Open phenomenon started in France in 1984. The idea soon spread through Europe, with the events united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe in 1991. The City of Toronto launched North America’s first Doors Open event in 2000, and the concept continues to grow across the continent. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario, the first province-wide event of its kind in Canada, to create access, awareness and excitement about Ontario’s heritage. Since then, the program has attracted 6.7 million visitors to explore over 16,700 sites.
www.doorsopenontario.on.ca

DOORS OPEN MISSISSAUGA
Doors Open is an international movement to encourage people to explore “behind closed doors” of places of interest around the City of Mississauga. The event is presented by participating sites with the support of the City of Mississauga’s Culture Division in association with the province-wide Doors Open program of the Ontario Heritage Trust. Doors Open is a province-wide event that is held annually and is free of charge to those participating. The event provides an opportunity for the community of Mississauga to highlight specific locations that have cultural, historic, social, environmental or architectural significance. The purpose of the event is to connect people living in and around Mississauga with the different locations throughout the city that they may not be familiar with. The first Doors Open Mississauga event was held in 2003, which originated with less than 10 participating sites. Each year the event gained popularity and new sites were added to the participation list. In 2010 there were 19 sites participating, in 2011 there were 37 participating sites. In recent years we have had over 40 participating sites and thousands of people exploring each location annually. The year 2013 was significant for Doors Open as Mississauga held the first Morning Official Opening Ceremony to kick off the Doors Open day and then Mayor, Hazel McCallion and Councillor, Bonnie Crombie were two of many key speakers. Heritage Mississauga produced a comic called ‘The Grange’, which was based on the Avro Arrow and launched the comic during the Opening Ceremony. They were also major partners in planning the ceremony and other key events throughout the City. This event was held at the International Centre and included a full sized replica of the Avro Arrow (signifying the historical significance between Avro Arrow and Mississauga’s aviation history). The ceremony was concluded with a ribbon cutting and a note of warm wishes from the Mayor to participants and sites. In 2018, Doors Open Mississauga will feature sites in Malton. Throughout each Doors Open year, Heritage Mississauga and the Mississauga Arts Council have been key partners with the Culture Division in planning the Doors Open event. It is through team work and continued partnership that allows every Doors Open event to be successful. We encourage those interested to participate and learn more about Mississauga
www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/mississauga

CULTURE DAYS
Take part in over 2000 free hands-on and behind-the-scenes art, culture and heritage activities across Ontario this September 29, 30, and October 1! The eighth annual Culture Days invites everyone to explore, discover and participate in the arts and cultural life of your community. Last year activities took place in more than 165 cities and towns in Ontario including Mississauga and 12% of all activities were heritage-based! In past years, many heritage sites in Mississauga participated in Culture Days by pairing with Doors Open. Some historic venues hosted artists and cultural groups in partnership with the Mississauga Arts Council, while others offered expanded hands-on programming in addition to their site tours. Notable past Culture Days events include Heritage Mississauga’s launch of a comic book based on the incredible story of the Avro Arrow, as well as a celebration of Mississauga Civic Centre’s 25th Anniversary. As a grassroots, collaborative initiative, Culture Days relies on your participation! Whether as an arts or heritage organization, an individual artist or history-buff, a school, a business… everyone can play a role in shaping Culture Days in Mississauga. Visit on.culturedays.ca to find out more about getting involved or attending this year’s Culture Days events. Use the “Find Activities Near Me” geolocated search to discover the artists, galleries, museums, heritage sites, theatres, festivals and cultural organizations in your neighbourhood.
www.culturedays.ca

COOKSVILLE FESTIVAL OF CULTURES
www.induscs.ca

OCTOBER FESTIVALS

DIWALI RAZZMATAZZ
Diwali RAZZMATAZZ has established itself to be the largest Free Diwali Festival in Canada. Since its debut in 2015 and now in its third year Diwali RAZZMATAZZ provides programming and stage performances for all ages of the family. Indo-Canada Arts Council, a federally registered not-for profit organization with the support of volunteer board of directors and advisors, organizes the festival. Mr. Ajaay Modi, the festival founder has immense experience in conducting large festivals across Canada. Diwali, known as the festival of lights is a major Hindu festival celebrated worldwide. Diwali is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama after his jubilant victory over demons. The tradition of lighting earthen lamps followed on this day serves as a promise to turn darkness into light and spread peace and prosperity. Attended by over 50,000 people each year, the festival is a one stop destination for perfect festival shopping in Diwali Bazaar and numerous ethnic food vendors at “Diwalicious Food Court”. The corporate participation with free Diwali gifts is appreciated by all visitors. Some of the biggest Bollywood headliners including “Mika Singh” have performed in the past at the festival. In 2016 more than 450 artists performed at the festival including the largest musical symphony of more than 60 musicians on the 88′ wide stage. This year, the theme of Canada 150 and Ontario 150 shall be incorporated through décor, exhibits and contests. The stage programming will feature collaborative and fusion works by Aboriginal and Bollywood artists.
www.diwalirazzmatazz.com

18TH ANNUAL HAUNTED MISSISSAUGA
Heritage Mississauga’s ever-popular 18th annual “Haunted Mississauga” spirit tour evening brings us to the Benares Historic House. Space is limited. The evening will feature a little history, some tales, and a contentious debate on the merits of Confederation. This year our story is set as a WWI Victory Party. The actors are volunteers. The story is part of our history.
www.heritagemississauga.com

HALLOWEEN MONSTER MASH
www.celebrationsquare.ca

STREETSVILLE SPOOKTACULAR
www.villageofstreetsville.com

NOVEMBER FESTIVALS

LIGHT UP THE SQUARE
Celebrate the wonder that is the great white north where bright lights, winter magic, and cozy moments make for an unforgettable night.
www.celebrationsquare.ca

STREETSVILLE CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
After over a decade of hosting the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade, the Streetsville BIA made a change to their Christmas programming in 2016! For the first time ever, the Streetsville BIA played host to a Victorian-style Christmas market on the Village Square, complete with unique vendors, holiday treats and festive entertainment. Rounding out the weekend was a Sunday filled with family-friendly activities and a re-imagined Santa Claus Parade. In 2018, the Village will once again be decked out in holiday spirit for a weekend-long celebration featuring an expanded Christmas Market and family-friendly activities spanning the entire two-day event! The Big Man in Red will be in the Village throughout the weekend as always, to make sure all the good little girls & boys can recite their Christmas wish lists!
www.streetsvillechristmasinthevillage.com

DECEMBER FESTIVALS

CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Take the stress out of holiday shopping to find unique hand crafted items made by local artisans and vendors.
www.mississaugaartscouncil.com

HISTORIC CANADIAN CHRISTMAS AT BRADLEY MUSEUM
Bradley Museum
www.museumsofmississauga.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Ring in 2020 at the largest New Year’s bash in the city.
www.celebrationsquare.ca