Experience Art and Culture at August Festivals in Mississauga
This August, some of the year’s most-anticipated festivals are bringing a world of art, culture and entertainment to Mississauga. From authentic cuisines to exciting live shows and family-friendly activities, there are dozens of can’t-miss experiences happening this month, so mark your calendars and plan your visit to Mississauga with our festival guide.
Join the celebration as this iconic festival, the largest of its kind in North America, returns to Mississauga’s Celebration Square for its 10th anniversary from August 15 to 17.
Festival Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese cultural experiences with hands-on activities like sake tasting and cocktail making, plus showcases of the latest Japanese innovations.
- MCs Khaled Iwamura and Yurika Hinkle will lead a diverse line-up of live dance, traditional athletics, comedy and musical acts, including performances by J-pop and Vocaloid dance cover group Panpanpancake, anime song cover group SolarBloom Project, comedian Wes-P, local kid rock band Mad Carrot, and many more.
- Acclaimed anime song artist and voice actress Machico will headline the festival performances on Saturday evening. An exclusive ticketed meet-and-greet is also available on Saturday afternoon.
- Enjoy the summer vibes and discover unique finds at the newly expanded retail market space, located adjacent to Celebration Square at Square One parking lot 3.
- Taste authentic Japanese flavours with cuisine from local vendors.
Plan Your Visit:
- The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday (retail market only), 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
General admission is free, including access to all festival experiences. For premium viewing and exclusive meet-and-greets with performers, a limited number of VIP tickets are available. Premium tickets include front-row seating for shows, priority access to workshops, complimentary snacks and beverages, plus tokens for the food vendors.
Prepare yourself for a thrilling weekend where surprises await around every corner on the streets of Port Credit and through Memorial Park as talented buskers take over the Port from August 15 to 17.
Festival Highlights:
- All weekend long, you can discover exciting shows from magicians, acrobats, jugglers, beatboxers, musicians, comedians, and more. Catch last year’s People’s Choice award winners Seb & Fritzzz in a thrilling whip performance featuring a daring duel fire whip finale. You’ll also see favourites like local rising star Ryan Brown in a Vegas-style trick show, renowned performer SilverElvis, and a fire-filled circus-meets-comedy stunt show by Flow Berger.
- Wander the festival and you’ll encounter strolling acts including illuminated stilt walkers, bubble art entertainers and wacky pirates.
- See talented Canadian singer-songwriters as they take the stage during Buskerfest in Verse 2 Voice, an exciting competition where they’ll showcase their skills for industry pros for a chance to win prizes and gain exposure to build their careers.
- Along with the exciting shows, make sure to stop by the festival’s newest exhibit, Our Potential, Our Purpose, which invites visitors to explore pressing global issues through interactive activities.
- New this year, families can stop by the Kidz Zone, where young attendees can learn some busking skills, ride a trackless train, jump on the inflatables, create art and meet characters.
- Get adorned in art by celebrated henna artist Nazia Ahmed.
- Shop for handmade and locally crafted goods at the artisan market, and taste delicious bites from local food trucks.
Plan Your Visit:
- Admission is free, though buskers greatly appreciate tips.
- The festival runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Discover the heritage and time-honoured traditions of Italy as this top 100 Ontario festival returns to Celebration Square from August 22 to 23.
Festival Highlights
- Experience the vibrant culture of Italy and this year’s featured region, Sicily, through historical displays and demonstrations.
- Don’t miss out on the exciting line-up of live shows all festival long. On Friday, headliners include DJ Danny D of Z103.5, 90s Canadian teen idol, pop artist Joee, and international recording artist Armando. On Saturday, catch the tribute band Little Tony Family and celebrated Neapolitan tenor Giuseppe Gambi.
- Get in on the action with fun activities for the whole family, from the popular Bocce tournament to Italian card games, plus a soccer challenge, sports zone inflatables, crafts, face-painting, puppet shows and stilt walkers.
- Of course, no Italian celebration is complete without delicious food. Italfest will have plenty of mouth-watering culinary delights, from traditional Italian sweets to savoury bites, with local food trucks on site, including Palma Pasta, Dolce Gelato, Pane E Vino Ristorante and other favourites.
Plan Your Visit
- General admission is free. For a premium festival experience, VIP tickets are available, giving access to an exclusive lounge with food and drinks included.
- The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.