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ONTARIO
Hit the Hi-Ways of Mississauga
The Festivals and Fun Play List
By Kateryna Topol
Every Bite Tells a Story
Don’t skip any meals because the city’s diversity is most prevalent in its food scene. From the multi-cultural Food District to Night Market TO and thousands of globally authentic eateries, you will find yourself consistently satiated. For a taste bud teaser, your dining options include two Michelin-mentioned favourites, Guru Lukshmi and Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro. (www.visitmississauga.ca)
Mississauga became international organically. As time passed, people from across the globe settled here, helping it grow into the world-class multicultural epicenter it is today. Over 140 languages are spoken, and that diversity is woven into the city’s identity, which is uniquely Canadian.
With the people came celebrations, new ideas, and most deliciously—food. One of the best ways to experience Mississauga’s heart is through festivals and community spirit where you’ll find plenty of both.
Join The Celebration
Start your tour in the heart of the city at Celebration Square, for one of the many cultural festivals. The diversity truly comes to life at events like Discover Egypt Festival (May 16-18), the Halal Food Festival (June 13-14), Mississauga Latin Festival (July 18-20) and the largest Japanese cultural event in North America, Japan Festival Canada (August 16-17). These are just a smattering of celebratory highlights you can experience in Mississauga. (www.celebrationsquare.ca)
In July, international Bollywood stars light up Mississauga for the annual #BollywoodMonster Mashup—Canada’s largest South Asian festival. Enjoy the free public showcase, dance at the evening launch party, and indulge at the Indian food fest (www.monstrartity.com).
Another notable event is Southside Shuffle (September 5-7). The award-winning annual blues and jazz festival showcases over 40 Canadian and international musical acts (www.southsideshuffle.ca).
Cheer From The Sidelines
Mississauga has become a rising star in sports tourism. Jackalope Action Sports Festival returns this summer (July 11-13). The high-adrenaline multi-day event brings together pros and enthusiasts for daring competitions. Be one of the fans cheering international athletes base jumping, breakdancing, and competing in BMX challenges (www.jackalopefest.com).
Catch the CPKC Women’s Open at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club (August 18-24). The LPGA tournament unites the world’s top-tier female golfers and you can be there when it all happens (www.cpkcwomensopen.com).
Come winter, the thrilling action continues. Save your seat for the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts (January 23-February 1). Mississauga will be the first GTA city to host this national sporting event, attracting local communities and visitors to the heart of one of Canada’s largest curling competitions (www.curling.ca/2026scotties).
Of course, Celebration Square morphs into an urban snow park during APIK (Coming January 2026). The free winter event gathers fans for gasp-worthy ski and snowboarding competitions featuring top international athletes (www.apikfest.com).
Take Part In The Action
In warmer months you can travel by e-bike or e-scooter on the Waterfront Trail or stroll along the lakefront shoreline at the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. Come winter, take a few laps around Mississauga’s largest outdoor skating rink, or shop ‘til you drop at Ontario’s largest mall, Square One Shopping Centre (www.shopsquareone.com).
For even more challenges, head to BRKFREE where you’ll compete in physical, mental, and emotional challenges across 35+ high-tech rooms (www.brkfree.com).
Getting Here
Pearson International Airport (YYZ) places you right in Mississauga already. The roads to the city are an intricate web of highways from across the province, and the drive from the airport is a near-straight shot to most attractions. Public transit is available on the MiWay transit system, and the province’s GO Train offers two designated station stops (www.miway.ca; www.gotransit.com).
