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Upcoming festivals in GTA →Mississauga ItalFest 2026: Taste of Italy
Two days celebrating Italian heritage, music, food, and culture in the heart of Mississauga
Dates
Aug 21–22
Cost
Free entry
Where
Celebration Sq
Families
Kids’ Zone
Enjoy live performances from Italo-Canadian and local talent, dig into authentic Italian cuisine from regional chefs, compete in pasta and bocce tournaments, and join family-friendly activities across three stages and a dedicated Kids’ Zone. It’s two full days of Italian culture, all free to enjoy.
🎵 Live music stages
🍝 Authentic Italian food
👨👩👧👦 Family entertainment
🏆 Games & contests
💡 Bring a lawn chair or blanket and dress comfortably. The festival runs rain or shine, so pack an umbrella if rain is expected. Celebration Square has covered accessible areas and plenty of shaded spots.
Why Go
Mississauga ItalFest is the city’s premier celebration of Italian heritage and culture, drawing thousands of visitors each August to experience authentic food, spirited music, and family fun in a vibrant downtown setting. Whether you’re Italian-born, part of an Italian family, or simply curious about the culture, the festival welcomes everyone to join the party. You’ll taste regional Italian cuisine prepared by local Italian chefs, watch live performances from emerging and established Italo-Canadian artists, and take part in traditional games like bocce and Scopa. It’s all free, outdoors, and designed for everyone to have a great time together.
Schedule
Friday, August 21 — 5 PM to 11 PM
Main Stage: Opens with welcome remarks and Sicily heritage programming. Live performances from Festa Populare, Cat Bernardi Band, Elio & Ferro, Zoe, Elissa, Armando, Joee, and DJ Danny D until 11 PM.
Heritage Centre: Sunny Di Francesco Trio, Pupi Italici Puppet Show, Trinacria Trio, Sicily videos, and more.
Family Stage: Selena Villa, Craig Douglas the Comic Juggler, Miss T Bubble Queen, Dan The Music Man (5:30 PM–8:30 PM).
Kids’ Zone: Face painting, crafts, carnival games, wade pool, bouncy castles, giant games, engineering activities, and soccer challenges (5–8 PM).
Heritage Centre: Sunny Di Francesco Trio, Pupi Italici Puppet Show, Trinacria Trio, Sicily videos, and more.
Family Stage: Selena Villa, Craig Douglas the Comic Juggler, Miss T Bubble Queen, Dan The Music Man (5:30 PM–8:30 PM).
Kids’ Zone: Face painting, crafts, carnival games, wade pool, bouncy castles, giant games, engineering activities, and soccer challenges (5–8 PM).
Saturday, August 22 — 12 PM to 11 PM
Note: Full 2026 Saturday entertainment lineup to be announced. Check the official website closer to the event for the most current schedule details.
Food & Vendors
Taste the flavours of Italy with authentic regional Italian dishes prepared by local Italian chefs from well-known Mississauga eateries. The festival showcases culinary traditions from across Italy, with a special focus on Sicilian heritage and seasonal ingredients.
Authentic Italian cuisine
Regional specialities
Global delicacies
VIP Lounge & Bar Italia
Games & Contests
Beyond music and food, the festival brings classic Italian games and fun competitions to centre stage. Test your skills at bocce tournaments, try your hand at Scopa and Briscola card games, or just enjoy the spectacle of food-eating contests that range from pasta challenges to watermelon races.
Bocce ball tournaments
Scopa & Briscola
Pasta eating contests
Watermelon eating races
Soccer challenges
Market crafters & artisans
Essentials
Parking
Free underground at Celebration Square, plus street parking nearby
Accessibility
Accessible washrooms, covered accessible areas, drop-off zones
Payment
Most vendors accept card & cash; ATMs on-site
Rain Plan
Festival runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella
Getting There
Celebration Square is in downtown Mississauga, easily accessible by car or transit. Free underground parking is available directly at Celebration Square, with additional paid and free street parking nearby. Public transit runs frequently to the area.
Address: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
Main entrances: North-East and South-East sides of City Centre Drive; North-East and North-West sides of Burnhamthorpe Road
Visitor Tips
- Bring a lawn chair. If you plan to stay for the entertainment, a comfortable chair makes a huge difference, especially on a hot day.
- Arrive early. Popular performances and food vendors can get busy, so arriving a bit early lets you settle in and grab food without long waits.
- Check your phone battery. You’ll want to capture moments, so bring a power bank or ensure you’re fully charged before arriving.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat. Celebration Square doesn’t offer much natural shade in August; protective clothing keeps you comfortable for a full day of festivities.
- Respect the rules. No smoking, vaping, pets (except certified service dogs), outside alcohol, or bicycles are permitted on festival grounds.
- VIP seating available. If you prefer reserved seating with premium views of the main stage, VIP packages are on sale at Eventbrite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official Mississauga ItalFest website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsCelebration Square Mississauga, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C1
