Events

What to expect

The Mississauga Literary Festival features something for every reader and writer, no matter your age. Highlights include:

• Special author talk – Meet Jess Janz, bestselling author of “The Table Where We Meet,” for a conversation about the stories that we tell, inherit and discover and how they shape who we are.
• Family fun – Guests of all ages can enjoy family Storytimes with guest authors, maker activities, bookish buttons, author spotlights, How to Turn your Journalling into Storytelling with Ambreen Butt-Hussain and more programs for book lovers of all ages.
• Panels – Meet professional writers to discuss your favourite true crime stories, celebrate diverse voices, learn how to plan a series, adapt your writing for different media and more.
• Book sale – Meet local authors and pick up some fall reads at the A Different Drummer Bookstore.

All events and activities are free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited so make sure to get there early. Register on Eventbrite to receive updates.

Event Details

What

The annual Mississauga Literary Festival

When

Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where

Hazel McCallion Central Library, Floors 0-3, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga

Who

Open to all ages

Cost

Free to attend

Hazel McCallion Central Library is close to many convenient MiWay bus routes. Save on gas and consider taking the bus instead with the MiWay Trip Planner.

The story continues at your library

When the festival ends, continue your literary journey at the library. Mississauga Library provides many different programs and activities for residents all year long, including Author Talks and workshops, Storytimes, performances and more.

The library has a diverse catalogue of books, movies, games and other materials to borrow and enjoy. Looking for a recommendation? Ask a library staff member and they’ll share popular new books and some underrated favourites to help you get started.

A library card is free for those who live, work, study or own property in Mississauga. Otherwise, a library card can be purchased for a low annual fee. Register for a library card and browse the collection now at mississaugalibrary.ca.

The “5X Art Party x Inkquisitive” and “5X Blockparty” will bring internationally recognized artists together with the next generation of South Asian creatives. These events are rain or shine, accessible and conveniently located near multiple public transit options.

Made possible through a partnership with Mississauga Film and Music, 5X Fest Mississauga adds a major Panjabi arts and music celebration to the city’s cultural calendar while supporting Mississauga’s growing reputation as a live music destination.

5X Art Party x Inkquisitive

What

5X Art Party x Inkquisitive features globally renowned Panjabi artist Amandeep Singh, better known as Inkquisitive, for a one-night celebration of art, identity and creative expression.

This event marks the final stop of Inkquisitive’s 15-Year World Tour, celebrating 15 years of his work and creative impact. Throughout the night he will host an artist’s talk, showcase original artworks, and host a live auction of never before released pieces.

The evening will also include an exhibition featuring eight local emerging South Asian visual artists. Featured artists include Inkquisitive, Sharn Bassi, Priya Kaur Handa, Jasmin Pannu, Aakashdeep Bedi, Shweta Rastogi, Preet Kaur Pooni, CHAOSX and Amrita Sokhy Marwaha.

When

August 21, 2026, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where

The Small Arms Inspection Building, indoor area, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga.

Who

Open to all ages.

Cost

Tickets are $30.91 and may be purchased through Showpass.

5X Blockparty

What

The 5X Blockparty celebrates Panjabi music, culture and community with performances from emerging and established artists. Experience a one-night outdoor festival featuring live performances, food and vendors, with some of the artists, DJs and producers shaping contemporary Panjabi music today and into the future.

Featured artists include Deep Jandu, Bhalwaan & Signature by SB, Desi Frenzy & Raj Hayre, GMINXR, J-Statik, Sonaali, Arch Heer33R & Taxsaal and more.

When

August 22, 2026, 4 to 9 p.m.

Where

The Small Arms Inspection Building, outdoor area, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga.

Who

Open to all ages.

Cost

Free

About 5X Fest

5X Fest is the leading Panjabi arts organization in Canada. The organization produces events, industry opportunities and inclusive spaces for Panjabi artists, audiences and allies to celebrate culture and creativity, build connections and promote a sense of belonging. Based in British Columbia, 5X Fest has produced more than 100 events and supported more than 500 artists over the last 20 years.

About Mississauga Film and Music

Mississauga Film and Music is part of Invest Mississauga and supports economic development for the city’s growing film and music industries. The office delivers the Summer Concert Series, Love Local Music Program, Live Music Grant and more programs that are helping build the city’s creative sector. It is guided by City initiatives including the Music Strategy (2022-2026), Hear and Now: The Impact of Live Music in Mississauga and the Path to Prosperity 2030 Economic Development Strategy.

In 2023, Mississauga was named “Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week for its efforts to build a strong live music scene.

This year’s theme, Sauga’s Home for the Holidays, invites parade participants to showcase the traditions, cultures, stories, and people that make our city feel like home. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to apply early. Businesses, community groups and performers can showcase their holiday spirit, creativity and community pride in Mississauga’s largest winter event.

Applications that meet participant criteria will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on September 30 or once the parade hits capacity.

Interested in volunteering? We are looking for volunteers to be parade marshals, ambassadors, and staging support. Volunteer applications will close on November 3, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the parade webpage.

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is the newest addition to Visit Mississauga‘s growing portfolio of major events. The festival brings internationally recognized comedians to the city as part of North America’s premier outdoor comedy festival. Produced by Trixstar Entertainment, the festival has grown quickly since its 2021 debut. It has featured some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler, Nikki Glaser, Shane Gillis, Nate Bargatze, Amy Schumer, Theo Von, Tom Segura, Whitney Cummings, Martin Short, Matt Rife and Andrew Schulz.  

As the final stop on the festival’s 2026 North American tour, the Mississauga event is expected to draw thousands of visitors each day from across the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and from communities throughout Ontario and Canada. Combining headline comedy performances with food, beverages and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere, the festival offers visitors another great reason to spend the weekend exploring Mississauga while supporting local hotels, restaurants and businesses. 

Event details 

Who 

The lineup for the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Mississauga includes five headliners and a talented supporting cast. 

• John Mulaney is a four-time Emmy Award, Critics’ Choice Award and WGA (Writers Guild of America) award-winning writer, comedian and actor. Artists performing with John Mulaney are Nick Kroll, Mike Birbiglia and Fred Armisen. 
• Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live. Adam Ray is a dynamic comedian known for his standout live performances. His wildly popular Dr. Phil impression has become a viral hit. Artists performing with Adam Ray are Ms. Pat and T.J. Miller.  
• Jeff Arcuri has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Comedy Central’s “Roast Battle,” “Laughs!” on Fox, SiriusXM, and comedy festivals around the U.S. Artists performing with Jeff Arcuri are Brad Williams and Grace O’Malley. 
• Matt Mathews began performing stand-up in 2022. Since then, his tours, including the “When That Thang Get Ta Thang’n” tour and “Boujee On A Budget,” have sold out venues across the U.S. Artists performing with Matt Mathews are Jordan Jensen and Katherine Blanford.  
• Hasan Minhaj is a two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian best known for his Netflix special “Homecoming King” and his political satire show “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.” Artists performing with Hasan Minhaj are Ronny Chieng and Michael Kosta.  

Check out the video for a peek at the festival lineup. 

Find out more about the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival comedians. 

What 

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is Canada’s premier outdoor comedy festival, bringing world-class stand-up comedy to iconic outdoor venues across the country. Festival-goers at the Mississauga event can choose from a variety of ticket prices and packages, including General Admission, General Admission Plus, VIP Club and VIP Table options. 

The festival is a 19-and-over event held rain or shine. Visit the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival website for detailed schedules, performance times and tickets.  

When 

Showtimes with featured acts are: 

Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. 

• John Mulaney 
• Nick Kroll 
• Mike Birbiglia 
• Fred Armisen 

Saturday, September 12 at 2 p.m. 

• Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live 
• Ms. Pat  
• T.J. Miller 

Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Jeff Arcuri 
• Brad Williams 
• Grace O’Malley 

Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. 

• Matt Mathews  
• Jordan Jensen 
• Katherine Blanford    

Sunday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Hasan Minhaj 
• Ronny Chieng 
• Michael Kosta 

Where 

Erindale Park
1695 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, Ontario 

About Erindale Park 

Erindale Park is Mississauga’s largest park, with 220 acres along the Credit River. Known for its scenic ravine landscapes, woodland trails, river views and large picnic areas, the park is one of the city’s most popular outdoor recreation spaces. It’s well-suited for community events and festivals such as the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. 

About Visit Mississauga 

Visit Mississauga is the City’s official destination marketing organization. Working with local partners, Visit Mississauga promotes Mississauga as a place to visit, meet and host major events. By showcasing the city’s neighbourhoods, attractions, restaurants and experiences, Visit Mississauga helps attract visitors, support local businesses and contribute to the local economy.