Dogs are invited to popular festival of lights in Mississauga

A huge festival of lights that has become a popular attraction with people since setting up in north Mississauga last fall is now looking to attract some furry, four-legged visitors to the show–at least for one night.

The renowned illumi–A Dazzling World of Lights, which attracted several hundred thousand visitors during its first run in Mississauga from last September through this past April 10, is back under its summer moniker, illumi: All Summer Long.

The summer season began June 29 and continues until Labour Day in September.

Having proven quite popular with its human audience, the show is now opening the gates for one night to people and their dogs.

On Monday, July 17, from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m., visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs (maximum one dog per two guests) to the show for illumi’s inaugural Doggie Night. Visitors without dogs can attend as well.

“Enjoy a summer evening surrounded by adorable pups at the largest light, sound and multimedia show in the world,” organizers say. “As you explore illumi’s 600,000-square-foot lot, your dogs will be pampered with treats, refreshing water and an exhilarating outdoor walk. Meanwhile, you will be treated to a magical experience with tons of opportunities to take cute pictures with your pup, including a doggie red carpet.”

Fourteen different “universes” are part of illumi’s summer show, which is set up on the same massive north Mississauga site near Hurontario St. and Hwy. 407. that’s equal in size to 10 football fields.

Organizers say the attraction offers an epic and extraordinary adventure for kids and adults alike.

“Visitors travel to jaw-dropping worlds through a spectacular walking journey. Inventive and surprising concepts are transposed into thousands of larger-than-life light structures that take shape with over 20 million LED bulbs,” they say.

“Cutting-edge programming technologies, high-definition projections that blur the boundaries of reality and animatronic Jurassic creatures that immerse visitors in scenes worthy of Hollywood films also make illumi the family event of the summer not to be missed.”

An illumi spokesperson said earlier this year that the company is working closely with the City of Mississauga to keep the attraction in town “potentially until 2026-27.”

Scheduled to come to Mississauga on several occasions since late 2021, the illumi festival of lights finally opened in the city last Sept. 14.

Visit the illumi website for tickets and more information.

Here are the 14 “universes” featured in the summer show:

• The Colourful Animal Kingdom
• A Kid’s Paradise
• Tunnel of Love
• The Crazy Boulevard
• The Magic Lanterns
• The Europea Place
• Jurassic Encounter
• The Cavalia Horses
• The Happiest Farm
• The Scarlet Spiders
• The Tree of Lights and its Village
• The Land of Frost
• The Infinite Poles
• Seasonal universe (changes with the seasons)