Massive summer festival brings food, live music and fun events to Mississauga

Popular cultural festival #BollywoodMonster Mashup returns to Mississauga this summer for another weekend of delicious food and fun family-friendly events.

This year, the festival happens on July 26-27 at Celebration Square, the outdoor event space in Mississauga’s downtown core.

Known as the heart of Bollywood music & dance and food in Canada, the yearly event is a cultural celebration that combines authentic South Asian cuisine and street food with live music from major Bollywood stars, free fun family activities, local vendors selling beautiful jewelry and clothing, and a laser show.

This is the festival’s 14th year in Mississauga, and as always, entry is completely free! Free parking is also available.

Visitors who fill out an on-site audience survey between 2-3pm on Saturday, July 27 will be entered for a chance to win the #BollywoodMonster Grand Prize of $1,000!

Here are the main things for visitors to enjoy at #BollywoodMonster Mashup:

Tons of tasty eats at the #BollywoodMonster Food Festival

This festival within a festival is the ultimate spot to enjoy both savoury and sweet South Asian classics, and there will be a wide range of options to choose from. Guests can chow down on mouthwatering kebabs, spicy momos, crispy dosas, and sweet and tangy papri chaat – or beat the summer heat with ice cream and a refreshingly cold mango lassi.

With a ton of tasty food to try, including vegetarian and Halal options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the #BollywoodMonster Food Festival.

Performances from famous musicians and Bollywood stars

Guests can enjoy Bollywood right here in Mississauga via the star-studded lineup of performers who will be taking the stage at #BollywoodMonster Mashup. This year’s lineup includes concerts from famous Bollywood stars, local entertainers, and a modern fusion orchestra!

Here are the headliners for the event:

• Kavita Krishnamurti, brought to you by Tourism Mississauga: Known for singing “Bole Chudiyan” from the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, “Koi Mil Gaya” from the film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and more.
• Yasser Desai: Known for hit songs “Makhna” from the film Drive and “Hue Bechain” from the film Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha.
• L. Subramaniam, brought to you by Tourism Mississauga: India’s Carnatic violin legend, known for his collaborations with Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, and more.
• #BollywoodMonster Orchestra, brought to you by OLG: A 60’s psychedelic-themed performance. Don’t miss mashups like “Hari Om Hari” from the film Pyaara Dushman x “Venus” by Bananarama.

The full list of performers is available here.

Free games and crafts for the whole family

#BollywoodMonster Mashup is a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy, and that includes a variety of fun performances on the Tim Hortons #BollywoodMonster Family Stage. This year the performances will include an animal-centred improv theatre, a bubble show, a hula hoop artist, and a circus performer ready to delight and entertain spectators of all ages.

The festival will also offer free games and crafts for kids, like water-themed art, Warli-style animal drawing at the Tim Hortons #BollywoodMonster KidZone, plus performances by the Global Pet Foods SuperDogs. Beat the heat at the Brita Quench Buggy, and snap a selfie to commemorate the event at the Tim Hortons #BollywoodMonster Rickshaw Selfie Spot.

More about the festival

#BollywoodMonster Mashup is a major yearly festival run by monstrARTity, a Mississauga-based non-profit. Since 2011, the award-winning organization has been working to fill systemic cultural and economic gaps in underserved diverse communities.

They also run #MonsterArts, a program where professional artists teach Garba & Bhangra dance, Bollywood & Kollywood singing, ghazals and more to diverse youth and seniors, as well as #MonsterMasterclass, a free business and marketing mentorship program for artists practicing South Asian art forms.

For more info on everything happening at #BollywoodMonster Mashup and the #BollywoodMonster Food Festival, visit their website.

Stay up to date by following the festival on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.