One of the biggest South Asian festivals is returning to Mississauga

Residents are invited to celebrate all things Bollywood when the #BollywoodMonster Mashup festival returns to Mississauga this summer.

The event, described as the largest South Asian festival in Canada, will take place on Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 at Celebration Square.

The festival is set to feature live music and dance shows headlined by international Bollywood stars Yasser Desai and Aakanksha Sharma, as well as a variety of kids activities, dance lessons, comedy shows, VIP experiences, celebrity #AskMeAnything interviews, food and shopping at the bazaar, and a laser show.

This year the event will also feature a meet and greet for 100 ticket holders to get a photo with Ontario-born Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, known for her work in both the Indian and American film industries.

Before the main event kicks off, a launch party at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Thursday, August 4 will allow guests to chat with their favourite Bollywood stars and enjoy a night of free comedy.

Leading up to the festival, event organizers will also broadcast a series of “World Showcases” on Facebook Live every day from July 25 to 30, as well as an Instagram Live “Meet & Greet” on July 24.

#BollywoodMonster Mashup has been a regular event at Celebration Square since 2011, drawing huge crowds of Bollywood lovers each year (not counting the past couple of years, when the event was held online due to the pandemic).

More information on everything happening this year is available at the festival’s website.