Things to do this weekend in Mississauga: Nov. 15 to Nov. 17

With holiday cheer filling the air, Mississauga is set to host festive markets, concerts, art exhibits and tribute shows, bringing warmth and excitement to the season. Here’s what’s on from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17:

November 15

illumi – The World’s Biggest Light & Sound Show (Nov. 15 to Jan 5)

There’s nothing more festive than an evening at the world’s largest light and sound show. illumi brings holiday magic to life, offering an enchanting experience with giant snowflakes, candy canes, reindeer, and the world’s tallest Tree of Lights.

Where: 7174 Derry Crest Dr.
Time: 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost:

• Toddler (0-2): Free
• Children (3-14 years): $21
• Senior (65+): $28
• General Admission (15+): $29
• Open Ticket: $39.95

Special Event:

• Doggie Nights at illumi: November 17 & December 5 — Experience the Dazzling World of Lights with your dog by your side! (Visitors without dogs are also welcome.)

Tribute to the BEE GEES: One Night Only

Be prepared to be dazzled by the Bee Gees tribute show, “One Night Only.” With flawless falsettos and infectious grooves, this performance captures the essence of the iconic pop group with precision and passion. Dance and sing along to all the Bee Gees’ greatest hits, delivered with flair and finesse by a cast honouring the group’s musical legacy.

Where: 6315 Montevideo Rd. (Meadowvale Theatre)
Time: 8 p.m. to 10:20 p.m.
Cost:

• Adult: $58.30
• Children (12 and under): $28.50

Seasons Christmas Show 2024

Kick off the holiday season at the annual Seasons Christmas Show, where the local craft and maker community comes together to create a unique shopping experience. Discover locally-made gifts in the twinkling Makeful Market, craft holiday centrepieces in the Make & Take Workshop, sip seasonal drinks at the Polar Bar, and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping for all your purchases.

Where:  6900 Airport Rd. (The International Centre— Halls 2 & 3)
Time:

• Nov. 15 —10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 16— 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Nov. 17—10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost:

• General Admission (ages 18+): $18
• Senior Admission (ages 65+): $15
• Youth Admission (ages 12-17): $11
• Child Admission (ages 0-11): Free

November 16

Generation X Marks the Spot: Black History in Mississauga

Curated by Dayo Kefentse, this exhibition at the Bradley Museum explores the history of young Caribbean Canadians in Mississauga during the 1980s. Through an audio documentary and a new interview with former Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Ingrid Pellew-Berkeley, the project examines the impact of the Black Action Defense Committee and the story of Michael Wade Lawson. It is funded by the BIPOC Community Curator Program.

Where: 1620 Orr Rd.
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (specific days)
Cost: Free

Mississauga Comic Expo (MCX) 2024

The Mississauga Comic Expo (MCX) returns to Hazel McCallion Central Library for a two-day event featuring workshops, panels, cosplay photoshoots, board game demos, video game sessions and presentations. Saturday’s programming will include exclusive exhibitors and special guests.

On Nov. 16, attendees can participate in a scavenger hunt by picking up an MCX passport at the welcome table on Level 1, with a chance to win a prize pack. Partners for prize donations include Klawcadia, Anime North, The Mississauga Comic Book Show and Trapped Mississauga.

Where: 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. (Hazel McCallion Central Library)
Time:

• Nov. 15— 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 16— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Evening of Hope Gala

EveryMind’s annual Evening of Hope Gala is a signature event dedicated to raising funds for child and youth mental health care. The gala includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner, and live entertainment, providing guests with an unforgettable evening of laughter and camaraderie, all in support of a positive impact on young people in the community.

Where: 35 Brunel Rd. (Mississauga Grand Banquet & Event)
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $150.00 per person

Out of the Vault – (Sept. 26 to Dec. 15)

The Bradley Museum will host an exhibition marking the City of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary. In celebration of this milestone, the Museums of Mississauga have hidden 50 artifact markers from their historic collection throughout the city as part of the History Hunt. These artifacts will be taken “out of the vault” and displayed at the museum.

Visitors are invited to explore the unique stories behind each artifact, offering a glimpse into Mississauga’s rich heritage over the past five decades.

Where: 1620 Orr Rd.
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Malton’s Aviation History (Nov. 9 2024  to Jan. 31, 2025) 

Explore the rich aviation history of Malton, a key contributor to Mississauga’s growth over the past 50 years. This exhibition features rarely-seen photographs from the Museums of Mississauga’s historical collection, showcasing the people, places and planes that built Malton’s aviation legacy.

Where: 6301 Silver Dart Dr. (Toronto Pearson International Airport —Terminal 1)
Time: 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Cost: Free

Chic Murray Arena 50th Anniversary

Burnhamthorpe Community Centre hosts a free, family-friendly event marking Chic Murray Arena’s 50th anniversary. The schedule includes a ceremony, a youth hockey game and a public skating session.

Where: 1500 Gulleden Dr. (Burnhamthorpe Community Centre)
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Cost: Free

5th Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition 2024 (Nov. 5 to Nov. 21)

The Art Mashkiki Exhibition brings together Indigenous artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their creativity and share inspirational works.

Where: 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

November 17

The Sunday Antique Market (Nov. 17 and Dec. 1) 

Toronto’s iconic antique market at St. Lawrence Market has moved to the historic Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga! Discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures from Victorian to mid-century modern eras, with over 80 vendors from Ontario and Quebec.

Where: 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Awesome Holiday Show – Mississauga’s BIGGEST Holiday Toy Show

Mississauga’s largest holiday toy show is back, offering last-minute holiday shopping with discounts up to 75 per cent off on toys, collectibles, anime, trading cards, gaming, custom artwork and more.

Where: 290 Derry Rd. W. (Courtyard Marriott)
Time:

• VIP Access —11 a.m.
• General Admission—2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost:

• Ultimate Fan Holiday Package— $55
• Awesome VIP— $23
• General Admission—$12

Trane of Thought: A Tribute to John Coltrane

Saxophone legends Kirk MacDonald and Pat LaBarbera pay tribute to jazz pioneer John Coltrane, known for his groundbreaking work in improvisation, harmony, and saxophone mastery. Accompanied by a rhythm section of some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians, this performance honours Coltrane’s enduring legacy.

Where: 6315 Montevideo Rd. (Meadowvale Theatre)
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Tickets $29.00

Free Grant-Writing and Networking Workshop for Artists

Get insights into the Monster Masterclass program —a free entrepreneurship workshop for artists practicing South Asian art forms. The event includes a panel featuring grantors and grant writers from organizations such as FACTOR, CCA, TAC and the Mississauga Arts Council, focused on funding opportunities for South Asian artists. Attendees will have the chance to connect with the Executive Director of the Bollywood Monster Mashup and network with fellow musicians and dancers. Complimentary lunch will be provided.

Where: 300 City Centre Dr. (C Banquets)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

—Cover photo via Illumi