5 popular festivals and events to check out this year in Mississauga

Some of the city’s biggest festivals and events are set to return to Mississauga this year, organized by local community group CreativeHub 1352.

They’ve announced their schedule of major events happening in 2024, including the return of beloved yearly traditions like the Craft Beer Festival, the Lakeview Farmers’ & Artisan Market, the Festival of Trees, and more.

Everyone is invited to check out these events which all happen at the historic Small Arms Inspection Building in Lakeview, one of the city’s most popular centres for arts, culture and community events.

Save the dates – here’s when the events are slated this year:

Mississauga Festival of Trees
December 2-16, 2024

One of Mississauga’s most beloved holiday traditions is back for its fourth year. The Festival of Trees is a massive two-week festival that ushers in the holiday season with over 80 artisan and culinary markets, workshops, entertainment, and of course, gorgeous art installations like the beautifully decorated trees and canopies of festive lights.

In addition to all of the festive cheer that the event brings, tickets to the festival are typically “pay-what-you-can”, allowing everyone to come out and enjoy this holiday tradition at whatever price they choose.

Lakeshore Art Trail
October 19 & 20, 2024

The 23rd annual Lakeshore Art Trail comes to Mississauga in October and is a must-attend event for art lovers. This year the Trail will feature over 30 local artists putting their artwork on display, as well as artist talks, workshops, and more, helping the community gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our local art scene.

The Trail was first established in 1999 as a collective of local artists exhibiting their works from their respective studios. It’s evolved over the years to become one of Mississauga’s biggest community events, with artists partnering and collaborating with local small businesses, libraries and galleries throughout Clarkson, Lorne Park and Port Credit. The event is now exclusively held at the Small Arms Inspection Building so visitors can conveniently take in tons of great artwork in one place.

Mississauga Creative Craft Beer Festival
June 14 & 15, 2024

Pour yourself a drink and raise your glass to the third annual Craft Beer Festival. The popular yearly event is where some of the best Ontario breweries gather and where visitors explore delicious festival brews and one-of-a-kind drinks. The brews are complimented with locally sourced food, games, and entertainment for a weekend full of fun and flavour.

Last year’s edition of the festival saw over 20 independent Ontario-based craft breweries, cideries, and local food vendors bring their selections to the Small Arms Inspection Building, and the festival this year looks like it’ll continue to have something for everyone to enjoy, from casual fans to the most dedicated craft beer aficionados.

Lakeview Farmers’ & Artisan Market
May 26 – October 27, 2024

It’s not summer without a farmers’ market, and thankfully, the popular Lakeview Farmers’ & Artisan Market is set to return in May. Running until October, a wide variety of vendors will showcase and sell their selection of locally produced foods and sweets at the Small Arms Inspection Building. Shoppers can connect with the people behind their favourite foods while enjoying live music, a cafe, and of course the bi-weekly Artisan Market where local artisans sell handcrafted goods, including beautiful jewelry, clothing, art, and candles.

With over 85 local farmers and artisans participating in this unique indoor/outdoor market, the Lakeview market is one of the city’s biggest celebrations of community and creativity. Stay tuned for the list of vendors who will be participating in the 2024 market.

The Lakeview Village InSitu Multi Arts Festival
March 21-23, 2024 – 6:30 pm to 11 pm

Enjoy gorgeous artwork at the award-winning InSitu Multi Arts Festival, now in its fourth biennial edition. The popular festival invites the community to immerse themselves in three days of captivating visual art, dance, performance, and music. This year the experience promises to be more immersive than ever, showcasing the talents of over 600 emerging and established Ontarian artists.

Since its inception in 2016, InSitu has embraced the transformative power of creativity in shaping the narrative of place and community. Building on the lore, structure, and model of InSitu 2021: The Lost Museum, The Lakeview Village  InSitu 2024: The Lost Edition is set to be a visual masterpiece for all kinds of art enthusiasts to enjoy.

These are just a few of the major events being planned by CreativeHub 1352, with all events listed on their website.

These popular festivals and markets continue to breathe new life into the Small Arms Inspection Building, one of the most historic sites in Mississauga. Originally a munitions plant during World War II, the building has since been converted into a cultural hub that hosts all sorts of creative and community-focused events, thanks to the efforts of CreativeHub 1352 and other event organizers.

CreativeHub 1352 is a non-profit group of community members who regularly organize programs and events in Mississauga. Their goal is to build community through a mutual appreciation of the arts, heritage, and environmental sciences.

For more info and updates on all of the events being planned by CreativeHub 1352, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.