Festival cancelled after 19 years in Mississauga

Citing the withdrawal of major financial sponsors, a long-running Mississauga festival won’t return in 2026.

Organizers of the Port Credit Buskerfest said that without the backing, as well as other ongoing economic challenges, the event can no longer continue. Rather than seek more support, those involved in Buskerfest have decided to end it after 19 years.

The Port Credit event attracted about 50,000 people each summer.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the cancellation of Port Credit Buskerfest and the conclusion of an extremely rewarding and wonderful chapter of my life,” reads a message that was posted on the festival’s Facebook page Jan. 19 by Buskerfest producer Karen Cecy.

Held annually in August along Lakeshore Road and in Port Credit Memorial Park, the free festival featured wandering performers who entertained crowds with music, comedy, magic, juggling and or any other type of presentation that often included viewer participation.

The history of busking dates back to ancient Rome, where street musicians would provide entertainment to bring vibrancy to festivals and celebrations in exchange for donations from the crowd, and that tradition was carried out in Port Credit.

Port Credit Buskerfest is another in a list of festivals that have fallen because of tough economic times.

In 2022, the Waterfront Festival was cancelled after a 25-year run in Port Credit, and last year, Paint the Town Red, the annual Canada Day celebration, was abruptly cancelled in Port Credit before the community rallied to stage a replacement event.

In other parts of Ontario, the traditional Canada Day event in Milton was cancelled in 2025, and one of the country’s largest outdoor music festivals, the Sound of Music in Burlington, has also come to an end, but is expected to be replaced by another event.

More recently, it was announced that the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival has been cancelled, and the music-themed Riverfest Elora will also not be returning.

In cases such as in Mississauga, while some festivals have vanished, others have appeared, such as the Port Credit Ribfest. The Southside Shuffle also continues to operate.

As for Buskerfest, the Facebook message stated that it could no longer continue without large sponsors.

“Unfortunately, two of our major funders have decided to withdraw their support, and without their contribution, combined with the current economic climate, it is impossible for us to move forward any longer,” said Cecy. “It’s been a wonderful ride for which I am so thankful, and I truly find peace in knowing, the countless memories, will live on forever!”