The largest South Asian festival in Canada returns to Mississauga with food, live music and entertainment

Mississauga’s Celebration Square will be transformed when the largest South Asian festival in Canada, #BollywoodMonster Mashup, returns this summer and introduces the #BollywoodMonster Food Festival presented by BMO.

The popular yearly event brings the best of Bollywood and South Asian culture, with loads of delicious food, live music, entertainment for the whole family, and a bazaar for shoppers to browse a selection of gorgeous clothing, jewelry and handicrafts.

Entry to the event is free! This year’s #BollywoodMonster Mashup happens on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at Celebration Square.

Tons of fantastic cuisine will be available, with everything from spicy momos to crispy dosas and sweet and tangy papri chaat to get your mouth watering. There will also be other South Asian favourites such as samosas, naan, kebabs, curries, mango lassis, ice cream and desserts. Head on down for lunch because it pays to come early – from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Jul 22, everyone who fills out a survey on site will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 prize!*

“We’re back for our thirteenth year! You’ll be able to dance and sing along to live music while eating delicious food and shopping at the #BollywoodMonster Bazaar,” says Executive Director Vikas Kohli.

“We’re adding more food and shopping options from local businesses daily, so there’ll be something for everyone!”

Audiences looking to shop for fun finds while trying delicious dishes can RSVP at BollywoodMonsterMashup.com/Food.

As for entertainment, an exciting lineup of live performances has been planned for the festival, featuring top Bollywood stars along with homegrown music and dance talent, Bollywood x 80s fusion performances and more, starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 21 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

There’s something to enjoy for the whole family at #BollywoodMonster Mashup. Kids can enjoy free games, arts & crafts and a splash pad at the Tim Hortons #BollywoodMonster KidZone – and from 2-3 p.m. kids can claim a free freezie. Older folks can relax at the LiUNA Local 183 #BollywoodMonster Seniors Lounge, which will have card games, accessible seating in the shade and more.

Those looking to add some more beauty to their lives can browse a selection of beauty products and cosmetics at the Vasanti Cosmetics #BollywoodMonster BeautyZone.

The #BollywoodMonster Bazaar is also returning this year – this is the spot for shoppers to browse through an extensive selection of clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for something stylish or just want to commemorate your time at the festival, there’s no shortage of goods on display.

Speaking of commemorating, be sure to snap a selfie with your family or friends at the Tim Hortons #BollywoodMonster Selfie Spot and visit National Bank’s booth on either day of the festival for your chance to win tickets to the National Bank Open tennis championships in Toronto this August!

You can also chat with the festival’s Bollywood stars from home during the #BollywoodMonster IG Meet and Greet presented by National Bank on the @BollywoodMonsterMashup Instagram Live on Sunday, July 9 at 12 p.m.

Organized by monstrARTity, #BollywoodMonster Mashup has been a regular and beloved event at Celebration Square for over a decade, drawing huge crowds of Bollywood-lovers every year since 2011 – with an even bigger and better event in the works this year!

Mississauga-based monstrARTity is an award-winning non-profit working to fill systemic cultural and economic gaps in underserved diverse communities. In addition to the #BollywoodMonster Mashup festival, they also run the #MonsterArts program of interactive South Asian arts workshops for youth and seniors, and the #MonsterMasterclass artist mentorship program.

With free entry, free parking and free activities, the festival is one of the best and most affordable events to celebrate South Asian culture in style.

For more information and updates, check the festival’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok pages.

*No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.