MuslimFest Brings Food, Family, and Festivities to Mississauga

If summer in the GTA has a signature weekend, this might be it. 

MuslimFest 2025 is back, transforming Mississauga’s Celebration Square into a vibrant hub of food, art, and family fun from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31. 

Think sizzling halal street eats, live performances under the stars, kids singing along to nasheeds, and families lounging on picnic blankets as the square comes alive with colour.

And while Mississauga gets the marquee three-day festival, the season’s festivities actually kicked off earlier this month in Ottawa, where MuslimFest staged a one-day edition that drew crowds to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. 

It was a warm-up that whetted appetites—quite literally—for the big celebration happening this weekend.

A Feast for the Senses

At MuslimFest, food is always at the centre of the experience. 

From shawarma sizzling on open grills to the sweet aroma of baklava, the festival’s Food District is one of its biggest draws. 

Families often make an evening of it: grabbing dinner from the stalls, treating the kids to ice cream or sugarcane juice, and then catching a live show while they eat.

For many, it’s not just about satisfying cravings—it’s about rediscovering flavours from “back home” and introducing them to the next generation.

Family Time, Festival Style

Unlike many summer festivals, MuslimFest is designed with families in mind. 

Parents can relax knowing there’s plenty to keep kids entertained: puppet shows, craft tents, calligraphy workshops, and interactive games that bring Islamic heritage to life in fun, accessible ways.

In Ottawa, kids painted, played, and pulled their parents toward the food stalls; in Mississauga, expect even bigger play zones and a schedule that makes children an integral part of the weekend.

Arts, Comedy, and Community Vibes

The festival isn’t short on entertainment either. 

From the rhythm of drummers echoing through Celebration Square to spoken word, nasheed, and comedy nights, the weekend is packed with performances that balance tradition with modern creativity. 

But it’s the atmosphere that leaves the biggest impression: a community gathering that feels like a giant summer block party.

As one festival-goer put it after the Ottawa edition: “It’s like a reunion—you see friends, neighbours, cousins you haven’t caught up with all summer, all in one place.”

From Ottawa to Mississauga

That “reunion” spirit carried through earlier this month in Ottawa, where MuslimFest brought its signature mix of food, art, and music to the city’s east end. 

The turnout was strong, with social media buzzing about the sense of joy and togetherness. 

For many, it was the perfect preview of what Mississauga audiences will experience on a larger scale this weekend.

Why MuslimFest Matters

MuslimFest is special as it is rooted in Muslim identity, but it’s also about hospitality—welcoming neighbours of all backgrounds to share food, laughter, and art together.

At a time when festivals can feel commercial or exclusive, MuslimFest remains refreshingly grassroots: volunteer-driven, family-friendly, and above all, joyful.

The Weekend Ahead

So, whether you’re coming for the food, the art, or simply a chance to soak in one of the GTA’s most inclusive and colourful summer events, MuslimFest is ready to deliver.

MuslimFest 2025 runs August 29–31 at Mississauga Celebration Square. 

Bring your appetite, your kids, and your picnic blanket—you’ll want to stay awhile.