There’s a reason Mississauga Waterfront Festival has been in the top one hundred festivals in Ontario for ten years and it has a lot to do with the fact that this is an epic family and friends event. The fact that it’s free might also sway thousands of people to check it out. Mississauga Waterfront Festival 2015 runs from June 12-14 and is packed with something to do every day. There will be lots of food, indie retailers, a rollerskating party and even an opportunity to take a photo with the Ice Queen and Spider Man.
Something new this year is the Night Market where people will be able to visit Asian cultures and nab Asian goods. This is a unique culinary experience and will run throughout the day and night. Your taste buds will thank you.
June 12th starts off at Memorial Park Mainstage and the theme is everything country music of course so expect talent like DJ Johnny Rivex, Marshall Dane, Ty Baynton and Kira Isabella to bless the stage. Canadian born DJ Johnny Rivex is known for his variety of music from spinning hot EDM music to country sounds. The fact that he does both well makes him stand out from the crowd. Marshall Dane is known for his country rock sound. Ty Baynton has performed at many major festivals and fairs throughout Canada. All of these entertainers are great but they truly have saved the best performance for last. Kira Isabella has been performing all over Canada for at least a decade and has even toured with Carrie Underwood. She’s currently signed with U.S. record label HitShop Records and her single “Shake It If You’ve Got It” is making all types of waves on Canadian radio.
For some reason you’re going to have to choose between seeing the Ontario Dock Dogs or music this night because both shows start at 6pm. The Dock Dogs is an action packed family oriented show. Expect lots of dog tricks and competitions. The good news is the show runs throughout the entire festival so if you go to the concert, you can check out the show on 13th at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. And if you want to see it again, you can check it out on the 14th at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4:30pm.
Make sure you’re all types of rested for day two on the waterfront. Saturday is dedicated to rock. And rock you will! The Memorial Park Mainstage features tributes to U2, Queen and the Rolling Stones.
And if rock music doesn’t excite you, rock climbing sure will. Sports Zone features a 24′ foot climbing wall that is sure to have a huge line. Sports Zone has everything from a mini obstacle course for kids to a mini-bounce station. You will definitely get a workout that will count as a gym day.
It probably won’t balance out though because every year there are food trucks that serve impeccable food like Caribbean jerk chicken and many cuisines from all over the world.
Families are going to want to check out Dave D’eyre Square to meet Elsa, The Ice Queen, Anna, The Princess, Spider-man and The Ninja Turtles. This is childhood heaven and you’ll want to get there early for photo ops because the line is going to be insane. There’s also a martial arts demonstration that will keep the kiddies moving.
Gazebo Stage has salsa lessons and a salsa contest for if you’re feeling Also check out the Ecuadorian Flute Players. Great news is if you miss anything, they’ll be back on the fourteen also.
Last year’s Roller Jam was so popular that this year the event will return. The Port Credit Arena is turned into a full on rollerskating rink from 6pm-11pm. Roller skates are expected to go early so bring your own and avoid the lines. DJ D Smooth will be spinning records with some other rollerskating DJs and the party is expected to be packed if it’s anything like last year’s roller jam.
Sunday is full of all things culture and is an epic way to close out the festivities. You’ll probably be tired from two days of non-stop music, food and crazy but you’ll be too excited to skip out on day three. Day three includes Jazz, a torch relay, and some awesome music at Memorial Stage.
Canadian band Ill Scarlett is headlining and their sound can only be defined as a pop infused rock reggae sound which just sounds like a sight to see. It doesn’t surprise anyone that he band was discovered after setting up shop outside of a Warped Tour Venue and putting on a performance worthy of a record deal.
It seems harder to find reasons not to go to Mississauga’s annual Waterfront Festival. You can’t complain that it’s expensive because it’s free and you won’t go hungry because there will be lots of food and lots of fun. Rather you want to take your best friend since high school or your family, you’re going to have a good time. Just make sure you get there early.
