Gigantic Italian food and culture festival taking over Ontario city this weekend

With summer festivals still in full swing, one that is being billed as among the best in Ontario is returning to Mississauga in the coming days, and it's an annual tradition for the city. 

The 13th annual Italfest will come to the heart of the GTA city this weekend, serving as a celebration of all things Italian heritage.

Think traditional music (or some musica tradizionale italiana) from some big Italo-Canadian names, culinary delights that will make you feel like you've been whisked away to the European nation (save for the long-haul flight), and other fun activities to keep everyone entertained.

This year, the spotlight is on the Sicily region, known for its arancini, fish, eggplant-based appetizers and its own variation of pizza.

For those who are looking to tingle their tastebuds, you can not only sample these and more delicious dishes, but can take part in pasta, cannoli and watermelon eating contests. Local top-rated chef Luciano Schipano will also make a special appearance to give a live cooking demo. 

Also in attendance are Guiseppe Gambi and The Little TONY Family, plus local actsl ike Armando, Elissa, Zoe and more, with the concert aspect often serving as the primary feature of the event for regulars.

Italfest comes exactly 2.5 months after what some Toronto residents called a disappointing Taste of Little Italy 2025. A lack of authentic Italian food at the iconic annual festival — which takes place in a neighbourhood synonymous with the fare — left attendees wanting so much more. 

So, can Mississauga's Italfest make up for this dismay? I guess only time will tell.

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on August 22, and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on August 23 in Celebration Square, located at 300 City Centre Drive in Mississauga. While it is free, VIP options with lounge access are available online.