Media advisory

5X Fest, Canada’s leading Panjabi arts festival, makes its Mississauga debut

A two-day celebration of Panjabi music, art, creative expression and community comes to the Small Arms Inspection Building on August 21 and 22.

Entertainment and activities | August 17, 2026

For the first time in its 20-year history, 5X Fest is coming to Ontario. On August 21 and 22, 5X Fest, Canada’s leading Panjabi arts organizations, will host its first-ever event outside British Columbia at Mississauga’s historic Small Arms Inspection Building.

5X Fest Mississauga, powered by CBC, is a two-day celebration of contemporary Panjabi (Punjabi) music, visual art, creativity and community.

The “5X Art Party x Inkquisitive” and “5X Blockparty” will bring internationally recognized artists together with the next generation of South Asian creatives. These events are rain or shine, accessible and conveniently located near multiple public transit options.

Made possible through a partnership with Mississauga Film and Music, with support from Visit Mississauga, 5X Fest Mississauga adds a major Panjabi arts and music celebration to the city’s cultural calendar while supporting Mississauga’s growing reputation as a live music destination.


5X Art Party x Inkquisitive

What

5X Art Party x Inkquisitive features globally renowned Panjabi artist Amandeep Singh, better known as Inkquisitive, for a one-night celebration of art, identity and creative expression.

This event marks the final stop of Inkquisitive’s 15-Year World Tour, celebrating 15 years of his work and creative impact. Throughout the night he will host an artist’s talk, showcase original artworks, and host a live auction of never before released pieces.

The evening will also include an exhibition featuring eight local emerging South Asian visual artists. Featured artists include Inkquisitive, Sharn Bassi, Priya Kaur Handa, Jasmin Pannu, Aakashdeep Bedi, Shweta Rastogi, Preet Kaur Pooni, CHAOSX and Amrita Sokhy Marwaha.

When

August 21, 2026, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where

The Small Arms Inspection Building, indoor area, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga.

Who

Open to all ages.

Cost

Tickets are $30.91 and may be purchased through Showpass.

A person adjusts a colourful painting on a gallery wall displaying multiple small artworks. The indoor exhibition space features a variety of abstract and landscape-style paintings arranged in rows, with tables and event attendees visible in the background.
Photo by Pardeep Singh

5X Blockparty

What

The 5X Blockparty celebrates Panjabi music, culture and community with performances from emerging and established artists. Experience a one-night outdoor festival featuring live performances, food and vendors, with some of the artists, DJs and producers shaping contemporary Panjabi music today and into the future.

Featured artists include Deep Jandu, Bhalwaan & Signature by SB, Desi Frenzy & Raj Hayre, GMINXR, J-Statik, Sonaali, Arch Heer33R & Taxsaal and more.

When

August 22, 2026, 4 to 9 p.m.

Where

The Small Arms Inspection Building, outdoor area, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga.

Who

Open to all ages.

Cost

Free

A performer stands in front of a large outdoor crowd behind a metal barrier, gesturing toward attendees gathered in a plaza. Temporary event tents and a modern building with large glass windows are visible in the background. Numerous audience members are watching, holding phones and raising their hands during the daytime event.
Photo by Pardeep Singh

About 5X Fest

5X Fest is the leading Panjabi arts organization in Canada. The organization produces events, industry opportunities and inclusive spaces for Panjabi artists, audiences and allies to celebrate culture and creativity, build connections and promote a sense of belonging. Based in British Columbia, 5X Fest has produced more than 100 events and supported more than 500 artists over the last 20 years.

About Mississauga Film and Music

Mississauga Film and Music is part of Invest Mississauga and supports economic development for the city’s growing film and music industries. The office delivers the Summer Concert Series, Love Local Music Program, Live Music Grant and more programs that are helping build the city’s creative sector. It is guided by City initiatives including the Music Strategy (2022-2026), Hear and Now: The Impact of Live Music in Mississauga and the Path to Prosperity 2030 Economic Development Strategy.

In 2023, Mississauga was named “Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week for its efforts to build a strong live music scene.

About Visit Mississauga 

Visit Mississauga is the City’s official destination marketing organization. Working with local partners, Visit Mississauga promotes Mississauga as a place to visit, meet and host major events. By showcasing the city’s neighbourhoods, attractions, restaurants and experiences, Visit Mississauga helps attract visitors, support local businesses and contribute to the local economy.  

Digital Assets and Download

Five performers dance on an outdoor stage during a live cultural performance. One performer stands at centre stage with arms raised while four dancers in colourful traditional attire perform on either side. A large digital screen displaying a sunset scene forms the backdrop, with stage equipment and a DJ booth visible behind the performers.

Download assets from 5X Fest Mississauga

 

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