For three days, the heart of Mississauga will be taken over by one of the world’s most vibrant, high-adrenaline sports festivals. From July 12 to 14, JACKALOPE will bring together pros and enthusiasts for the ultimate celebration of action sports. This thrilling festival hosts world-class competitions and demonstrations by top skateboarders, breakdancers and boulders.
Check out our tips to help plan your visit for the most epic, action-packed festival of the summer.
WHAT TO SEE: FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
JACKALOPE has an action-packed schedule including these events you won’t want to miss, and check the schedule to create an itinerary perfect for you.
- The festival kicks off on Friday evening with shredder sessions from 5:30 p.m.
- BBoy Laos from Fresh Format will lead a breaking workshop Friday at 6 p.m.
- Freestyle skateboarding master Andy Anderson will be showing off his skills during demos.
- Saturday from 10 a.m., catch the old-school BMX exhibition and competition.
- Hear live interviews with the festival’s top athletes at the (Not So) Small Talk talk show on Saturday at 2 p.m.
- The Canadian National BBoy / BGirl final starts on Saturday at 8:00 p.m., where you’ll see future Olympians compete to qualify for the Summer Olympic Games’ newest sport, Breaking!
- Head to the Square One side for high-flying Base Jumping, that’s right – Base Jumping on Saturday.
- Join in the cricket exhibition game on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
- Check the schedule for Skateboarding Street & Vert competions all weekend.
- Listen to incredible DJ sets and explore the coolest pop-up shops in between demos all weekend long.
Throughout the weekend, stop by the Visit Mississauga booth to pick up some swag, and try your hand at the claw machine for your chance to win some exciting prizes.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR VISIT
- JACKALOPE is free for the public to attend, so no need for a ticket to watch the events. Visitors are welcome to bring dogs on a leash and, of course, their skateboards.
- To get closer to the action, book a VIP Weekend Pass. You’ll get the best views plus special merch, skip-the-line access to after-parties and drink/snack tickets.
- Book an exclusive experience to meet and learn from the pros or get access to open sessions.
All contests and demonstrations will take place between Celebration Square and Square One Shopping Centre, running from 9 a.m. until late. Check out the full schedule to see what’s happening:
WHAT’S NEARBY
Beyond JACKALOPE, there’s a world of fun to explore in downtown Mississauga. Check out some of the exciting amenities and world-class restaurants in Sauga’s City Centre.
Attractions:
- Take a short drive to Up the Block, organizer of the bouldering events, to try your hand at the thoughtfully curated challenges, Kilter Board, Moonboard and 6-lane campus board.
- While you’re in the Square, take a dip in The Fountain, the city’s largest outdoor wading pool/spray pad, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- JACKALOPE is located in part on the grounds of the Square One Shopping Centre, Ontario’s largest mall. Shop from hundreds of stores including top athletics brands like Mountain Equipment Company, Champs and more.
- Visit The Rec Room at Square One for an incredible gaming experience, with over 80 video, redemption and arcade games, simulators, pool tables, bowling and more.
- Exchange skateboard tricks for mind tricks at the MiMuseum Mississauga Museum of Magic and Illusions. Have your camera ready as you explore interactive exhibits that challenge your perceptions.
Restaurants:
- Taste test the largest variety of wings in the city and watch the game at Bar 6ix Restaurant + Grill, one of Mississauga’s most popular sports bars.
- Head to Gabby’s restaurant for the ultimate in comfort food plus daily happy hour deals.
- Check out The Food District in Square One for a selection of takeout and dine-in eateries ranging from the Potato Corner pop-up serving uniquely seasoned fries to La Carnita, where authentic Mexican dishes are served in a trendy atmosphere, or Farzi Café, serving gourmet, gastronomic Indian fusion.
WHERE TO STAY
Turn your visit into a vacation with a stay at the nearby Delta Hotels Toronto Mississauga, just a short walk to Celebration Square. After a day at the festival, cool off in the indoor pool before relaxing with some food and drinks at the hotel restaurant Driftwood Social Bar + Table. The hotel also features an on-site Starbucks, so you can grab your caffeine fix and get energized before you venture back to the event.
If you’re flying in, you can also find many luxurious, convenient and cost-effective hotels near Toronto Airport, including Four Points by Sheraton which offers free hotel transfers.
Mississauga’s summer festivals are just getting started! Follow Visit Mississauga on Facebook and Instagram to stay tuned to all the latest events – and be sure to visit our Jackalope booth for your chance to win some fantastic prizes.