Please contact the Outdoor Event Bookings Team in advance of starting your online application. Additionally contact the Supervisor of Outdoor Event Bookings for clarification on any application items, or to schedule a consultation. 

You may also direct inquiries to MCS.Operations@mississauga.ca.

Introduction

Celebration Square is a popular location to host free outdoor, public events of all sizes with the entire venue capable of accommodating up to 30,000 people. With large open areas and adjacent smaller, intimate spaces, the Square is ideal for outdoor festivals, concerts and more.

This application is for events taking place in 2027. Please ensure all event details, plans, and projections reflect this timeline.

Application Submission and Deadlines

Applications must be submitted online using the online application platform SurveyMonkey no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on September 29, 2025.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your application has successfully been completed and submitted prior to the application deadline.

If you do not receive email confirmation of your application submission within 24 hours, please contact Mississauga Celebration Square by email at MCS.Operations@mississauga.ca.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a non-for-profit organization, commercial business, resident or affiliate group.
• Must have the ability to acquire Liability Insurance up to $5,000,000.00 (CAD).
• Must complete the application form in its entirety.
• Must be able to demonstrate experience and ability to produce successful live concerts, festivals and events through the application intake process.
• Must demonstrate organizational capacity and financial stability.

Any organization that is not in good standing with the City of Mississauga is deemed ineligible for this program.

Statement of Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

The City of Mississauga is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all. We do not host, support, or promote events that discriminate individuals based on race, creed, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or any other protected ground. All events hosted at Celebration Square are guided by principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are intended to reflect the rich cultural fabric of our community.

Assessment, Process, and Criteria

Once submitted, applications are verified for completeness and eligibility by the Outdoor Events Team. The Outdoor Events Team will review all complete and eligible applications using a standardized assessment template.

Best efforts will be made to contact applicants with missing information; organizations submitting applications that are incomplete, missing mandatory information, or that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be processed further.

Community Reference Group Review Statement

All large event applications submitted for Mississauga Celebration Square are subject to review by the Mississauga Celebration Square Community Reference Group (MCSCRG). This diverse and multidisciplinary advisory body plays a vital role in evaluating applications against the established criteria below to ensure alignment with the program and venue goals and the City of Mississauga’s broader cultural vision. The MCSCRG provides recommendations that help shape the annual festival season, promoting inclusive, high-quality programming that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our community.

The teams responsible for the operations of Celebration Square in conjunction with the Mississauga Celebration Square Community Reference Group strives to award successful applicants one of the five event dates provided. Availability at Mississauga Celebration Square is highly competitive and there is no guarantee of a date at the Square. Due to the volume of applications received, the date awarded to successful applicants may be different than the date requested. For any applicants that do not receive a date at Celebration Square best efforts will be made to find them a suitable location in a City Park.

Assessment Criteria

The application process is competitive. Applicants must score a minimum of 50% to be considered for approval. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Organizational & Financial Accountability – 25%

(Experience, Budget, Partnerships)

• Organizational Effectiveness: Experience and capacity of the event organizer to manage large-scale events, including staffing, vendor coordination, and adaptability.
• Financial Accountability: Sound financial planning, transparency, and budget management. Includes review of revenue sources, expenses, and ability to provide financial documentation.
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Engagement with sponsors, vendors, and community organizations to support event delivery and enhance operational success.

Event Operations – 25%

(Site Use, Safety, Accessibility, Sustainability)

• Operational Feasibility: Quality and completeness of the event’s logistical plan, including setup, teardown, staffing, scheduling, and coordination with City services.
• Safety & Security: Strength of emergency preparedness, crowd management, and compliance with municipal and provincial safety regulations.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Demonstrated commitment to barrier-free access, inclusive programming, and accommodations for diverse needs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Implementation of eco-friendly practices such as waste diversion, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation options.

Visitor Experience – 25%

(Programming, Attendance, Audience Engagement)

• Audience Engagement: Ability to attract, retain and welcome a diverse audience. Events must demonstrate potential to achieve 5,000 event attendees per day.
• Programming Quality: Creativity, uniqueness, and relevance of event content to Mississauga’s cultural landscape.
• Marketing Strategy: Strength and reach of the promotional plan, including use of digital, traditional, and community-based channels.
• Audience Development: Demonstrated ability to generate awareness, drive attendance, and engage target demographics.

Event History (Returning Applicants Only) – 25%

(Past Performance & Compliance)

• Performance Review: Evaluation of previous event outcomes, including attendance, satisfaction, and operational success.
• Policy Compliance: Adherence to Celebration Square guidelines, permits, insurance, and contractual obligations.

Note: Meeting the minimum score does not guarantee approval. Decisions made by the Mississauga Celebration Square Community Reference Group are final. Applicants may reapply the following year if declined.

Reporting Requirements

Applicants must keep MCS staff informed of any changes that impact the event application after submission.

Awarded Applicants that are not able to follow through with their commitment to host an event after confirmation communication must inform the Manager of Event Development in writing as soon as possible so date can be reallocated.