Mississauga is set to host 5X Fest this week, marking the first time in its 20-year history that Canada's leading Panjabi arts festival has staged an event outside British Columbia.

The two-day celebration of contemporary Panjabi music, visual art and community runs August 21 and 22 at the historic Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E., according to a City of Mississauga news release.

Art party caps Inkquisitive's 15-year tour

The first night, 5X Art Party x Inkquisitive, headlines globally renowned Panjabi artist Amandeep Singh, better known as Inkquisitive. The event is the final stop of his 15-Year World Tour, celebrating a decade and a half of his creative work.

Inkquisitive will host an artist's talk, showcase original artworks and run a live auction of never-before-released pieces, the City said.

The indoor evening also features an exhibition of eight local emerging South Asian visual artists: Inkquisitive, Sharn Bassi, Priya Kaur Handa, Jasmin Pannu, Aakashdeep Bedi, Shweta Rastogi, Preet Kaur Pooni, CHAOSX and Amrita Sokhy Marwaha. Tickets are $30.91 through Showpass.

Outdoor block party features live performances

On August 22, the 5X Blockparty takes over the building's outdoor area with live performances, food and vendors, spotlighting artists, DJs and producers shaping contemporary Panjabi music.

The lineup includes Deep Jandu, Bhalwaan & Signature by SB, Desi Frenzy & Raj Hayre, GMINXR, J-Statik, Sonaali, and Arch Heer33R & Taxsaal, among others.

Both events run rain or shine, are accessible and sit near multiple public transit options.

Part of Mississauga's live music push

The festival is made possible through a partnership with Mississauga Film and Music, with support from Visit Mississauga, the City's destination marketing organization.

Mississauga Film and Music, part of Invest Mississauga, supports the city's film and music industries through programs such as the Summer Concert Series, the Love Local Music Program and the Live Music Grant. Its work is guided by the City's Music Strategy (2022-2026) and the Path to Prosperity 2030 Economic Development Strategy.

The festival 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 — a reputation bolstered in 2023, when the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week named Mississauga "Music City of the Year."

Based in British Columbia, 5X Fest has produced more than 100 events and supported more than 500 artists over the past two decades. The organization creates events, industry opportunities and inclusive spaces for Panjabi artists, audiences and allies.

The Mississauga edition of the festival is powered by CBC.