Downtown Brampton will come alive this weekend as the Vibrant Brampton Festival returns to Gage Park for two days of free outdoor music, dance, and cultural celebration.
Taking place July 18 and 19, the festival is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, up from 7,000 last year, according to organizers. The event is presented by the Arts and Culture Initiative of South Asia (ACISA) and marks its 10th anniversary this year.
Festival founding director Ricky Bajaj describes it as “an amalgamation of culture and diversity in Ontario,” highlighting its mission to spotlight both emerging talent and big-name entertainers across the South Asian diaspora.
Star-Studded Lineup at Gage Park
The festivities kick off Friday, July 18, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., headlined by Miss Pooja, the Guinness World Record-holding “Queen of Bhangra,” known for her hits like “Siti Mar Ke” and “Second Hand Jawani.” She’ll share the stage with Punjabi sensation Zora Randhawa, and dynamic duo Preet Brar and Kamal Brar.
Over 50 local GTA artists will also perform, adding to the electric energy on opening night.
Saturday’s programming, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., will feature Bollywood playback singers, including Ananya Chakraborty, a finalist from ZEE Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and a lively Gujarati Garba segment led by Pramesh Nandi, dubbed the “Garba King of Canada.”
In total, more than 150 artists from across Canada and beyond will take the stage throughout the weekend.
More Than Just Music
Beyond the performances, the festival offers a kids’ zone, interactive dance workshops, local food vendors, and artisan markets showcasing clothing, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Over 100 dishes from Brampton restaurants will be available to try.
Organizers say this year’s event is specially curated to spotlight female artists and performers, celebrating women’s creativity and contribution to the arts.
VIP Gala Meet & Greet – July 17
Ahead of the public festival, a gala meet-and-greet with renowned performers will be held Thursday, July 17, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Queen’s Manor Event Centre in Brampton. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the festival website.
Vibrant Brampton is sponsored by the City of Brampton as part of its tourism initiative, which supports festivals that celebrate multiculturalism and enhance the city’s profile as a cultural destination.
For full details, visit vibrantbrampton.ca.