The Victoria Day long weekend is usually when we get our first taste of what summer will have in store - a time for bringing out the patio furniture, dusting off the BBQ, and relaxing with friends and family. Or, if you're the type that comes out of hibernation in late spring, it can be a time to be out and about, checking out fireworks and festivities, or even enjoying the fact that you no longer have to worry about carrying around a bulky winter coat when you go to the mall. For an overview of what's open, what's closed, and what to do in and around Mississauga for the Victoria Day long weekend (May 21-23, 2016), we've got you covered.

What's open and closed on Monday May 23, 2016

• Square One is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, for those who want to spend their day off in the comfort of an air conditioned shopping centre.
• Whole Foods adjacent to Square One will also be open from 10 AM to 7 PM, for those of you who set up everything for the barbecue but forgot to pick up a cedar plank for their locally sourced sustainable organic salmon (or any other last-minute grocery needs).
• Movie Theatres are also open, because in the words of 90's one-hit wonder Harvey Danger, "the movies are always open."

• All malls and shopping centres other than Square One (including Heartland, Erin Mills Town Centre, etc.) are closed.
• The LCBO and Beer Store are closed, so stock up on what you need before Monday. 
• Don't think you can ignore this advice and simply get what you need at one of the grocery stores that now sells beer - Loblaws and all other major grocery chains are also closed. That Whole Foods is starting to look pretty good right now, isn't it?
• Libraries and community centres will be closed.
• Garbage and recycling pickup is delayed by one day, so if your garbage day is normally Monday, you're off the hook!

Fireworks

Sadly, there are no fireworks happening in Mississauga this long weekend. However, there are still options if you're keen on seeing explosions in the sky. Below are two that you're probably familiar with, and one under-the-radar option that may be your best bet.

Ashbridge's Bay Park - Toronto - Monday, May 23rd, 10 PM

Located in the east end of Toronto, this is our least recommended option. The fireworks are always top notch, but it's impossible to find parking within a mile of the fireworks unless you get there several hours in advance. And with MiWay, TTC, and GO transit all running on holiday schedules, it would be an unfeasible multi-hour round trip via bus. The fireworks are free and fantastic, so if you have a friend who lives nearby (and has an extra parking space for you), these would be the only conditions under which the trip might be worthwhile.

Canada's Wonderland - Vaughan - Sunday, May 22nd, 10 PM

MiWay elected not to bring back the Route 88 bus to Wonderland this year, which means this is a less convenient option than it used to be. Add in the cost of parking and admission and you're looking at a fairly expensive proposition. Still, there is ample parking, it's relatively easy to get to by car, and you can enjoy the park for the whole day.

Milton Boomfest - Milton - Sunday, May 22nd AND Monday, May 23rd, at dusk

Milton (unofficially known as Mississauga Junior, Baby Mississauga, The Mississauga Before Time) isn't all unlit rural roads and farms that randomly turn into townhouse subdivisions and big box stores. It's also the geographically closest and cheapest way to get your fireworks fix this long weekend! Admission to Milton Boomfest is only $3 per person, and they have fireworks on both Sunday AND Monday. At only 20 minutes away from Mississauga, and with the expectation of much smaller crowds than Wonderland or Ashbridge's Bay, we think this is a Mississauga resident's best bet this Victoria Day long weekend.

Halal Food Festival

International Centre, 6900 Airport Road
Saturday May 21st (10 AM-10 PM) & Sunday May 22nd (10 AM - 8 PM)

North America's largest Halal food festival is happening right here in Mississauga. With over 100 food exhibitors, an outdoor street fest with live cooking demonstrations, a 5000 sq. ft. indoor play area for children, and much more, this is a delicious and fun way to spend your long weekend. Admission is $5.

MACArts Festival

Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive
Saturday, May 21st - 1 PM to 11 PM

Kicking off festival season at Celebration Square is the Mississauga Arts Council's MACArts Festival. With 20 main stage acts including Tom Barlow, All Masters Lion Dance (acrobats and Chinese lion dancers), fashion highlights from Mississauga Fashion Week, and much more. Offstage, the square will be filled with some of the city’s most talented artists and craftspeople, showcasing paintings, crafts, toys and culinary delights.

Pep Rally

Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive
Monday, May 23rd - 12 PM to 4 PM

Celebration Square brings the beach to you, in the heart of downtown Mississauga. Hammocks, sand castles, a rock climbing wall, and of course a variety of food trucks on deck. Did we mention real, actual sand? See for yourself:

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on a HUGE screen

Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive
Monday, May 23rd - 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Will this be the end for our record-breaking, history-making Canadian NBA team, or will it be the beginning of a legendary championship run? Watch Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Celebration Square, on an enormous screen, surrounded by hundreds of fans.