Home + Backyard Show returns Jan. 31-Feb. 2
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DIY projects, plus money-saving renovation tips, to take centre stage at this year’s show
The 2025 Home + Backyard Show, presented by RE/MAX, returns to The International Centre in Mississauga from Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2 — bringing visitors the latest trends in home renovations, backyard makeovers, and more.
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With more than 250 vendors and experts, attendees can learn about how to access rebates through Ontario’s new energy efficiency programs, take advantage of exclusive deals on BBQs, pools, spas, while receiving personalized advice from professionals to support their next home or backyard project.
One of the returning favourite features is the DIY Centre with HGTV Canada’s Desta Ostapyk, plus Jordan Spear, and Mark Rason, who will guide visitors through power tool basics and DIY projects to boost their confidence in home improvement.
Whether you’re planning to build a deck or fence this year, visitors can also consult with the DIY Centre experts about their specific projects. This year, the emphasis will be placed on DIY projects that save you money.
And now, you may even want to consider combining money-saving tips with a leading design trend, comments Ostapyk.
Take, for example, Western Core, a rustic style featuring dark-to-medium woods, cross-beams, organic stones, suede and leather fabrics, and pewter, silver and chrome finishes. The style is lived-in and comfortable, and one DIY way project to achieve this look is to add wood paneling, “a lot of which you can do yourself,” she says.
Other projects to be demonstrated at the DIY Ccntre include drywall arches (Mark Rason) and wall anchors (Jordan Spear) and deck tiles which Ostapyk says is a simple, easy-to-install (and remove) way to dress up a drab balcony or patio space.
Other DIY ideas suggested by Ostapyk include: add tassels or grommets to a pillow: spray paint a glass or a mirror; or convert an IKEA bookshelf into a built-in. “There are no shortage of DIY project that somebody can undertake and that don’t cost much,” she says.
Also at the show, and on the Main Stage, presented by the free streaming channel Homeful, visitors can hear from top experts including Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes (Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy), who’ll share their top 10 renovation tips; Jeanne McRight of Blooming Boulevards, on designing native pollinator gardens; Aspire Design Group’s Maria Perketa (Holmes Family Rescue), offering home design and staging tips; and development expert Sarah Cipkar, discussing the benefits of laneway homes and garden suites as an option for multi-generational living, a growing trend that supports aging at home, affordability and family connection.
Chefs hitting the Main Stage will include Kevin James Thomas (The Big Jerk restaurant) who will show guests how to make his popular Jamaican Jerk BBQ and Chef Jeffrey, who will teach visitors how to become a backyard BBQ pitmaster.
Alongside the Main Stage is the Backyard Bar sampling zone where attendees can enjoy tastings of wine, cocktails and craft beer while listening to the expert presentations.
New this year, the BBQ Learning Zone, presented by Dolphin BBQ for BBQ enthusiasts, will present live demos, explore the latest 2025 BBQ models, and provide expert tips from top brands like Napoleon, Broil King, Alfa Pizza Ovens and Traeger
Continuing the summer vibes, visitors can also check out the model pool from Pioneer Family Pools and chat with experts about how to start planning a dream backyard oasis.
Returning favorites include the Ask a Gardener booth, where visitors can meet with horticulturists from Mississauga and Etobicoke Master Gardeners for expert plant care advice, and the Children’s Garden Activity Centre, offering hands-on gardening activities for all ages.
Tickets to the Home + Backyard Show are available now via homeandbackyardshow.com.
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