Blog

Ready, Set, Shop! (7 Cool Buys at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025)

If you’ve attended Riverside’s biggest annual festival in the past, you know that there’s more than just delicious food and sensational music. There’s fun shopping to be had too!

On Saturday, June 7, 2025 (12-6pm), Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is back for another round of fun activities, exciting outdoor dining, special sidewalk sales and more from Davies Ave to Empire Ave along Queen East.

As an incentive for reading our blog, we’ll let you in on a little secret: we’ve got vendors with festival-only deals and discounts. Take advantage of these awesome deals, especially when it also means you get to support small local businesses. That’s a win-win!

Here are 7 Cool Buys at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Dresden Vision

Dresden Vision (@dresdenvisionca)

Address: 733 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Get simple, sustainable eyewear from Dresden Vision. With promo code EATSNBEATS, get 30% off any pair of glasses! Prescription glasses start at $70 all-in. 

Photo credit: Second Voyage Vintage

Second Voyage Vintage (@secondvoyagevintage)

Address: 734 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Vintage lovers are in for a treat at Second Voyage’s sidewalk sale! To make things exciting, have a spin at their bingo machine for a chance to get a discount of up to 30% off your entire purchase.

Photo credit: St. John’s Eco Market

St. John’s Eco Market

Address: 740 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Come visit the newly imagined St. John’s Eco Market and Cafe for some tasty treats from St. John’s Bakery and browse the new space for thrifty buys.

Photo credit: Pawelec Photo

Arts Market (@artsmarket)

Address: 790 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Join felter HG Craft and visual artist Jennifer Matice who will be outside Arts Market, selling their work and interacting with festival attendees.

Photo credit: Irish Design House

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

Address: 756 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Check out Irish Design House’s sidewalk sale for a fabulous showcase of handmade goods from Ireland — plus, enjoy our vintage displays clearance event! 

Photo credit: Beelingual Learning Centre

Beelingual Learning Centre (@beelingual.toronto)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit 204, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Join Beelingual for a fun-filled French adventure featuring interactive games, creative crafts and exciting prizes. Spin the wheel, learn new words, and discover their services and programs!

Photo credit: Sparkplug Coffee

Sparkplug Coffee (@sparkplugcoffee)

Address: 717 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Drop by Sparkplug’s booth to learn about their home delivery service and purchase a bag or two of their coffee. Use code EATSNBEATS25 for a deal on your first online order via their website.

Are you ready to shop ‘til you drop on June 7th? RSVP to get your FREE tickets to Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025 and info and perks to your inbox.

We’ve got more blogs leading up to the festival so be sure to check out the Riverside Blog for new content weekly. Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!

Fantastic Food and Where to Find Them (5 Hot Eats at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025)

Foodies are in for a tasty adventure around the world as Riverside’s restaurants and cafes have prepared delicious surprises for Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025.

In case you missed last week’s blog, Riverside’s annual streetfest will be back on Saturday, June 7th, 12-6pm! In true Riverside Eats & Beats fashion, we’ve prepared an exciting day for all of you, which will include live entertainment, fun activities, awesome vendors, and of course, delicious food!

From Jamaican to Italian, there’s no doubt that Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood has plenty to offer when it comes to food, so better come with an appetite for the festival.

Here are 5 (of many!) Hot Eats to expect during this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen and Coffee (@amberkitchento)

Address: 4 Boulton Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2J3

This newly opened brunch spot is known for great coffee, delicious sandwiches made from scratch and the absolute must-try Chocolate Babka. Check them out, enjoy drinks and bites on their breezy curb lane patio, and give them a warm welcome on their first ever Eats & Beats!

Photo credit: Blessed Love Grocery and Takeout

Blessed Love Grocery and Takeout (@shopblessedlove)

Address: 753A Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Taste the vibrant flavors of Jamaica from this lovely Caribbean grocery and takeout joint. Blessed Love will be serving their bestselling pan jerk chicken, as well as refreshments such as sugarcane juice, fresh coconut water, and more out on the sidewalk.

Photo credit: Lemon Lily

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

Address: 747 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3 and in the Broadview Ave street closure

Enjoy complimentary sampling of some of their bestselling drinks like the Peach Bellini Iced Tea and Electric Lemonade. If you like any of the drinks (and you will), you can purchase the base teas they use and recreate the drinks in the comfort of your home. Come find them at their shop at 747 Queen E, or visit them for a refreshment at their booth in the Broadview Street closure and catch the entertainment at the Broadview Main Stage!

Photo credit: Il Ponte – Cucina Italiana

Il Ponte – Cucina Italiana (@ilponte.to)

Address: 625 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G7

Head over to Il Ponte between noon and 4pm for free wild boar sausages for adults and ice cream for the kids (while quantities last). While you’re there, relax on their spacious patio and treat yourself to a plate from their wide selection of pastas.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9 and in the Eastbound Beer Garden behind Starbank on Broadview

Stop by Eastbound at 2pm for a free brewery tour and have a taste of one of their flagship brews on their curb lane patio or in the brewpub! Come visit their Beer Garden (behind Starbank along Queen E) and get a $5 voucher for use at their brewpub with any purchase. p.s. The Eastbound Run Crew is hosting a 1km Fun Run starting at 1pm from the festival’s Munro Street closure, bring the whole family!

Click the RSVP button above to get your FREE tickets to Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025. We’ve got more blogs leading up to the festival so be sure to check out the Riverside Blog every week. Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!

Hey, Toronto: Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is Back!

It’s almost that time of the year again — the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is back for its 11th run on June 7, 2025, 12pm-6pm!

Last year’s installment was a special one because it was the much anticipated comeback after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. If you attended last year’s festival, thank YOU for making it a success.

With that said, our goal this year is to make Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest even better.

Are you ready to taste the eats and feel the beats again in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood?! Here’s everything you need to know about Riverside’s biggest event:

When is it happening?

Back for its 11th year, Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025 is happening on Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12pm-6pm.

Where is it taking place?

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest will span 10 blocks along Queen Street East between the Don Valley Parkway to just past the world famous De Grassi Street. It all happens just across the bridge from Downtown Toronto and includes 5 side street closures, 2 parks and 10 blocks of sidewalk sales. Queen Street East will be fully open to traffic/transit throughout the festival.

How much do tickets cost?

$0. Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is a FREE public event open to everyone with lots of live music, entertainment and festivities to enjoy! The festival showcases what local businesses have to offer through food specials and shopping – please come support local! You can RSVP HERE

What can I expect at the event?

This year, the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest will showcase:

  • 50+ local eateries and shops along Queen Street East with food specials, sidewalk sales, and live entertainment
  • Riverside’s family-friendly food outlets, retailers, and unique “small town in the big city” atmosphere
  • Destination points at five street closures and two local parks including beer gardens, demos, and entertainment with free live music and activities

How do I get updates for the event?

Leading up to Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest, we’ll be teasing the cool vendors, amazing eats, and fun entertainment with a series of blogs so make sure to check out the Riverside Blog regularly. You can also follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated when a new blog drops!

In the meantime, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the highlights from last year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Pawelec Photo

What’s New in Riverside? (As of April 2025)

If you live in the area or frequently visit it, you’d know that Riverside in Toronto is home to many businesses that have stood the test of time. But change is also always in the air and we get new additions in the community on the regular. In case you haven’t been to the neighbourhood in a little while, here’s what’s new in Riverside:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Fevers Vintage (@fevers.vintage)

Address: 732 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Fashion lovers, there’s a new vintage shop in the neighbourhood! Fevers Vintage, a popular West End store, has found a home in the East End for their second location. From chic outerwear to cool cargos to funky shirts, there’s plenty of vintage goodies to peruse at Fevers. Who’s excited for the Riverside Vintage Crawls this year?

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen and Coffee (@amberkitchento)

Address: 4 Boulton Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2J3

Delicious Middle Eastern food for brunch? Yes, please! Must-try items on Amber Kitchen’s menu are the Eggplant Caponatta, Amber Eggs, and Corn Polenta and Mushrooms. Don’t forget to get the Chocolate Babka for dessert. This spot’s interior is gorgeous, especially as the sunlight hits the amber window panels and permeates through the space — perfect for the ‘gram.

Photo credit: Sassy Doll Studio

Sassy Doll Studio (@sassydollstudio)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit 104b buzzer 1041, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Proudly Canadian and female-owned, Sassy Doll Studio is an odourless and pet-friendly boutique beauty salon. Their services include eyelash extensions, nail art, eyebrow shaping, laser hair removal, and even tiny tattoos. They also do courses if you want to learn the art yourself. Book your appointment with Sassy Doll Studio here.

Photo credit: Beelingual Learning Centre

Beelingual Learning Centre (@beelingual.toronto)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit 204, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Committed to teaching French in a fun and engaging way, Beelingual Learning Centre offers tutoring for children aged 5-12 and youth aged 13+, which can be done either in person or online. They also have after-school and PA Day services and camps. Learn more about Beelingual’s programs here.

Photo credit: Queen Garden & Cafe

Queen Garden & Cafe (@queengardencentre)

Address: 771 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

While certainly not new to Riverside, the Queen Garden & Cafe is back open after their winter hiatus (with longer hours starting May 1st). The garden centre itself will soon be stocked with plants ready for the warmer months. In the meantime, enjoy a White Chocolate Chai or a slice of Pistachio Loaf from the cafe in their dog-friendly patio.

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram!

Hop Into the Fun: Easter Weekend in Riverside

Easter is almost here! Got any plans for the long weekend? If not, check out Riverside in Toronto’s East End for an egg-citing time featuring our vibrant community of local businesses. Here’s what’s in store for you in Riverside this Easter weekend.

Photo credit: Little Peeps

Little Peeps (@littlepeepsstore)

Address: 742 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Treat your little one to a new toy. Little Peeps, known for their curated selection of children’s products, carries a variety of plushies including this adorable Bashful Bunny Jellycat. It’s perfect for Easter!

Photo credit: Blackbird Baking Co.

Blackbird Baking Co. (@bbirdco)

Address: 635 Queen St E Unit 101, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

It’s hot cross buns season – or as Blackbird calls it: NOT X Buns.Their take on this Easter staple consists of pillowy soft buns brushed with a spiced orange glaze and filled with candied orange peel, raisins and currants.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel (@broadviewhotel)

Address: 106 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G1

Take advantage of the four-day weekend and treat yourself to a staycation in the iconic Broadview Hotel. Sleep in, order room service, or enjoy a drink at The Rooftop. Did we mention that they’re pet-friendly?

Photo credit: Butchers of Distinction

Butchers of Distinction (@butchersofdistinction)

Address: 738 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

If you’re already a regular patron of Riverside’s neighbourhood butcher shop, you’re in for a treat because they’ve got a Easter holiday menu, which includes fresh turkey, tenderloin roast, pork roast, fresh duck and an assortment of smoked meats.

Photo credit: Thyme Studio

Thyme Studio (@thymestudio)

Address: 779 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

Double-digit weather is finally here and what better way to ring in the warmer seasons than with a bouquet of fresh blooms from Thyme Studio. You can make your own arrangement or if you’re not sure how to start, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations!

You know the drill: give @riverside_bia a follow on Instagram so you’re always updated on exciting events and promos in the neighbourhood. Happy Easter, everyone!

Speaking of local events, our annual community cleanup, Clean Queen E Together, is happening on April 25 & 26. Register now and join us in cleaning the neighbourhood!