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Riverside Eats & Beats THANK YOU + Photos

We partied together like it’s 2024, we beat the odds with the weather (and with the TTC), got a break in construction, and put all our efforts together as a community for an amazing comeback of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest!!

The streets were bustling and we give huge thanks to the amazing Riverside Eats & Beats BIA event team, volunteers, local businesses, and everyone who put their efforts together to bring our biggest collective event of the year to fruition. After being on hiatus since 2019, we could not have asked for a better return of our annual festival.

Enjoy some of the fun memories below (Photo credits to Pawelec Photo) and find many more in our 2024 Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest photo folder.

P.S. Please share testimonials and feedback via our survey!! The Riverside BIA is a not for profit and this festival depends on funding to help support its continuation each year. We would appreciate your testimonials and feedback to help us seek that support for 2025.

THANKS GO TO….

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024 was supported by the Riverside BIA, Hullmark, City of Toronto, and FedDev Ontario.  Thanks to our amazing Riverside BIA Board and incredible Festival Team who brought their expertise and experience to make the event a success. Thanks to all our local businesses and organizations who brought festive happenings together, and all the local vendors who took park. Thanks to all the volunteers from George Brown College School of ESL and from our local community who supported the festival, and to everyone who came out!

Samba Toronto helped kick off the festival on Broadview
Jenny Blackbird at the Broadview Main Stage did Traditional Singing and Drumming
Riverside Eats and Beats Streetfest 2024
Riverside BIA Board Chair Mitch Korman and Executive Director and Festival Organizer Jennifer Lay kick off the festival with a welcome and Land Acknowledgement at the Broadview Main Stage
TDSB Trustee Sara Ehrhart Ward 15, City Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 14), and Riverside BIA Executive Director and Festival Organizer Jennifer Lay
Festival-goers enjoying the Eastbound Beer Garden on Broadview
Festival-goers enjoying the Pirate Life Ship on Carroll St
Festival-goers enjoying Cotton Candy, and face painting on Carroll St
Fun free activities on Carroll St
Local market and free live music by Murray Drive in Riverside Common
Murray Drive at Riverside Common
Local Vendors in Joel Weeks Park
Music by Pimento Soul in Joel Weeks Park
BBQ at Real Greek Giros with business owner Jim and family
Tea sampling at Lemon Lily
Caribbean BBQ at Blessed Love by owner Ricardo
Sidewalk Sale by Second Voyage Vintage
Free activities by Queen/Saulter Library Branch and Don Valley Legal Services on Saulter St
Magic Shows on Saulter St by Magic Mel
Drag Queen Story Time by Gila Munster on Saulter St
Free programming by Ralph Thornton Community Centre on Saulter St
Sidewalk sale with local artisans by Arts Market
Sidewalk Sale and 10th Anniversary by Irish Design House
Dirty Pawz Dog Wash offered pet-friendly gelato and prizes
Lemonade and treats at Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine
The Timmie Cup Mascot meets our local neighbourhood offiicers
Our local family-owned Tim Hortons offered treats, free face painting and live music
Live music on McGee Street at Nell and Natasha’s Free Community BBQ
Feeding the community at Nell and Natasha’s community BBQ
Natasha of Nell and Natasha’s Real Estate Homeward who hosted the community BBQ on McGee
Don Valley Stompers on McGee
MPP Peter Tabuns with Nell and Natasha at McGee St (Photo credit: Riverside BIA)
Community BBQ on McGee!
Pooch Pride by Save our Scruff – started off in Joel Weeks Park, then staged in Jimmie Simpson Park (photo credit: Save our Scruff)
Reminder: Please share testimonials and feedback via our survey!! The Riverside BIA is a not for profit and this festival depends on funding to help support its continuation each year. We would appreciate your testimonials and feedback to help us seek that support for 2025.

5 things to prepare for Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024

Can you believe we’re literally just days away from Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024? 

On Saturday, June 8th, 12-6pm, from Davies Ave to Empire Ave along Queen East, delicious food, live entertainment, special sidewalk sales, and exciting activities await visitors for the much-anticipated festival.

Whether you are seasoned or a first-timer to the festival, think of it as going on a trip–it wouldn’t hurt to do a little preparation. To ensure you have the best time possible, we’ve got a handful of tips for you. Here are 5 things to prepare for this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

1. Come up with a game plan.

You should know, there’s going to be a lot happening during the six hours of Riverside Eats & Beats, so consider making a list of things you want to see or check out so you can plan accordingly, whether it’s the sidewalk sales at your favorite vintage stores or things that are more time-sensitive like the brewery tour at Eastbound Brewing Co or Pooch Pride at Joel Weeks Park.

2. Choose the right outfit.

Come rain or come shine, Riverside Eats & Beats is happening so it’s best to be prepared for all types of weather. Pack a cap and sunglasses for when it gets super sunny, or an umbrella and waterproof shoes in case it rains. You also might want to consider using a crossbody bag so you’re handsfree throughout the day.

3, RSVP to the event.

If you’re coming to the festival (and we hope you are), make sure to RSVP through the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024 event page and let us know you’re coming. Once you sign up, you’ll get access to the full event guide with the schedule + an early sneak peek of the perks and promos! 

4. Download Vibemap.

To make things a little more interesting for this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats, you can participate in a fun challenge through Vibemap. The mechanics are simple: download the free app, create an account (very quick!), visit places on the map, check in, share photos, tips or vibes to earn points to win prizes! Vibemap is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.

5. Tell your family and friends.

Riverside Eats & Beats has something for everyone. It’s got sidewalk sales for the fashionistas, patio dining for the foodies, interactive activities for the kids, and even fun festivities for the pooches! The festival is best enjoyed with good company, whether that’s family or friends. You can even participate in the Vibemap challenge together!

How ready are you for Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024? For updates and highlights on what to expect during the festival, follow @riverside_bia on Instagram!

Good Times Await in Toronto’s Riverside (5 Fun Happenings at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024)

In case you didn’t know, the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is making its long-awaited comeback on Saturday, June 8th, 12-6pm, which will take place 10 blocks along Queen East, from Davies Ave to Empire Ave.

After a five-year hiatus, the Riverside BIA is pulling out all the stops for the Riverside Eats & Beats’ return with exciting festivities, highlighting the diverse range of members and businesses this charming neighborhood in the East End has to offer.

Aside from patio dining options and special sidewalk sales, visitors can also expect activities at the festival, from free fitness classes to pottery wheel throwing demos–it’s going to be a jam-packed day!

Here are 5 Fun Happenings at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Innovative Fitness

Innovative Fitness

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

Who says you can’t go to a festival and get a workout in? For Riverside Eats & Beats, Innovative Fitness is offering complimentary drop-in on group fitness classes, which will include HIIT, dance, and interval training. There will be outdoor and indoor sessions.

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Address: 1 Munro St, Toronto, ON M4M 2B7

Explore your nervous system through Oma Chiropractic & Wellness’ interactive sensory stations. While you’re there, you can inquire about their services, such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care for animals, and more.

What they’ll have:

Taste – smoothie bike station
Touch – sensory table
Smell – essential oils
See – Intention bracelets

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Address: Saulter Street closure

Bring the little ones to Ralph Thornton Community Centre at the Saulter St. closure for fun kids’ activities. You can also learn more about the programs and services available at the centre, which include a fundraising campaign to send East End kids to RAC Camp this summer.

Photo credit: Queen Garden Centre & Cafe

Queen Garden Centre & Cafe

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

Stop by Queen Garden Centre to get gardening tips and learn about their beehives (coming soon!), which are coming soon! Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still come and grab a beverage from their cafe to enjoy on their patio and check out the Saulter St Beer Garden.

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

Fontbonne Ministries

Address: 791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

Pottery enthusiasts are in for a treat as Fontbonne Ministries will be doing pottery wheel throwing demonstrations for the festival. There will also be a special bake sale featuring delicious treats made by residents of Fontbonne Place.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates and highlights on Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024!

A Little Retail Therapy in Toronto’s Riverside (5 Cool Buys at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024)

It may be called Riverside Eats & Beats, but there’s more than just delicious food and sensational music to expect at one of the East End’s most anticipated festivals–there’s fun shopping to be had too!

On Saturday, June 8th, 12-6pm, Riverside’s annual Eats & Beats Streetfest makes its grand comeback. From Davies Ave to Empire Ave along Queen East, the streets will come alive with fun activities, exciting outdoor dining, and of course, special sidewalk sales!

With all the festival-only deals and discounts, you might want to set aside a budget for a little retail therapy. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while, no? Especially, when it means supporting small local businesses! 

Here are 5 Cool Buys at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: House of Dwir

House of Dwir

Address: 657 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

Known for their genderless clothing, House of Dwir is bringing their avant-garde spirit to Riverside Eats & Beats for a pop-up at Riverside Common Park. Head over to their booth and check out small-batch, handmade apparel, jewelry, and accessories from this inclusive fashion brand.

Photo credit: Christian Jay Quilo

Second Voyage Vintage

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

From chic secondhand clothing to eclectic home decor, Second Voyage Vintage is a haven for vintage lovers. Check out their sidewalk sale during Riverside Eats & Beats and find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home and wardrobe. While you’re there, have a spin at their bingo machine–discounts of up to 50% off await lucky winners!

Photo credit: Irish Design House

Irish Design House

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

It’s a big day for Irish Design House; aside from Riverside Eats & Beats, it’s also their 10th anniversary! To celebrate, they’ll be putting on a sidewalk display featuring their finest traditional Irish items and in-house clothing brands. With the code “EATSANDBEATS”, get 10% off your purchase. There will also be a raffle, so don’t forget to throw your name in there!

Photo credit: Christian Jay Quilo

Arts Market

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

For the festival, Arts Market will be inviting four artisans, who will be stationed outside the store to talk about their creations and discuss the creative process behind the handmade items. Stop by, shop small and local, and learn a thing or two from these talented individuals. If you love DIY, you definitely don’t want to miss this. 

Photo credit: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

Address: 792 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Take a break from the Riverside Eats & Beats street festivities and drop by UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique for a consultation. If you want to change up your hair for the day, they’ll be doing express festival hairstyles at the salon. There will also be haircare products on sale so take advantage of these exclusive deals.

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is just two weeks away, so follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!

A Food Trip in Toronto’s Riverside (5 Hot Eats at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024)

Foodies are in for a tasty adventure around the world as Riverside’s restaurants have prepared delicious surprises for Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2024.

If you hadn’t heard Riverside’s annual Streetfest will be back on Saturday, June 8th, 12-6pm!  They can’t wait to host everyone again for free live music and activities at five local street closures and two parks, paired with local food and retail sidewalk sales. It’s all happening along Queen East between Davies Ave and Empire Ave.

From Greek to Italian to Middle Eastern, Toronto’s Riverside neighborhood boasts quite the diverse roster of cuisines, so better come with an appetite for the festival.

Here are 5 (of many!) Hot Eats to expect during the much anticipated comeback of Riverside Eats & Beats!

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant

Address: 729 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

This modern restaurant takes pride in its Italian-French courses, specialty cocktails, and wines. Expect an unforgettable dining experience at ēst Restaurant during the festival with their featured food and cocktails. They are taking it to the streets with their curb lane patio area -perfect for experiencing vibrant outdoor dining during the festival and beyond as part of the CafeTO program (on May-September).

Photo credit: Real Greek Gyros

Real Greek Gyros

Address: 731 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Having opened just in time for Eats & Beats’ comeback, Real Greek Gyros is going all out for its official introduction to the Riverside community. Decked out with an outdoor grill, they’ll be serving Greek classics such as gyros and souvlaki. There will be live DJ music, too! Find them (and their curb lane patio) right next to ēst Restaurant. 

Photo credit: Tabülè

Tabülè

Address: 810 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

Delight your senses at Tabülè with its array of refined Middle Eastern dishes, which include award-winning appetizers, coupled with an exotic cocktail menu featuring martinis, fresh juices, and luxurious wines. Grab a bite to go, or dine in or outback on their breezy patio.

Photo credit: Blessed Love

Blessed Love

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 its bestselling pan jerk chicken, as well as refreshments such as sugarcane juice, fresh coconut water, and more out on the sidewalk.

Photo credit: La Carnita

La Carnita

Address: 780 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Treat yourself to your favorite tacos and tostadas from La Carnita. For the festival, they’ll be giving out free lemonade, as well as half-price promos on street corn and churros– so drop by and enjoy some good Mexican food in their curb lane patio!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on Eats & Beats Streetfest!