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What’s Happening at Afraspektion 2025 at Riverside Common Park – August 17!

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community! On Saturday, August 17 from 2 PM – 7 PM, Riverside Common Park (657 Queen Street East) transforms into the ultimate stage for Afraspektion 2025, presented by Oddside Arts and the Riverside BIA.

The afternoon kicks off with an opening ceremony and an interactive drumming activity that will have everyone moving. Be dazzled by the traditional Rwandan dancing of Amarebe Cultural Troupe, the infectious rhythms of Pan Fantasy Steelpan, and the high-energy spectacle of Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers.

Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers.

Join in on the fun with Superhero Pictionary hosted by fan-favourite cosplayers WonderWoman905, TrinidadianSuga, and Cosplay Q, then groove to the beats of DJ Ace Dillinger. Watch Chef Lee in action during a live cooking demo, and don’t miss the fierce artistry of the House of Monroe ballroom performance.

TrinidadianSuga

Chef Lee

All day long, guests can get a custom sketch by artist Zaina Bovell or add some sparkle with face painting by Najla Nubyanluv.

Free admission – come celebrate, dance, and create lasting memories at Afraspektion 2025!

More About Afraspektion:

August 1, 2021, was the first time that Canada officially (according to Parliamentary Motion) recognized Emancipation Day, when the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in 1834 to free enslaved Africans and their descendants in colonies of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.

Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. Afraspektion features family friendly entertainment, art, a curated market, music, and activities.

Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.

We acknowledge and thank for their support of Afraspektion 2025:

  • The City of Toronto’s Cultural Festival Funding Program
  • Hullmark
  • Ontario Arts Council
  • Toronto Arts Council
  • Government of Canada Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
  • Scadding Court Community Centre

Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market will be back September 21st, 2025

We are excited to announce the return of the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market – now in its fourth year!  The event will be hosted by the Riverside BIA, Toronto Dog Moms, with friends Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, Sparky’s Comrade, Toronto Humane Society and more!!

It’s all coming back September 21st from 11am to 4pm in Riverside Common Park and Joel Weeks Park – here’s a sneak peek of what you and your furbaes can expect at this fun annual event:

  • Local Vendors Market: Browse and shop from 30+ local vendors at the market in Riverside Common AND Joel Weeks Park! You’ll find everything from unique dog apparel to pet chiropractic services
  • Vintage Photo Booth:  At this year’s Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market, we are thrilled to have a Vintage Photo Booth built by Nomad Customs open  from 12pm to 3pm for an unforgettable experience. Since 2019, they have been building mobile bars, coffee trailers, food trucks and custom campers.
  • The Chip Truck: The City of Toronto’s Micro-chip truck will be on site – stay tuned for the pre-register for your appointment (limited!)
  • Enrichment Sessions: Enjoy a complimentary enrichment session from Sparky’s Comrade – sign up link coming soon to book your slot.
  • Live Music: Enjoy live music
  • Plus….treat your furry friends to pupachinos, enjoy freebies, meet incredible rescue organizations, much more!

More details coming soon, in the meantime RSVP by clicking the button below.

Riverside Eats & Beats 2025 THANK YOU and Photos

We celebrated, we had incredible weather, and put all our efforts together as a community for an amazing 11th year of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest!!

The summer and community vibe was perfect at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2025 – a BIG THANKS to our amazing BIA festival team, volunteers, local businesses and organizations, vendors, entertainers, City of Toronto, TPS, and everyone’s efforts for making this such a wonderful experience for everyone.

Enjoy some of the fun memories with our festival video courtesy of J & C Toronto Real Estate Group and photos below (Big thanks to Pawelec Photo!).

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 2025 was supported by the Riverside BIA, Hullmark, Isaan Der Thai Kitchen, and Baird McGregor Insurance Brokers LP.  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 part. 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 (Photo Credit: Riverside BIA)
Jenny Blackbird at the Broadview Main Stage did Traditional Singing and Drumming (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Festival-goers enjoying the Eastbound Beer Garden near the Broadview Main Stage (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
The Pirate Life Team and Ship on Carroll St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Festival-goers testing out their Pirate skills on Carroll St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
The Toronto Humane Society Team on Carroll St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Local market and free live music in Riverside Common Park (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Vendor Chef Nicolas in Riverside Common Park (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Musician Rudy Ray in Joel Weeks Park (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Vendor Orikrea Joel Weeks Park (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Question Everything Trivia in Joel Weeks Park (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers in Joel Weeks Park (Photo Credit: Riverside BIA)
Enjoying big games by Spiniko on Munro St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Sensory Stations with Oma Chiropractic & Wellness on Munro (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Using bicycle-power to make smoothies on Munro St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
BBQ at Real Greek Giros with business owner Jim and family (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Grilling at Riverside Burgers (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Festival-goer enjoying sliders at est restaurant (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
Sidewalk Sale by The Irish Design House with owner Sinead (at right) and staff (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Free activities by Queen/Saulter Library Branch on Saulter St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Magic Shows on Saulter St by Magic Mel (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Ralph Thornton Community Centre on Saulter St
Festival-goers at the big Love Local sign beside the Queen Garden Centre on Saulter St (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
The Fontbonne Ministries team at their Mustard Seed location (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Nell & Natasha at their Free BBQ and Blues on McGee (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Feeding the community at Nell and Natasha’s community BBQ (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
The Three Amigos at Nell & Natasha’s BBQ and Blues (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
Falafel and treats at Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
The Timmie Cup Mascot meets festival-goers (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 
At the E & B big sign on Broadview (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo)
 
Murray Drive on the Broadview Main Stage (Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 

Reggadiction on the Broadview Main Stage ((Photo Credit: Pawelec Photo) 

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 next time.

WHAT’S NEXT IN RIVERSIDE:

* Don’t miss our 2025 upcoming events and vendor opportunities!

*Stay tuned for our 2026 festival date announcement and vendor opportunities in early 2026.

ABOUT RIVERSIDE EATS & BEATS STREETFEST:

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest spans 10 vibrant 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 Toronto’s Downtown Core. Each year, the festival showcases:

*50+ local eateries and shops along Queen Street East serve 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 ranging from Samba, New Orleans-style Jazz, Blues, Roots/Rock and Children’s entertainment.

Interested in being a 2026 event supporter? Contact Us!

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