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A Showcase of Talent (5 Exciting Entertainers at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026)

Mark your calendars: this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest will be happening on Saturday, June 6th (12-6pm)! 

BLOG: Riverside Eats & Beats Streetest is back June 6th!

The street festival is called Eats & BEATS for good reason. Aside from delicious food, attendees are also treated to great music by local talent.

Here are 5 brilliant Toronto acts (of the many more!) who will be performing outdoors at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: The Shop

The Shop (@theshopfamily)

Location: Broadview Ave Main Stage (South of Queen E)

Toronto-based jazz quintet

Photo credit: Chris Scian

Chris Scian (@cschrisscian)

Location: McGee St Closure (South of Queen E)

Singer-songwriter with a repertoire of original songs in a ‘bluesy alt-rock’ vein

Photo credit: The Don Valley Stompers 

The Don Valley Stompers

Location: McGee St Closure (South of Queen E)

Seven-piece jazz band that plays in the New Orleans dancehall tradition

Photo credit: West End Riverboat Band

West End Riverboat Band (@westendriverboatband)

Location: Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E)

Banjo, bass and clarinet trio playing stomping traditional jazz

Photo credit: Rudy Ray Kwaku

Rudy Ray Kwaku (@rudyraykwaku)

Location: Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E)

Award-winning Ghanaian-Canadian diplomat in music, movies and mental health

You know where else you can find Toronto talent on June 6-7th? At Riverdale ArtWalk at Jimmie Simpson Park (872 Queen St E), which is happening alongside Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest again this year! 

p.s. You can also win local prizes at this year’s festival by entering the Riverside Eats & Beats Raffle! You can enter the raffle either in person at the BIA booth (Queen E/Broadview) OR through the QR code in the festival guide anytime during the festival hours. Winners will be drawn and announced at the main stage throughout the day!

Click the button below to RSVP and get the official guide to Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest with full details and schedule, plus festival perks and promos straight to your inbox!

Have you read the previous posts in our Eats & Beats blog series? Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates and check the Riverside Blog for new content weekly!

Doors Open Toronto Returns This Weekend — Here’s a Sneak Peek of the Tour!

In case you didn’t know, Doors Open Toronto will be back this weekend! 

Join the Riverside BIA on this FREE guided tour on May 23rd & 24th as we show you how Indigenous placekeeping, public art, sport and community life connect Riverside to the wider world.

Themed “The World in a City”, this year’s Doors Open Tour in Riverside “Global Roots, Local Streets” highlights the people, places and stories that make the city a global mosaic.

If you haven’t signed up yet, you’re in luck because slots for the Doors Open tours in Riverside are still available! Tours on both dates run from 11am-12:30pm. Register for your tickets for our Doors Open Toronto Neighbourhood Tour HERE. 

In the meantime, here’s a preview of some of the iconic spots in Riverside that’ll be part of the Doors Open tour this Saturday and Sunday:

Riverside Common Park

Address: 657 Queen St E

Since it was opened in 2021, Riverside Common Park has been the venue for many of the Riverside BIA’s public events, from the much anticipated Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest (happening on June 6th!) to the Riverside Holiday Market in November. It is now also home to an Indigenous art exhibit by Que Rock which will be explored on the tour.

BLOG: Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is back June 6th!

The Opera House

Address: 735 Queen St E

The Opera House is one of Toronto’s oldest surviving theatres. Opened in 1909 as the La Plaza Theatre, it was originally a vaudeville venue, showcasing everything from comedy to acrobatics. Over the years, it has also hosted some of the biggest acts in music like Metallica and Tom Jones. We will discuss its global and local roots and stories.

Toronto Fringe

Address: 100 Broadview Ave

The Toronto Fringe Festival is a vital theatre incubator in the country. Since 1989, Fringe has launched thousands of world premieres, including “Kim’s Convenience” and “The Drowsy Chaperone”. FYI, this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival will be from June 30th to July 12th! Our tour will end at the home of Toronto Fringe headquarters – here’s your chance to get a sneak peek of their 2026 guide and also of a historical photo exhibit.

This is just three of many stops on this year’s Doors Open Toronto neighbourhood tour, so if you want to see and learn more about Riverside, register and get your free tickets ASAP!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. See you all on May 23rd & 24th!

Photo credits: Henry Chan Jr.

A Packed Agenda (5 Fun Happenings at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026)

Who’s excited for the return of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest on Saturday, June 6th (12-6pm)?!

Aside from Hot Eats and Cool Buys, we’ve also got an exciting line-up of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy and participate in!

Here are 5 (of many!) Fun Happenings at this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Orikrea

The Art of Handcrafting Accessories

Time and Location: 12-5pm | Munro Street Closure (North of Queen E) 

Come learn about handcrafting and make your own accessory (complimentary!) with Orikrea.

Photo credit: Chi Junky

Step Into Your Chi

Time and Location: 9am-3pm | Chi Junky (70 McGee St)

Come hang out and meet the amazing community of Chi Junky. Stop by 9am-3pm: tour the studio and try a class. All classes on June 6th are free for anyone’s first time!

Photo credit: Pawelec Photo

Show Your Library Pride! on Saulter

Time and Location: 12-5pm | Saulter Street Closure (South of Queen E)

The Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch will host lots of interactive kids’ activities on Saulter Street: bubbles, rainbow crafts, button making, and a make-your-own Pride Parade sign! Materials will be provided.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Brewery Tour

Time and Location: 1pm & 3pm | Eastbound Brewing Co. (700 Queen St E)

For $5, enjoy a guided tour of the Eastbound Brewing Co. brewhouse, learn how your favourite beers are made, and start with a free sample. Tours at 1pm and 3pm include $1 off your first beer—stay for a pint or Tex-Mex bites.

Photo credit: Toronto Humane Society

Meet & Greet with Toronto Humane Society

Time and Location: 12-6pm | Carroll Street Closure (North of Queen E)

Meet adorable pets, learn about upcoming events, and ways to support Toronto Humane Society.

Speaking of Fun Happenings, this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is happening alongside the Riverdale ArtWalk at Jimmie Simpson Park (872 Queen St E)!

Did you know that you can also win local prizes at this year’s festival? Enter the Riverside Eats & Beats Raffle! You can enter the raffle either in person at the BIA booth (Queen E/Broadview) OR through the QR code in the festival guide anytime during festival hours. Winners will be drawn and announced at the main stage throughout the day!

Click the button below to RSVP and get the official guide to Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest with full details and schedule, plus festival perks and promos straight to your inbox!

We’ve got more blog posts leading up to the festival so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates!

Unlocking Your Next Passion: 5 New Hobbies You Can Start in Toronto’s Riverside

There are many benefits to starting a new hobby: it’s a great way to discover a hidden passion, reinvigorate your day to day, or just be more productive with your free time.

Whether you’re into health and fitness or something more creative and craftsy, there are plenty of opportunities in Toronto’s Riverside to find a new hobby.

Here are 5 fun hobbies you can start, featuring these amazing local businesses in the neighbourhood!

Photo credit: Rise Cycle

Indoor Cycling

If you enjoy working out to good music, indoor cycling might just be your next obsession. Rise Cycle (672 Queen St E) is a popular indoor cycling studio known for its beat-based classes with curated playlists. Check the Rise Cycle website for more information on rates and classes!

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Hot Classes (+ Cold Plunge)

Looking for a place where you can sweat and chill? Head over to Broadview Hot Yoga (635 Queen St E). The studio has a wide range of hot classes for you to try, such as yoga, barre, pilates and HIIT. They offer cold plunge too! You’ll find further details on classes and schedules on the BHY website.

Photo credit: Polka Dot Print

Screenprinting

Ever wanted to learn how to print your own t-shirts? Sign up for the next screenprinting workshop at Polka Dot Print (756 Queen St E – Basement), a charming studio with a gallery and gift shop in Riverside. Follow @polka_dot_print on Instagram so you’re updated on upcoming sessions!

Photo credit: Hogtown Vintage

Vintage Shopping

The concept of vintage shopping can be daunting for newbies. You need patience and a clear idea of your personal style. Luckily, with seven independent vintage stores to check out, Riverside is a good place to start. You can easily spend a day hopping from store to store, so give yourself enough time to browse.

(Speaking of vintage shopping, the Riverside Vintage Crawl will be back on Friday, June 19th! Save the date, yes?)

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Strength Training

Discover what your body is truly capable of through strength training. La Femme Strong (655 Queen St E) specializes in various types of programming in strength and mobility. With the help of their knowledgeable trainers, you can find the right program for you! Find out more about their offerings on the La Femme Strong website.

For more fun lifestyle content from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, check the Riverside Blog regularly and be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for regular updates!

Unplug and Unwind: 5 Ways To Spend The Victoria Day Long Weekend in Toronto’s Riverside

In observance of Victoria Day on Monday, May 18th, an extended weekend is coming up — which means we get an extra day to treat ourselves to a little R&R, whether that’s going out for a delicious brunch or checking into a boutique hotel for a night or two.

Looking for low-key long weekend plans / ideas? Luckily, you don’t have to go far or leave the city to have a relaxing weekend. Here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, there are plenty of things to do, whatever your interests or hobbies are.

Check out these fun activities you can do in Riverside this Victoria Day weekend:

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Go on a staycation.

Splurge on an overnight stay at Riverside’s iconic The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave) and treat yourself to breakfast in bed. It’s also a great home base for the weekend if you plan on exploring the rest of the East End. Plus points for being pet-friendly too! Head over to The Broadview Hotel website for current offers and promos.

Photo credit: Fevers Vintage

Check out vintage stores.

As of writing, Riverside has a total of seven independent vintage clothing stores, which means you can easily spend a whole day just vintage shopping. On a related note: our annual vintage shopping event, the Riverside Vintage Crawl, is also coming next month! In the meantime, see the full list of vintage stores in Riverside HERE.

Photo credit: Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee

Embark on a food crawl.

Foodies are spoiled for choice in Riverside. You can eat your way through the neighbourhood: French pastries in the morning at Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St E), brunch at White Lily Diner (678 Queen St E), afternoon coffee at Isle of Coffee (745 Queen St E), and dinner at Lamoon Thai Kitchen (730 Queen St E). Our best and only advice: come hungry!

Photo credit: The Opera House

Watch a concert.

To see a show at The Opera House (735 Queen St E) in Riverside is a must-do for any music lover. Check out the events calendar on The Opera House website to see the full list of upcoming shows!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Walk around the neighbourhood.

Sometimes, a simple, leisurely walk is all one needs to relax. There’s a lot to see around Riverside, from vibrant public art to historic buildings. Speaking of walks, if you’re free on May 23rd/24th and would like to go on a guided one, Doors Open Toronto tours are back in Riverside — read the blog post linked below for more information on the tours and how to register!

BLOG: Doors Open Toronto Tours are back in Riverside — Registration now open!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly if you enjoy lifestyle content like this from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. We hope you all have a great long weekend!