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Love is in the Air: 5 Ways To Spend Love Month in Toronto’s Riverside

First of all, can we just give ourselves a pat on the back for surviving what felt like the longest month ever? It’s finally February and love is officially in the air!

Whether you love shopping for cool vintage fashion or trying diverse international cuisines, there’s plenty of reasons to love Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood in the East End.

Here are 5 ways you can spend February your way in Riverside:

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

Do you love fashion?

Even though the Riverside Vintage Crawl is still a few months away, you can still indulge in your love of fashion by checking out the vintage stores in the neighbourhood this season and doing a little winter wardrobe refresh. You can find the full list of independent vintage clothing stores in Riverside on our online business directory.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Do you love art?

Over the years, Riverside has become home to many amazing public art by talented local creatives. For art lovers, you can do an art walk in Riverside and view the pieces at your own pace. In case you didn’t know, we’ve also launched a series of self-guided walking tours so if you’re looking for a fun (and free) outdoor activity to do this season, check them out!

Photo credit: Il Ponte

Do you love food?

From Indian at Royal Baithak (755 Queen St E) to Italian at Il Ponte (625 Queen St E), foodies are spoiled for choice in Riverside when it comes to global cuisine. Another fun foodie activity to do is a bakery crawl; there’s Blackbird Baking Co. (635 Queen St E), Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St E) and more. Winterlicious, Toronto’s favourite wintertime foodie event, is also running until February 12th and a couple of our friends from the BIA are participating!

BLOG: What’s on the menu for Winterlicious 2026 in Riverside?

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Do you love self-care?

Oma’s annual self-love extravaganza is back! Join Oma Chiropractic (1 Munro St) on February 28th for the Love Yourself Event, an evening of fun and self-care featuring workshops, sessions and vendors. This year’s event is in support of Nellie’s Shelter. For more information on the program and registration, click HERE!

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Do you love small businesses?

What if we told you that by supporting small businesses in Riverside, you can get rewarded for it? Riverside BIA will be launching Riverside Rewards Raffle on Feb 17th, where you can win weekly and grand prizes simply by making a purchase at any of the businesses located within the Queen East construction zone. More details will be shared next week so stay tuned!

If you like content like this, check out the Riverside Blog regularly and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

Oma’s Love Yourself Event 2026: All You Need To Know

Who’s ready for a fun evening of reflection, healing and self-care? Oma Chiropractic & Wellness is back with their annual self-love extravaganza: the Love Yourself Event!

Join Oma (1 Munro St) on Saturday, February 28th at 7pm-10pm for the Love Yourself Event, a chance to unwind and connect with your self-care practices!

This year’s Love Yourself Event is in support of Nellie’s Shelter, a Toronto-based non-profit that provides women and their children with a safe space for healing, personal growth and renewed strength.

There are three ticket options so you can customize your self-care experience throughout the evening. See ticket prices and inclusions below (and get your tickets fast before they seel out!!):

  • Mix & Mingle ($35): entry ticket where you can visit the many vendors on site, and take in the vibes of a fun and love-full evening
  • Mix, Mingle & Me Time ($50): entry ticket + 15-minute private session with a practitioner
  • The Full Embrace ($60): entry ticket + choice of a 30-minute workshop + 15-minute private session with a practitioner

From tarot readings to zero-proof cocktails, here’s a sneak peek into some (of many!) activities happening at this year’s Love Yourself Event by Oma:

Soundscape with Kat Lucas

Led by artist Kat Lucas, this session features an immersive soundscape designed to gently unwind the nervous system and awaken your own healing power through your breath and unique vocal frequency. You will move through a live, layered auditory experience — soothing piano music, live intuitive singing, resonant sound bowls and guided vocal somatic toning.

Space for Grace with Lee Philbrook & Stephanie Colwell

Through guided meditation and gentle Qigong, blending breath, mindful movement, and stillness, you’ll be supported in releasing what you’ve been holding and reconnecting with a grounded, restful state. This workshop with Lee Philbrook and Stephanie Colwell is a chance to soften the nervous system, restore balance and meet yourself with grace.

Tarot Reading with Julianne Ess

Sit down with Julianne Ess for a tarot reading, which provides a framework for the chaos that life presents us, and can help point us in the right direction as we navigate our complicated lives with intention and courage.

Chair Massage with the Oma Team

Chair massage — also known as seated massage — is a type of massage that takes place on a traditional massage chair. It is designed to take the weight off the spine and give easy access to the head, neck, back, shoulders and arms.

ZERO Cocktail Bar

Enjoy flavourful cocktails from ZERO Cocktail Bar, Toronto’s first non-alcoholic bar experience. They provide access to beautiful cocktails for those who want the creativity and delectableness of a traditional cocktail without the alcohol. ZERO believes in bringing communities together by creating beverages that everyone can enjoy.

Affirmation Cards with Kathryn Boyd

Join Toronto-based queer mixed media artist Kathryn Boyd and design a meaningful affirmation card as a simple yet powerful reminder of strength and self-love. Inspired by her own artistic practice as a path to introspection and healing, Kathryn invites you to explore self-expression in this creative mini-retreat.

Slots are first-come, first-served, so be sure to buy your tickets early to choose self-care activities. For more information on workshops and registration, click HERE!

This is a charity event, so there are no refunds on tickets. However, tickets can be transferred to a friend if you’ve booked your slot but can’t make it.

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on fun and exciting programming happening in the neighbourhood!

What’s on the menu for Winterlicious 2026 in Riverside?

In case you didn’t know, Winterlicious 2026 is officially ON! Who’s excited for great deals on set meals from over 240 restaurants in Toronto?

Toronto’s favourite wintertime foodie event is back and this year, we’ve got two of our friends in the Riverside BIA participating: ēst Restaurant and Eastbound Brewing Company.

BLOG: Winterlicious is back Jan 30th! Who’s participating in Riverside?

Winterlicious 2026 is running only until February 12 so make those reservations stat! We’ll leave the reservation links below for your convenience.

Curious to know what’s on the menu? Here’s a sneak peek into what our friends from the BIA are serving for Winterlicious 2026:

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant (@est.restaurant)

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

Phone: 416-465-3707

*Reserve a table at ēst Restaurant for Winterlicious 2026: LUNCH | DINNER

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Phone: 416-901-1299

*Reserve a table at Eastbound Brewing Company for Winterlicious 2026: LUNCH | DINNER

Winterlicious 2026 runs between Jan. 30 and Feb. 12. Check out the Winterlicious map HERE. Happy Winterlicious season, everyone!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on fun and exciting programming happening in the neighbourhood!

The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway: 5 Fun Activities To Do in Toronto’s Riverside This Winter

Yes, it’s cold, but it’s Canada, so let’s bundle up, dig ourselves out, and embrace the fresh and fun side of winter here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

From great cafes to cool vintage stores to amazing murals, Riverside is a vibrant lifestyle district with plenty to offer and is home to many small, locally owned businesses. So put your cute winter outfit on and buckle up — we’re going on a little trip to Queen East. Here’s five fun things to do in Riverside this season:

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Go cafe hopping.

Riverside is home to many amazing coffee shops. There’s Isle of Coffee (745 Queen St E), Jimmy’s Coffee (806 Queen St E), Amber Kitchen and Coffee (4 Boulton Ave), and Dark Horse Espresso Bar (630 Queen St E). Cafe hopping is a great way to spend a day in the neighbourhood, while staying warm in the winter. Some of them have seasonal drinks so that’s worth trying as well.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Take a walking tour.

… when there’s no Extreme Cold Warning, at least. You can explore some of the historical landmarks in Riverside like The Opera House (735 Queen St E) or look at the cool public art we have in the neighbourhood. FYI, we’ve launching a series of self-guided walking tours with a new tour every week or so this winter – so check them out and stay tuned for more to come!

Photo credit: Coffee and Clothing

Do your own vintage crawl.

Vintage fashion lovers are in for a treat in Riverside as the area boasts a vibrant community of independent vintage clothing stores. While our first 2026 Riverside Vintage Crawl is still months away (we know you’re excited), you can definitely do one yourself in the meantime. As of writing, we have eight vintage clothing stores in the BIA — see the full list in the blog post linked below!

BLOG: A Fashion Reset: Vintage Shopping in Riverside This Winter

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Treat yourself to a staycation.

We all deserve to spoil ourselves occasionally, right? Join the Broadview Key Club for members-only perks at The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave). They’re pet-friendly as well so you don’t have to worry about leaving the fur babies behind. A bonus tip: While you’re in the neighbourhood, sign up for the brewery tour at Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E), which is just next door).

Photo credit: The Comrade

Enjoy happy hour.

When you want to unwind a little bit, whether it’s from a stressful week at work or just the winter blues getting you down, gather the gang and head over to Riverside for happy hour. There are deals on fish tacos and margs at La Carnita (780 Queen St E), cocktails and burgers at The Comrade (758 Queen St E), and half-price bottles of wine over at Chez Nous (798 Queen St E), just to name a few.

If you’re new to Riverside, be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog to stay updated on exciting happenings in the neighbourhood!

A Fresh Start: 5 Little Changes You Can Make This 2026

The beginning of a new year always feels like a fresh start — an opportune time to reinvent ourselves. However, the “new year, new me” mindset can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially when we put so much pressure on ourselves. 

Instead of these big New Year’s resolutions, we can start small with little positive changes that improve ourselves and not completely overhauling who we are. These can be simple but meaningful actions that make us feel good about ourselves.

If you’re craving a little change for 2026, here are five ideas from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Start with new intention.

Many of us tend to feel pressured into making new year’s goals or resolutions – but maybe just setting your intention for is best for you and thinking about some small things to tackle this year could work! Our local wellness centre Oma Chiropractic and Wellness‘ 2026 newsletter is all about ‘moving with intention into 2026’ with wellness tips, workshops, and their popular annual fundraiser ‘Love Yourself’ (Feb 28th – in support of Nellie’s Shelter) – you don’t want to miss it!

E-NEWS: Moving with Intention in 2026

Photo credit: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

Get a new haircut.

Sometimes, a fresh new ‘do is all it takes to give us that extra boost of confidence. Whether it’s a subtle chop or something more drastic like a bold new colour, Riverside has many incredible salons with hairstylists you can trust to get the job done, such as UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E), Glassbox Barbershop (781 Queen St E) and Album Hair (639 Queen St E).

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

Refresh your wardrobe.

Riverside is home to many amazing independent vintage clothing stores like The Vintage Hall (754 Queen St E), Fevers Vintage (732 Queen St E) and the recently opened Coffee and Clothing (734 Queen St E)! We even do our own Riverside Vintage Crawl. Experiment with your personal style this year. That’s the best part about fashion. With that said, cue fitting room makeover montage!

BLOG: Entering The New Season in Style: Riverside Vintage Crawl – Fall 2025 Edition Highlights

Photo credit: Bonjour Brioche

Go on solo dates.

While it’s always great to spend quality time with our loved ones, a solo date every now and then is just as recharging. Enjoy freshly baked pastries at Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St E), try Mediterranean cuisine at Hume Restaurant (782 Queen St E), go shopping for K-fashion at Ran’s Closet (747 Queen St E), the list goes on. Head over to Riverside and go on a solo adventure in the neighbourhood!

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Embark on your wellness journey.

Trying to be more active during the coldest time of the year seems like an uphill battle, but it’s not an impossible task! There are plenty of ways to do that in Riverside: a spin class at RISE Cycle (672 Queen St E), strength training at La Femme Strong (655 Queen St E) or a hot yoga sesh at Broadview Hot Yoga (635 Queen St E), just to name a few.

BLOG: Wellness in the Winter: How To Stay Active in Toronto’s Riverside This Season

For the full list of businesses in Riverside, browse through the Riverside BIA Online Directory on our website — we have 100+ members in our BIA!

Check out the Riverside Blog regularly and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on fun things to do in the neighbourhood!