Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026: Highlights and Thanks

A week later and we’re still on an Eats & Beats high!

The 12th year of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest on June 6th was extra special. Aside from our usual local market, entertainment and sidewalk activities, we worked with Pride Toronto for the first time. This year’s festival also happened alongside Riverdale ArtWalk. The festival was packed with so many amazing programming, to say the least.

With that said, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing people who helped make this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest a success:

Hullmark and Baird McGregor Insurance Brokers LP for sponsoring this year’s festival; the Riverside BIA Board and Festival Team who brought their expertise and experience to make the event a success; the local businesses and organizations who put together exciting activities; the local vendors who participated in our Local Market in the Park; the volunteers from George Brown College School of ESL, as well as from our local community who supported the festival; and lastly, ALL OF YOU who came out and joined us — we look forward to seeing all of you again next year!

In case you missed it, here are some of many highlights from this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest: (Photos by Riverside BIA)

Samba Toronto officially kicked off the Eats & Beats festivities with an energetic performance

Good Food Market at Fontbonne Ministries brought fresh local produce to the festival this year

Many amazing local acts shared their talents with festival goers at Eats & Beats

Bicycle-powered smoothie making courtesy of the Riverside BIA

Kiddos checking our festival guide to see what’s on the agenda (Peep the new Toronto Neighbourhood Guide on the table!)

This year, we had the Chinatown Community Lion Dancers not only perform but also meet and greet visitors

Danforth Dance Arts doing a quick rehearsal before their performance on the Main Stage

Thank you for all your kind words. Your feedback on our neighbourhood and programming means so much to us

Speaking of sharing your thoughts, before we officially wrap up this year’s Eats & Beats, we would like to ask for your feedback on the event via our survey! The Riverside BIA is a not-for-profit and Eats & Beats depends on funding to help support its continuation each year. Your testimonial helps us seek that support for future installments.

What’s Next in Riverside

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 2027 event supporter? Contact us!

Dads’ Day Out: 5 Ways to Spend Father’s Day in Toronto’s Riverside

Father’s Day is coming up! Need ideas on how to treat and pamper your dad/father figure in your life? Head over to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. From pampering treatments to delicious meals, here are 5 ways to spoil dad or your father figure for Father’s Day:

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Brewery Tour

Celebrate Father’s Day in advance with a brewery tour at Eastbound Brewing (700 Queen St E) on June 20th. Tours run at 1pm and 3pm, and every guest receives $1 off their first beer afterward. After the tour, stay for lunch and try out Tex-Mex eats from the Eastbound Cantina. Reserve your slots HERE.

Photo credit: Glassbox Barbershop

Fresh New Haircut 

Treat dad to a new ‘do at Glassbox Barbershop (781 Queen St E), known for their elevated take on classic barbering and hair styling. Their core services include haircuts, beard trims and shaves. Book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Butchers of Distinction

BBQ Party

Weather permitting, plan a fun outdoor BBQ party! And where else can you get the best meats than at Butchers of Distinction (738 Queen St E), Riverside’s neighbourhood butcher. From ribeye steaks to marinated chicken, they’ve got your BBQ essentials covered.

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Relaxing Massage 

Book dad a much-needed massage at Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (1 Munro St). Massage therapy can help address issues such as stress, headaches, muscle problems and other related conditions. Schedule an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: The West Cork

Sports Viewing

Take dad to the pub and enjoy a game on the TV with a good ol’ pint of Guinness. The West Cork (701 Queen St E) does happy hour deals + live music during the weekend as well. While you’re there, order some pub grub or try a traditional Irish spice bag if you haven’t yet!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on exciting events and promos in the neighbourhood. Happy Father’s Day in advance!

Riverside Vintage Crawl – Summer 2026 Edition: Who’s Participating?

Get your inspo photos and shopping bags ready because the Riverside Vintage Crawl is back this summer on Friday, June 19th (6pm-9pm)! Who’s up for another evening of vintage shopping and fashionable fun in Toronto’s Riverside?

BLOG: Riverside Vintage Crawl is back June 19th! Here’s Everything You Need To Know

We’ve got seven BIA members joining the party this time around, including one new addition to the neighbourhood. Here are all the businesses participating in the Summer 2026 Edition of the Riverside Vintage Crawl on June 19th:

Photo credit: Fevers Vintage

Fevers Vintage

Address: 732 Queen St E

Instagram: @fevers.vintage

Photo credit: Hogtown Vintage

Hogtown Vintage (NEW!)

Address: 734 Queen St E

Instagram: @hogtownvintage.to

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

St. John’s Eco Market

Address: 740 Queen St E

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Ran’s Closet

Address: 747 Queen St E

Instagram: @ranscloset_queeneast

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall

Address: 754 Queen St E

Instagram: @thevintagehallto

Photo credit: Common Sort

Common Sort 

Address: 760 Queen St E

Instagram: @commonsort

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Arts Market

Address: 790 Queen St E

Instagram: @artsmarket

Get your FREE tickets to the Riverside Vintage Crawl by clicking on the RSVP button below. 

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia, as well as the participating businesses, on Instagram for updates on the Riverside Vintage Crawl. We come out with new content on the Riverside Blog regularly so be sure to check that out as well!

Riverside Vintage Crawl is back June 19th! Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Hot off the heels of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest, let’s keep the momentum going with another hit summer event in the neighbourhood: Riverside Vintage Crawl will be back on Friday, June 19th (6pm-9pm)!

Come to Riverside for a fun night of vintage shopping and more. Here’s what to expect at this year’s Riverside Vintage Crawl – Summer Edition happening later this month:

Who is Participating?

Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood is home to many cool independent clothing shops! Check out the list of participating shops + official vintage crawl map below.

“We Pay The Tax”

Participating shops will cover HST during the event, which means all purchases made in-store from 6-9pm will be tax-free. That’s 13% off on top of other discounts and promos they might have, so take advantage of this deal!

Treats, DJs and More Surprises

Shoppers will be treated to snacks and refreshments and some shops will have in-house DJs as part of the Riverside Vintage Crawl. There will also be a raffle to enter in-stores where each entry gives you a chance to win a local gift card!

Click on the RSVP button below and let us know you’re coming. In the meantime, follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates on our community programming like the Riverside Vintage Crawl!

Who’s Ready for Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026?

The wait is almost over! Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026 is happening this Saturday, June 6th (12-6pm) — are you just as excited as we are?!

Before we come together to enjoy delicious food and participate in fun outdoor activities by local businesses, we’ve got a few reminders so you can enjoy this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest to the fullest:

 Do some reading

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been coming out with festival-related content on the blog. It’s not too late to catch up and read our Eats & Beats blog series (and get a sneak peek of some of the festival-only promos and deals from our vendors)!

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026 Blog Series:

Hot Eats | Cool Buys | Fun Happenings | Exciting Entertainers | Vendor Preview

Plan your day

This year’s festival is jam-packed with exciting programming, from sidewalk sales by local businesses to meet-and-greets with community organizations like Toronto Humane Society. Download the festival guide ahead of time and note down activities you want to do or vendors you want to check out.

Getting here

There are many ways to get to the festival! You can walk, bike, take public transit or get dropped off. Just make sure to be aware of the local road closures beforehand for a smooth trip.

Dress for all kinds of weather

In case you didn’t know, Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is a rain-or-shine event! Bring the essentials such as a hat, a pair of sunglasses, an umbrella, etc. Opt for a crossbody bag so you can explore the festival with ease.

Spread the word

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is for all and we mean it! Whether you’re into fashion, food, music or visual arts, there’s something for you. The festival is best enjoyed with good company, so bring your family, friends, significant other, everybody!

Let us know you’re coming

RSVP and get your free tickets by clicking the button above! By signing up, you’ll get the full digital event guide delivered straight to your inbox.

In the meantime, follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on exciting programming in the neighbourhood!

Photo credit: Pawelec Photo