Blog

What’s Happening at Riverdale ArtWalk 2026?

It’s back-to-back celebrations of community and local programming on June 6th as the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest AND Riverdale ArtWalk (June 6/7) are happening on the same weekend!

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

If you want to know more about Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest, you can check out the Riverside Blog, read our Eats & Beats blog series and RSVP to the festival!

However, this time on the blog, let’s talk about another amazing long-standing summer event in Toronto’s East End over June 6 and 7: the Riverdale ArtWalk!

Photo credit: Riverdale ArtWalk

What is the Riverdale ArtWalk?

Riverdale ArtWalk is an annual showcase of established and emerging artists that has been going on for 28 years now. It’s a great place to connect with artists — and find the perfect piece to take home!

Photo credit: Andrew Salkeld

Who’s behind the event?

Riverdale ArtWalk is an initiative of the Artists’ Network, a member-driven, volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization that aims to provide opportunities for artists to show and sell their work. You can read more about the organization HERE.

Photo credit: Kristy Blackwell

When and where is it happening?

Riverdale Artwalk 2026 will be taking place on June 6th (11am-6pm) & 7th (10am-5pm) at Jimmie Simpson Park (872 Queen St E) in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Photo credit: Cherie Daly

What can I expect at the event?

This year, there are 165 participating local artists and thousands of original pieces to peruse and purchase. Riverdale ArtWalk is also a great opportunity to talk to the artists about their work, and ask about their process and inspiration.

Photo credit: C.M. Duffy

How much does a ticket cost?

Riverdale ArtWalk is open to the public and FREE OF CHARGE! No need to RSVP too.

Photo credit: Riverdale ArtWalk

What else do I need to know?

Since you took the time to check out our blog, we’ll let you in on a little secret: Riverdale ArtWalk is doing a giveaway, where you can win $100 credit to put towards collecting your favourite artwork from this year’s show. For more information, check out this Instagram post. Contest closes on June 4th at 7pm!

Follow @riverdaleartwalk on Instagram for updates! While you’re at it, give us a follow too (@riverside_bia) and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates on our programming!

Community Connect: Pride Toronto at Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026

First of all, Happy Pride Month! With that said, this seems like the perfect opportunity to share something that we’re very PROUD about!

One of the things that makes this year’s Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest extra special is for the very first time, the Riverside BIA is partnering with Pride Toronto to bring you Community Connect here in Riverside, an initiative that aims to expand awareness and create intentional space for 2SLGBTQI+ communities beyond the downtown core.

BLOG: Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026: What’s new with the festival this year?

Community Connect will be happening alongside the 12th installment of Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest on Saturday, June 6th (12-6pm) in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. Pride Toronto will be taking over Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson St) with exciting programming such as live DJ sets and drag performances.

Check out the incredible line-up of artists who will be bringing music and entertainment to Community Connect in Riverside for Pride Month 2026:

Photo credit: INTROSPKT

INTROSPKT (@introspkt)

DJ | 12-1:30pm

Photo credit: Sucka Queen

Sucka Queen (@sucka_queen)

Bingo + Host | 1:30-2pm, 2:30-3pm, 3:45-4:15pm

Photo credit: Juarez El Cantante

Juarez El Cantante (@juarez_el_cantante)

Rapper | 2-2:15pm

Photo credit: Fox C. Shanty

Fox C. Shanty (@foxcshanty)

Drag King | 2:15-2:20pm, 3:20-3:25pm

Photo credit: Storm

Storm (@shesstormi)

Drag Queen | 2:20-2:25pm, 3:25-3:30pm

Photo credit: Mila Blue

Mila Blue (@themilablue)

Singer | 3:05-3:20pm

Photo credit: Priyana

Priyana (@priyana.music)

Singer | 3:30-3:45pm

Photo credit: DJ Bao

DJ Bao (@beatsbybao)

DJ | 4:15-6pm

Photo credit: Toronto Aces & Aros 

There will also be community organizations present to engage with festival attendees, including:

Photo credit: Help A Girl Out/HAGO

A friendly reminder: you can also win local prizes at this year’s festival by entering the Riverside Eats & Beats Raffle! 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!

Can you believe the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest is already this coming Saturday? Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly to stay updated on the festival!

Game On East End: Let’s Take a Look at the Programme!

Summer in Riverside is shaping up to be quite an exciting time in the city! Aside from the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest on June 6th, we’ll also be kicking off the season with a series of fun and inclusive programming as part of a campaign called Game On East End!

From June 11-July 19, 2026, Game On East End brings the soccer spirit to Toronto’s East End as we welcome the world with a dynamic series of free, public community activations at locations along Queen St East between the Don Valley and Jimmie Simpson Park.

The Game On East End programme is a collaborative effort of many East End partners, including the Riverside BIA, Leslieville BIA, Fontbonne Ministries, Ralph Thornton Community Centre, Queen-Saulter Library Branch, East End Arts, SH Armstrong Youth Council, and Blessed Caribbean Grocery & Takeout.

Here’s all of the programming happening as part of Game On East End this summer:

Picnic in the Park & Youth Soccer Clinic

Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 2-5pm

Location: Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St E

Enjoy a community picnic, free games, live music and art, youth soccer clinic, prizes, and giveaways. Hosted by Leslieville BIA.

Community BBQ & Sports Trivia

Date & Time: Monday, July 6, 2026 | 11am–1pm

Location: Fontbonne Ministries (Mustard Seed), 791 Queen St E

Join us for a free BBQ lunch, community gathering, and fun sports trivia with gift cards from local businesses.

Community Mural (Sports-Themed)

Date & Time: Friday & Saturday, July 10–11, 2026 | 11am–1pm

Location: 33 Davies Ave (North-Facing Wall)

Help co-create a community mural celebrating sport and neighbourhood pride. Materials provided.

Outdoor Movie Night (Soccer-Themed)

Date & Time: Friday, July 10, 2026 | 8-10:30pm

Location: Riverside Common Park, 657 Queen St E

Watch a fan-voted, family-friendly soccer film under the stars. Snacks and drinks available from local businesses.

Caribbean Game Nights

Date & Time: Saturday, July 11 & Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | Evenings

Location: BlessedLove Caribbean Market, 753A Queen St E

Enjoy dominoes, Ludi, bingo, FIFA tournaments, Caribbean food and music.

East End Spirit Fest

Date & Time: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 12-5pm

Location: Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St E

A youth-led community festival featuring local entertainers, mini games, scavenger hunt and sports history.

World in a City Programming & Workshops

Date & Time: June 11-July 19, 2026 | During library hours

Location: Queen/Saulter Library Branch, 765 Queen St E

Free public programming, including a soccer-themed book display and cultural workshops such as Chinese Brush Painting (June 27) and Henna (July 17).

Pop-Up Cool Zone

Date & Time: June 11-July 19, 2026 | Dates to be confirmed (weather dependent)

Location: Ralph Thornton Community Centre (East Patio), 765 Queen St E

Drop by for mist cooling, cold drinks, music, and a welcoming outdoor space on hot days (30°C+).

You can get information on Game On East End through various channels, including:

  • Game On East End main webpage
  • Flyers, postcards and tent cards which will be going out to mailboxes in the East End, as well as several businesses and community centres in the area
  • If you have any questions regarding Game On East End, you can also communicate with us directly! You’ll find our info on the Contact page of the Riverside BIA website

More details to come on Game On East End so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on exciting events and programming in the neighbourhood!

We thank the City of Toronto’s Community Celebration Support Fund for support of Game On East End programming 2026.

(Stock images from Pexels)

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026: What’s new with the festival this year?

If you’ve been following the Riverside Blog over the past few weeks, then you already know that Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest will be back on Saturday, June 6th (12-6pm)! 

Every year, the Riverside BIA works hard to outdo the previous year and make every installment of the festival, a long-running tradition of Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, even better than the last!

Now in its 12th year, here’s what’s new with the 2026 Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest:

Photo credit: Pride Toronto

Pride Toronto

This year, Pride Toronto will be taking over Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson St) with exciting programming, from live DJ sets to drag performances. Stay tuned for a separate blog post next week on Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest 2026 x Pride Toronto!

Photo credit: TO Newcomer Office

Chinatown Community Lion Dancers 

The Chinatown Community Lion Dancers will be performing throughout the day starting at noon. Catch their performances and demos on the Main Stage at Broadview Ave (2-2:45pm)! Otherwise you can find them roaming along Queen East between 12-2 and 3-4:30pm, culminating with a meet-and-greet on the Saulter Street Closure (4:30-5:30pm)!

Photo credit: Aerial Screw

Aerial Screw

From 12-6pm, kids and youth can explore the Visual Education Project ‘Aerial Screw’, the most authentic reconstruction of Leonardo Da Vinci’s helicopter, at the Carroll Street Closure (North of Queen E).

Photo credit: Chickadeedee

Chickadeedee Puppet Theatre School

Kids can stop by the Carroll Street Closure (North of Queen E) to make their own puppets with Chickadeedee Puppet Theatre School, and explore how they move and perform — plus, enter the raffle and get a chance to win spots in their summer camps!

Photo credit: Toronto Bike Share

Toronto Bike Share 

Learn about Bike Share, get support with the app, and test ride a Bike Share bike with the Toronto Parking Authority at the Thompson Street Closure (12-6pm)!

Photo credit: Rabbit and Bear Paws

Chad Solomon’s Rabbit and Bear Paws

Catch Chad Solomon’s Rabbit and Bear Paws: The Way, an interactive Indigenous puppet show, happening at the Saulter St Closure (South of Queen E) from 2-3pm.

Photo credit: C.M. Duffy

Riverdale ArtWalk

Although not a new event, it is the first time that the Riverdale ArtWalk is happening alongside Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest. Check out amazing work by local artists at Jimmie Simpson Park (872 Queen St E)!

Photo credit: Barker and Snouts

New Activities + New Members!

Riverside favourites are back with fun new activities for festival goers! Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (804 Queen St E), for example, will be having the most adorable gelato cart for dogs by Barker and Snouts. New BIA members such as Naz Treasures (717 Queen St E) and Hume Restaurant (782 Queen St E) are also joining in on Eats & Beats fun for the first time!

The Riverside Eats & Beats Raffle will also be back! Win local prizes at this year’s festival by entering 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!

We’ve got a few more stories in our Eats & Beats blog series coming next week, so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for new content on the festival!

International Burger Day 2026: Where To Find Amazing Burgers in Toronto’s Riverside

Not that you need a special holiday as a reason to enjoy a juicy burger… but did you know that May 28th is International Burger Day? 

If you’re ever craving one, here are 5 spots in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood where you can grab a good ol’ hamburger:

Photo credit: Riverside Burgers

Riverside Burgers (@riversideburgers)

Address: 688 Queen St E

Riverside Burgers has many fun options on the menu like the Dill-i-cio and Hot Hawaiian, but you can’t go wrong with their namesake: the “Riverside Burger” has a 5.5 oz beef patty, homemade panko-crusted onion ring, BBQ sauce, mozzarella, garlic aioli, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Photo credit: Happy Burger

Happy Burger (@happyburgerto)

Address: 689 Queen St E

The Double Happy Cheeseburger is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Don’t miss out on the Banana Pudding, too! Here’s a tip for you: download the Happy Burger app (available on the App Store and Google Play) so you can order ahead and earn points!

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Eastbound Brewing Co. (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E

Among the many delicious bites on Eastbound Cantina’s menu is the P.L.T. Burger: smash beef patty, house pickles, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, Eastbound beer-mustard mayo, between pillowy soft potato buns! Pair the P.L.T. with a can or two of Eastbound’s handcrafted beers!

Photo credit: Slayer Burger

Slayer Burger (@slayerburger)

Address: 739 Queen St E

Slayer Burger doesn’t shy away from getting creative with the burger. Take the Vecna for example (any “Stranger Things” fans here?): a grilled beef patty, caramelized onions, cheddar, truffle mushrooms, Nashville sauce, signature Slayer sauce and a pair of eye-catching charcoal buns. Complete your meal with the Slayer Milkshake, which is a vanilla ice cream-blended milkshake with a hot almond black cherry base.

Photo credit: The Comrade

The Comrade (@comradetoronto)

Address: 758 Queen St E

The Comrade is a popular spot in the neighbourhood for a nightcap but there’s a not-so hidden gem on the menu: the raved-about Prime Rib Burger. Drop by during cocktail hour (5-7pm, Monday to Saturday) for a $17 deal on this delicious, decadent burger, and taste for yourself what the hype is all about!

Hot Tip: Riverside is becomingthe burger capital of Toronto with yet another stellar spot coming on board soon – it’s Archie’s Tavern at The Broadview Hotel (Queen E/ Broadview). Follow them to stayed tuned for their opening!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood. Now go and treat yourself to a delicious burger!