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Small Acts, Big Impact : 5 Ways To Support Small Businesses Everyday

Toronto’s Riverside is not only a neighbourhood rich in culture and history; it’s also home to a diverse community of small-scale entrepreneurs, from food to fashion to beauty.

In celebration of small businesses during this Small Business Week (Oct 20-26th) and everyday, here are five ways you can show up for the amazing businesses that you love: 

Have a ‘small business first’ mindset.

Whenever you want to purchase something, think of your local shops near you first, before resorting to the big box stores or online ordering.

For example, looking for a cool jacket for the fall? Check out local vintage shops first.

Explore Local and Attend Community Events.

Check out our online directory for an updated list of all the businesses in our BIA. Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood, and check out our local narrated tour here.

Weekend markets are great places to not only shop from small businesses, but also to meet the people behind them and know their stories. We love organizing markets in Riverside. Check out our event calendar to see what we have coming up.

Shop local.

With the holidays just around the corner, this might be a good time to slowly start working on that list. For Halloween costuming, check out the Riverside Vintage Crawl and for holiday gifts swing by the Local Holiday Market at Riverside Common on November 24. There will be plenty of amazing small businesses to check out.

Leave a review.

Google and Yelp are popular review platforms where you can share your experience to other users. A lot of people check reviews before going, so don’t think one review won’t matter. Your kind words will go a long way.

Spread the word on social media.

Small businesses don’t have advertising budgets like big companies do, so social media is the best tool to leverage. Post about them. Tag them in your Stories. Follow their accounts. Social media is how people discover things now.

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Riverside Vintage Crawl – Halloween Edition: What’s Happening?

Shortly after the success of the first Riverside Vintage Crawl in June, there was clamor for a follow-up–and we heard you!

Join us on October 17th from 6pm to 10pm as your favorite vintage shops in Toronto’s Riverside are coming together again for a Halloween edition of the popular Riverside Vintage Crawl.

If you’re still searching for a costume for Halloween this year, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative and find something unique, while supporting small businesses.

Before we go on another fun night of vintage shopping, here’s everything you need to know about the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Halloween Edition:

Photo credit: Common Sort

Shop Halloween costumes and accessories.

From hats to coats to shoes to jewelry to little knick-knacks, the participating stores will be curating all things spooky and stylish for this event. 

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Save the tax (in store).

Like the first Riverside Vintage Crawl, the shops will be covering the HST for all purchases made during the event; so take advantage of this sweet deal!

Photo credit: Second Voyage Vintage

Vibe to Halloween tunes while shopping.

What’s a party without good music? Jam to nostalgic Halloween songs while browsing through the wide selection of vintage goodies. Who knows, it might even spark an idea for a costume!

Photo credit: Good Juice Box Vintage

Enjoy complimentary treats and refreshments.

If you find yourself feeling parched or peckish during the vintage crawl, help yourself to drinks and nibbles that participating shops have available.

Enter the prize raffle in store.

Make sure to ask about the raffle when you drop by the stores so you can have a chance to win a cool surprise!

Participating Locations:

Don’t forget to let us know you’re coming so we can send event deets straight to our inbox. RSVP to the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Halloween Edition here.

We’ve got an exciting line-up of events this month so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay in the loop!

A Spooktacular Season: Halloween 2024 in Toronto’s Riverside

If you love Halloween, you’re in for a treat because from October 17th to November 1st, we’ve partnered with local businesses and community organizations for an exciting lineup of activities for the spooky season. From family-friendly parties to shopping events, here’s What’s ON in Toronto’s Riverside this Halloween: 

Riverside Vintage Crawl – Halloween Edition!

Date & Time: Thursday, October 17th | 6pm-10pm

Location: Multiple locations

Following the success of Riverside’s first Vintage Crawl in June, it’s back for a special Halloween installment. Shop costumes and accessories from your favorite vintage shops in the neighbourhood tax-free for one day only. Get your free tickets here.

Dance Party

Date & Time: Friday, October 25th | 10:30am-11:30am

Location: 2nd floor of Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Put on your best costume and get ready to groove to classic Halloween tunes in this dance party for the little ones and their caregivers. This event is presented by the South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre and Queen/Saulter Library.

Pumpkin Carving

Date & Time: Saturday, October 26th | 9:30am-noon

Location: Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre

Partake in the autumnal tradition of pumpkin carving. Materials and tools will be provided at no cost.

Family Crafty Halloween

Date & Time: Saturday, October 26th | 2pm-3pm

Location: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Get your creative juices flowing by making your own spooky Halloween craft to take home! All materials will be provided. This event is suitable for pre-school and school-aged children and their caregivers.

Riverside Halloween Fest & Dog Paw-ty!

Date & Time: Sunday, October 27th | 10am-3pm

Location: Riverside Common and Joel Weeks Park

Pumpkins, treats, cotton candy, and more await guests at the Riverside Halloween Fest. Family activities will be happening at Riverside Common, while pet events like the dog costume party will be at Joel Weeks Park. Plus, get tickets to join the Riverside Ghost Walk here.

Spooktacular Halloween Party

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 29th | 3:30pm-5:30pm

Location: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

No tricks, only treats at this party for children and their caregivers. Free goodie bags will be in limited quantity so come early! This event is presented by the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, Riverside BIA, South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre and Queen/Saulter Library.

Degrassi Pumpkin Parade

Date & Time: Friday, November 1st | 6:30pm-7:30pm

Location: Degrassi Street Park

Show off your finest jack-o’-lantern for a final time in this community pumpkin parade happening at Degrassi Street Park. After the event, you can leave your pumpkins for composting by the City of Toronto.

RSVP here to let us know you’re coming and you’ll get event deets and reminders straight to your inbox. See you in Riverside!

To stay updated on the latest events and programming in the neighbourhood, check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog!

Stock images from Pexels.com

Sip and Save: Happy Hour in Toronto’s Riverside

Discounted rates on your favorite drinks and bites? Yes, please! It’s called ‘happy hour’ for a good reason and it’s a great way to unwind and catch up with friends. Although there’s plenty of bars in the city, Riverside’s small-town-in-the-big-city atmosphere makes for a nice contrast if you prefer to be away from Toronto’s usual bustle for a night out. Here’s your guide to some of the top happy hour deals in Riverside:

Photo credit: The Comrade

The Comrade (@comradetoronto)

Address: 758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

It’s cocktail hour at The Comrade from Monday to Saturday (5pm-7pm): $12 classic cocktails like the negroni, old fashioned, Tom Collins and weekly highball feature. Burgers are at $16 as well. You can walk in or make a reservation online.

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Prohibition has two rounds of happy hour: regular happy hour is every day 4pm-7pm, while *late night* happy hour is from Thursday to Sunday (10pm-midnight). On top of that, there’s also live DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9pm.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

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

At Eastbound, happy hour starts earlier than usual. On weekdays from noon to 6pm, enjoy $5.50 pints and $5.50 snacks! They also do daily specials such as mussel bowls on Wednesdays, Fish Frydays and weekend brunch. 

Photo credit: La Carnita

La Carnita (@la_carnita)

Address: 780 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Come for the tacos, stay for the margaritas. Pair $5 fish tacos with either the signature Carnita Margarita for $10 or a bottle of Sol/LC Pilsner/Tromba Blanco shot for $5. Happy hour at La Carnita happens every day from 4pm to 6pm.

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Swing by Aura during happy hour every day from 5pm to 7pm and get good deals on their delicious cocktails. On Thursdays, they also have $12 martinis all day long. You can enjoy drinks at their back patio that’s open year round.

Photo credit: Chez Nous

Chez Nous (@cheznoustoronto)

Address: 798 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Enjoy Chez Nous’ wide selection of all-Ontario beverages during happy hour from 5pm to 7pm every day. Deals include $7 house wines, $6 select beers, $10 select cocktails–and half-price bottles after midnight and all day Sunday.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar

Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)

Address: 709 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

If weekend brunch is more your speed, Duke’s Riverside has a $5 deal on the Caesar cocktail to accompany their special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm. There’s live entertainment during Sunday brunch as well!

Check out the Riverside Blog for new stories every week and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

National Coffee Day: 5 Drinks in Riverside To Try This Fall

For many, a good cup of coffee is either an essential pick-me-up or an occasional treat. Toronto’s Riverside in the East End has plenty of options to get your caffeine fix. 

In celebration of National Coffee Day, why not switch up your usual with a seasonal offering from one of the cafes in the neighbourhood? Here’s a round-up of 5 coffee beverages you can get in Riverside this fall:

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

Address: 806 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

Starting off this list with an autumn staple from a Toronto favorite: the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Jimmy’s Coffee. Whether it’s hot or iced, with regular milk or non-dairy, you can’t go wrong with Jimmy’s PSL to get you in the mood for the season.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

Address: 745 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

The Popping Brewccino, one of Isle of Coffee’s signature drinks, is made with cold brew, elderflower oat milk foam and popping candy–yes, the one we enjoyed as kids. This cafe is new to the neighbourhood so drop by and check this place out if you haven’t already!

Photo credit: Ish Coffee

Ish Coffee (@ishcoffee)

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

For an interesting alternative to the PSL, try Ish Coffee’s Dark Chocolate & Pumpkin Cafe au Lait. Freshly brewed coffee, steamed milk and a medley of rich dark chocolate and nutty pumpkin spice make for a comforting sip.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Made with espresso, milk, caramel and vanilla finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon, Dark Horse’s Snickerdoodle Latte is for the coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. This latte version of a beloved sweet treat won’t disappoint.

Photo credit: Lemon Lily

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

Address: 747 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Although they’re known for their fun range of tea concoctions, they also offer coffee-based drinks. Their Pumpkin Pie Spiced Latte is made with a potent blend of organic spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and cardamom.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on what’s brewing in the neighbourhood!