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)