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Spring Events and Promotions in Toronto’s Riverside

Snow has thawed, the sun sets after 7pm, and it’s finally warm enough for a lighter jacket — spring is here! To welcome the new season, exciting things are happening in the neighbourhood over the next few weeks. Here’s what’s on in Riverside this spring:

Photo credit: Tabule

“A Taste For Life” Dinner

Date & Time: All day, April 15th

Dine at Tabule (810 Queen St E) on Wednesday, April 15th and Tabule will donate a portion of proceeds from your meal to support Fife House’s supportive housing programs and services for vulnerable people and families living with HIV. Make a reservation HERE.

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Menopause, Strength & Training

Date & Time: Saturday, April 18th | 12pm-1:45pm

Navigate this next phase of life with La Femme Strong (655 Queen St E) and learn how to adjust your training accordingly. This workshop will teach you how to help your body deal with menopause through strength training guidelines, nutrition basics and other helpful information! See the event poster on Instagram for details!

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee Spring Menu

Jimmy’s Coffee (806 Queen St E) just dropped its line-up of featured drinks for spring! There are five refreshing beverages to indulge in this season: Cold Brew, Iced Latte, Strawberry Matcha, Lavender Lemonade and Iced Tea Lemonade. There’s something for everybody, whether you’re team coffee or team tea! 

Photo credit: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

Semi-Annual Tier Sale

Date & Time: Whole month of April

Your favourite *retail* tier sale at UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E) is back in full swing all April long, with deals you don’t want to miss! The more you spend, the more you save — so now might be the perfect time to grab that hot tool or hair serum you’ve been wanting to treat yourself. Check out the promo poster on Instagram for more info on how the sale works!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Clean Queen East Together

Date & Time: Friday, April 24th | 11am-1pm

Join us for our neighbourhood’s annual community clean-up and let’s all Clean Queen East Together! Cleaning supplies will be provided, and there will be refreshments for all volunteers after the clean-up. Register for Clean Queen East Together HERE. You can also read more about the clean-up in the blog post linked below!

BLOG: Clean Queen East Together 2026: Community Clean-up on April 24th!

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

What’s New in Riverside? (Spring 2026 Edition)

If you live in the area or frequently visit it, you’d know that Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood is home to many businesses that have stood the test of time. But change is also always in the air and we get new additions in the community on the regular. In case you haven’t been to the neighbourhood in a little while, here’s what’s new in Riverside:

Photo credit: Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee

Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee (@lamoon.to)

Address: 730 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

If you’re craving Thai food or have been wanting to try it, check out Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee, whether you just want a sweet treat like the Thai Iced Tea and Mango Sticky Rice or something more filling like the Massaman Curry or Pad See Ew.

Photo credit: Hogtown Vintage

Hogtown Vintage (@hogtownvintage.to)

Address: 734 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Hogtown Vintage carries an extensive selection of curated vintage men’s and women’s fashion and accessories. When you’re there, don’t forget to go to the basement level for more vintage goodies! They’ve also got a cafe corner, if you want a dose of caffeine while shopping.

Photo credit: Hume

Hume (@humerestaurant)

Address: 782 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Hume specializes in Anatolian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine. Crafted by skilled chefs and made with the finest ingredients, dishes from Hume such as the Anatolian Trio Dip, Kofte and Dried Eggplant will leave you craving more. Their specialty cocktails are a must-try as well!

Photo credit: Toronto Humane Society

Toronto Humane Society – Veterinary Clinic (@toronto_humane_society)

Address: 632 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Bolstering its mission to support animal well-being and advocate for responsible pet ownership in and around Toronto, Toronto Humane Society has now expanded into Riverside with a new satellite Community Animal Health Care Centre with affordable veterinary services like wellness exams, vaccinations and more. Check out the website for more information on their services.

Photo credit: El Cazo

El Cazo (@el_cazo_taco_grill_and_bar)

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

Get your Mexican food fix from El Cazo Taco Grill and Bar. Their menu includes Mexican classics such as chips, burritos and tacos with a wide variety of proteins and condiments to choose from. Finish off your meal with a refreshing margarita or an ice-cold bottle of Jarritos.

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

Building Bright Futures: Youth and Children’s Programming in Toronto’s Riverside

Toronto’s Riverside is a neighbourhood rooted in service and growth. Home to a strong network of community-focused organizations dedicated to shaping the next generation, kids have plenty of opportunities to discover and develop their interests and passions. Let’s take a look at the wide range of programs and services for children and youth in Riverside:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre

Address: 870 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 3G9

Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre in Riverside offers a range of recreational programs for all ages, from preschool children to older adults.

  • Arts, Hobbies and Interests – There’s ballroom, open mic, video games, music, the list goes on!
  • FitnessTO – Teens can choose from a variety of workout sessions such as HIIT, pilates, yoga and Zumba.
  • Sports – You can go for badminton, basketball, pickleball, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, just to name a few.
  • Swim – For anyone who loves the water, you can participate in classes such as aquatic fitness, as well as leisure and lane swimming.

Photo credit: Child Development Institute

Child Development Institute (@cdi_toronto)

Address: 635 Queen St. East, 3rd Floor. Toronto, ON M4M

Backed by more than 100 years of service, the Child Development Institute is known for its effective, outcomes-based approach to children’s mental health, early learning and child care.

  • Child & Youth Mental Health Services – These address a range of social, emotional, behavioural, psychological and/or psychiatric problems that are provided to at-risk children and youth.
  • Early Years & Child Care Services – Through child care centres, children get the support they need to be actively immersed in an environment that promotes well-being, belonging and expression.
  • Gender-Based Violence Services – These are counselling services, parenting support, shelter and more to support mothers with children who have witnessed and/or experienced interpersonal violence.
Ralph Thornton Centre & Queen/Saulter Library located at 765 Queen St East

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter (@torontolibrary)

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

More than just a hub for books, the Toronto Public Library’s Queen/Saulter branch in Riverside features interactive programming for children and youth.

  • Family Time – Preschool children can read stories, sing songs and do other fun activities during these sessions. No registration required.
  • Robot World – Children interested in coding can learn the basics as they work with robots firsthand, making them move through a maze, pass an obstacle course and more.
  • LEGO Club for Kids – Preschool and school-age children build and create their own LEGO masterpiece.

BLOG: A Riverside Cornerstone: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Ralph Thornton Community Centre (@ralphthorntoncommunitycentre)

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

From personal development opportunities to fun camps, Ralph Thornton Community Centre offers a variety of affordable children’s programs led by knowledgeable staff. It’s a welcoming space for kids to explore and grow, all while learning about inclusivity and wellness.

  • Afterschool Program – Activities include homework help, computer time, library visits, as well as hobby-based sessions like crafts and cooking.
  • PA Day and March Break Camp – These events offer exciting experiences for children aged 6-12 during school breaks.
  • Riverdale Adventure Centre (RAC) Camp – This fun summer day camp for children is offered to local residents with dedicated spaces in four specific streams: local low income families, Rivertowne & residents of Toronto Community Housing, LGBTQ+ families and a spot open to all!
  • RTCC Youth Group – The program consists of regular workshops and activities that build leadership, problem-solving, communication and other skills.
  • Leadership-In-Training Program – This leadership skills training project runs during the summer. It is done in partnership with Applegrove Community Complex and Eastview Community Centre.

BLOG: 45 Years Strong: Celebrating Riverside’s Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Photo credit: South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre

South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre (@southriverdalecpc)

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre supports caregivers and young children through free, accessible programs that help promote healthy relationships and community involvement.

  • Daily Drop-in – Children and their caregivers can spend time in a stimulating and safe play environment. 
  • Outings – Previous locations include Brooks Farm and Kortright Conservation Area.
  • Workshops – The centre hosts a variety of sessions for different audiences, some for adults only and others for caregivers and children to enjoy together.
  • Clothing Exchange – Bring in clothes that your child has outgrown, and take home some they can wear. You can bring them back too when you’re done so another child can benefit from them!
  • Toy and Parenting Book Library – Try out as many developmentally-appropriate toys as you like for two weeks at a time.
  • Developmental Screening & Informal Counselling – Talk to staff about your child’s development and activities that you can do at home as part of your routine.

We have officially come to the last of our blog series highlighting community services in Riverside, leading up to our annual community clean-up, Clean Queen East Together, on Friday, April 24th. Register HERE and let’s help maintain our neighbourhood’s cleanliness!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog regularly to stay updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood. In the meantime, read our previous blog posts on community services in Riverside linked below!

BLOG: Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

BLOG: Where Community Meets Care: The Programs Behind WoodGreen’s Lasting Impact

Clean Queen East Together 2026: Community Clean-up on April 24th!

It’s finally spring, which means it’s time again to Clean Queen East Together!

Hosted by Riverside BIA, Leslieville BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre and South Riverdale Community Health Centre, this year’s community clean-up is happening on Friday, April 24th (11am-1pm).

Clean Queen East Together, which is part of the City of Toronto’s Clean Toronto Together initiative, is an annual tradition of clean ups here in Riverside and Leslieville, that’s been running for over two decades now. Over the years, it’s been a great way to not only help maintain the cleanliness of the neighbourhood, but also to foster camaraderie in the community!

From residents to local business owners, everyone is invited! Let’s clean up our local parks, laneways and sidewalks together. Here’s all you need to know about this year’s Clean Queen East Together:

What areas will the clean-up cover?

Our clean-up zone includes the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods, including parks, laneways and sidewalks along Queen Street East, starting from Davies Ave/East Don Roadway to the west in Riverside, and east into Leslieville, ending at Leslie Grove Park. 

You’ll find a map for visual reference in the registration form, which will be linked at the end of this blog post. Your clean-up zones will be assigned to you upon dropping by the Ralph Thornton Community Centre or South Riverdale Community Health Centre (see below!).

Where is the meeting spot for the clean-up?

You have two options for starting and ending points:

1) Outside Ralph Thornton Community Centre – 765 Queen St E 

2) Outside South Riverdale Child Parent Centre – 955 Queen St E

What do I need to bring for the clean-up?

Just yourself — and an all-weather kind of outfit because Clean Queen East Together is a rain-or-shine event. Once you drop by either of the designated meeting spots previously mentioned, we’ll provide you with everything you need, such as gloves, bags and a map with your assigned area!

What do I do after cleaning up?

Bring your waste bags back to either of our two meeting spots: outside Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) OR outside South Riverdale Community Health Centre (955 Queen E). There will be complimentary coffee and treats from local businesses including Tim Hortons (at RTCC) and Starbucks (at SRCHC) until 1pm at both locations so help yourself after a job well done!

How do I sign up?

Register by Friday, April 24th (drop by 11am-1pm). If you’re signing up on behalf of a group, please kindly let us know the number of participants so we can plan accordingly.

REGISTER HERE

For updates, don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always in the loop with what’s happening in Riverside. See you all on April 24th!

Photo credits: Riverside BIA

An Egg-citing Time in the East End: Easter Happenings in Toronto’s Riverside

Easter is just around the corner — have you made plans yet? If you’re still figuring it out, make your way to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood for a hoppin’ good time right in the city. Get ready for a weekend of springtime fun! Here’s what to expect in Riverside this Easter weekend:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Bonjour Brioche (@bonjour_brioche)

Address: 812 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

These Easter-themed sugar cookies by Bonjour Brioche are available throughout the long weekend! They’re perfectly crisp, freshly baked and almost too cute to eat! Classic hot cross buns are available at the cafe as well.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel (@broadviewhotel)

Address: 106 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G1

The long weekend is the perfect opportunity for a staycation in Riverside’s iconic boutique pet-friendly hotel! Lucky for you, The Broadview Hotel currently has a “Take Monday” deal. Check in Saturday or Sunday, and enjoy 50% off on Monday night. Learn more about the offer HERE.

Photo credit: Butchers of Distinction

Butchers of Distinction (@butchersofdistinction)

Address: 738 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

You can always count on Butchers of Distinction to have only the best locally sourced meats for your Easter spread. This year’s Easter menu includes fresh turkey, tenderloin roast, whole lamb leg and smoked ham. Check out the full menu with prices HERE.

Photo credit: Il Ponte Cucina Italiana

Il Ponte Cucina Italiana (@ilponte.to)

Address: 625 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 2A5

Il Ponte recently launched “A Journey to Italy in the Spring”, a curated three‑course dining experience that captures the romance of the season. Each week in March and April, the menu will change, revealing a new chapter of Italian flavors. Reserve your table HERE.

Photo credit: Little Peeps

Little Peeps (@littlepeepsstore)

Address: 742 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Little Peeps just dropped the spring Jellycat collection, which includes the Bashful Bunny – Blanket Soother and Blossom Silver Bloom Bunny. You can shop in-store or online.

Photo credit: Blackbird Baking Co.

Blackbird Baking Co. (@bbirdco)

Address: 635 Queen St E Unit 101, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

It wouldn’t be Easter without Blackbird’s Not Cross Buns, which are laced with raisins and candied orange peel. These are best enjoyed toasted with butter or jam, and available in singles or by the half-dozen until Easter Monday. Pre-orders are available!

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 Easter, everyone!