Eastside Events was founded in 2014 with a simple idea — to bring people together through creative, community-driven experiences. That same year, we hosted our very first Leslieville Christmas Pop-Up Market, a small but spirited event that sparked a local tradition. What began in a cozy 700 sq. ft. space with 11 vendors has since grown into one of Toronto’s most beloved east-end markets. Over the years, we’ve expanded beyond the holidays to produce seasonal markets, wellness events, and culinary pop-ups that celebrate local talent and the vibrant heart of our community.

We launched the Eastside Pop-Up Series — a six-month run of themed monthly markets held at Jimmie Simpson Park in Leslieville. Each event brought a fresh theme and a new mix of local vendors, artisans, and food creators, turning the park into a vibrant community hub all summer long. From handmade goods and gourmet bites to live music and family-friendly fun, the series celebrated the creative spirit of Toronto’s east end and helped establish Eastside Events as a leading force in curating authentic, local experiences.

The first Food and Drink Festival was hosted at District 28, where we took over the entire 15,000 sq. ft. venue to create an immersive celebration of Toronto’s culinary and creative scene. Guests enjoyed food and drink tastings, art showings, and live entertainment — all highlighting and supporting local talent. With over 1,600 guests in attendance, the event marked a milestone moment that showcased the energy, collaboration, and community spirit at the heart of everything we do.

The summer of 2017 turned up the heat with the launch of the Toronto Beaches Festival — the first of its kind on Woodbine Beach. We took over 40,000 sq. ft. of sand and transformed it into the ultimate east-end summer party, complete with 40 food, drink, and art vendors, beachside fitness classes, and DJs spinning nostalgic ’90s beats all day long. More than 10,000 guests came out to soak up the sun, sip, shop, and dance — all with free admission. It was one of those perfect Toronto days — hot, happy, and filled with community vibes that made us proud to call the beach home.