Leaside’s Summer Street Festival Just Got Bigger
Leaside’s summer street party is just around the corner. Viva La Leaside will take over 25 Commercial Rd., east of Laird on August 10th and 11th, 2025 with two days of music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The free event is open to all and promises something for everyone — from tethered hot air balloon rides and a bumper car–filled Kids Zone to a vintage car exhibit and live art installations. Local musicians will take the stage throughout the weekend, and festivalgoers can explore a vendor market, enjoy eats from top Toronto food vendors, and cool off at the Latina Beer Lounge. New this year is a dog talent show hosted by KYON Dog Daycare, along with an immersive heritage exhibit called Walk Through the Ages. Saturday night wraps with a high-energy All-Star Performance Party at 9 p.m., featuring DJs and surprise acts.
Full schedule and updates are available on the Viva La Leaside Instagram page, or visit their website.
UPDATE – August 6, 2025
Organizers have announced that this year’s hot air balloon rides at Viva La Leaside have been cancelled following the recent passing of Chief Pilot Ernie Lee. A veteran balloonist whose career spanned over 50 years and continents, Lee flew for brands like Re/Max, Pizza Pizza, and Labatt’s — and once piloted the world’s largest passenger balloon in the Netherlands.
This year’s festival is now dedicated to his memory. Though his balloon won’t rise over Leaside this time, his legacy as a passionate, joyful, and generous ambassador of flight will remain part of the festival’s spirit.
For schedule updates and tributes, visit Viva La Leaside on Instagram.
Watch highlights from the inaugural Viva La Leaside in 2024 below.