Event Info:
📍 Metro Toronto Convention Centre
📅 Dec 19–21, 2025
🎟️ Admission included with RIS ticket
🕒 Bazaar open daily during conference hours
🅿️ Underground parking available | Accessible venue
🌦️ Indoors — rain or shine

As the city prepares to host thousands for the annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) Convention this December, visitors can expect not only a deeply spiritual program, but also an immersive cultural and culinary experience unlike any other in Canada.

From December 19 to 21, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be transformed into a multi-dimensional gathering space where Islamic scholarship, global Muslim cultures, and halal living converge. Alongside the main convention programming, the RIS Food Court and Grand Bazaar will serve as central attractions — bringing together diverse halal vendors, small businesses, and community organizations in a vibrant marketplace open throughout the weekend.

The halal food court will offer a curated mix of international cuisines, with trusted halal vendors serving everything from freshly grilled meats and traditional rice dishes to gourmet snacks and fusion street food. Attendees can expect popular items such as shawarma, kababs, biryani, falafel, and halal burgers — as well as a wide selection of desserts, including traditional Middle Eastern sweets like baklava, dates mixed with chocolate and nuts, and maamoul. There will also be specialty booths selling pure honey, date-based treats, and warming winter drinks, making the food court a go-to destination between sessions.

But the culinary experience is only part of what makes the RIS Grand Bazaar so unique. This year’s vendor area will feature an expanded range of exhibitors, reflecting the diversity and richness of Muslim cultures around the world. Visitors will find Islamic books and literature, modest fashion and accessories, traditional garments, decorative art, and handcrafted gifts. Several booths will highlight heritage items from regions such as Turkey, Morocco, Palestine, Pakistan, and Somalia, giving attendees the chance to connect with cultural traditions through design, textiles, and artisanal products.

In addition to shopping and food, the bazaar also hosts informational booths from local and national organizations. Guests can explore services related to halal finance, charitable initiatives, education, wellness, and more. Halal mortgage companies, family services, publishing houses, and youth organizations will be present, offering opportunities to connect with businesses and nonprofits working to serve the community with integrity.

The Grand Bazaar is not just a place to browse or eat — it’s a reflection of the community itself. It’s where families reunite with old friends, where young professionals find inspiration, and where Muslim entrepreneurs and artisans showcase their craft. It mirrors the spirit of RIS: rooted in faith, open to the world, and welcoming to all.

Admission to the Grand Bazaar and Food Court is included with an RIS ticket. The marketplace will remain open throughout the day, with extended hours during program breaks and evening performances. For parents, a dedicated children’s area will provide supervised activities, while youth programming will run in parallel with the main schedule.

RIS 2025 is expected to draw tens of thousands over the course of the weekend, featuring leading scholars and speakers from around the world. The event’s theme this year, “Light Upon Light,” captures both the spiritual and communal essence of the gathering.