About
Emerge East is a free celebration of community, creativity and nature, and offers an exciting day out discovering one of East London’s newest neighbourhoods.
Emerge East returned for its 4th year on Saturday 6th September 2025. This year’s festival built on the best of previous editions, while introducing fresh new moments to experience. Much-loved highlights were on offer, including The Home Cooks' Taste of Barking Riverside, the Riverside Sauna and the Emerging Makers' Market - now firm favourites that reflect the event's spirit.
A brand new highlight landed in Barking Riverside this September: the Barking Riverside’s Block Party. For the first time ever, we took over the streets, closed the road, expanded the site, and built a sound system stage to host a non-stop line-up of live music, local talent, and high-energy performances, which all led up to an unforgettable headline act from Shayna Marie to close the night.
The event will return to Barking Riverside in September 2026!
2025 Highlights
See what the 2025 programme had to offer…
MUSIC AND DJS
DJ line-up, set times, and playlists soon to be announced! Click for more info.
THE HOME COOKS
Our cohort of talented home cooks return, serving up delicious family recipes. Click for more info.
RIVERSIDE SAUNA AND WELLBEING ZONE
Discover the wellness area, sauna experiences, and relaxation tips. Click for more info.
WOODLAND TRIBE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
This year, Woodland Tribe returns with a vibrant new installation as well as their trademark childrens workshop. Click for more info.
EMERGING MAKERS' MARKET
Meet the makers, shop unique items, and support local creatives.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES
Join hands-on sessions, crafts, and interactive creative spaces.
CHARITY SUPER.MKT POP-UP & ‘MADE BETTER’ WORKSHOP STUDIO
Shop sustainable fashion and take part in the ‘Made Better’ workshops. Click for more info.
SANDSCAPE
Children are invited to explore this free, drop-in play-and-build area. Click for more info.
JUS JAMMIN
Relax and enjoy laid-back reggae, dub, and soulful sounds.
THE EMERGE EAST PRINTING STUDIO WITH LUCY GRAINGE
Create your own prints with artist Lucy Grainge in this open studio. Click for more info.
NAIL ART WORKSHOP
Get creative with colour and design at our nail art sessions.
HEAL STUDIO
Step into a calming space dedicated to wellness, rest, and reflection.
WANDER WILD TOOL SESSIONS
Learn hands-on skills and creative outdoor techniques with Wander Wild.
WANDER WILD FOREST SCHOOL
Engage children and families in fun, nature-based learning adventures.
SOUNDSCAPE TENT
Immerse yourself in relaxing sound journeys and ambient atmospheres.
THE POETRY TAKEAWAY
Grab a freshly written poem, cooked up live by our resident poets.