And with that, (that being the conclusion of our municipal election) you may finally take down your yard sign. I am thrilled to say that this election had the highest voter turnout in over a decade. I love to see it!

And spooky season has officially reached a fever pitch with the oh-so-rare, fabled Saturday Halloween. That means you can party hearty with a day to recover (if so inclined), or simply sleep in after a candy-induced coma — completely your call.

Regardless of your speed, there’s something for everyone this week/end. From a Zombie Prom, to a Jazz-o-lantern, to Scaryoke, get your costumes dusted off, they’re gonna get a workout. Plus, the announcment of our next Dinner Party!

Let’s get to it!

Want your brand to reach 13,000+ locals? Click here.

While I do announce restaurant closings alarmingly frequently in this newsletter, I rarely do so with a sense of glee. But not this time! Because Tiny Market Co. (beloved hole-in-the-wall pasta spot in the Annex) is only closing for a little while — and it’s because it’s gonna get a little less Tiny.

Due to its popularity, chef Erich Mrak announced last week that they were halting operations until early winter for a major expansion, with seating for 20 guests (as opposed to its current counter service/takeaway model). But don’t worry regulars! Chef Mrak has you on his mind, telling Toronto Life: “And while we appreciate all our customers, we are always here for our regular supporters.”

Read more here.

The dinner party was so fun last time, we’ve decided host another in November! In fact, we released a survey to those who attended our last soirée, and 70% said they want to do it again. In my mind that’s a democratic vote. I have no choice but to do another.

Here’s a reminder on how it works:

🍽️ Take a quick quiz about your personality, interests, and food preferences.

✨ Get matched with five other Torontonians who fit your style (think food preferences, budget, life stage).

📍Your table of six meets for dinner on Thursday, November 12th at 6:30PM - the exact restaurant is revealed that morning.

🥂 After dinner, all groups are invited to a casual after-party to keep the vibes going.

Sounds pretty blessed am I right?

👉 Click here to take the quiz and book your seat.
P.S. last time we sold out of tickets within a few hours so act fast :)

If you’ve been looking to meet new people in the city this is going to be the most fun way to do it.

This is the kind of feel-good story that’s a delight to type. A brand spanking new arts facility called Joe’s Place opened on Queen West, with dedicated spaces for every kind of creation under the sun — think dance, music, visual arts…the list goes on.

But the best part? It’s one hundred percent accessible for folks with disabilities. Wide entrances accomodate mobility devices, tactile floors guide the visually impaired, and there’s programs and mentorship opportunities for artisits with disabilities. The arts are for everyone, and now everyone can access them at Joe’s Place.

Read more here.

Alright this week we are dipping our toes into the wonderful world of townhomes. If are looking for a home in town, they’re hard to beat. Actually that’s not totally true, some of them suck and are easy to beat. This is not one of those however.

203-441 Janes St has 1100 sqft of space spread out over 3 levels, capped off with a sweet rooftop patio. Add in the floor to ceiling windows, fancy appliances, and sweet location in Bloor West - this place is really nice.

$899k - check it out.

If you’d like to see this place, give West End realtor Noah Do Paco a call at 647-388-6852. Even better - tell him the Raccoon sent you to get the VIP treatment.

Pumpkins for Plunges @ Revive Wellness - All Weekend.
Bring a pumpkin to this wellness centre near High Park and get a free sauna/cold plunge session. Details

Toronto International Music Video Festival @ Paradise Theatre- All Weekend.
Fest for everyone into the creation of music videos. This also includes a free networking mixer on Friday for folks looking to make connections in the industry. I guarantee this will be a very well dressed event. Details

OPERAMANIA III: Opera meets Pro Wrestling @ Parkdale Hall - Thurs 7:30pm.
What do you get when you cross Opera, Pro Wrestling and Parkdale? You get the “most West End” event of the week! Details.

Astro Meets @ Bampot House - Thurs 8pm.
“A Gender-free, Astrologically Informed Matchmaking Event for Bi, Pan, GenderQueer folks.” Details.

“Jazz-O-Lantern” - Jazz Fusion Halloween Warm Up Party @ Poetry Jazz Cafe - Thurs 9pm.
Calling all cool cats and hip fellas -- what better way to signify your predilections than by spending a spooky Thursday eve at the “Poetry Jazz Cafe”? Details.

Richard Or No Richard @ Bovine Sax Club - Thurs 9pm.
That’s not the real name of the event. If I included the real name this email would not get delivered. I think you can guess. Details.

lightsweetcrude presents: An Evening of Visual Music @ Tranzac Club - Thurs 9:30pm.
“Improvised music and hand-driven visuals via overhead projectors come together in this live multisensory collaboration. Expect to experience something mind-expanding and undeniably different.” Details.

Pokeween Halloween Toronto @ Anime Otaku Hobby - Fri 6pm.
An all ages pokemon meetup to trade cards, raid Pokemon Go gyms, and have a Halloweeny good time. Details.

Social Sidequests @ Swansea Town Hall - Fri 6:30pm.
Board games, pizza, hanging out and making friends. Sounds like my kinda quest! Details.

Nosferatu: A String Quartet of Horror! @ Glad Day Lit - Fri 7:30pm.
What’s more cultured than watching classic cinema, in a book store, while listening to live music? Details.

GOTH ZOMBIE PROM - Devil’s Night Dance Party @ Ground Control - Fri 9pm.
I don’t think this requires further description beyond “Goth Zombie Prom” frankly. Details.

HALLOWEEN BASH: GIRL POP & HYPER POP @ The Garrison - Fri 9pm.
You know, I never really thought of the “Monster Mash” as Hyper Pop, but for its era...I mean it must have gone so hard. Details.

Mad Magic: The Funniest Mad Scientist Magician @ Wychwood Theatre - Sat 10am (multiple times).
For the kiddos! A little spooky season magic (and kid-friendly comedy). Details.

Geoffrey James: Ancient and Modern, Selected Panoramas @ Stephen Bulger Gallery - Sat 10am.
“James’s panoramic photographs explore the relationship between people and the landscapes they create, shape, and transform.” Details.

Spooky Market in the Park @ Trinity Bellwoods Park - Sat 11am. Come enjoy a spooked-up vintage and artisan market (plus a bit of fall weather). Details.

FREE Lula Community Salsa Class @ Lula Lounge - Sat 12pm.
Come dance off some of that candy at this all-ages, all-abilities, FREE, salsa class. Details.

Pumpkin Carving @ Stackt - Sat 130pm.
Family friendly event where you’ll… carve a pumpkin. There’s also apparently a market going on. Details

Bellwoods Halloween Drag Dinner @ Bellwoods Brewery - Sat 7pm. “Spend an evening with witches Minhi Wang and Perla for a spooky night of drag, dinner and Halloween fun. Come ready to Monster Mash, play some delightfully ridiculous games and fight for your chance at some fabulous prizes!” Details.

Scaryoke! Halloween-themed karaoke night at Cassette @ Cassette - Sat 8pm.
Isn’t singing an off-key rendition of Hoobastank’s “The Reason” much more enjoyable done in costume? Details.

Drunken Cinema: HALLOWEEN H20: TWENTY YEARS LATER (1998) @ Revue Cinema - Sat 8:30pm.
An interactive movie game on Halloween while watching Halloween...with a buzz going on! Details.

House Party @ Danu Social House - Sat 9pm.
Halloween house party at Danu? Yes please. Details.

Halloween at Henderson @ Henderson Brewery - Sat 10pm.
Late night Halloween party at Henderson Brewery! Sold out quick last year, I’d hop on it! Details.

Cannes Dogs: The Woman Who Could Read the Minds of Dogs @ Paradise Theatre - Sun 1pm.
Ever wanted to bring your pooch to the cinema? Now’s your chance! Dog friendly film screening. Hope to see some future pet of the weeks there! Details.

Small Changes, Big Impact: A Food & Futures Fest by VegTO and ArtHubs Events @ Wychwood Barns - Sun 12pm.
Part market, part festival, part science fair -- all West End (and for a good cause). Details.

Good Songs for Good Neighbours @ Society Clubhouse - Sun 1pm.
“Join us Sunday, November 1, at Society Clubhouse for a full day of live music, a silent auction, local vendors and more, raising funds to help Heather Doherty of Maggie’s Farm Emporium recover after losing her home to a fire.” Details.

Devilish 2 Year Anniversary of The Wych @ The Wych - Sun 6pm.
Still got some energy left over after partying all Halloween? Spend it at The Wych! This event includes DJs, burlesque, drag, live music, poetry and even some ink. Fun for the whole fam! Details.

Pumpkin Parades All over the city - Sunday night.
A very cool thing to do in Toronto on November 1st is to check out these pumpkin parades. Everyone brings their Halloween pumpkin to the park and lights it up in a long trail. These are all over the city, the link has a giant list. Details

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon, please enjoy our West End Pet of the Week! Submit yours by responding to this email, with your preferred name/nickname/initials and neighbourhood for a chance to be featured. (Calling all bird, lizard and fish people — I like ‘em weird!)

As always, if you know a friend or family member who might be interested, please share the newsletter with them: www.westendraccoon.ca

Hope you folks have a fantastic weekend.

Cam Smonk & Xavier