While it’s been a beautiful week for fine-weather-enjoyers, it’s been a rough week for Toronto cyclists — once again it seems the provincial Government is trying to rip out our bike lanes, including the absolutely essential 13km West End one on Bloor. And this time the courts sided with them.
Now, bike lanes to me are completely uncontroversial. The keep cyclists safe, they reduce car traffic, they encourage greener commuting, they keep slower-moving bicycles out of the ways of cars…and this is a big one. If the Bloor bike lane I use multiple times a week is ripped out, you’re going to see me crusing lazily down the middle of the street like:
Imagine this in front of you as you try to catch that yellow light.
Wanna do something about it? Check out Cycle TO. They’re working hard to preserve our bike infrastructure. You can donate, become a member, or join any number of rallies they’re hosting. I may even see you there.
Anyways, that’s more than enough about bikes! We’ve got an absolute packed week/end of events, including a Queer Emo Night, a Pizza Party at Christie Pits, and a vulgar late night comedy show with one of the funniest descriptions I’ve yet read.
Now, on to updates!
West End Updates
What pairs great with wine? Mexican BBQ apparently. Or at least come see for yourself at Paradise Grapevine.
Photo by River Olsen via Toronto Life
If descriptions of smoke-laden air still traumatize you, consider this a content warning. Because much of Geary is perfumed with wood smoke these days, as the Mexican BBQ pop up Cascabel has set up shop at Paradise Grape Vine until the end of September.
Like so many other weird and wonderful projects, this roving BBQ joint was a pandemic-fueled inspiration. “I know it sounds clichéd,” Matthew Bod, owner of Cascabel told Toronto Life. “But I was bored during the pandemic, and I had always been interested in barbecue.”
You’ve got a handful of weeks left for some sweet wine and smoky meat, so go get to Geary!
Propeller Art Gallery celebrates 30 years with special gallery honouring the artists who’ve sustained them
Photo by Emma Johnston-Wheeler via Toronto Today
Any institution surviving for 30 years straight in Toronto is awe inspiring. And when its an artist-owned gallery, well — it’s hard not to smile. Parkdale’s own Propeller Art Gallery is turning 30, and they’re featuring a 77 artist deep exhibition to celebrate their accomplishment, and the art of the artists who helped make it happen.
This follows another milestone for the gallery. In 2025, after decades of tenancy they were able to buy their own spot with help from community donors and government funding.
The gallery will intentionally have no central theme — unusual at Propeller. But they want to showcase one work of choice, picked by each of the contributing artists. The exhibition kicked off yesterday, but it’s opening reception will be held Saturday starting at 5pm.
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Our last poll asked where you like to stroll. And the answer was unequivocal — you people LOVE walking on Roncy! (And who doesn’t, frankly.)
Today I’m asking a question that came to mind as I realized just how many Breweries start with the letter “B”: What’s your favourite brewery on the Best End that starts with a B?
What's your favourite "B" brewery on the West End?
Relatively Affordable House of the Week
Alright take a peek at 506 - 1420 Dupont. It’s a regular, nice apartment listed for just $398k! It’s not even a studio, there’s a separate bedroom and everything. There are very few places listed at this price anywhere in the West End, and most of the other ones can barely be considered “places”. They’re more like small hallways with a closet.
Now this place isn’t without its flaws. Did they put AI furniture in all the photos? Yes. Does the building’s theatre room look like its primary purpose is brainwashing/torture? Also yes. However - what a price. $398k, check it out.
Events
If you have an event you’d like included in a future West End Raccoon, please submit it here.
Thursday/Friday
FREE Monthly Movie Screening: Eephus @ Palmerston Library - Thurs 6pm. For baseball (and free movie!) lovers, come check out the delightful lighthearted "Eephus" at Palmerston Library. Details.
Pages, Pizza & Prosecco: Launch Night with The Midnight Library @ 35 Golden Avenue #Unit 114 - Thurs 7pm. Hey book worms! Pizza rats! Prosecco...pigeons? There's a new book club in town and they're kicking off with a reading of "The Midnight Library." Details.
Toronto Singles Mixer - A Jazz Club Summer Social @ Poetry Jazz Bar - Thurs 8pm. When regaling the first time you met your partner, doesn't "At a poetry jazz bar" sound a whole lot better than "Tinder"? Details.
TRIPLE THREAT presents.. The Wizard of Oz DRAG SHADOWCAST @ Three Dollar Bill - Thurs 8pm. A "shadowcast" is where performers act out scenes in a movie in front of the screen where the movie plays behind them. This one has Drag...and wizards! Well, not wizards as it turns out (spoiler). Details.
Queer Emo Nite TO V.27 @ Drom Taberna - Thurs 10:30pm. "Toronto's queerest, saddest and wildest party, bring your most fabulous outfits down to the mosh pit and make some new queer friends!" Details.
Where There's Smoke - a benefit for Namaygoosisagagun @ The Baby G - Fri 7pm. "Where There's Smoke is a fundraiser for the community of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in northern Ontario, which was completely destroyed by wildfires this summer." Details.
Learn & Play Legend in the Mist - A Premium RPG Experience @ Left Field Brewery Liberty Village - Fri 7:30pm. Tabletop RPG for all skill levels. Also, hard to think of a cooler name than "Legend in the Mist" right? Details.
Neurodivergent Nostalgia Comedy Show @ Free Times Cafe - Fri 8pm. The funniest most fun show in Toronto returns at Free Times! Come experience this killer lineup Friday August 21st. Details.
Neon Dreams: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007) – New 4K Restoration! @ Revue Cinema - Fri 9:30pm. One of my all time fave films, now in 4K. Remember when There Will Be Blood and No Country dropped on like the same weekend? Sheesh movies used to be so dang good. Details.
Toronto Wrestling Club: Cruel Summer @ Henderson Brewing Co. - Fri 9pm. HOT SUMMER. COLD BEER. HIGH FLYING, BIG SLAMS. Details.
Late Night Fckery @ Comedy Bar - Fri 11pm. I'll let the organizers speak for themselves on this one. Details.
Hey you!
If you enjoy reading The Raccoon every week and you’d like to support what we’re doing here, I’ve opened a donation page where readers can make contributions. Any amount would be be very much appreciated.
Saturday
Naturecraft: A Minecraft-Inspired Walk Through Toronto's High Park @ High Park Nature Centre - Sat 10am. Having a bit of trouble getting the kiddo off the screen? This might be your ideal compromise! Details.
The Bumble Nums' World Premiere: Steamboat Stumble & More Kids Animation Shorts! @ Paradise Theatre - Sat 11am. "Kids, parents and families! Step right up for a fun-filled riverside adventure with Humble, Grumble, and friends!" Details.
FEASTIE Sip & Snack Feastival @ Henderson Brewing Co. - Sat 12pm. "One day, 40+ of Toronto's best independent makers, most of them BIPOC and women-owned, many you can't find anywhere else. Get ready for bold international flavours, craft cocktails, natural wine and local beers with all day music and fun!" Details.
Loohoo Absurd Market @ Loohoo - Sat 12pm - Sun 6pm. All the odd gee-gaws your heart desires! I also hear if you RSVP you get a "Hot Girl Discount"... Details.
Birding for Beginners Workshop with the Nature Centre @ High Park Nature Centre - Sat 1:30pm. Learn to bird! (The verb, of course. You won't be wearing feathers, flapping wings, etc.) Details.
SOUNDCLASH + Vintage Market @ Lee's Palace - Sat 8pm. "Experience a full night of Toronto creativity featuring live performances, Song Wars IRL, an intense Beat Battle showcasing local producers, and a huge Vintage Market featuring local brands and independent vendors." Details.
Sunday/Monday
Back to School Market @ Parkdale Hall - Sun 11am. Oof. No avoiding it now. It really is back to school season, and this market will help you get prepared. Details.
Matcha Paint n Sip @ Mottomotto Cafe - Sun 11:30am. Sip matcha. Paint. Chill. Details.
Muhtadi International Drumming Festival - Special Edition @ Wychwood Barns - Sun 12pm. "For decades, the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival has brought artists, communities, and audiences together to celebrate the power of rhythm, culture, and connection. This year, we gather for a special one-day edition – a Living Tribute to the festival's founder, Muhtadi." Details.
FLO DAE @ NRG Haus | Social Wellness Club - Sun 2pm. This is your antidote to the Sunday Scaries. Details.
TOPS presents Audience Choice Closing Night at Christie Pits @ Christie Pits - Sun 6pm. Donate $25 and have your say on the finale movie from TOPS! Details.
Pastaio Pizza and Pasta Pop-Up Picnic #2 @ Christie Pits - Sun 6pm. A big public pizza party hosted by Depanneur is slangin' pizza and pasta to any and all who want (to pay for) some! Perfect accoutrement to the final installment of TOPS. Details.
Booze and Board Games @ The Wych - Sun 6pm. Bring your own, use one of theirs, but whatever you do -- chat with people IRL. Details.
Cycle TO Election Town Hall @ Swansea Townhall - Tues 6pm. A Tuesday event?!! Unheard of. But with bike lanes under threat, I simply have to promote this townhall where you can make your voice heard and help shape a cycle-friendly election strategy. Details.
🎵 Live Music Report 🎵
🎵Anciients (Heavy Metal) @ The Garrison - Thurs 7pm
🎵Himalayan Pink (Folk Rock) @ Monarch Tavern - Thurs 8pm
🎵Value Select (Mirth Pop) @ The Baby G - Thurs 8pm
🎵PJ Morton (R&B) @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Fri 7pm
🎵Sam Gellaitry (Electronic) @ The Mod Club - Fri 8pm
🎵Rafael Dies (Post Punk) @ Sneaky Dee's - Sat 6:30pm
🎵MAU MAUS (Hardcore Punk) @ See-Scape - Sat 7pm
🎵Slow Magic (Electronic) @ Dance Cave - Sat 10pm
🎵Vacation Manor (Indie Pop) @ Drake Underground - Sun 7pm
🎵Luke Borchelt (Country) @ Burdock Music Hall - Sun 8pm
Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon, please enjoy our West End Pet(s) 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!)
Meet Itzel (front) and Finn (back)! Itzel was a foster dog, who appears to have been adopted! If you’re looking for a cutie of your own check out Save Our Scruff (through which Itzel was fostered). Finn remains a resident of Little Italy! Photo submitted by Dana.
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
