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🦝 Karaoke, Wings, and What's Happening on College?

🦝 Karaoke, Wings, and What's Happening on College?

What's happening in the West End July 31st to August 4th.

Xavier W
July 31, 2025

Happy Thursday West End and welcome to this week’s Raccoon.

Last weekend someone on the Toronto subreddit spotted a group having a full picnic on a Line 1 subway car:

From r/toronto

What do you guys think about this meal? I’m conflicted. On one hand I do know how those cars smell and I’m not sure if I’d be comfortable eating potato salad in those conditions. On the other hand I do spot a McCain’s Deep and Delicious cake…. those are tasty in all conditions.

Let’s get into it.

Featured Events

(Full list of events at end of newsletter)

🪘 Caribana

Thursday to Sunday

Caribana is here! This is Toronto’s Caribbean festival and the largest in North America, running every year since 1967. (This is the reason why the year 1967 is so famous in the city. It’s just for this, nothing else.) The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade which will take place all day Saturday on Lakeshore (starting at Exhibition).

For more info on the parade, click here.
For a full list of events, including boat tours and club nights, click here.

🎸 Live Band Karaoke

Saturday 930PM @ Junction Underground

Concert tickets at Rogers Stadium too expensive? Who needs Coldplay when you can be the rockstar of your own show at this karaoke night. A full band will play behind you as you belt out your favourite tunes. No kiss cams allowed! $10 cover, details

West End Updates

More Italian Coming to Little Italy

A few weeks ago the College Street staple Vivoli sadly closed down. Known for its rooftop patio, the restaurant had been part of the community for more than two decades and even received a shoutout from Drake.

The Vivoli space will soon receive new life, with a new Italian restaurant called Osteria Alba slated to open in its place. The team behind Cano (on St. Clair) are behind this re-birth, hoping to leverage the space to create a new Italian hotspot in Little Italy. According to my calculations, with this opening as well as N.L. Ginzburg’s, we’re just two Italian spots away from being able to change the name to Medium Italy. More info here.

Wait What’s Happening On College?

Remember when I said we only needed two more Italian spots to change the name of Little Italy? Turns out we only need one more. “Lucia”, a small but popular restaurant in the Junction, announced that they’re closing their doors and moving their team to a new space on College (formerly occupied by the pub Wolfie).

This new venture will be called “Dinner with Sal” and the menu looks really really good. It’s got all the good Italian stuff you want to see. Ziti al pomodoro, beef carpaccio, branzino, and lots of other stuff ending in “o”. Full menu here. Last week I covered two new spots on College, and today I have two more! College, you’re great, but can you slow down a bit so I can talk about other neighbourhoods?

Okay So What’s Happening With The Former Lucia Space?

Well I’m glad you asked. “The Wings Hut” has already opened in place of Lucia at Dupont and Franklin. This is the Hut’s second location, with the original location being a popular spot up in Newmarket (4.7 stars on Google). They offer wing flavours ranging from classics like “Buffalo” and “Thai” to those I can’t understand from title alone such as “Hot Snow” and “Taco Moo”. Full menu here.

West End Breakfast Battle

Welcome back to the West End Breakfast Battle where we’re working to crown our neighbourhoods best brekky. The first quarterfinal match-up took place last week, and the result was….drumroll please……

Gold Standard DEFEATS Ari’s Place!

The sandwichery emerged victorious in a close battle against their Roncesvalles neighbours and will move on to our Final Four.

Our next match-up, also for a place in the semi-finals, will be a battle between two delicious brunches that rotate their menus seasonally. It’s the Little Portugal hit Good Fork up against the star of the Junction Triangle, Donna’s.

Good Fork - CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Donna’s - CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Fancy House of the Week - Presented by CARGO CABBIE

Moving soon? With a 4.9 star rating on Google, CARGO CABBIE is your West End go-to for packing, moving, and storage. Get up to 20% off with code LOCAL20 from your neighbours at CARGO CABBIE. Book your move today: cargocabbie.ca

122 Crawford is a red brick Victorian sitting just across from Trinity Bellwoods. It’s one of those big nice houses you see as you enter the park from the West side. This 4 bed 5 bath is very stylishly decorated and located. It’s even rumoured that late at night you can hear the spirits of influencers past, filming spectral “Get Ready With Me” videos in the guest bathroom. Two kitchens, a couple ensuites, and a private balcony add up to 3.1 million - check it out.

Events

If you have an event you’d like included in the West End Raccoon, please submit it here.

Thursday and Friday

Queer Life Drawing @ George Chuvalo NC - Thursday 630PM
From a reader: "Queer Life Drawing TO (QLD for short) is a bi-monthly life drawing event for queer artists, models, and their friends by queer artists and models." $20

Park Walk @ High Park - Thursday 630PM
Some locals getting together to chat, make friends, and stroll around the park. Details

Taylor Swift Trivia @ Snake & Lattes - Thursday 7PM
Wait wait I can definitely think of a joke for this.... ummmm….. fill the Blank Spaces on the page at this trivia event? Hey they can't all be winners. Details

Cape Jazz @ CONTXT - Thursday 7PM
South African jazz night featuring lots of players and a Cape Town inspired food menu. $25

Cillian Me Softly @ Eyesore Cinema - Thursday 730PM
From a reader: A screening series showing all the films of Cillian Murphy - this week's screening is 1978's "FREE FIRE". $10

Light-Up Bike Ride @ McCormick Park - Thursday 7PM
The Neon Riders are a group that ride around the West End on decorated bicycles while playing electronic music. It's like a big moving techno party. This weeks ride will include a long stop at the event below. Details

Return to the Mothership @ Humber Park - Thursday 8PM
An alien themed park party. "This is a safe space for everyone. Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect in full effect." Details

R.A.G. Night @ The Wych - Thursday 8PM
Listen to Records, create some Art, and play some Games. Not to be confused with G.R.A. night supporting the Gibraltar Revenue Authority. Details

Comedy on the River @ Humber River - Friday 6PM
Float in a kayak and giggle at this paddle-in comedy show on the Humber. ‘Yak rentals available. $40

Cuban Friday @ Lula Lounge - Friday 7PM
Three course meal into dancing lessons into a night of Afro-Cuban rythyms. Featuring Papiosco + DJ Trambo + Abanico Dance. $13 Entry

Caribana Night Party @ The Garrison - Friday 11PM
"High heat, heavy riddims, and a crowd that came to shell in style. From start to finish, it's nothing but clean fits, dirty wines, and nonstop movement." $20

New Friends Fest @ Lithuanian House - Friday to Sunday
A three day music festival featuring "emotional DIY punk, and hardcore music". $55 one day pass

Saturday

Sailing Adventure @ Waterfront - Saturday 10AM
There was lots of interest in going sailing last week - if you missed out here's a chance for a 90 minute beginner lesson with Gone Sailing Toronto. $75

Summer Studio Sale @ 87 Wade - Saturday & Sunday 12PM
This art studio is closing and is throwing a big market to say goodbye. Lots of Toronto artisans will be hawking their wares - expect jewelry, ceramics, plants, and more! Details

Dupont Morning Code @ Creeds Coffee - Saturday 1PM
A meet-up where coders can work, hang out, and discuss their current projects. Details

Block Printing Workshop @ MOCA - Saturday 1PM
Carve a block out of soft linoleum and use it to create patterns on fabric. Bring something to paint like a tote bag, shirt, or pair of jeans. $70

Sales & Marketing for Small Businesses @ Palmerston Library - Saturday 2PM
Free lessons intended to help Canadian entrepreneurs. Details

Kempenfest Trip @ Union - Saturday 8PM
This Saturday is the "Kempenfest" festival up in Barrie. This group is meeting to take the GO Train up and enjoy the day together. Details

60s Soul Party @ The Piston - Saturday 10PM
Enjoy some wayback playbacks on the always-full dance floor of The Piston. $15

Sunday and Monday

Munsch Madness @ Wychwood Theatre - Sunday 1030AM and 1230AM
Theatre performers bringing the books of Robert Munsch to life. (CETWEOK) $23

Toronto Sunday Market @ Parkdale Hall - Sunday 11AM
All the fun of a Sunday Market but without the usual Sunday Scaries that accompany such visits. Details

House Hippo Craft Night @ Morning Parade Coffee - Sunday 7PM
House Hippo nights are all about making friends and connecting with your community - it's highly recommended that you come by yourself. In this event you'll be playing games and crafting clay figures (materials provided). $60

Outdoor Movie @ Christie Pits - Sunday Sunset
Free outdoor screenings, the perfect activity on a warm summer night. This week's film is "Lady Bird". Bring blankets and chairs, food and drink available. Details

The Smiths & Morrissey Fest @ Ground Control - Sunday 9PM
Come get depressed on the dance floor! Pairs of tickets to Pulp and Morrissey will be given away. $15

🎵 Live Music Report 🎵

🎵 Peter Mathers (Spanish Guitar) @ Old Mill - Thursday 630PM
🎵 Kristin Lindell with Jessie Whitely (Roots) @ Bluebird Bar - Thursday 8PM
🎵 Longer Weekend (Pop/Punk) @ Burdock Music Hall - Thursday 8PM

🎵 Elliott Barenthin (Jazz) @ Old Mill - Friday 630PM
🎵 FOC, Giraffe, and more (Punk) @ Junction Underground - Friday 8PM
🎵 Sanserif (Indie Rock) @ Burdock Music Hall - Friday 830PM

🎵 Mr Rick & Biscuits (Alt-Country) @ The Local - Saturday 2PM
🎵 Rudi Mood & Rach Djazmin & Gasoline Rainbow @ Low Bar - Saturday 5PM
🎵 Peter Mathers (Spanish Guitar) @ Old Mill - Saturday 630PM
🎵 Live Salsa Orchestra @ Rosario's - Saturday
🎵 Geneviève Cyr (Acoustic) @ Shakey's - Saturday 8PM
🎵 Lower Bay Station (Jazz-Hop) @ La Rev - Saturday 8PM
🎵 The Janzen Boys (Folk) @ Burdock Music Hall - Saturday 830PM

🎵 Lucas Stagg (Junction Troubadour) @ The Local - Sunday 2PM
🎵 Mad Iris, Eternal Requiem, Basil No! (Punk-ish) @ Burdock Music Hall - Sunday 8PM
🎵 Lennox CB (Folk) @ The Local - Sunday 9PM

🎵 Michael Seyer (Lo-fi Rock) @ Baby G - Monday 7PM
🎵 Sean McCarthy (Jazz) @ Steadfast Brewing - Monday 7PM
🎵 999ADJ & Mix Signals (Electronic) @ Burdock Music Hall - Monday 8PM

Thank you!

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon! I hope you all have wonderful weekends.

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

Have a great weekend, and talk to you next Thursday!
Xavier