🦝 Schnitzel, Boyfriend Audits, and the 90's

What's happening in the West End September 5th to 8th

Author

Xavier W
September 05, 2025

Happy Friday Toronto!

Welcome to the final vacation-shortened edition of the West End Raccoon.

I see the forecast at home today calls for 90km/h winds with a chance of showers, I can’t wait to be back 😀

Let’s get into it.

West End Updates

Ukranian Gastrobar Near High Park

Have you noticed a new scent around Dundas West station? Not the typical damp, lingering odour of the McDonald’s, but rather a mix of delicious spices and meals from the Black Sea? If so I can say with almost 80% confidence that it was Hoyra, a Ukranian restaurant that opened up on Bloor last month.

Hoyra will be serving up all sorts of Ukrainian and Eastern European food, with dinner service 6 times a week and brunch available on weekends. Menu highlights include shashlik, khinkali, and ajarian khachapuri, a Georgian bread and egg thing that looks delicious. Full menu and website here.

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

Welcome to 16 Palisades, a super tasteful home on one of Toronto’s most sought-after streets. Why is it so sought after? It’s all in the name - the street is simply called “Palisades”. Not Palisades Avenue, or Palisades Road, but Palisades, plain and simple. A short name like this is extremely valuable, as you can fill out your credit card details almost twice as fast as residents of Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive. Think of all the online shopping!

Outside of the street name, the house is also pretty nice. A lot of wood finishing and a beautiful backyard porch set-up. $2.8 million, check it out.

Events

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

Friday and Saturday

Collage Night @ Society Clubhouse - Friday 645PM
Cut and paste night at the bar where you'll turn old magazines and newspapers into beautiful works of art. Materials provided - all skill levels welcome, especially beginners. $40

Tangology @ 363 Sorauren - Friday 7PM
A talk about how tango has developed in the 21st century with empanadas and wine served afterwards. $30

Contemporary Art @ Paul Petro Gallery - Friday 7PM
Exhibition openings by two veteran local artists, Robert Wiens and Ron Giii. Details

The Boyfriend Audit @ Fresh Juice Bar - Friday 8PM
An event where you'll go through a 50 question audit to determine if the guy you're seeing is right for you. Cheap smoothies will also be available. Details

Drunken Cinema @ Revue Cinema - Friday 930PM
A boozy screening of the legendary action movie ROADHOUSE complete with a themed cocktail and drinking games. Hopefully they have a good cooler. $19

TIFF @ Multiple Venues - All Weekend
There's like a film festival or something going on, I'm not exactly clear on the details. Details

Taste of the Kingsway @ Royal York Station - Friday to Sunday
If you're looking to squeeze in one last street festival before the summer wraps up, head West for this shindig in South Etobicoke. Lots of food, lots of cover bands, a dog show, and a meet and greet with Darcy Tucker. What more do you want? Details

Artist Mingle + Sticker Swap @ Loohoo - Saturday 1PM
"Come hang out at Loohoo for a chill afternoon of stickers, creative vibes, and new pals." Details

Underdog Strong @ Stay Gold Gym - Saturday 230PM
From a reader: "An afternoon of movement, purpose and puppies! Bring your dog, meet adoptable rescues, and challenge yourself to a little exercise while supporting a cause that matters." PWYC

90's Dance Party @ The Garrison - Saturday 10PM
"Let’s go girls! This September, head to 90’s DANCE PARTY, Canada’s most epic trip back to the decade of Notorious B.I.G., Barbie Girl and Shania Twain not being very much impressed" $29

Sunday and Monday

Children's Book Launch @ Another Story - Sunday 10AM
From a reader: "Join us for the launch of RJ and the Ticking Clock, by Ian Duncan! Featuring card-making, colouring, loot bags, and readings!" Details

Kundalini Yoga @ Society Clubhouse - Sunday 11AM
Beginner friendly yoga workshop, just bring a mat. PWYC

Glad Day Drag Brunch @ Ground Control - Sunday 11AM
Canada's longest running drag brunch which has just relocated to Parkdale. $15

NFL Kickoff @ Parkdale Hall - Sunday 12PM
Enjoy Week 1 of the season at this free event run by the NFL. There'll be massive screens to watch the games on plus lots of good eats and good drinks available. Details

Drum Circle @ Trinity Bellwoods - Sunday 12PM
A weekly drum circle that's run for over 13 years in Trinity Bellwoods. Open to everyone, details.

Cake Bash & Market @ Stakt Market - Sunday 12PM
Local vendors, giveaways, and cheap slices of cake. Details

Sunday Bliss @ Paradise Grapevine - Sunday 5PM
Outdoor DJ party at a wine bar. Details

Wedding Escape Room @ Old Mill - Sunday 7PM
Dinner theatre mixed with escape room puzzles. Work with live actors to try to escape! This will come in handy when escaping future boring weddings. $139, three course meal included.

We Might Need Therapy @ Comedy Bar - Monday 8PM
Monthly comedy show where the comedians are in dire need of psychiatric help. So basically like every comedy show. $15

Hitchdeck @ Sneaky Dee's - Monday 8PM
Build a PowerPoint and pitch your single friend to a group of strangers. Or sit and consider a bunch of potential partners. Mid 20's to 30's, details

🎵 Live Music Report 🎵

 
🎵 Market Disruption (Rock) @ Junction Underground - Friday 8PM
🎵 Bloody Monroe (Heavy Metal) @ Duffy's - Friday 8PM
🎵 Dandy (Indie) @ Burdock Music Hall - Friday 830PM

🎵 Duke Street Turnaround (Bluegrass) @ The Local - Saturday 2PM
🎵 Julie Michels & Kevin Barrett (Jazz) @ NeuLokal - Saturday 530PM
🎵 NeuTurkish Night @ NeuLokal - Saturday 930PM

🎵 Camilo Restrepo (Acoustic) @ The Local - Sunday 2PM
🎵 Meagan Aversa (Indie) @ Burdock Music Hall - Sunday 6PM
🎵 Stagg vs. Staig @ The Local - Sunday 9PM

🎵 Gooseberry (Alt-Rock) @ Burdock Music Hall - Monday 730PM
🎵 Kook Mama @ The Local - Monday 9PM

Thank you!

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon!

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