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🦝 UFOs, Chocolate, and a Nuit Blanche Preview

🦝 UFOs, Chocolate, and a Nuit Blanche Preview

What's happening in the West End October 2nd to 6th.

Xavier W
October 02, 2025

Welcome to this week’s West End Raccoon.

Have you noticed the people of Toronto have developed a pep in their step? I’ve been seeing some incredibly peppy steps recently, and if you ask any of these peppered steppers why they’re so cheery, they’ll all give you the same answer.

We’ve got Blue Jays PLAYOFF BASEBALL this weekend.

And this year we don’t just have a decent team….

We don’t even have a good team…

We have a great team. 94 wins.

Home-field advantage. A first round bye.

Vladdy…. Springer…. Bieber….

and DAVIS SCHNEIDER

Let’s get into it.

Featured Events

(Full list of events at end of newsletter)

🎨 Nuit Blanche

Saturday from 7PM to 7AM

It’s Nuit Blanche time! If you haven’t heard of it before, Nuit Blanche (which is of course French for “blank nut”) is an all-night experience where Toronto’s public spaces are transformed into art exhibits and cultural gathering places. This year will feature more than 85 projects spread out across the city. For more information and a full map of what’s going on, click here.

Most of the projects are in and around the downtown core, but here are a couple cool ones you can check out in the West End:

“In Motion”, Evangeline Y. Brooks and Pegah Peivandi

62 Geary Ave - “‘In Motion’ weaves together light, fabric, hand-drawn animation, and soundscape to reflect the shifting nature of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. As viewers approach, the installation responds with changes in light and sound, prompting reflection on our individual roles in the evolution of communities.”

“we see you”, Zahra Ebrahim, Keisha St. Louis-McBurnie, Eunice Wong , Aranya Khurana

Trinity Bellwoods - “Does a bench have “hot takes” on the gossip it’s heard over the years? Is a tree lonely and sad that it has been separated from its family and moved to another part of the city? Are our garbage cans sick from being stuffed to the brim?”

“Seeing Celsius”, LeuWebb Projects

The Bentway - “Seeing Celsius invites you to look at the thermal qualities of The Bentway’s space and our bodies as we move through it. The fluctuations in temperatures seen through the lens of the viewfinder result in a unique perspective on a familiar place.”

West End Updates

Chocolatier and Pâtissier Opening in Roncy

Steven Tran, a chocolatier and pâtissier has just opened up a storefront on Roncesvalles near the intersection with Dundas W. The store is aptly named “Steven Tran; Chocolatier and Pâtissier”. Fortunately, there’s no audio version of this newsletter so you’re all spared hearing my attempt at pronouncing “Pâtissier”.

This place opening up is a big deal and very exciting. Tran, (a chocolatier and pâtissier) was trained in the art of pastry making in France and then honed his craft working at 5 star hotels, winning a Food Network Baking Championship along the way. The store will only be open on weekends for now so you’ll have to move fast if you want to sample the chocolate (and the pâtisses?).

The big hits from the grand opening were apparently the Hazelnut Paris Brest and the Jalapeno Cheese Scone. For more info about Steven Tran, Chocolatier and Pâtissier, check out his Instagram.

They Opened a New Library in the Junction Triangle

Okay this is somewhat old-ish news but a new TPL branch opened last month in the Junction Triangle at Campbell and Dupont. This branch had been in the works for a really long time and it replaces the previous location a bit farther down Dupont.

“Inspired by the railway heritage” of the neighbourhood, the new branch is actually really pretty looking. It has a funky ceiling that’s supposed to look like lights passing when you look out a train window, and if you use your imagination you can totally see it. It’s been in operation for a while but the “official” opening day will be October 7th. More info here.

NEW SECTION! “Community Initiatives”

Now that the Breakfast Battle has ended I’ve been thinking about what to replace it with. I settled on a “Community Initiatives” section, where I’ll post local volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and rescues up for adoption.

The Raccoon sends hundreds of people to events every weekend which is really cool, and if we can send another one or two to places that need help that would be even cooler. If you run or know of an organization that should be featured, please reach out by responding to this email! Also - if anyone can think of a better name than “Community Initiatives” please send that over as well, I’m sure we can beat it lol.

Without further ado:

One-Day Food Drive Volunteers Wanted

Daily Bread Food Bank is running a food drive in the Junction on Saturday Morning and are looking for volunteers. They’ll be setting up donation drive-thrus for non-perishables in the parking lots of grocery stores across the neighbourhood and need people to greet shoppers and inform them of the program.

They’re also looking for one-time volunteers to help them sort through the food they’ve received during the morning of Saturday, October 18th in Etobicoke.

If you’re interested, more information is 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

166 High Park Ave is not just a Fancy House, it’s a Fancy Historical House. Owned in the 1800’s by the Heintzman family of piano makers, it was literally featured in the book on old Toronto houses (link). That’s not to say it’s become a dusty old ruin since - the property has been renovated to provide modern convenience while still retaining that old-piano-money charm. There’s a gym, a solarium, and a private theatre, and it all comes for the low, low price of $5.6 million. Listing here.

Events

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

Thursday and Friday

Smutty Storytelling @ Birdhaus - Thursday 7PM
"An evening of open mic erotica" Okay! $22

Fresh Hot Babes @ Tallboys - Thursday 8PM
Comedy show featuring all Fem and Queer comedians. $14

Coin Expo @ Reference Library - Friday & Saturday
CETWEOK! This is Canada's largest coin and bank note show and it's open to buyers, sellers, and lookers. A great opportunity to see coins so old they come from a time where people actually paid for things with coins. Details

Plastic People @ 1RG - Friday 630PM
A screening of a documentary which highlights the impact of microplastics on human health. $11

Mean Girls Karaoke @ Steadfast Brewing - Friday 7PM
Karaoke night celebrating the anniversary of Aaron asking Cady what day it was. Details

CTRL+SHIFT @ Youthful Vengeance - Friday 7PM
A social mixer for artists and tech people interested in AI stuff. Details

The UFO Show @ Super Wonder Gallery - Friday & Saturday Night
This gallery is going full Mulder's office with hundreds of UFO paintings and sculptures. A "Subterranean Martian Disco" will take place at 10:30, visitors are encouraged to dress in their best alien attire. Details

Lemonade Festival @ Parkdale Hall - Friday & Saturday Night
A mini-music festival featuring all sorts of genres and culminating in a performance by Grammy winners "The Klezmatics". $30-$100

RAVE CAVE @ Dance Cave - Friday 10PM
90's underground throwback rave night! $14 tickets

Saturday

Toronto Indie Horror Fest @ Eyesore Cinema - All Weekend
Welcome in spooky season with this showcase of indie horror movies from Canada and around the world. $12 tickets

Outdoor Gear Swap @ MEC Toronto - Saturday 10AM
Looking to acquire or get rid of some gently used outdoor gear? Check out this equipment swap. Details

K9 Ravine Ramble @ High Park - Saturday 10AM
Dog friendly walk through High Park's ravines. Learn about the unique ecosystem that exists there and how your pet can play a role in maintaining it. Details

Queen St Market @ Trinity Bellwoods - Saturday 11AM
A market in the park! Vintage clothes and all that good stuff. Details

Stock Yards History @ Maple Claire Park - Saturday 11AM
A free walking tour where you'll learn about the history of the Stock Yards. If I had to guess I think they used to stock stuff there. Details

Twin Peaks Screening @ Revue Cinema - Saturday and Sunday
Start of a month-long series at Revue in which they'll be screening the entirety of Twin Peaks: The Return. Concessions will also be selling limited edition donuts, a Twin Peaks themed tiki cocktail, and of course a damn fine cup of coffee. Details

Nuit Blanche Bike Ride @ Queen's Park - Saturday 10PM
The Toronto Cruisers are a local biking group who are going to pedal around and visit every Nuit Blanche installation downtown. They're also dressing up like skeletons. Details

Y2K Dance Party @ The Piston - Saturday 10PM
Dance like nobody's watching and the world's financial systems are about to collapse! $15 tickets

Sunday

Albion Hills Trip @ 34 Asquith Ave - Sunday 10AM
A bus will pick you up and bring you to Caledon for some fall hiking and then a visit to a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Pick-up is by Bloor-Yonge but I still included because the people love day trips. Sue me! $65 tickets, $33 for kids

The Big Toronto Bike Ride @ Christie Pits - Sunday 4PM
A group journey to celebrate our endangered bike lanes and to fundraise for Cycle Toronto. The relaxed 10km journey will be followed with a social downtown. Details

Junction Reads @ Type Books - Sunday 630PM
Three authors reading excerpts of their work. Unfortunately I was not invited to share a passage from the "Pickles, Pickles, and Pickles" newsletter, but I’m expecting to be a part of the next session. Details

Sip. Savour. Connect. @ Oretta - Monday 6PM
This dinner run by Toronto Star wine critic Carolyn Evans Hammond is an "exclusive evening of exceptional food, drink and meaningful connection". I hope they have mozza sticks. $259

The 2025 Lock-In Club @ Morning Parade - Monday 7PM
This is the beginning of weekly lock-in sessions: "Think of it as your weekly ritual for girl time, goal-setting, and accountability — all in a safe, supportive space." $25

Trampoline Hall @ The Garrison - Monday 7PM
Trampoline Hall is a really cool lecture series where interesting people speak about interesting things. The catch is that the speakers can't be professionals in whatever they're giving a talk on. Tickets always sell out super quick, sales open at the same time this email was sent so move quickly. $20 tickets

Medieval Martial Arts @ AEMMA - Monday 7PM
This is from a reader - I was delighted to learn that apparently we have a "Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts" in the West End. This Monday is their new student intake class where you can: "Learn to fight with swords, daggers, fists, & more!" $20

🎵 Live Music Report 🎵

🎵 Pompey and Poolblood (Indie) @ Burdock - Thursday 730PM
🎵 Erlichman, Cowley, & Barber (Roots) @ Blue Bird Bar - Thursday 8PM
🎵 Laila Biali (Jazz) @ Old Mill - Thursday 8PM
🎵 Whispr (Pop) @ Junction Underground - Thursday 830PM

🎵 Vincent Wolfe Trio (Jazz) @ NeuLokal - Friday 530PM
🎵 MORE NOISE PLEASE! (Noise) @ Junction Underground - Friday 7PM
🎵 Hayden Ryann (Country) @ The Painted Lady - Friday 7PM
🎵 Yukon Blonde (Rock) @ Longboat Hall - Friday 8PM
🎵 Champagne Weather (Folk) @ Burdock - Friday 8PM
🎵 Nick Zubeck (Indie) @ The Brockton - Friday 8PM
🎵 NeuTurkish Night @ NeuLokal - Friday 930PM

🎵 Michael O'Grady (Celtic) @ The Local - Saturday 2PM
🎵 David James Allen (Folk) @ The Painted Lady - Saturday 630PM
🎵 Sammy Jackson (Jazz) @ Burdock - Saturday 730PM
🎵 Night Fever (BeeGees) @ Old Mill - Saturday 8PM
🎵 The Brokes (Strokes Covers) @ Lee's Palace - Saturday 8PM

🎵 Lucas Stagg (Junction Troubadour) @ The Local - Sunday 2PM"
🎵 Hayden (Folk) @ Lee's Palace - Sunday 7PM
🎵 Darsombra (Psychadelic) @ Junction Underground - Sunday 715PM
🎵 Julian Fauth + Yoshioka @ The Local - Sunday 9PM

🎵 Sean McCarthy (Jazz) @ Steadfast Brewing - Monday 7PM

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