Good evening, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. This issue usually greets you with your Thursday morning coffee, but life got a little busier than usual today. So here we are, landing in your inbox just in time for your evening wind-down. As always, I’ve got your roundup of local news, events, and stories, all in one easy read.

In this week’s newsletter:

👻 Haunted Pasta: Martino Manor serves up scares
🎨 Roadblock Alert: Nuit Blanche closures ahead
💰 Lotto Glory: Etobicoke's million-dollar winner

Plus: Farmers' markets, art exhibits, Pumpkinville 🎃

THE DIGEST

👻🍝 Martino Manor: Spooky Pasta Side Hustle 🍕👻 
Mamma Martino's Pasta and Pizzeria in Etobicoke has a haunted secret: Martino Manor, a terrifying haunted house experience right behind the restaurant. The Martino family transformed a rundown property into a haunted attraction filled with blood, gore, and a new creepy cabin. This spooky side hustle, now in its seventh year, is a labor of love for the family and opens its doors from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2 for brave souls to explore.

🎨 Nuit Blanche: Road Closures Galore! 🎨 
Heads up, Etobicoke! Nuit Blanche is back this weekend, and so are the road closures. Starting Saturday around the Humber College Lakeshore Campus, Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. between Colonel Sam Smith Park Rd. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. will be shut down. Expect delays, detours, and TTC route changes across the city from Friday morning to Sunday at noon. Plan your routes and enjoy the all-night art festival without the traffic surprises.

💰💸 Lottery Luck Strikes in Etobicoke! 💸💰 
Joseph Sena, an Etobicoke retail worker, hit the jackpot with a $1 million win in the Lottario draw after matching all seven Encore numbers. Sena initially thought he won $1,000 until the OLG app revealed the true prize. Now, he's planning to use his windfall to go back to school, turning his disbelief into a life-changing opportunity. Looks like luck was on his side at the Circle K on The Queensway!

Upcoming Events

• Every Saturday - Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market 
  Humber Bay Park West | 100 Humber Bay Park Rd. W.
  Get ready to experience the return of the Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market! Join us at Humber Bay Park West for a vibrant community gathering filled with fresh produce, local goods, and a welcoming atmosphere. 🕖 Running every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm until Thanksgiving weekend, this market is the perfect place to shop local and support Canadian vendors. Admission is free.
  

• Every Saturday – Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market
  Etobicoke Civic Centre – 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke
  One of the city’s longest‑running markets returns every Saturday with farm‑fresh produce, artisanal breads, local honey and more. Stroll the stalls, chat with growers and fill your basket while soaking up some live music.
  

• October 3 – Connecting to You Women's Retreat: Cultivating Gratitude for Enough

  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke

  Join us at Islington United Church’s Stewart East Hall for a heartwarming pre-Thanksgiving retreat focused on cultivating gratitude and embracing the concept of being "enough." Over two days, immerse yourself in discussions, hear from guest speaker Miriam Frey, and enjoy a community atmosphere with worship, refreshments, and a soup lunch with gluten-free options. No prior experience is needed, and child care is available upon request. 🌟

  🕖 Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. & Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 🎟️ $50, with financial assistance available.

• October 4 – Nuit Blanche 2025: From Here, There, Everywhere

  Humber College Lakeshore Campus | 3199 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke

  Get ready for a night of mesmerizing art as Nuit Blanche transforms Toronto into a vibrant, open-air gallery! This year's theme, "Translating the City," invites you to explore the intersectionality of urban life through captivating exhibits across three key hubs, including South Etobicoke's own Humber College Lakeshore Campus where you can explore the concept of home through a thought-provoking exhibition curated by Renata Azevedo Moreira. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking installations that challenge the notion of home and community. 🌙✨🕖 7:00 p.m. – Sunrise | Free admission
  

• October 17 – Demons and Angels: Etobicoke Philharmonic Season Opening Concert

  Martingrove Collegiate Institute | 50 Winterton Drive, Etobicoke

  Join us for a spectacular evening as the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the season with "Demons and Angels." Experience the enchanting melodies of Matthew J. Donnelly's "The Grave-Digger’s Waltz," the virtuosic flair of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" featuring guest pianist Michael Berkovsky, and the uplifting sounds of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. 🎶 🕗 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Tickets available
  

• Through October 23 – United Through Watercolour Art Exhibition

  Etobicoke Civic Centre | 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 2Y2

  Dive into the vibrant world of watercolour at this stunning exhibition, where artists from Canada and around the globe showcase their latest techniques and creations. Don't miss the opening reception on September 28, featuring light refreshments and a chance to meet the talented creators. 🎨

  🕗 Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free admission, no reservations required.
  

• Through November 1 – Pumpkinville

  CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke

  Discover the magic of fall at Pumpkinville, featuring incredible pumpkin sculptures and a charming pumpkin village nestled in a candy forest, all crafted from over 30,000 real pumpkins! This interactive pop-up experience offers something for everyone with its unique sculptures, city pumpkin patch, dazzling nighttime light displays, and family-friendly midway rides and games. It's a perfect backdrop for your fall-themed Instagram memories, crafted by talented local artists using locally grown pumpkins.

  🕔 Weekdays (Select Dates): 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 🕛 Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 🎟️ General Admission: $13.99 (+ fees) | Children 12 months and under: FREE

Weather

• Thu, Oct 2: High 23°C, Low 13°C 🌥️

• Fri, Oct 3: High 25°C, Low 13°C ☀️

• Sat, Oct 4: High 27°C, Low 17°C 🌥️

• Sun, Oct 5: High 26°C, Low 18°C ☀️

• Mon, Oct 6: High 27°C, Low 17°C 🌥️

• Tue, Oct 7: High 26°C, Low 18°C 🌥️

• Wed, Oct 8: High 19°C, Low 10°C 🌧️

Fun & Games

🎨 3 Truths and 1 Lie — Nuit Blanche Edition
 
One of these facts about Nuit Blanche is a sneaky lie. Can you spot which one?

A) Nuit Blanche is an all-night arts festival that originated in Paris.
B) The event features large-scale art installations, performances, and exhibitions.
C) Nuit Blanche always takes place during a full moon.
D) Toronto has been hosting Nuit Blanche since 2006.

Answers below…

Answers:
A) True — The very first Nuit Blanche lit up Paris in 2002 and inspired cities across the globe.
B) True — Giant art installations, interactive performances, and late-night exhibitions are all part of the magic.
C) Lie! — Despite the name “White Night,” Nuit Blanche isn’t scheduled around a full moon. The date is fixed by the city, not the lunar calendar. 🌙
D) True — Toronto has been hosting Nuit Blanche since 2006, making this the city’s 19th year.

🎉 Last Week’s “Would You Rather” Results Are In!

Etobicoke has spoken, and the winner is A) 50% off groceries for life! 🛒💸 The thrill of lifelong savings proved too good to pass up. Coming in second was D) the weekly basket of local produce, which shows there's plenty of love for fresh, local food too. 🍎🥦

Thanks to everyone who replied. Your picks make this section so much fun!

Like being in the know? Share the love! Forward this newsletter to friends and neighbors who’d enjoy staying up-to-date on all things Etobicoke. 📬

Thanks for reading! See you next week for more of what’s happening in Etobicoke.

-Bri