Photo Courtesy of TIFF
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is coming soon, and will transform the district into a star-studded, event filled with celebrities, filmgoers and industry professionals. The 11-day festival welcomes the best films and biggest names in the business to the city, from September 8-18. We’ll give you the low-down on Festival Street, where to catch a movie (including free, outdoor screenings!) and top spots to party with the stars. Plus we’ll be offering some exciting prizes, so follow us on social media to find out how you can participate!
How To TIFF
How To Buy Tickets
Individual tickets will be available soon, first to TIFF Members, then to the public. You can become a member to take advantage of Festival pre-sale tickets, otherwise September 5 is when Individual tickets go on sale to the public. Information about key dates, ticket availability as well as pricing can be found here. Once available, Tickets and packages can be purchased online; by phone 10am–7pm ET daily via 416.599.2033 or 1.888.258.8433; or in person at the Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office inside TIFF Bell Lightbox, 3pm–10pm ET Tuesdays and 10am–10pm ET Wednesday through Sunday.
Click here for the official film schedule, and for information about Galas and Special Presentations.
Where to Catch In-Person Screenings and Get Up Close and Personal With the Stars
TIFF Superfans can watch their favourite stars walk the red carpet at the King Street and David Pecaut Square Fan Zones. For those interested in getting a deeper look, In Conversation With… engages film actors and industry leaders in dynamic, inspiring discussions, providing audiences with exciting, behind the scenes insights. This year’s In Conversation With… features Viola Davis, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung, Eddie Redmayne and Damien Chazelle. Fans are excited for In Conversation With… Taylor Swift, as she joins TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey for the first-ever screening of All Too Well: The Short Film on 35mm, and to discuss filmmaking and the visual aspects of her music. Finally, anyone interested in the professional side of things can check out the Industry Conference. In-person screenings will take place at a number of venues throughout the District.
In-Person Screenings:
- TIFF Bell Lightbox – 350 King St W
- Roy Thomson Hall – 60 Simcoe St
- Scotiabank Theatre Toronto – 259 Richmond St W
- Princess of Wales Theatre – 300 King St W
- Royal Alexandra Theatre – 260 King St W
Experience the Magic of Festival Street
Experience live musical performances, red carpets, activations, and more! King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will transform into Festival Street for the opening weekend, September 8-11. Kick off events include live art created by StreetARToronto, and musical performances on the Slaight Music Stage, hosted by Kardinal Offishall, and featuring the talents of many special guests such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Wolf Saga, Lido Pimienta and Friends with Bear Witness. Also taking the stage with RBCxMusic is Zenesoul, DESIIRE, Kennen, and Jhyve. Find the full details here!
Hotel Hop
For 11 glorious days, you can get glammed up and mingle with the stars, as they enjoy the celebratory atmosphere extending beyond Festival street to the nearby hotels. Make sure you’re looking red carpet ready, because there’s a good chance you’ll spot a celeb while grabbing a drink at a lobby bar! Enjoy live music at the brand new Ace Hotel, pop champagne at CLOCKWORK, reach new heights at Harriet’s Rooftop, or lounge on the terrace at EPOCH, where you can indulge in specialty cocktails inspired by the movies.
The Shangri-La is curating an extra-special experience for guests to honour the festival, including afternoon tea comprised of elevated tiers of reimagined nostalgic movie snacks. Guests can also head to the Lobby Lounge, offering a line-up of nine unique, movie-themed cocktails. Remember, dress to impress while you explore the neighbourhood’s sophisticated hotels, you never know who you’ll run into!
Check out these top 10 hotspots:
- Ace Hotel Toronto – 51 Camden St
- Bisha Hotel – 80 Blue Jays Way
- 1 Hotel Toronto – 550 Wellington St W
- The Ritz-Carlton – 181 Wellington St W
- Shangri-La Hotel – 188 University Ave
- Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W
- Delta Hotels Toronto – 75 Lower Simcoe St
- InterContinental Toronto Centre – 225 Front St W
- Hilton Toronto – 145 Richmond St W
- Hyatt Regency Toronto – 370 King St W
They Don’t Call it the Entertainment District for Nothing!
TIFF is surrounded by the city’s Entertainment District, where you’ll find Toronto’s most iconic attractions, including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Scotiabank Arena, the Roger’s Centre, as well as Cultural hubs like the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, home to the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. There’s no shortage of fun to be had in between films if you want to switch it up while you’re in town.
Speaking of finding more to discover in the neighbourhood, why not start your festival experience off with a splash – literally! On Friday September 9, treat yourself and your movie date to an otherworldly experience you won’t want to miss. Surrounded by exotic underwater creatures, Friday Night Jazz events feature live music, cocktails, (fish tails) and a the breathtaking views at Ripley’s Aquarium! This exciting event reoccurs the second Friday of each month.
Wine, Dine & Dance
In addition to the vast array of incredible Arts and Entertainment venues throughout the district, are some of the best places to wine and dine in the city. If you’re looking to soak up the sun while enjoying great food, drinks and atmosphere, check out our Patio Feature. If you’re more of a night-owl, there are an eclectic variety of swanky restobars and lounges to choose from, where you’ll experience mood-lit vibes, DJs and dancing. A comprehensive list of dining and nightlife can be found in our directory. Here are five recommendations!
- Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill – 563 King St W
- The Hartly – 619 King Street W
- Patria – 478 King St W
- Arcane – 461 King St W
- The Parlour – 642 King St W
FREE Movie Experiences, Including Outdoor Screenings in David Pecaut Square!
TIFF’s new open air cinema, OLG Cinema Park located in David Pecaut Square, will feature the following fan favourites showcasing stars in TIFF 2022 Official Selections films: The Greatest Showman, UHF, West Side Story (2021), The Mummy, a 30th-anniversary screening of A League of Their Own (1992), plus School of Rock and Love & Basketball. Visitors are also welcome to grab a drink at one of the extended patios. Then, on Saturday September 17, members of the public are invited to Roy Thomson Hall for the TTC Free Screening of a Festival title. More details will be announced closer to the date.
See you at the red carpet!