The Toronto International Film Festival is turning 50, and the city is set to celebrate with one of its most star-studded lineups yet. From Angelina Jolie and Keanu Reeves to Sydney Sweeney, Ryan Reynolds, and Dwayne Johnson, this year’s festival promises blockbuster premieres, exclusive events, and countless opportunities to spot your favourite celebrities in the heart of downtown. Here’s your insider guide to where the magic happens.
Festival Street
September 4–7 | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | King St W (Peter St → University Ave)
Festival Street transforms King Street into a pedestrian-only hub of activity during the opening weekend. Expect interactive installations, live performances, and pop-up food vendors.
Red Carpet Hotspots:
- David Pecaut Square (215 King St W) – Fan Zones for Gala presentations
- Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King St W)
- Royal Alexandra Theatre (260 King St W)
Arrive early—fan lines fill up fast, and these are prime spots to catch a wave, smile, or selfie from A-listers as they step out of black cars and into the spotlight.
Prime Hotel Lobbies & Lounges
If you prefer to celeb-watch with a cocktail in hand, these hotels are known TIFF favourites:
- Shangri-La Toronto (188 University Ave) – Try their movie-inspired cocktails, available all September.
- The Ritz-Carlton Toronto (181 Wellington St W) – Check the Lobby Lounge and Epoch Bar for star sightings.
- 1 Hotel Toronto (550 Wellington St W) – Flora Lounge and Casa Madera buzz with industry chatter.
- Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St W) – Hosts the prestigious TIFF Tribute Awards on Sept 7.
Restaurants Where You Might Dine Beside a Celebrity
Reservations are essential this time of year, but the payoff could be sharing a dining room with Hollywood’s finest.
- Bisha Hotel – 80 Blue Jays Way
- Daphne – 67 Richmond St W
- Kost (Bisha Hotel) – 80 Blue Jays Way, 44th Floor
- Coffee Oyster Champagne – 214 King St W
- Nobu Toronto – 25 Mercer St
Guaranteed Star Moments: “In Conversation With…” Series
For a sure thing, snag tickets to TIFF’s In Conversation With… events, where artists speak candidly about their careers. This year’s lineup includes:
- Ryan Reynolds – Sept 5
- Dwayne Johnson – Sept 8
- Tessa Thompson & Nia DaCosta – Sept 8
- Park Chan-wook – Sept 10
Why This Year Feels Extra Special
TIFF 2025 isn’t just another festival—it’s a celebration of five decades of cinematic history. Alongside this year’s high-profile premieres (John Candy: I Like Me, Good Fortune, Couture, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery), the TIFF Story in 50 Films retrospective series offers audiences a chance to relive iconic moments from the past half-century. Whether you’re on King Street, tucked into a hotel lobby, or sitting in the dark at a premiere, the energy will be unmatched.
One of the best parts about TIFF? You never know when you might turn a corner and find yourself face-to-face with a star. Whether you’re a red carpet regular or just here for the atmosphere, the city belongs to the movies this September.
Curious about what to watch? Here is our 10 Must-See Films at TIFF 2025 list.