This year’s TIFF official film lineup features 293 films , the most of any film festival worldwide. The event will include red carpet premieres, screenings of key films, and live Q&A sessions with Hollywood filmmakers and actors.
Numerous film and television stars are expected to gather in Toronto. For residents and tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols, the following locations are worth noting.
Several major films were unveiled.
This year’s TIFF will feature several highly anticipated premieres and special screenings, including:
- A Good Little Soldier
- Bucking Fastard
- Closing Night
- It’s My Time
- It Will Happen Tonight
- “Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple”
- The Idiot(s)
- The Liberation
- The Road Not Taken
- Trees are Watching
- Wild Horse Nine
CityNews staff highly recommend Fjord, American Hostage, Ink, The Debut, and Run Terry Run.
Where is the easiest place to spot celebrities?
TIFF will set up two “fan viewing areas” along King Street where the public can watch stars attend red carpet events at the Princess of Wales Theatre and Royal Alexandra Theatre without needing to buy tickets or register in advance .
David Pecaut Square will also feature three fan zones: TIFF Fan Zone South, Rogers Fan Zone, and RBC Red Carpet Gallery.
The wristbands for these areas are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
From September 10th to 14th, queuing will begin at 11:00 AM each day ; starting from September 15th, queuing will begin at 2:00 PM .
From September 11th to 15th, Cassius Cucina Contemporanea will also host Collider Media Studio daytime events, inviting film directors, actors, and other industry professionals. Evenings will feature film premiere celebrations, cocktail parties, and private events.
Numerous celebrity-studded private events
Several invitation-only events will also be held during this year’s TIFF, including:
- TIFF Black Excellence Brunch
- The TIFF annual opening event was held at d|bar on September 8th.
- The “Road to the Golden Globes” party held at the Four Seasons Hotel on September 12th
- The TIFF Tribute Awards Gala was held on September 13 at Fairmont Royal York.
- Celebration party after the screening of “Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been” on September 14
Restaurants where celebrities might frequent
During TIFF, many hotels and restaurants in Toronto will also be offering special events.
The Hollywood Reporter Green Room will be held at the Flora Lounge of 1 Hotel Toronto from September 10 to 20.
Shangri-La Hotel is offering a limited-time TIFF afternoon tea from September 3rd to 27th.
REIGN Restaurant, part of Fairmont Royal York, will launch new dishes and a special TIFF set menu from September 10 to 20.
Joni Restaurant and Writer’s Room will also be launching special TIFF cocktail menus.
The Astor Lounge at the St. Regis Hotel will be offering a TIFF-themed afternoon tea from September 10 to 26.
Festival Street Returns
During TIFF, Toronto’s King Street West will also be transformed into a large film festival district.
From September 10 to 13, King Street West from Peter Street to University Avenue will be closed to motor vehicles.
The organizers expect Festival Street to attract nearly 500,000 people .
The event includes art installations, live music and DJ sets, free outdoor film screenings, art markets, food trucks, brand interactive activities, family activities, and opportunities to meet face-to-face with filmmakers, artists, and community organizations.
Festival Street will also feature several themed areas.
Festival Street Art Market will bring together 10 community and art organizations to showcase their works and projects.
Festival Street Food Market features a dedicated relaxation terrace and has invited catering partners such as Eataly, Fox on John, and GRETA, as well as food trucks, to participate.
In addition, TIFF will launch limited-edition merchandise for 2026 and redesign the Festival Street logo, adding LED lighting effects.
The TIFF 50/50 raffle will also be held on-site, with 50 early bird prizes and one grand prize this year. Last year, the Festival grand prize was CAD 125,000 .
What other events are happening at Festival Street?
There will be interactive booths from multiple brands and organizations at the event, including Ferrero Rocher, Intrepid Travel, the Korean Cultural Centre of Canada, Lavazza, Modern Ambition, Nongshim, Toronto Film School, and Tubi.
The Korean Cultural Centre in Canada will offer visitors traditional Korean games, Korean-themed photo areas, Korean snacks, and interactive activities through Korean film, cultural, and tourism-themed events.
Nongshim will launch product tastings, interactive challenges, and DIY Shin Cup activities centered around Shin Ramyun instant noodles.
Toronto Film School will build an immersive mini-theater to screen outstanding short films created by the next generation of filmmakers and students.
YouTube and Variety will also host a one-day special showcase for creators on September 10 at Festival Street outside the TIFF Lightbox.
Yorkville will also become a “red carpet event”.
During the opening weekend, Rogers Red Carpet will transform Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood into a movie-themed red carpet area.
The event will be held from September 10 to 13 , between Bellair Street and Hazelton Avenue in Yorkville Avenue, and is free to the public.
The event will feature live music performances by Our Lady Peace, Casa Loma Orchestra, and members of the E Street Band.
The event will also feature free screenings of past TIFF People’s Choice Award-winning films, including “The Princess Bride” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
In addition, interactive games and photo areas will be set up.
Our Lady Peace will hold a special performance and Q&A session ahead of the world premiere of the documentary “Gail,” a music documentary that tells the story of a huge fan of the band who followed them on their 30th-anniversary Canadian tour.
For Toronto residents and visitors, this year’s TIFF is not just a film extravaganza, but will also transform multiple downtown blocks, cinemas, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces into massive entertainment venues. From September 10th to 20th, Toronto is expected to once again welcome its annual “star-studded season.”
