Categories: Things To Do

TIFF kicks off next month and here’s everything you need to know

Photo via TIFF

The Toronto International Film Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and needless to say, it’s going to be big. The streets will be filled with people hoping to get a peek at their favourite celebrities, those heading to fantastic films, and everyone just enjoying the outdoor festivities. The 10-day festival will definitely pack a punch. It’s a celebration of film.

Whether this is your first TIFF or fifth, there’s always something new going on. So, to ensure your TIFF experience is a memorable one, we’ve put together a guide to keep you in the loop.

TIFF 2025 guide: What to know

Here’s everything you need to know before hitting up TIFF 2025.

When is TIFF?

The beloved, annual event is taking place over a span of 10 days, from Sept. 4 to 14, 2025.

Where can I watch a movie?

Movie screenings are held throughout a number of theatres, mostly on King Street. These include Roy Thomson Hall, VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, TIFF Lightbox and the Scotiabank Theatre.

Will there be a street festival this year?

According to TIFF organizers, Festival Street is happening. More news about Festival Street activations will be shared closer to the big day.

Annually, festivities take place along King Street, from Peter Street to University Avenue.

Celebrities! Who is coming?

We’ve had our fair share of celebrities stop by. I’ve personally seen (from afar) Jennifer Lopez, Orlando Bloom, and Benedict Cumberbatch in the past.

But for this year, we’re sure to see some new and familiar faces. Confirmed TIFF celebrities include:

Angelina Jolie
Mila Kunis
Keanu Reeves
Matthew McConaughey
Channing Tatum
Chris Evans
Glenn Close
Brendan Fraser
Ralph Fiennes
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Theo James
Miles Teller
Elizabeth Olsen

And many, many more.

Once the full list is out, we’ll let you know!

What movies are playing?

This year’s festival count has reached 291 films. That means there will be 209 features, six Classics, 10 Primetime, and 66 shorts. The list and schedule can be found here.

Where can I go to eat?

Now, you’re on King Street, there are TONS of spots to eat and drink at during TIFF. Pop by (or make a reservation — highly recommend) at one of the local restaurants in the area. Hey Lucy, Minami, Lee Chen Asian Bistro, PAI, Abrielle, Miss Likklemores. There are just too many to name. The same goes for drinks! Stop by Mister C, Paradise Grotto, Coffee Oysters Champagne, TULUM. The options are almost endless.

Some even have special menus for the occasion, like The Drake on Queen Street. They’ll have late-night bites until 2 a.m., and a TIFF-themed cocktail menu. It’s the perfect spot for any after-TIFF parties since last call ends at 4 a.m. Another fabulous option is CONVIVUM, they’re doing a TIFF50 specialty cocktail and a late one too. For eats, you can enjoy a TIFF 50 set menu for $50 — two dishes and a glass of wine.

Of course, if you’re looking to keep the party going, you can enjoy one of the many late-night experiences in the King Street and Portland Avenue area. The newly opened Portland Square will definitely have some TIFF action going on. I recommend checking out Honey Chinese for some delicious Canadian-Chinese cuisine and Primmadonna for hearty, Italian eats – all inside Portland Square.

And just down the street, Vinny’s – the new restaurant and vinyl bar on King Street.

I could go on and on.

What else is there to do?

Though the FULL lineup of festivities has yet to be announced, there are some you can already get excited about:

Criterion Mobile Closet
- Making its Canadian debut as part of TIFF’s Festival Street, Criterion Mobile Closet will be open to the public. You can explore its extensive collection of 1,700 films and make your very own Closet video.
  - When: Sept. 4 to 7, 2025
Deadline Portrait Studio – BISHA Hotel
- BISHA Hotel will be home to the Deadline Portrait Studio once again. This will be buzzing with celebrities. Last year, they had Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and Selena Gomez. This year, guests and fans can expect to see stars like Sydney Sweeney, Ralph Fiennes, and Scarlett Johansson arriving at the hotel for their exclusive portrait sessions.
- Throughout the festival, the property will be transformed into The House of BISHA, a dazzling hub of celebrity sightings, media moments, and cinematic glamour. Guests and onlookers can enjoy a complimentary pop-up popcorn station while soaking in the cinematic glamour.
  - When: Sept. 5 to 8, 2025
  - Where: 80 Blue Jays Way
Campari Cinema Center
- Cinema Center returns as the go-to destination for exclusive movie after-parties! Movie lovers can spot their favourite celebrity heading into the space for a pre-movie junket and sit-down interview.
  - When: Sept. 5 to 11, 2025
  - Where: 455 King St. West