TIFF 2026 Toronto: Movies, Celebrities, Events & More

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The Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF) returns this week for its 51st edition, bringing 11 days of film premieres, red carpets, celebrity appearances, special events, industry programming and free public experiences to Toronto.

When Is TIFF 2026 and Where Does it Take Place?

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10th to 20th, 2026, while TIFF events take place at several venues across the city’s downtown core, much of the festival action is centred around Toronto’s Entertainment District and King Street West. Here are the major TIFF 2026 venues

TIFF Lightbox (350 King Street West)
Visa Screening Room at Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King Street West)
Royal Alexandra Theatre (260 King Street West)
Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street)
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (259 Richmond Street West)
John W. H. Bassett Theatre (255 Front Street West)

What’s New at TIFF This Year?

The festival is introducing several new experiences and additions for 2026, from the launch of a major international content market to new public programming along Festival Street.

TIFF: The Market Makes Its Debut

The biggest addition this year is the launch of TIFF: The Market, a new seven-day international content marketplace running from September 10th to 16th at various venues in downtown Toronto.

The Market brings together professionals from across film, series and innovation to buy, sell, finance, pitch and discover content. Programming will include exhibition spaces, screenings, networking events, conversations with industry leaders, creative development labs and an Innovation Hub.

A New Festival Street Art Market

Festival Street is also getting a new addition this year with the introduction of the Festival Street Art Market, bringing Toronto film festivals, arts organizations and creatives into the heart of TIFF’s free opening-weekend celebration.

A Fresh Look for Festival Street

Visitors will also notice a new look when they arrive on King Street. TIFF has redesigned its iconic Festival Street signs for 2026, giving one of the festival’s most recognizable public photo opportunities a refresh for the 51st edition.

Experiencing TIFF This Year

TIFF Festival Street

From September 10th to 13th, TIFF Festival Street will transform King Street West (Between Peter Street and University Avenue) into a free, open-air celebration of film, art, music, food and Toronto culture, bringing the energy of the festival out of the theatres and directly onto the streets.

Visitors can expect red-carpet excitement, live DJs, art installations, food trucks, an art market, free outdoor screenings, interactive brand experiences, activations, games, giveaways, photo opportunities and family-friendly activities throughout the four-day celebration. Here is a list of everything to expect this year

Festival Street Art Market

New this year, TIFF Festival Street brings its Art Market in partnership with Toronto Film School will bring some of Toronto’s local film festivals and arts organizations together along John Street.

Ten community film festivals and arts organizations will set up booths where visitors can discover art exhibits, upcoming programming and organizations contributing to Toronto’s film and arts communities.

Food Market

Festival Street will also feature a dedicated Food Market on the east side of King Street, bringing together a lineup of food trucks serving cuisines and flavours from across the city. There will be a dedicated patio for visitors to relax, eat, and take in the energy of the street.

Free Outdoor Movies

Film will naturally remain at the heart of the celebration, with free outdoor screenings at the David Pecaut Square at 10:00 pm, giving visitors another way to participate in TIFF without purchasing a festival ticket.

The line up includes

City Lights (Thursday, September 10th)
The F Word (Friday, September 11th)
Madagascar (Saturday, September 12th)
Now You See Me (Sunday, September 13th)
Strangers on a Train (Monday, September 14th)
Freaky Friday (Tuesday, September 15th)
Hoosiers (Wednesday, September 16th)
Spy Kids (Saturday, September 17th)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Friday, September 18th)
The Great Muppet Caper (Saturday, September 19th)

You can view the full schedule and more information on movies here

Live DJs and Sounds Take Over Festival Street

Music will also be a major part of Festival Street, with multiple live DJ stages bringing music to King Street throughout the celebration.

Curated by TIFF and the Canadian Music Incubator, the lineup includes

Nino Brown, Young Teesh, Videri, OTR, Classic Roots, BIA, DevoDLive, Cozmic Cat, Kevin Music, Jamie-Lee Santos, Jordior, Big Sound Barbie, Prvphet Zay, Shysofly, Ana Luisa, Lenox and Paul Chin.

You can view the full DJ schedule here

Art Takes Over the Street

Festival Street will feature several public art installations that visitors can experience while exploring King Street.

One of the most prominent is Tree of Cinema, a monumental installation created for TIFF 2026 by multidisciplinary artists Alina Tacmelova and Yury Goncharov.
Another interactive installation, SLOW, created by filmmaker Naomi Jaye and produced by Celeste Ovita Cole, explores movement, memory and time. A dance class and artist talk featuring Dancing with Parkinson’s and Naomi Jaye will take place at the installation on Friday, September 11th at 1:00 pm.
Visitors can also check out The Disco Speakers, an installation by MattCreative that combines oversized speakers, disco balls and LED lighting. During the day, mirrored tiles reflect sunlight across the installation, while at night, integrated LEDs create audio-reactive visuals.

Discover Experimental Canadian Film

The Little Free Cinemas Bus Collective will bring a different kind of moviegoing experience to Festival Street. The microcinema will present Canadian experimental films within an accessible public installation. Visitors watch through a peephole inspired by Toronto’s recognizable neighbourhood-watch signs.

This year’s programme features films by Philip Hoffman, Lindsay McIntyre, Martin Heath and Christina Dovolis, curated by Rennie Taylor.

Experience Korean Culture

The Korean Cultural Centre Canada will bring its All About K-Culture & Travel activation to Festival Street, combining Korean film, culture and travel.

Visitors can participate in traditional Korean games, explore travel experiences, take photos at a Korea-themed photo booth, sample Korean snacks, enter giveaways and try a claw-machine challenge.

Sports Meet Cinema

Toronto’s professional sports teams will also join the Festival Street celebrations.

AFC Toronto will transform a trailer into a movie set where visitors can step into the action and show their support for Toronto’s professional women’s soccer team.
The Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA franchise, will bring interactive basketball experiences to the street, including pop-a-shot, spin-the-wheel activities, prizes and giveaways.

Food, Samples and Interactive Brand Experiences

Festival Street will also be filled with free samples, games and interactive experiences from participating brands.

Nongshim will bring the world of Shin Ramyun to TIFF with product samples, a buzzer challenge, a DIY Shin Cup customization experience and a dedicated photo area.
Nutella will celebrate the Canadian premiere of Nutella Peanut with an immersive movie-premiere-inspired experience featuring samples, a red carpet, Glambot and opportunities to win prizes.
Tubi will bring its Any Mood, For Free activation to Festival Street, using visitors’ moods to recommend something to watch alongside aura readings, treats and collectible merchandise.

Walk the Red Carpet With Some Four-Legged Stars

For something a little different, Toronto Animal Services will give visitors the opportunity to walk its red carpet, meet adoptable pups and take part in giveaways and meet-and-greets.

Capture Your TIFF Moment

Festival Street is also getting an updated photo opportunity for 2026.

TIFF has introduced a new look for its Festival Street signs, with installations located at King Street and University Avenue and King Street and Peter Street.

Festivalgoers can stop for a photo with the new signs while exploring the street.

TIFF General Festival Activities

Beyond Festival Street, TIFF will offer a variety of experiences and activations throughout the festival, giving moviegoers even more ways to get involved between screenings from September 10th to 19th.

Here are a few TIFF Festival activities to have on your radar.

Rogers Beyond the Seat Red Carpet Experience

Want to get closer to the red-carpet action? The Rogers Beyond the Seat Red Carpet Experience will give eligible Rogers customers the opportunity to register for access to a dedicated multi-level viewing experience at Roy Thomson Hall.

The experience will offer exclusive views of TIFF’s red carpet, giving guests the opportunity to watch celebrity arrivals and interviews while enjoying movie snacks.

Access: Registration required for eligible Rogers customers

RBC Red Carpet Gallery

Another opportunity to get closer to TIFF’s biggest red carpets comes through the RBC Red Carpet Gallery at Roy Thomson Hall. Available to eligible Avion Rewards members, the viewing experience will provide access to celebrity arrivals for Gala premieres, along with interactive experiences including a photo booth, trivia and prizes.

Access: Eligible Avion Rewards members

Find Your Cinematic Taste by Ferrero Rocher

From September 10th to 20th, Ferrero Rocher will bring its Elevated Experiences activation to the area outside the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Lavazza Festival Village Experience

Coffee lovers can stop by the Lavazza Festival Village for a taste of Cinema Lavazza. Visitors can take photos at a custom photo booth and sample Lavazza Cold Brew or Qualità Oro Ground Coffee, with additional giveaways and takeaways available while supplies last.

Lavazza Gala Red Carpet Bar

Lavazza will also introduce its first Gala Red Carpet Bar at Roy Thomson Hall, serving premium coffee-based cocktails alongside the red-carpet experience. Unlike the Festival Village activation, however, this experience is not open to the general public. Access is reserved for VIP Red Carpet Walk guests and TIFF talent.

Access: VIP Red Carpet Walk guests and talent only

Intrepid Travel Box Office

The Intrepid Travel Box Office will bring travel and storytelling together during TIFF with an experience inspired by the perspectives, people and destinations represented on screen.

The activation will invite festivalgoers to explore global stories and discover new ways of experiencing destinations beyond the movies.

TIFF Fan Zones

For movie fans hoping to experience some of the excitement surrounding TIFF’s premieres, TIFF Fan Zones will return at dedicated locations across the festival.

These designated areas give fans opportunities to experience the atmosphere surrounding premieres and potentially catch a glimpse of actors, directors and other talent arriving at TIFF events. You can find more information on the Fan Zones here

TIFF: The Market

TIFF: The Market is a bold new expansion of the Toronto International Film festival, providing a dynamic marketplace brings together professionals from across film, series, and innovation to buy, sell, finance, pitch, and discover great content.

TIFF: The Market features exhibition spaces, market screenings, networking events, talks with industry leaders, creative development labs, and a cutting-edge Innovation Hub, the Market is built to help you foster strong alliances, unlock resources, and get inspired by extraordinary storytelling. You can find more information on the TIFF Market here

Movies to Watch at TIFF

Celebrities Expected at TIFF 2026

This year’s TIFF programme features films connected to some of the biggest names in entertainment, with Javier Bardem, Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Cynthia Erivo, Chrissie Hynde, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Helen Mirren, Seth Rogen, Léa Seydoux, Channing Tatum, and Michelle Yeoh, Hiam Abbass, Mahershala Ali, Gael García Bernal, Fan Bingbing, Jesse Eisenberg, Ayo Edebiri, Chase Infiniti, Louis Garrel, Tom Hiddleston, Daniel Kaluuya, John Malkovich, Amber Midthunder, Julianne Moore, Megan Rapinoe, Issa Rae, Chris Rock, Andrew Scott, Sebastian Stan, Sir Gary Oldman, Naomi Watts, Forest Whitaker, Rebel Wilson, and many more among the names to have on your radar during the festival.

Some stars also have commitments beyond simply appearing in a TIFF film. Penélope Cruz, Helen Mirren and Seth Rogen are among the talent being honoured at TIFF this year, while other special programming will bring additional actors and filmmakers to Toronto.

Other notable names attached to TIFF 2026 films and programming include Adam Driver, Gemma Chan, Dylan O’Brien, James McAvoy, Anna Kendrick, Gary Oldman, Lee Min-ho, Willem Dafoe, Barry Keoghan, Christopher Walken and Hudson Williams.

However, there is one important thing to remember when celebrity spotting during TIFF: a celebrity appearing in a TIFF film does not automatically mean they will attend the festival in Toronto.

Where to See TIFF Celebrities and Red Carpets

You don’t necessarily need a ticket to a Gala premiere to experience some of TIFF’s red-carpet excitement. Several downtown venues become major celebrity hotspots during the festival, particularly when Gala presentations and high-profile premieres are taking place.

Roy Thomson Hall is one of TIFF’s biggest red-carpet destinations, hosting major Gala premieres and celebrity arrivals throughout the festival. Fans can also find dedicated viewing experiences around the venue, including the RBC Red Carpet Gallery and Rogers Beyond the Seat Red Carpet Experience, although access to these experiences comes with eligibility or registration requirements.

Along King Street West, TIFF will also operate dedicated public Fan Zones near the Princess of Wales Theatre and Royal Alexandra Theatre, giving movie fans an opportunity to take in the atmosphere surrounding celebrity arrivals and premieres.

TIFF Lightbox is another location to keep on your radar. While not every event has the large-scale red carpet associated with Roy Thomson Hall, the Lightbox remains at the heart of TIFF and hosts screenings, talks, filmmakers, industry guests and other festival programming throughout the 11 days.

BISHA Hotel is also expected to be a major TIFF hotspot this year, once again hosting the Deadline Portrait Studio. The hotel typically welcomes a steady stream of actors, filmmakers and industry guests during the festival, giving fans and passersby a chance to catch glimpses of talent arriving for portrait sessions and TIFF-related appearances.

For the best chance of seeing celebrities, check the day’s premiere schedule, identify the venue hosting the screening and arrive early. Popular red carpets and public viewing areas can fill up quickly, particularly during opening weekend.

Where to eat during TIFF 2026

First-Timer TIFF Guide

Never been to TIFF before? The festival can feel overwhelming when hundreds of screenings, premieres and events are happening across downtown Toronto at the same time.

A little planning goes a long way.

First-Timer TIFF Tips

Plan your must-see films first. Identify the screenings you care about most before filling the rest of your schedule.
Buy popular screenings early. Galas, world premieres and films featuring major stars can sell quickly.
Don’t give up on sold-out screenings. Keep checking for ticket availability and consider TIFF Rush where available.
Double-check your venue. TIFF uses several theatres across downtown Toronto, so don’t assume every screening takes place at TIFF Lightbox.
Leave time between screenings. Even nearby venues require travel time, and TIFF crowds can slow you down.
Use public transit. TTC and walking are generally easier than driving around the Entertainment District during the festival.
Expect King Street closures. Festival Street transforms part of King Street during opening weekend, affecting traffic through the area.
Arrive early for red carpets. Public Fan Zones can become busy for major premieres.
Don’t assume every celebrity will attend. Being attached to a TIFF film does not guarantee that an actor or filmmaker will appear in Toronto.
Take advantage of the free experiences. You don’t need a movie ticket to enjoy Festival Street, outdoor screenings, installations and many public activations.
Have a backup plan. Keep alternative screenings, restaurants and activities in mind in case tickets sell out or plans change.
Bring a portable charger. Between digital tickets, schedules, photos and navigating downtown, your phone will get plenty of use.
Check the weather. TIFF involves plenty of walking and waiting outside, particularly if you’re visiting Festival Street or a Fan Zone.
Explore beyond the blockbusters. Some of the best TIFF experiences come from discovering a filmmaker or movie you knew nothing about beforehand.

TIFF is one of Toronto’s biggest events of the year and a must for film lovers, bringing movies, celebrities, red carpets and festival experiences together across the city.

As always, you can keep up with more events, experiences and things happening across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

Everything You Need to Know About TIFF 2026 in Toronto: Movies, Celebrities, Red Carpets, Free Events, Restaurants, and More