Take it from a local who knows—the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is an extra spectacular time in the city if you know your way through the film, event and nightlife scene.
It’s baaaaack. While a few unexpected plot twists resulted in a more subdued film festival in recent years, 2024 promises to be TIFF’s glorious comeback year.
The city will be buzzing as we celebrate the 49th edition of the festival and welcome film lovers from around the globe. Prepare for the return of highly anticipated World Premieres, star-studded red carpets, glitzy events and unique activations.
I’ve been attending TIFF since 2005 and think it is unquestionably the most vibrant and exciting time of year in Toronto.
Over the years, I’ve watched hundreds of films, been dazzled by countless special events and witnessed the world’s biggest and brightest public film festival blossom right before my eyes. Trust me, this is an annual event you do not want to miss.
While you’re bound to create unforgettable memories at the festival, navigating TIFF can be a tad overwhelming so here’s a mini local’s guide to help you plan a great festival experience.
Make your film list (and check it twice)
Decisions, decisions. With 278 films, the most challenging task will be narrowing down your wish list for the 11-day festival, which runs from September 5 to 15 this year.
Before making your film selections, check out the TIFF website or the Festival Programme Book to read programmers’ notes about each film and the list of cast members, length, country and language.
Head to gala presentations if you’re looking for red carpet premieres and movie stars. But if you want to support films that may not be distributed widely, I highly recommend the Centrepiece programme (formerly Contemporary World Cinema), which showcases global perspectives. It may be your only chance to catch these films on the big screen!
Insider Tip: After screenings, there’s often a Q&A session, so stick around and ask the directors, filmmakers and cast members your burning questions!
Tickets, tickets: where and how to get them
Single tickets are sold to Members (by level) starting August 16 and to the public starting August 26 this year. Tickets and packages can be purchased online, by phone at 1-888-258-8433 if you need accessible seats or technical support, or in person at the Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office inside TIFF Lightbox.
Off-sale tickets
Given TIFF’s popularity, the film you want to see may no longer have tickets available (especially for high-profile screenings). It will then be referred to as “off-sale.” Don’t fret—not all is lost.
They release extra tickets throughout the festival, so check the TIFF website daily at 7 a.m. to try to snag one for yourself.
Rush lines
You can also “rush” films—festival lingo, which essentially means lining up at the venue until all ticketholders are inside and empty seats are counted 15 minutes before a screening’s start time.
Typically, although not always, the first dozen in the Rush line get ushered in just before the screening starts. I’ve rushed many films throughout the years and gotten into them all. The earlier you arrive, the greater the chances!
TIFF Under-25 Free Pass
If you’re 24 and under, check out the TIFF Under-25 Free Pass. The free pass allows you to get tickets to select regular festival screenings beginning at $13.50, along with other perks!
Free screenings, musical performances and activations
Festival Street is back for TIFF 2024! This means you can catch free films and musical performances and enjoy interactive activations on Festival Street (King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue) from September 5 to 8.
New this year: the TIFF Art Market in partnership with Toronto Film School and a fun Festival Scavenger Hunt with prizes in partnership with the Toronto Downtown West BIA.
Returning to Festival Village, The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro is another exciting activation you’ll want to check out.
Head here from September 5 to 14 to enjoy Italian hospitality, snack on exclusive gourmet bites curated by chef David Rocco, sip Peroni Nastro Azzurro, and peek at the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall. This experience is complimentary and open to festival goers who are 19+ on a first-come, first-served basis.
Exciting talks with celebs
Featuring intimate sit-downs with some of the film industry’s biggest names, In Conversation With… is one of TIFF’s most exciting programmes. This year, you can purchase tickets for conversations with Cate Blanchett, Zoe Saldaña, Steven Soderbergh, and Hyun Bin and Lee Dong-wook.
Star-worthy hotels, cocktails and meals
One of my favourite things to do during TIFF is to take in all the festival buzz at our world-class hotels, restaurants and bars! During the festival, everyone goes the extra mile to sparkle, so it’s a great time to indulge and treat yourself like a star.
Book A Room Where The Celebs Stay
If you want to be at the heart of all the action, The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Shangri-La Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, The St. Regis Toronto, and Bisha Hotel Toronto are great options for a glamorous stay.
They’re all minutes away from festival venues and host numerous TIFF events, so they’ll be filled with buzz. But if you’re like me and need to recharge after your film marathon, I recommend heading north of the festival hub to Yorkville for a relaxing stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
New this year: treat yourself like a star by booking The Cinematic Experience package at St. Regis Toronto. Your luxurious stay in The Caroline Astor Luxury Suite will also include all of the hotel’s 2024 signature TIFF experiences (like a Red Carpet Radiance Spa Package for two and The Macallan Tasting Dinner for two at LOUIX LOUIS).
Sip On Cocktails Inspired By Films
St. Regis Toronto
The St. Regis Toronto’s star-worthy cocktail list is a splurge: The French 325 (Perrier-Jouët Champagne accompanied with caviar, $307), The De-classified Case (The Macallan’s 25-year-old Sherry Oak with caviar, $700) and The Secret Agent’s Reserve (Macallan Tasting Flight featuring expressions inspired by the iconic Secret Agent films).
EPOCH Bar + Kitchen Terrace
Head to EPOCH Bar + Kitchen Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto to taste their special TIFF menu, including cocktails inspired by classic films. Their premium cocktails promise to be a treat! Tip: Book your table on September 5 or 7 (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) or September 12 or 13 (7 to 11 p.m.) to enjoy the live DJ.
d|bar
A drink (or two) at d|bar during festival season is always a must. This year, the talented team has dreamt up a new lineup of TIFF-inspired cocktails. I’m looking forward to trying The ACTION STUD (Patron Anejo, pineapple, lime, chilli pepper, lava salt). Tip: check out the celebrity photo exhibit by renowned photographer duo Saty Namvar and Pratha Samyrajah in the hotel lobby!
KŌST
For drinks with a view, head to KŌST at Bisha Hotel. Step away from the festival hub, it’s also home to Deadline Lounge, which will host private events, so you’re bound to see celebrities strolling in and out of the hotel.
W Toronto
New this year: W Toronto will bring famous films to life at their Mixology Masterclass (every Friday in September). Here, you can expect cult classic cocktails and a good time! The Living Room will also serve movie-inspired snacks and specialty cocktails throughout TIFF.
If you prefer wine, the hotel will also offer a Chocolate Paint & Wine: Movie Edition (Sept 7 & 14), where you’ll explore chocolate artistry with W Pastry chefs creating designs inspired by favourite films while you sip wine and create your chocolate masterpiece!
Fairmont Royal York
To celebrate TIFF, The Fairmont Royal York will offer special cocktails in collaboration with Campari at REIGN, CLOCKWORK and Library Bar. They’ll also have a personalized Campari Photo Booth, so pop in and capture all the fun!
Indulge In A Star-Worthy Meal
Minami Toronto
An official hospitality partner of TIFF, Minami Toronto will offer a star-worthy menu to festivalgoers, including a featured premium cocktail and two featured entrées. The Saikyo Miso Lobster & Black Truffle Wagyu Duo is as opulent as it gets, with Nova Scotia Lobster, Hokkaido Uni, Kalguga Caviar, Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Ribeye and more.
Minami has also partnered with Peroni to create a special Salmon Fish and Chips feature, and you’ll be given a chance to enter and win an exclusive package for two at TIFF’s VIP Red Carpet Suite valued at $1000! Don’t leave without capturing your red carpet moment on their TIFF-Minami branded step-and-repeat.
TOCA
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto’s TOCA has a special TIFF menu, which includes the “Cinematic Cuisine, Flavours of Film” Chef Table Experience. Iconic films like Jaws and The Godfather inspire each course of this 8-course menu.
TOCA will also offer a TIFF-inspired brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOUIX LOUIS
LOUIX LOUIS will also offer an exclusive culinary journey called The Secret Agent’s Reserve Tasting Dinner during TIFF. The one-of-a-kind meal will be paired with The Macallan Tasting Flight and promises an unforgettable evening.
Get A Glimpse Of The Stars
Besides the red carpets, there’s no better place to glimpse celebrities than The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, conveniently located just south of Roy Thomson Hall, where many TIFF Galas are screened. (I’ve spotted dozens from here—from Al Pacino and George Clooney to Penelope Cruz and Ryan Gosling).
Insider Tip: perch yourself at LANO, their new café and wine bar concept, which will open just in time for the film festival!
MARBL Toronto, one of the festival’s official hospitality sponsors, promises to be a celeb hotspot during TIFF opening weekend as it will host Cinema Center, Roxstar Entertainment’s hospitality hub. Expect top filmmakers and actors to pop in for interviews as part of their press circuits, so get your cameras ready.
Estiatorio Milos will be another Cinema Center host location for VIP gala events and premiere parties, where you’ll likely spot celebs as they arrive at the soon-to-open Toronto restaurant.
Other hotspots for star sightings include Bisha Hotel, Daphne, Margo, Patria, and Pink Sky.
The Shangri-La Toronto
The Shangri-La Toronto will offer a specialty TIFF Afternoon Tea (September 5 to 29) in its stunning lobby during the day. Or, opt for the signature TIFF-inspired cocktails instead to experience an unmatched TIFF buzz in the evening (September 1 to 30).
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto will also offer an Afternoon Tea’FF (TIFF-inspired Afternoon Tea) served daily from 2 to 3 p.m. Menu highlights include Lobster Rolls, foie gras and smoked Salmon Terrine, and Peach and mozzarella vol au vent.
Rest up & refresh at the spa
TIFF can get hectic with all the screenings and parties, so carve out some relaxation time. Many spas around the city offer special services during festival season that will leave you with that Hollywood glow.
The Red Carpet Radiance Package at The St. Regis Spa Toronto combines a revitalizing 60-minute NuFACE facial with a decadent 30-minute massage, perfect for achieving that coveted red carpet radiance.
If you’re looking for a full day of pampering, head to the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto spa for their Red-Carpet Glam Facial and Golden Diva Manicure, one of Toronto’s most luxurious manicures.
