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TIFF’s Festival Street Turns 10: A Citywide Celebration for Film Lovers

Toronto is about to transform into one big movie party. From September 4–7, King Street West becomes Festival Street — a pedestrian-friendly playground packed with live music, food, film, art, and surprises around every corner. This year is extra special: it’s TIFF’s 50th anniversary, and the street festival is celebrating its 10th birthday in style.

Opening Day Magic

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, September 4 at 4pm with the unveiling of TIFF’s star on Canada’s Walk of Fame right outside TIFF Lightbox. Expect cheers, cameras flashing, and a giant cake-cutting to officially open the festival.

Movies Under the Stars

Head to David Pecaut Square for free nightly screenings at Cinema Park. From the 40th anniversary of The Goonies to the cult favorite Before Sunrise and the classic Toronto-shot comedy Uncle Buck, there’s something for every film fan. Screenings begin at 10pm, rain or shine — just bring a blanket and some popcorn.

Food, Beats & Art Everywhere

This year’s Festival Street is a sensory feast. Stroll through the Food Market with its new outdoor dining area, dance to beats from Billboard DJs, and watch live street art come alive. Artist Adrian Hayles will paint a massive 3D mural celebrating TIFF’s history, while Maziar Ghaderi’s Corridoor By Maziart lets you step into a holographic red carpet dream.

Discover, Shop & Play

Don’t miss the Criterion Mobile Closet, making its Canadian debut with over 1,700 films and a chance to create your own short video inside the “closet.” The Festival Street Art Market will feature booths from local arts groups and film festivals, plus live performances from Toronto talent. And of course, the TIFF Pop-Up Shop at Lightbox is back, featuring limited-edition TIFF 50 collaborations with Roots and Dean Davidson jewelry.

Citywide Celebrations

Beyond King Street, the entire city will feel TIFF’s glow. The CN Tower will light up in gold every hour after sunset, and the TTC Free Screening returns on September 13 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre — a gift to Torontonians from TIFF and the TTC.

A Taste of the Extraordinary

On September 5, Michelin-star chef Masaki Saito will host a one-of-a-kind 60-foot sushi bar pop-up, serving free omakase at King and John Streets. Yes, you read that right, free sushi, prepared by some of Toronto’s top chefs.
With live music, interactive art, surprise screenings, celebrity moments, and tastes of global culture, Festival Street is more than an opening weekend, it’s where the city comes alive to celebrate film. The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14.

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