Top TIFF hotspots for dining, parties, and celeb spotting

Like us, if you fancy a good celebrity spotting moment, you’re just itching to know where all the A-listers are going to be during TIFF. Lucky for you, we took all the work out of it. We’ve put together the list of the hottest restaurants, venues, clubs, lounges, hotels, theatres and more — where you can definitely expect to see all your favourite celebrities. Oh, and this will be a record year for the number of A-listers in town, so it will be a doozy! You just might spot the likes of Nick Jonas, Natalie Portman, Leonardo DiCaprio, or even THE Anna Wintour strutting the streets of Toronto, or better yet, in the same room… Just remember to be cool, calm and collected and you’ll be just fine.

But don’t let us keep you waiting any longer. Let’s dive right in. Here’s the list of only the BEST vibes, that TIFF has to offer for the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Our annual ultimate list of hotspots VIBES across Toronto:

Of course, the places where without a doubt will be bumping throughout the festival… are these TIFF epicentres.

TIFF Lightbox | September 5-15

The centre of it all. 350 King St W.

TIFF Street Festival | September 5-8

The TIFF Street Festival, on King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue, also known as Festival Street, will take place during the first few days of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024. This year’s Festival Street is scheduled from September 5 to September 8, 2024. King Street West will be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-only zone, featuring free outdoor screenings, performances, and interactive experiences.

Film Screening Theatres

Here’s a list of all the theatres across the downtown core that will be showing the extensive TIFF film list this year. Whether you’re expecting to watch the film, or simply want to see your favourite star darting in the front of the theatre, or darting out through the back door upon exit… it’s safe to say they are great celeb sighting spots.

Princess of Wales Theatre

300 King St W.

Royal Alexandra Theatre

260 King St W.

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe St.

Scotiabank Theatre

259 Richmond St W.

Festival hubs, houses and studios

Obviously where there’s celebrities, there is media, but not just local media. TIFF attracts the top media brands of the world. Many of them also set up shop at key venues with portrait studios, etc. so if you stick around them you are likely to see them running through their press junkets. Some of them even stop for fan photos. Some other hotspots are also where some of the film companies and sponsors set up shop for the festival to host talks, events, gifting lounges, parties and more.

NKPR’s IT House | September 6 – 9

From September 5th to 9th, NKPR will host the IT House at Freed Hotel & Residences Adelaide and Duncan Presentation Centre, featuring collaborations with PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly (EW), and Shutterstock for their photo and video studio. The event includes a media and industry day, photo sessions with celebrities, and a popular pet adoption activation. Guests will enjoy various activations such as a styling station by Melanie Lyne, wellness treatments, and custom meal experiences. Donations will support Artists for Peace and Justice.

Roxstar Entertainment’s “Cinema Centre” film festival hospitality centre, at Soluna | September 6-11

The Program has teamed up with MARBL, as the designated venue for their events taking place from September 8th to September 11th, 2023. They are joined by sponsors including Sommsation, Blue Moon, Collider, Tres Generaciones, and Belvedere Vodka. The Cinema Center’s objective is to provide its signature touch of glamour, glitz, and festive celebrations to support the film and creative community during this year’s festival, which will be somewhat lacking in traditional red-carpet activities due to the ongoing strike. The planned experiences encompass a mix of sponsored gala premiere post-screening parties, industry networking occasions, and press meetings throughout the four-day event.

Collider’s Media Studio at MARBL

Making a comeback at MARBL this year, providing a platform for filmmakers, directors, cast members, and others to be part of the festivities.

RBC House | September 7-11

One of the go-to destinations for film and industry gatherings during TIFF, RBC House has returned to host a series of significant occasions for both up-and-coming and established talents and filmmakers. In the current year, RBC House will be situated at Petros82 (previously inside Hotel X, owned and operated by, Peter & Pauls) in the core of Toronto’s Entertainment District, offering attendees the opportunity to savour signature Grey Goose Vodka cocktails and a dedicated martini cocktail bar.

LA Times Media Studio, at Petros82 | Dates Unknown

The LA Times will be posting up his year at Petros82, where RBC House is activated, on the second floor to conduct interviews with celebrities during the festival. In previous years, held at Baro, visitors included included Natalie Portman and Selma Hayek.

Soho House Toronto

As usual, the Soho House is always home to a number of big TIFF parties with very tight guest lists. Even members don’t get invited, unless they are on the guest list for the particular event.

CLIO (Members only club)

A members only hotspot that is likely to be a celebrity safe haven. During the festival CLIO will likely be hosting celebrities and parties alike.

Bask-It-Style Gifting Lounge at Fairmont Royal York

By invite and appointment only, open to media and celebrities alike to get glammed up for the TIFF red carpets, interviews, events and parties.

Hotels

Luckily Toronto has quite the number of luxury hotels across the city. So there is a variety for celebrities to choose from. Some decide to stay a little bit outside of the TIFF hub, like the Four Seasons in Yorkville. While others like to stay close by like The Ritz-Carlton, which is one of the most iconic TIFF destinations in the city, or something a little more boutique like the Bisha Hotel. Overall, these are all great celeb spotting spots, where even the paparazzi camp outside. Here’s an insider tip: hang out near the back exits, parking garages, etc. for a better chance of catching them on their arrivals or exits, as they rarely do so through the front doors.

The Ritz-Carlton | 181 Wellington St W.

The Ritz-Carlton is definitely one of the larger celebrity hubs during TIFF. From the lobby bars, club lounge (especially now that it’s been upgraded), to the parties, and even just as hotel guests, there are always countless stars hanging around.  Their new EPOCH patio is stellar and the recent renos only make this swanky restaurant even more appealing for celeb-filled parties and events during festival season.

Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way

Located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, the glamorous Bisha Hotel welcomes
some of the world’s trendiest guests on the regular. Between luxe velvet walls of the hotel
lobby, the gorgeous green onyx marble top bar inside Mister C and the 43rd floor private event space, celebs will be sure to flock to one of the sleekest hotspots in Toronto.

Fairmont Royal York | 100 Front St W.

Located just outside the TIFF area, the Fairmont Royal York is definitely always one of the core TIFF hubs. Especially since their major renovation, there’s no doubt that this hotel will be spewing with celebs. Whether you’re taking in the gorgeous views of the clocktower, or people watching in the lobby, you’re bound to see them in and around the hotel for sure. Especially considering it will be hosting the TIFF Tribute Gala. Stay tuned for updates along the way.

Four Seasons | 60 Yorkville Ave.

The Four Seasons is always a known destination for many celebrities traveling to the city. With a bar by international restaurateur, Chef Daniel Boulud it’s quite the star-studded dinner and cocktails hotspot in the city. Every year the Four Seasons rolls out the red carpet for many celebrity guests. This year, the word on the street is that along with the Halo PR festival kick-off party, the Four Seasons Toronto Hotel will also be home to the prestigious HFPA/Variety.

St. Regis Hotel | 325 Bay St.

Formerly the Trump Hotel and then later the Adelaide Hotel, it is now renovated into the very first St. Regis Hotel in Canada. The St. Regis Hotel Toronto has become quite the popular destination for A-listers, film crews, and star seekers alike. The word on the street is that there are more A-listers staying at the St. Regis during TIFF this year than ever before seen even at The Ritz in prior years.

To celebrate TIFF, The St Regis Toronto hotel has created a pop-up champagne lounge in collaboration with Moet & Chandon, located in the stunning new lobby bar, the Astor Bar & Lounge. The St. Regis will also be home to the Hollywood Reporter studio which will be receiving numerous celebrities during their film press circuits.

Shangri-La Hotel | 188 University Ave.

As a TIFF Hospitality Partner, and one of the city’s Festival hot spots, Shangri-La Hotel is abuzz during this exciting time of year. Beyond its five-star service, guests and patrons gather to experience daily live music while surrounded by couture fashion and art, right in the heart of the festival. Guests can sip like a star at Toronto’s trendiest social spot. Also the home of the annual opening night party.

Windsor Arms Hotel | 18 St Thomas St

Home to this year’s Artists for Peace and Justice 2019 Festival Gala, the Windsor Arms is a known destination for celebrities visiting Toronto.

W Toronto Hotel | 90 Bloor St E.

As a newer addition to the Toronto hotel scene, and widely known to celebrities, it’s likely to be a prime option for celebrities and TIFF festivities alike.

Popular Event Venues & Restaurants

Patria | 478 King St W

In recent years, Patria hosted the likes of Ryan Gosling, and even Justin Trudeau, amongst many others, so there will definitely be a number of parties to be hosted here.

Sofia | 99 Yorkville Ave

This stunning newer addition to the Bloor-Yorkville restaurant lineup will definitely be buzzing with stars. Also hosting participating in the Yorkville Murals block party, and hosting Jennifer Lopez for the premiere dinner of her movie, it will definitely be somewhere you will want to be.

Pink Sky | 480 King St W

At the location of the former big yellow doors on King Street West, where some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Richard Gere, Jason Isaacs, Ben Mendelsohn and Gary Oldman have walked through to dine and drink. Now home to a new restaurant concept called, Pink Sky, the steak and seafood hotspot will welcome A-listers like Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson for their post-screening parties and more.

KOST at Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way (44th floor)

The rooftop restaurant has a panoramic view of Toronto and a fantastic openair patio that has become a popular destination for celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Geena Davis and Martin Short. It is also known as one of Toronto’s most Instagrammable spots.

MARBL | 455 King St W

Home to this year’s “Cinema Centre” festival hospitality centre, produced by Rockstar Entertainment, MARBL Restaurant from September 8-11 will be open exclusively for private events, cocktail mixers, galas and more. Marbl consistently offers thrilling events during TIFF, and this year is no exception. Additionally, Collider.com’s Media Studio is making a comeback at Marbl this year, providing a platform for filmmakers, directors, cast members, and others to be part of the festivities.

Mister C at Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way (Main floor)

This swanky hotel lobby bar, home to some of the cities hottest weekly parties, is a common backdrop to some of TIFF’s hottest parties. This year, it’s also set to host the Mr. Dressup post-screening party hosted by Prime.

Mademoiselle | 563 King St W

In a setting where extravagance is regularly found, Mademoiselle ensures that any celebrity will instantly feel right at home. Home to eTalk’s annual TIFF party in recent year, there’s no doubt it will be a hotspot for post-screening parties, cocktail mixers and more.

Margo at CLIO Rooftop | 600 King St W

Launched earlier this spring, Margo continues to radiate the kind of youthful charm that captivates Hollywood. This dining establishment, complete with a lounge and rooftop terrace, stands as one of the prime locations to savour the essence of King West. As you unwind while enjoying a variety of delectable Mediterranean dishes, you can play it cool while discreetly observing the arrival of celebrities. Said to be the backdrop for Ethan Hawkes film Wildcat starring none other than his daughter Maya.

Bovine Sex Club | 542 Queen St W

Home to Toronto’s rock, retro, punk, metal and independent music scene. Not your typical TIFF hotspot, but this year they picked up a 4am last call extended license (opens at 10pm) from September 7-17–and said to be hosting a couple festival parties.

Have any tips, suggestions or photos you would like to share? Either email them to us at steven@viewthevibe.com, or slip into our DMs at @Viewthevibe on Instagram or Twitter. Want the inside scoop? Keep your eye on our Editorial Director, Steven Branco’s Instagram feed @mr.stevenbranco for it.  If you catch any of them or have any snaps to share, tag us and use #TorontoVIBE, slide into our DMs, or tweet us, for a chance to be featured in the recaps.

Hero photo: Kennedy Pollard/Getty Images for RBC (added on Sep 10th)