TIFF 2024 has returned to the city, taking over downtown Toronto from September 5 – 15, 2024. Tons of A-list celebrities will also be in attendance to walk the red carpets and attend their film premieres, including Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield, Selena Gomez, and Cate Blanchett.
In the past, lucky fans have spotted various stars in and around Toronto throughout the festival, and there’s a number of hot spots where you just might catch a glimpse this TIFF season!
Here’s some of the best places to spot celebrities in Toronto during TIFF:
1. Bisha Hotel
Located right around the corner from the heart of all the TIFF action, Bisha Hotel is a prime destination for A-list celebrity sightings. In the past, stars like Elliot Page, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Margot Robbie have all been spotted at Bisha, and the hotel’s bar room Mister C is a favourite of Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin, Naomi Campbell, and Michael B. Jordan. The hotel will also be hosting TIFF bigger and better than ever before this year, with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Red Carpet and the Deadline Lounge.
2. Soluna
Queen West’s trendy coastal-inspired restaurant and bar Soluna is back as a TIFF hospitality partner for the third year, and will host a number of star-studded events this year. From themed screening after-parties to curated dining experiences, Soluna has previously hosted actors Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Efron, and Daniel Craig.
3. PAI
A celebrity favourite year-round, you just might spot an A-lister or two dining at PAI’s downtown location on Duncan St, a Michelin-recommended Northern Thai restaurant. Jacob Elordi, Simu Liu, Alexander Skarsgard, Finn Wolfhard, and Oscar Isaac have all frequented the restaurant, many of who have raved about the food in the past.
4. Coffee Oysters Champagne
Situated right next to the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Coffee Oysters Champagne hosted a series of TIFF parties last year, and will do so again this year. Stars like Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Keira Knightley, and Craig Gillespie have all been seen at this swanky pink-and-gold-hued restaurant and cocktail bar.
5. 1 Hotel Toronto
Whether you spot a celebrity or not, you’ll certainly feel like one this year at the 1 Hotel Toronto. The luxurious eco-chic retreat features a number of spots for star-studded encounters, including the gorgeous Flora Lounge with sustainably focused dishes, rooftop bar Harriets with breathtaking skyline views, or sophisticated Casa Madera restaurant.
6. KISSA
As an official TIFF hospitality partner, the Japanese-inspired lounge KISSA is expected to draw festival goers and celebrities alike, located just minutes away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The lounge will be hosting a series of exclusive TIFF after parties and private dinners curated by renowned chef Daniel Ken, and its intimate setting and ambiance make it an ideal destination to celebrate at.
7. Sofia
Yorkville is always a prime celebrity hangout during TIFF, and Sofia’s Italian-inspired cuisine and expansive patio make it a prime spot for sightings. In 2019, it hosted the Hustlers premiere party with Jennifer Lopez, Keke Palmer, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, and Julia Stiles.
8. Varda
Situated on the third floor of TIFF Lightbox, Varda is quite literally perched right above all the action. This lounge and café-bar dedicated to the renowned French filmmaker Agnès Varda is typically a gathering place for stars during film screenings and premieres.
9. Margo
Located on the 4th floor of Clio, one of Toronto’s most exclusive private member clubs, Margo on King West is an upscale Mediterranean lounge which has previously hosted A-list celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Tyler Perry, and Ethan Hawke. With numerous luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s no secret why stars love this restaurant.
10. Writers Room Bar
Perched on the 17th floor of the Park Hyatt Toronto, the Writers Room Bar is a festival season favourite for stars and attendees alike.. With breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, this cocktail lounge has welcomed stars like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Wilde, Charlize Theron, Pierce Brosnan, and Tilda Swinton over the years.