Toronto Welcomes Stars and Festivals as TIFF Kicks Off This Weekend

The city of Toronto is bustling with excitement as the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) begins this weekend. From September 4 to 7, 2025, film enthusiasts will flock to the city to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars at premieres and special events. Alongside the festival, several other cultural events will take place, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of entertainment.

During the TIFF celebrations, a section of King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will close to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone. This area will host free entertainment, immersive activities, and a rich mix of food, drinks, art, and culture. A notable highlight is the Rogers TIFF 50 Timescape event, running from September 5 to 7 in Yorkville. This installation will feature live music performances, interactive multimedia content, and on-stage conversations with filmmakers.

The music lineup includes members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra, who will perform iconic movie scores. Attendees can also enjoy a large screen displaying live feeds from the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall and recaps of the previous day’s events.

Aside from TIFF, the Taste of the Kingsway festival is set to take over Bloor Street from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road from September 5 to 7. This popular event will feature international food vendors, live performances, and a beverage garden, making it South Etobicoke’s largest street festival.

The Cabbagetown Festival also takes place this weekend, celebrating community spirit and diversity. Kicking off on Saturday at 11 a.m. and running until 7 p.m. on Sunday, the festival will be held at Parliament and Carlton Streets, offering eclectic shopping and delicious food.

Another highlight is the Trinbago Toronto Festival, which showcases the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago. This free event at Nathan Phillips Square hopes to inspire attendees with its cuisine, cultural performances, and engaging activities.

For those interested in vegan cuisine, the Toronto Vegandale Festival at Woodbine Park promises a celebration of plant-based food, music, and interactive art. Tickets are still available for this event.

As the city gears up for these festivities, residents and visitors should be aware of transportation changes. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will implement weekend closures on Line 2 between Kipling and Islington stations, replacing subway service with shuttle buses on September 6 and 7. Regular service will resume on September 8 at 6 a.m.

Streetcar services on the 503 Kingston Road, 504/304 King, and 508 Lakeshore lines will also be affected due to TIFF. In addition, the Barrie GO Line will experience service adjustments starting Saturday, September 6, with train service replaced by GO buses.

Motorists should note that construction on the Gardiner Expressway will result in lane closures, with one lane closed in both directions between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. This construction is part of a long-term plan, and the westbound lane will be reduced from four lanes to three for approximately one year.

With such a rich array of cultural events and activities planned, Toronto is poised for an exciting weekend. For the latest updates on traffic and event details, residents are encouraged to check local news sources.