TIFF: party your way through the Toronto International Film Festival

by Jenn Reid
Last Updated September 5, 2017

Some people love the Toronto International Film Festival for the movies, some are in it for the celebrities, and others just want to party. The city has an extended 4 am last call during the fest and lots of ways to take advantage. While many celeb-filled parties are invite only, there are tons of public options for you to party your way through TIFF. Check out some of the best parties during the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017. [Photo of Malaparte by Janine MacLean]

TIFF Ovation
Opening weekend of TIFF will have a rooftop party right in the heart of the action at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Malaparte, a club located within the Lightbox, is home to Ovation, a trendy party that brings plenty of media and industry people together.

• When: September 8 and 9
• Where: Malaparte
• Open to the public: Yes
• Tickets
• More information

TIFF Opening Night Exclaim! Party
Do all TIFF parties need to have celebrities? Exclaim! doesn’t seem to think so, as this opening night party is more about TIFF’s party vibe and 4 am last call, than the red carpets. The Do Good Badlies, Hudson Say, Goodnight Sunrise and Rynheart are all performing.

• When: September 7
• Where: The Bovine
• Open to the public: Yes
• More information

Mongrel House
If the Campbell House Museum looks surprisingly happening during TIFF, that’s thanks to Mongrel Media. They’ve revamped the historic site into party central for the past few years during the festival, with a night market, live music, ping pong tables and karaoke. Unfortunately, this one is invite-only.

• When: September 7 to 13
• Where: Campbell House
• Open to the public: No
• More information

TIFF Party at DEQ
DEQ in the Ritz-Carlton is one of the best places to spot celebs during the festival, and it’s even open to the public! The opening night party will have exclusive cocktails, a champagne bar and live music with great views of the skyline and hopefully of the A-list guests.

• When: September 7
• Where: DEQ
• Open to the public: Yes
• More information

Bruce LaBruce’s Sour Grapes
Canadian director and film star Bruce LaBruce is DJ-ing his annual TIFF event at the Bovine. There’s also a performance from Dana Dentata, dancers Caleb King and Laura Desiree and DJ Kevin H.

• When: September 9
• Where: Bovine
• Open to the public: Yes
• More information

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Akon
The Everleigh is taking advantage of TIFF’s extended 4 am last call all week long, but the opening weekend parties are definitely ones to check out. DJ Jazzy Jeff (yes, of Fresh Prince fame) will be spinning on Thursday opening night, and Akon performs on Friday.

• When: September 7 and 8
• Where: Everleigh
• Open to the public: Yes
• More information

TIFF Soiree
TIFF’s annual fundraiser takes place right before the fest officially begins, with celebrity guests. This year, actress Priyanka Chopra is the featured guest and will give a Q&A about her career.

• When: September 6
• Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox
• Open to the public: Yes
• Tickets
• More information

The TIFF Bachelor Party
If you’re more into reality stars than movie stars, don’t miss The Bachelor party. Stars from the Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise will be at the Everleigh during TIFF, including Dean Unglert, Ben Zorn, Robby Hayes and Adam Gottschalk.

• When: September 15
• Where: Everleigh
• Open to the public: Yes
• Tickets
• More information

• TIFF tip sheet: your guide to the Toronto International Film Festival
• 21 places to spot celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival
• Where to eat during the Toronto International Film Festival
• TIFF 2017: where to drink like a star!

Back to City Guides