Stretch of King closed for TIFF, film fest arrives ahead of weekend

By News staff

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday, leading to another fun-filled weekend in the city.

But while TIFF-goers will get wrapped up with the glitz and glamour, it will be anything fun for drivers trying to navigate around a part of the downtown core. A stretch of King Street West (details below) will once again be a pedestrian-only zone for fans.

Aside from the film festival, there are several other events taking place this weekend. There will also be other road closures for events.Scroll below for the details.


Events

TIFF comes to town
Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Joaquin Phoenix, Daniel Craig, Natalie Portman, and Bruce Springsteen are among the stars expected to walk the red carpet at this year’s TIFF. During the 10-day festival, which runs until Sept. 15, films will be screened at several theatres in the city, including the TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Elgin and Winter Garden theatres, Princess of Wales, Ryerson, the AGO, Cinesphere, and Scotiabank. TIFF enthusiasts will also descend onto a portion of King Street for Festival Street — a free pop-up street festival with music and screenings. Festival Street runs from 10 a.m. to midnight each day from Thursday to Sunday.

Time of the dragon
Nathan Phillips Square will be a hub of activity this weekend for the Toronto Dragon Festival. The three-day party features dragons, folk dances and music including drumming, martial arts and acrobatics, handcrafts, paintings and other arts and crafts, as well as yummy Asian street food. You will also be able to check out a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. Admission to the event is free.

Party in The Kingsway
A stretch of Bloor Street, from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road, will be pedestrian fun zone this weekend for the Taste of the Kingsway. The festival, which starts Friday and runs until Sunday, features food and other vendors, live music and dance on three stages, interactive exhibits, a dog show, and more. Admission to the event is free.

More veggies on your plate
If you are looking to add more vegetables to your diet or want to improve your overall health, head down to the Veg Food Fest — dubbed “North America’s largest celebration of all things veg.” The free event is being held at Harbourfront from Friday to Sunday. Check out the more than 160 vendors showcasing vegetarian and vegan products, and get advice on the topics you want to know more about, such as health and fitness, nutrition, animal rights, and sustainable living.

Street party in Cabbagetown
Explore the historic neighbourhood of Cabbagetown at a two-day street party this weekend. The Cabbagetown Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday on Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard streets, and Carlton Street from Ontario to Parliament streets. The free festival will have food, live bands, relaxing patios, and a kids zone.

Road closures

TIFF Festival Street (Thursday to Monday closure): King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will be closed from 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. on Monday. During that time, John Street will also be closed between King and Wellington streets, as well as Ed Mirvish Way between King and Pearl Street, and Simcoe Street between Wellington and Pearl streets. The 304/504 and 508 Lake Shore streetcars will be on diversion in the area. Click here for the TTC diversions during TIFF.

Taste of the Kingsway (Friday-Sunday closure): Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road will be closed from noon Friday to midnight Sunday.

Environment Day event (Saturday-Sunday closure): Shaw Street from College to Harrison streets will be closed from 6 p.m. Saturday until 5 p.m. Sunday.

Cabbagetown Festival (Saturday-Sunday closure): Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard streets will be closed from 6 a.m. on Saturday until 9 p.m. on Sunday. Carlton Street between Ontario and Parliament streets and between Parliament and Exchange Lane will also be closed during that time.

Exact Yorkville Run (Sunday closure): Full, partial and rolling closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday along Bay Street, Wellesley Street West, Dundas Street West, University Avenue, Queen’s Park Crescent East, Bloor Street West, Avenue Road and Davenport Road.

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