The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 to 20, 2026. Public single tickets are available through authorised channels, while the festival's venues extend across downtown Toronto.
A successful TIFF visit depends on more than selecting a film. Mobile-ticket rules, assigned seating, security checks and rush admission can affect whether a ticket holder reaches the screen on time.
TIFF 2026 dates and main venues
The festival begins Thursday, September 10 and ends Sunday, September 20. TIFF lists these principal venues:
- TIFF Lightbox at 350 King Street West
- Roy Thomson Hall at 60 Simcoe Street
- Princess of Wales Theatre at 300 King Street West
- Royal Alexandra Theatre at 260 King Street West
- Scotiabank Theatre at 259 Richmond Street West
Travel time between venues should be calculated on foot or by transit, not from a map's straight-line distance.
How to buy a legitimate ticket
TIFF advises buyers to use the TIFF Festival Account Manager or Ticketmaster.ca. Tickets purchased from unauthorised sellers may not be protected, refunded or reissued.
Screenshots are not valid for entry because festival tickets use rotating SafeTix technology. Add the live ticket to a mobile wallet or open it through the original purchasing platform. If transferring a ticket, use the official transfer feature.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
TIFF recommends arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled screening. Public screenings use assigned seating, but the festival says seats are held only until 15 minutes before the start.
After that point, an unoccupied seat may be offered to a person in the rush line. A paid ticket therefore does not justify arriving at the final minute.
How the rush line works
When a screening is sold out, TIFF may form a rush line for people without tickets. Admission depends on seats becoming available close to showtime and is never guaranteed.
Rush visitors should ask staff where the line begins, arrive early and be ready for the possibility that no seats open. Policies and payment methods should be confirmed at the venue.
Bag, food and payment rules
The festival's published bag limit is 12 by 12 by 6 inches. Larger backpacks, laptop bags, large totes and rolling luggage are not permitted. Security may inspect allowed bags, and outside food is not permitted in cinemas.
Festival box offices are cashless except TIFF Lightbox. These details are easy to miss when planning around films alone.
Transport during opening weekend
Festival Street affects King Street West from September 10 to 13. TIFF warns that the King streetcar does not run between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue during opening weekend. St. Andrew is the nearest subway station to TIFF Lightbox, roughly a six-minute walk away.
Check Toronto transit alerts on the day because closures and service changes can evolve.
The official TIFF visitor guide contains the latest entry and travel rules. For more cinema-industry context, see our global box-office recovery explainer or browse entertainment.
