TIFF will dominate weekend events in Toronto, but it isn't the only thing happening in the city. There are also a couple of street festivals, a concert by a good friend of Drake's, and a long list of parties to keep you dancing until Monday.
Events you might want to check out:Festival Street 2017 (September 7-10 @ King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue)Festival Street is a weekend of free concerts, an epic rap battle, film screenings, food trucks, virtual reality and giveaways, all along the main drag surrounded by red carpets and theatres. It takes place during the first four days of TIFF.
Veg Food Fest 2017 (September 8-10 @ Harbourfront Centre)Admission is free to this vegetarian food fest down by the water with loads of food vendors and entertainment planned.
The Weeknd Starboy Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour (September 9 @ Air Canada Centre)The unstoppable pop star returns for the second round of the Starboy tour. Expect an updated stage show, even more hits, and probably a guest or two.
El Bogo Fring's Warehouse (September 10 @ 17 Noble Street)This is Susur Lee-inspired outdoor food and fashion event thrown by Chef Grant Soto where terrible designer clothing is encouraged. There'll be a $4.99 barbecue menu, cocktails, games, and face painting for adults.
Lauryn Hill & Nas Tour (September 10 @ Budweiser Stage)Comedian Hannibal Buress and reggae fixture Chronixx open for Miss Lauryn Hill and Nas on their joint North American tour.
Manifesto Block Party (September 8 @ Daniels Spectrum)This is a free, all ages, family friendly block party in Regent Park with outdoor games, local food trucks and DJs blasting tunes all day.
Taste of the Kingsway (September 8-10 @ Bloor Street West)The Kingsway comes alive with midway rides, beer and wine gardens, live music and samples upon samples of local food. This fest also features the largest dog show in Etobicoke.
Liberty Village Market (September 9 @ Liberty VIllage)This is an open-air market with works and products from artists, designers, artisans and a handful of local businesses. You'll find 50 vendors selling fashion, pet-related products and services, art, home decor, vintage, body care and food items.
Dragon Boat Challenge (September 9 @ Marilyn Bell Park)Over 100 dragon boat crews from across North America race head-to-head, unofficially marking the culmination of Canada’s dragon boat racing season. Admission is free, there will also be art vendors and a Duggan's beer garden.
Cabbagetown Festival (September 9 @ Carlton and Parliament Streets)One of the final outdoor street fests of the season takes over the entire neighbourhood with vendors, entertainment, art and way more.
James Corden (September 10 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)James Corden, late-night TV's king of celebrity sing-alongs takes the stage for a night of comedy and help launch Toronto's United Jewish Appeal Campaign.
Global Food Fest (September 8 @ Mel Lastman Square)Gourmet Gringos, Sushi Burri Toronto, Filipino BBQ, Korean BBQ, Los Vietnamita, Tex-Mex, Cultural Ice-cream truck, and more come together for a food and jazz fest with flavours from around the world.
Veggie hotdog Popup (September 9 @ Junction Craft Brewing)Four types of fully loaded veggie dogs at the award winning Junction Craft Brewing midday until 6 p.m. It's an afternoon of outdoor grilling, brews, and pals.
Summer BBQ Fantasy (September 9 @ Cold Tea)A serene outdoor world dance party for your souls... because did we truly have a summer? No we did not. There'll be Canadiana barbecue tapas, uplifting summer vibe music by Internet Daughter, Young Teesh and Vaughan b2b Ace Dillinger.
The Deep Dark Woods and Wildlife (September 8 @ Yonge-Dundas Square)The Canadian alternative country band from Saskatoon that everyone's talking about bring their sweet sounds to the Square along with Wildlife.
Queens of the Stone Age (September 9 @ Budweiser Stage)Need one more jolt of heavy hitting rock before roll into fall? This show from Queens of the Stone Age shows off their new album Villains with support from Royal Blood.
Toronto Bicycle Music Festival (September 10 @ Multiple Venues)This is an annual series of free outdoor pedal-powered concerts taking place in and between our city's great community parks and streets. This year the shows happen between Trinity Bellwoods and Humber Bay Park West.
Beach Celtic Festival (September 9 @ Kew Gardens)In the mood for some kilted bagpipers? Highland dancers? Maybe two days of music honouring our city's rich Celtic community? Then you'd better get to this mini-music fest in a park.
Beam Me Up! Five Years of Disco (September 8 @ The Piston)The city's finest disco party turns five this weekend! Thomas Del Pozo will open, then it's Cyclist and the Patchouli Brothers who will take you on your disco journey for the rest of the night. Get there early to make sure you get in!
Akon (September 8 @ Everleigh Toronto)Akon is making an appearance? Performing? DJing? Not exactly sure what he's doing at this TIFF party, but he'll be there and there will be DJs and dancing and no cover before 11 p.m.
Hide and Seek (September 8 @ The Broadview Hotel)This is a brand new party geared towards queer women and their friends inside the ballroom at the slick Broadview Hotel. There's a huge patio attached to the room to cool off, and DJ Recklezz will be playing top 40 fire.
HER (September 8 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))HER was a party on West Queen West that happened in a Mexican restaurant for four years. They're back for one night only with all past Her DJs, posters on display, and performances.
The Last LayTheseKnight (September 8 @ Drake Hotel)After six years of throwing parties, LayTheseKnight are throwing in the towel and giving it one last blow-out. DJs Famous Players and Patrick McGuire (plus special guests) play all the best R&B, Rap & Dancehall until 4 a.m.
Swamp Trade (September 8 @ The Black Eagle Toronto)This is a swamp themed dance party inside Toronto's leather bar. Father Figure from Provincetown hosts, Joshua Reid plays the deep, dark house and camo is encouraged.
Rave to the Grave (September 8 @ The Steady Cafe & Bar)DJs Cjris Pyss Distraksjon and James Meier raise hell on the dancefloor - playing all the goth dance hits you need. There's no cover and there will be drink specials.
Bruce LaBruce's Sour Grapes Annual TIFF Bash (September 9 @ Bovine Sex Club)Host and DJ Bruce LaBruce presents his annual TIFF party with a special performance from Dana Dentata. There will be gogo dancers, DJ Kevin H and lots of dark, disgusting happenings.
Luv Dancin' TIFF edition (September 9 @ Bambi's)Kathryn Firanski, Alister Johnson and Pooyan finally get to play boogie until 4 a.m. during this special TIFF edition of their Luv Dancin' party.
Kenny Dope (September 9 @ Nest)Jojo Flores, Manolo and Yo open for soul house legend Kenny Dope at this great big TIFF weekend dance party.
Greasy Fruit (September 9 @ The Baby G)Greasy Fruit is a sweaty, queer, monthly west end dance party. DJs Andrew Awesome, Wei Back and Ace Dillinger spin all the throwback one hit wonders and hip hop you need for this Back 2 School edition of the party.
A Drag Tribute to James Bond (September 9 @ The Beaver)Drag thing Fisher Price presents a night dedicated to Bond movies with performances from Jacklynne Hyde, Erin Brockobic, and Fisher Price herself. DJ Johnny B Good spins.
TIFF Pink List Party (September 10 @ Remington's Men of Steel)The 13th Annual Pink List Party is Remington's gift to the film festival. All genders are welcome, doors are open late, strippers are everywhere and film industry folks often pop in for fun.
Toronto International Film Festival 2017 (September 7-17 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)World premieres, celebrities, and parties take over the city from September 7-17.
Toronto Beaches Film Fest (September 7-9 @ Beach United Church - Community Complex )This is a film festival that showcases movies about subjects this neighbourhood cares about such as issues in the developing world, activism against big companies, adventure, beach culture and surfing to name a few.
Volta (September 7 - November 12 @ Under the Big Top, Toronto Port Lands)Volta is the brand new Cirque Du Soleil show that features a lot of bikes, acrobatics, amazing outfits, stunts and an original score from M83.
Frank & Oak Warehouse Sale (September 7-10 @ 950 Dupont Street)Shop up to 80 percent off Frank and Oak Men’s and Women’s apparel, outerwear, footwear (no ladies footwear) and accessories for four days. The stock is constantly replenished with sizes and styles.