TIFF’s inaugural Festival Street turns King St. between University Ave. and Peter St. into an outdoor party. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
To kick off its opening weekend, the Toronto International Film Festival has brought its celebrations out of the theatre and onto the street. From Thursday to Sunday, TIFF’s inaugural Festival Street will transform King Street into a pedestrian-only zone from University Avenue to Peter Street. Participants can enjoy outdoor patios, live music, interactive art exhibits, and even a “Film Therapy” booth.
Festival Street offers a contrast to the sometimes exclusive feel of the festival. The public, all-ages event aims to provide something for everyone — including those who didn’t manage to snag a ticket to the screenings. Film marathoners will get a reprieve from hours spent indoors at screenings or camped out in rush lines.
To learn more about Festival Street, click here.
Check out the photos below for a glimpse of what you’ll see along Festival Street this weekend.
This interactive light tunnel by artist Nathan Whitford has been dubbed the “anti-red carpet.” (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
Weary pedestrians can catch their breath at these bright orange picnic tables. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
Chess enthusiasts can own their opponents with this life-sized version of the game. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
This giant HAL9000 Interactive Photo Booth is a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. The exhibit is a promotion of the upcoming Stanley Kubrick retrospective happening this fall at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
Whether you’re looking for celebrities or observing passersbys, Festival Street is prime for people-watching. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Anyone can sit down and play this colourful piano, painted by local artist Jonathan Peterson. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Beers and food trucks abound at the Open House, a free outdoor patio sponsored by Grolsch. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Repurposed beer bottles used in light fixture. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
All weekend long, artists at the Open House will sketch your portrait on the spot for free. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Close-up of a portrait. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Drop by this Peanuts-inspired therapy booth for advice and guidance from Toronto-born producer Amanda Burt. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Maylee Todd performs with her band Thursday evening on Festival Street’s open-air stage. (Annie Bender/Ryersonian)
Restaurants are bringing a European vibe to King Street with expanded street patios. (Jeanie Tran/Ryersonian)
With files from Annie Bender and Jeanie Tran.
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