TIFF Party Guide 2016
TIFF is all about the parties for some. This year, last call at many Toronto bars has once again been pushed back to 4 a.m. making it easier to hit up multiple venues in one evening. And along with the usual early morning debauchery, there are plenty of black tie galas and other exclusive events for you to try to sneak your way into.
Here's our TIFF party guide for 2016.
HOT SPOTS
Mongrel House (Sept. 8-14, Campbell House)
For the second year in a row, Canadian distributor Mongrel Media is transforming the Campbell House into one of the city's coolest party venues (for history nerds, that is). This year's iteration will include a night market and music from local bands, like Dear Rouge.
Bungalow 8 pop-up (Sept. 8-10, Thompson Hotel Rooftop)
New York nightclub Bungalow 8 will take over the Thompson's rooftop for the first three nights of the festival. In the past, this pop-up has attracted lots of celebs because who doesn't appreciate a good view of the skyline?
Villa Azur (Sept. 8-11, The Spoke Club)
This Miami-based restaurant making its way to Toronto with a three-day residency at the Spoke Club. Events include a dinner party and a rooftop brunch.
NKPR IT House x Producers Ball (Sept. 8-12, 128 Peter St.)
PR firm NKPR and the Producers Ball are behind this 7,000 square foot, two-storey lounge that'll host celebrities and other guests for the first five days of the festival.
Hyde Beach Miami (Sept. 8-11, Wildflower)
Along with Hollywood, Miami's getting a lot of attention at the festival. The Hyde Beach Miami club will bring the southern Florida vibes to Toronto during TIFF's opening weekend.
Soho House (Sept. 18-18)
This members-only club is a favourite amongst Toronto's (and Hollywood's) elite - probably because you're not supposed to take photos inside. Expect it to be hopping with after-parties throughout TIFF.
SEPTEMBER 8
TIFF at the DEQ Terrace & Lounge
The Ritz Carlton might be filled with celebrity guests, but that shouldn't stop you from heading on to the patio for a drink (or two or three).
SEPTEMBER 9
Wake Up, Shake Up (Addisons Residence)
Thankfully, this isn't an early morning rave, but rather a yoga class hosted by Vega. Lauren Toyota will be there along with musician Rich Aucoin. So get to the Addisons for 6:30 a.m. and stretch your hangover away
Catfight after-party (STK)
American steakhouse STK isn't open just yet, but it's hosting a slew of TIFF parties, including this one for the new Sandra Oh, Anne Heche and Alicia Silverstone feature.
SEPTEMBER 10
Moët Mansion Party Pop-Up (Candyland)
This high-end champagne brand will take over Candyland on Saturday night. As per usual, it'll feature live entertainment, along with food, drinks and dancing.
Entertainment Weekly Must List Party (Thompson Hotel)
Entertainment Weekly's annual party usually attracts a slew of celebrities. Last year, A-listers like Julianne Moore, Sandra Bullock and Matt Damon all made an appearance.
The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative Gala Awards (STK)
If you have an invitation to this VIP event, consider yourself lucky because the guest list includes Jennifer Connelly, Maria Bello, Jonathan Demme, Parker Posey, Nick Cannon, Uzo Aduba, Ewan McGregor, Paul Haggis and Christopher Guest.
Hollywood Foreign Press Association & InStyle Party (Windsor Arms Hotel) Designer Max Mara will host this sure-to-be-swanky industry-only party in Yorkville. The fashionable crowd should include the likes of Felicity Jones and Rooney Mara.
SEPTEMBER 11
Artists for Peace and Justice (Casa Loma)
The eighth annual Artists for Peace and Justice gala is this Sunday at Casa Loma. Sean Penn will be getting an award for "his extraordinary longstanding commitment and dedication to supporting communities in Haiti and promoting the ideals of peace and social justice around the world."
HELLO! Canada's #Hello10 Party (Thompson Hotel)
This party at the Thompson Hotel will undoubtedly attract some serious star power. You might get a good glimpse if you park yourself at the Thompson Diner with a plate of mac and cheese (or whatever you fancy!).
5th Annual TIFF Slam & Network Social (The Den)
Watch local actors fight it out on stage at this monologue slam. This party is actually accessible - it's only $15 at the door!
SEPTEMBER 12
Telefilm Canada and Birks Diamond Tribute (Shangri-La Hotel)
This swanky cocktail party will honour actors, directors and screenwriters, including Tracey Deer, Ann Marie Fleming, April Mullen, Léa Poolm Ann Shin, Amanda Crew, Caroline Dhavernas, Christine Horne, Sandra Oh, Jennifer Podemski, Emma Donoghue and Marie Vien.
Screen Actors Guild event (Thompson Hotel)
Members of the Screen Actors Guild will get to party it up at the Thompson Hotel during this very exclusive, invite-only event.
The Canada Party at TIFF '16 (Drake Hotel)
This annual invite-only event at the Drake is an unapologetic homage to Canadian and so-called hoser culture. Expect lots of plaid and a mystery DJ at midnight.
Festival Music House (Velvet Underground)
This annual invite-only concert showcases local musicians. This year's lineup features Dragonette, Jessy Lanza, Charlotte Day Wilson, Modern Space and Kardinal Offishall (who'll be DJing).
TIFF B.L.A.C.K. Ball (Brassaii)
The "Building a Legacy in Acting, Cinema & Knowledge" is an event hosted by actors Stephan James and Shamier Anderson. It's an invite-only party that'll feature a star-studded guest list that may or may not include Kit Harrington, Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Wilde and Nina Dobrev).
SEPTEMBER 13
Stiffer Things (Handlebar)
Celebrate queer, trans and/or sex positive films at TIFF with this annual party at Handlebar in Kensington Market. This one's open to the public.
SEPTEMBER 15
TIFF Silverscreens VIP Party (DEQ)
Head to the Ritz for yet another free (minus the drinks) party. This one's at the tail end of the festival, but hopefully you can still do some celeb-spotting.
A Club Called Rhonda (Drake Hotel)
LA's Rhonda will transform the Drake into a pansexual paradise next Thursday night. It'll feature live music throughout three floors of unadulterated fun.
SEPTEMBER 16
The TIFF Bachelor Party (The Everleigh)
Eligible Magazine is bringing Bachelors Robby Hayes, Jared Haibon, Brett Melnick and Vinny Ventiera and Tenley Molzahn to the Everleigh next Friday night. Yes, this event is open to the public.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Jesse Milns.
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