Festival Street: What you can do outside the cinema during the festival
CBC News | Posted: September 9, 2016 10:25 PM | Last Updated: September 12, 2016
Festival Street runs from September 8-11.
The Toronto International Film Festival isn't all about the movies; it's also about Festival Street where people can take in some TIFF history, catch a free concert and spot celebrities.
For the third year in a row, festival organizers have made King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue a pedestrian-only zone for the opening weekend of TIFF.
A stage has been set-up on John Street south of King Street West for free concerts throughout the first weekend of the festival.
One of the biggest performers expected is Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams. He'll be playing some of his music from the film Hidden Figures on Saturday afternoon.
Fans can also get a different kind of movie watching experience in virtual reality.
Virtual reality cubes have been set up on King Street West for people to take in some free films.
You can also play life-size chess along Festival Street while waiting for your screening.
Festival organizers are also providing some walking tours along theatre row on King Street West, which will include some history about venues like The Princess of Wales theatre and Roy Thomson Hall.
"We hope that people are in cinema and out of cinema and that everyone is staying around the area and that everyone is making it their home for the duration of the festival," said Jennifer Barkin, TIFF Festival Street programmer.
Festival Street runs until Sunday.