Once a year, the biggest names in Hollywood travel to Toronto for 10 days of wining, dining, schmoozing and red carpets.
Of course, there are also movies.
The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 6 and lasts until Sunday, Sept. 16.
What was once a local celebration of Canadian filmmaking has since exploded into a globally-recognized arts event with plenty of glitzy parties, premieres and celebrity sightings.
For Torontonians, TIFF can be a strange two-week affair, when grabbing a coffee may just include a run-in with George Clooney.
For those hoping to boost their chances of run-ins with the stars, hereās a handy guide.
Lady Gaga
Why sheās at TIFF: āA Star is Bornā
While visiting Toronto in 2014 for her artRave Tour, Gaga took a break to go shopping at Divine Decadence, a boutique in Yorkville. She later , calling it āTHE GREATEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE OF ALL TIME.ā If it was really that great, maybe sheāll make a second trip.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Why heās at TIFF: āW¾±±ō»å±ō¾±“Ś±šā
Is there a corner of Toronto where Jake Gyllenhaal hasnāt been spotted? Over the years, the āDonnie Darkoā actor has been seen eating sushi in the St. Lawrence Market, grabbing dinner at Playa Cabana in the Annex, enjoying a walk through Summerhill, and eating out with Hugh Jackman at Momofuku Daisho.
The best bet for spotting Gyllenhaal is Terroni on Queen Street West, where heās gone for dinner numerous times.
Julia Roberts
Why sheās at TIFF: āBen is Backā
Much like Jake Gyllenhaal, Julia Roberts has made her rounds. Sheās been spotted (again, like Gyllenhaal) dining at Terroni, snacking on pastries at Nadege in Trinity Bellwoods and checking out Type Books on Queen Street West.
Bradley Cooper
Why heās at TIFF: āA Star is Bornā
Unlike some celebrities who stick to their own after-parties, Cooper has been known to branch out. In 2012, he hung out at the rooftop of the Thompson to celebrate āYellowā by Nick Cassavetes. Cooper has also been seen at the Spoke Club, a private membersā club on King.
Natalie Portman
Why sheās at TIFF: āThe Death and Life of John F. Donovanā and "Vox Lux"
Portman is a regular festival attendee and has been spotted at parties at Luma and Byblos as well as dining at Yorkvilleās Sotto Sotto.
Kiera Knightley
Why sheās at TIFF: āC“Ē±ō±š³Ł³Ł±šā
There are a few rare places stars can find refuge from paparazzi in Toronto. One of those places is the rooftop at the Soho House, a private members club, where Knightley has been seen unwinding in peace. The venue often hosts TIFF after-parties, but the rooftop is often reserved for members ā so good luck.
Judi Dench
Why sheās at TIFF: āĮ豚»åā
Judi Dench is also known to hang around Soho House. Last year, she enjoyed ice cream and champagne at the venue after the āVictoria and Abdulā premiere.
Hilary Swank
Why sheās at TIFF: āWhat They Hadā
Looking to spot the āMillion Dollar Babyā star? You may want to consider a trip to Guelph, Ont., about an hourās drive west of Toronto. According to local reports, she was spotted in the town in 2016 snapping photos with locals at a gym and a restaurant. For those without a car, Swank is apparently obsessed with shopping at Roots, according to an interview with CTV in 2010.
Susan Sarandon
Why sheās at TIFF: āViper Clubā
If you like ping pong, youāre almost guaranteed to see Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon at SPiN Toronto, which she co-owns.
Nicole Kidman
Why sheās at TIFF: āĘą±š²õ³Ł°ł“Ē²ā±š°łā
Kidman is starring alongside Canadian Tatiana Maslany in the gritty detective drama āDestroyer.ā Last year, Kidman was spotted winding down at Brassaii, a Mediterranean-style restaurant on King.
Interactive map to the stars
