What to buy around TIFF for $20: Food, activities, and merch

TIFF is back in Toronto, kicking off the 10-day event on Thursday, but you don’t need a massive budget to enjoy the fourth-biggest film festival in the world.

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) brings hundreds of films, stars, and thousands of movie fans to the city’s downtown core.

While buying multiple movie tickets at TIFF can become expensive, there are still multiple ways to eat and get into the festival spirit for only $20 or less.

Here are some ways to spend your $20 bill around TIFF.

Food options

If you’re looking for something quick near TIFF Lightbox, you’re in luck. There are dozens of places to eat for cheap in the area.

Tahini’s Shawarma is just a short three-minute walk from the movie venue. Located at 347 King St. W., the establishment is a budget-friendly option to check out between screenings, with menu items generally falling into the $10-to-$20 range.

O&B Canteen can be found inside TIFF Lightbox and can also be a quick option for moviegoers.

The casual spot offers a grab-and-go menu for TIFF, including salads, bowls, poutine, shareable and other options, with some ranging from $20 and under. 

If Egyptian street food is up your alley, Tut’s Egyptian Street Food at 567 King St. W. is another option for a quick meal.

The establishment includes sandwiches, bowls, and fries, with menu options in the $10 to $20 range. Tut’s is also open late, allowing movie fans to grab a bite after a late-night screening.

Wilbur Mexicana at 552 King St. W. is a popular restaurant for Mexican food on King Street West. With an array of tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas, mostly ranging around $17.95 and under.

The Burger’s Priest at 579 King St. W. is an option if you’re craving a late-night, cheap burger. Smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries will satisfy any craving without breaking the bank. Menu items range under $15.

If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, Freshslice Pizza at 744 King St. W. gives fans the option to grab a slice at any time of the day – or night – with the store open 24 hours.

The official TIFF Shop

If you want to grab a TIFF souvenir, there are plenty of options at the TIFF Lightbox Shop for under $20.

The official TIFF Shop currently lists the following:

• TIFF ’26 poster for $16
• A notebook for $14
• Crew socks for $12
• A magnet for $8
• A shot glass for $9
• Multiple sticker pack options starting at $6

For fans wanting to do some in-store shopping, the store is located inside TIFF Lightbox at 350 King St. W.

Activities in the area

For those visiting, or even curious Torontonians, there’s plenty to do in the area for cheap or even free.

TIFF brings multiple free activations and freebies given out by vendors along King Street West for attendees to explore. Experience creative photo booths and delicious snacks as you get from one screening to the next.

One activation allows soccer and basketball fans to meet players from both AFC Toronto and Toronto Tempo. They can also participate in adjacent spin-the-wheel and/or basketball activities with prizes to win.

One highlight of Toronto that is free to explore is the harbourfront, which gives a beautiful view of Lake Ontario, as well as the Toronto Islands in the distance. The central harbour has a path stretching nearly 2 kilometres, perfect for a stroll or bike ride along the waterfront.

Many other festivals are set to run at the same time as TIFF this weekend, with free entry, allowing moviegoers to take a break from film festivities and explore cultural eats and activities in other parts of the city.

If fans still haven’t gotten their movie fix, they can watch free movies at David Pecaut Square, with evening and late-night film showings. Movies will play every night, rain or shine, beginning around 9:30 p.m.

TIFF runs from Sept. 10 to Sept. 20, with dozens of movies each day.