Huge open-air Toronto movie festival returns next month with global stars

Summer has arrived in Toronto, and the historic Distillery District will once again transform into an open-air cinema village starting this month.

The 2026 Lavazza IncluCity Festival, one of Canada's premier multicultural arts celebrations, takes place this year from Thursday, June 25, to Sunday, July 19.

The Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF), organizer of IncluCity, is celebrating a milestone 15th anniversary in 2026, with more than 250,000 attendees expected.

And this year will also welcome some huge stars to the festivities.

ICFF

Patrick Dempsey and Ornella Muti will join as the headline guests of ICFF's IncluCity.

Dempsey, Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated star of Grey's Anatomy, is the Guest of Honour at this year's Closing Gala at TIFF Lightbox, followed by a gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton.

People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2023 can be seen in his new hit series, Memory of a Killer. He has also starred in classics like Can't Buy Me Love, Enchanted and Dexter: Original Sin.

Ornella Muti is the headline guest at the Distillery's Closing festivities on July 19.

Muti is one of Italy's most acclaimed actresses of all time, appearing in films like Flash Gordon, To Rome with Love, and Oscar.

She has also won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival, multiple Italian Golden Globes, and was awarded the Special David at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards in recognition of her stellar career.

ICFF

"This year's defining themes are energy, community, and innovation," said Cristiano de Florentiis, Executive Director of ICFF, in a release.

"With a mandate that has always focused on evolving and creating new experiences, we are tremendously proud to present a festival that once again goes above and beyond the classic cinema experience, featuring a new 40-foot digital screen and a never-before-seen infinity mirror tower in the heart of the main square."

Each year, IncluCity features unique programming showcasing music, art, dance, design and cinema. And 2026 has a stellar lineup.

Check out the new AI immersive art exhibition AiRTIFICIAL VISIONS, presented by Roger, at Illuminarium Toronto from June 25th to July 25th

The experience showcases international AI artists and explores the convergence of human creativity, artificial intelligence, and the future of visual storytelling.

You'll also want to make plans to see the "Fashion Frames" exhibit direct from Rome.

The fashion and cinema showcase of costumes, presented by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto, contains pieces from memorable films from Italy's Golden Age.

IncluCity 2026 includes premieres from over 20 countries, along with celebrated international guests from around the world.

ICFF

There will also be a special Focus on China, and Italian cinema will take centre stage from the beginning, thanks to a partnership with Italian Screens.

"We are proud to bring Italian Screens to ICFF, sharing the best of contemporary Italian cinema with Canadian audiences while also highlighting the tax incentives, distribution opportunities, and co-production support that Italy has to offer," said Roberto Stabile in a statement.

"A heartfelt thank you to the entire festival team for their invaluable support in making this possible. We hope audiences will connect with this selection of films and be moved by the stories they tell."

Of course, soccer fever will also take over the festival, as starting June 11, ICFF will host soccer watch parties.

Spirit Theatre will transform into a fan zone in the heart of the Distillery District. And make sure to get your seats to IncluCity's Soccer Film Series with titles like Bend It Like Beckham, Next Goal Wins, and Victory.

Tickets are on sale now — be sure to check out the full schedule to reserve your spot.