Toronto
#1 Entertainment Industry Event
The biggest public film festival in the world draws more than 430,000 cinephiles to Toronto screening rooms for more than 300 films from 60 countries. Sponsors include clothing retailer Express, Grolsch beer, and Jackson-Triggs winery. Reese Witherspoon, Robert Downey Jr., and Alan Rickman were among the big-name celebrities expected to make appearances on the red carpet this year. Next: September 2015
Toronto
#2 Entertainment Industry Event
The awards, formerly called the Gemini and Genie awards, were broadcast live on CBC this year from the Sony Centre for Performing Arts. Homegrown talent Martin Short served as the host, and sponsors included Telefilm Canada, Bell Media, and Cineplex. Next: March 1, 2015
Vancouver
#3 Entertainment Industry Event
Known for screening the most East Asian films outside of East Asia itself, the film festival’s slogan is “Same Planet. Different Worlds.” The culturally diverse event screened 341 films from 75 countries for 130,000 viewers last year. The festival includes a film and TV forum for those in the business and a new filmmakers’ day for those who aspire to join the industry. Next: September 25-October 10, 2014
Montreal
#4 Entertainment Industry Event
The world’s largest international comedy festival takes over downtown Montreal for two weeks every summer. Some 250 comedians host more than 1,600 performances, including 1,200 free outdoor shows. This year’s highlights included Seth Rogen’s benefit for the National Alzheimer’s Association, Hilarity for Charity, plus shows by Don Rickles, Chevy Chase, and Andy Samberg. Next: July 2015
Toronto
#5 Entertainment Industry Event
The largest documentary festival in North America, the event presented 197 films in 2014 to 2,000 industry delegates and members of the public. A record 186 directors were on hand for audience Q&A sessions. Next: April 23-May 3, 2015
Edmonton
#6 Entertainment Industry Event
The festival’s new program director, Murray Utas, was so impressed with the festival’s 33-year history that he decided this year would harken back to the event’s early days with the theme “Fringed and Confused.” The biggest and longest-running Fringe Festival in North America hosts more than 1,600 live performances, chosen by lottery, in more than 50 venues over 10 days in the historic Old Strathcona district. More than 1,200 volunteers put in more than 23,000 hours to help the festival with support from ATB Financial, the City of Edmonton, and the Edmonton Arts Council. Next: August 2015
Toronto
#7 Entertainment Industry Event
The expo celebrated its 20th year in 2014 with about 20 percent more fans—120,000—expected at the mecca of all things pop culture, also known as the “Comic-Con of the North.” The four-day event hosts more than 900 exhibitors as costumed attendees seek out autograph sessions, game tournaments, and karaoke parties. Next: August 2015
Vancouver
#8 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #9)
Two performance tents in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park are home to several Shakespeare plays, related dramas, and other special events every summer. Not to be missed are barbecue and fireworks nights, as well as the signature wine-tasting event. This year’s sponsors included BMO and Goldcorp. Next: June-September 2015
St. John’s
#9 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #10)
The east coast female film event focused its mandate in 2014 to allow male-produced films by female writers and directors. This was also the first year that films were curated by the organization’s board of directors, not just submitted by eager participants. The five-day fest also includes workshops, seminars, and face-to-face meetings for filmmakers and producers. Next: October 14-18, 2014
