It’s almost that time of the year again, where we stuff our faces with some of the wackiest food creations and wait in what feels like the longest line ever, for the CNE Sky Ride. The Canadian National Exhibition is gearing up for yet another fantastic year and thanks to its latest announcement, we can finally start planning our end-of-summer adventure. The CNE has just confirmed its 2026 line-up of concerts taking over the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, and needless to say, we’re in for a real treat.
In partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada, the CNE’s iconic concert stage will see some of the best international music superstars and beloved Canadian acts this August 2026.
This year, the CNE’s concert series will embrace a number of Canadian artists to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the stage venue.
The first set of headliners has been announced and noneother than Grammy award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco will perform on opening day, Aug. 21, 2026.
But the stellar acts don’t end there. Multi-platinum rock icon Bif Naked will co-headline with Montreal collective Bran Van 3000; Lights; The Trews, and more.
Of course, international acts are not to be played with! Powerhouse pop and R&B singer-songwriter JoJo is coming to the CNE, known for hit songs like ‘Leave (Get Out)’, and ‘Baby It’s You’. And what’s a Toronto summer without hits by global chart-topper Shaggy? He’s coming to the CNE too.
Here’s the full concert line up for the summer!
2026 CNE Headliners: Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell
- Friday, Aug. 21: Lupe Fiasco
- Saturday, Aug. 22: Lights
- Sunday, Aug. 23: Shaggy
- Monday, Aug. 24: Virginia to Vegas
- Tuesday, Aug. 25: Glass Tiger
- Wednesday, Aug. 26: Bif Naked and Bran Van 3000
- Thursday, Aug. 27: The Trews
- Friday, Aug. 28: Surprise international headliner to be revealed presented by Billboard Canada
- Saturday, Aug. 29: JoJo
- Sunday, Aug. 30: Matthew Good and His Band
- Monday, Aug. 31: Dallas Smith with Surprise co-headliner to be announced presented by Rolling Stone Canada
- Tuesday, Sept. 1: Charlotte Day Wilson
- Wednesday, Sept. 2: Finger Eleven
- Thursday, Sept. 3: Silverstein
- Friday, Sept. 4: Raf-Saperra
- Saturday, Sept.5: Tom Cochrane
- Sunday, Sept. 6: Dr. Jay’s Soca Night – Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Rupee, DJ Puffy
CNE tickets
As always, all concerts are free with CNE admission. Advance Sale tickets are now available online and you can save up to 35% if purchased by Aug. 20, 2026.
The 147th annual Canadian National Exhibition takes over Exhibition Place in Toronto starting Aug. 21 to Sept. 7, 2026
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