Artist applications are open until December 31, 2025 and will be available here only - we do not accept email submissions.

Our skilled team of programmers spends months listening to your submissions and selecting the best talent to play NXNE. We typically begin sending offer letters in January, on a rolling basis until our lineup is complete (usually by March/April)!

While we make the best effort to listen to every single application, we regret that we cannot get back to everyone who was not successful. Additionally, applications submitted after the initial deadline of December 31 may not be considered. We receive thousands of amazing submissions each year and simply don’t have the capacity to accept everyone!

Every band gets a 40 minute showcase set, beginning on the hour. Showcases run from 8pm until as late as 2am! We run a very tight schedule which is part of NXNE’s signature format since 1995 - it’s better for the bands, fans, and the industry. If our schedule says you’re on at 10 pm, then that’s what fans expect.

At most venues, the first band is 8 pm ET, last band starts as late as 1 am with some Last Call, extended hours exceptions for the hard core. Every show starts on the hour – and did we mention 40 minute sets?! Same thing, timely shows run like clockwork encourages reliable club hopping. There’s a new band every hour on the hour – hope springs eternal!

Sorry, but we don’t do formal sound checks. It would simply be impossible to accommodate all bands sound checks. BUT, if you get to your gig in plenty of time our awesome sound persons will help you set your levels in record time so subtly the audience won’t even notice.

Yes, you do! It’s not a lot, but everyone gets paid.

NXNE pays an honorarium of $100 for solo artists, and $150 for bands.

This year we’re introducing the option of an awesome Artist VIP Package (values at over $250) — including priority access to showcases, the NXNE NEXT LEVEL Panels, The Billboard Summit, and more. Once accepted, you will be asked to confirm compensation option as well as the email address where payment will be made.

All performing members will be given an NXNE Full Festival Pass and an Artist Welcome Bag. Plus, as an NXNE artist you’re invited to tons of artist mixers and networking sessions at HQ. We are committed to elevating the artists’ experiences at our festival.

NXNE artists also have access to hotel room discounts at participating partner hotels — details to come!

No equipment is provided by NXNE other than the basic backline (2 guitar amps, 1 bass amp, 1 drum kit - bring your own breakables)

Please only bring what you will need as there is limited storage space.

Unfortunately, there is no additional guest list for official NXNE artist showcases, however, each artist/band is allowed to bring in two members of their team (manager, photographer, etc.) - you will need to let us know at artist registration so we can issue a pass for them. If we are not notified by the time of your registration, we are not able to issue a pass for these individuals.

We keep our passes affordable so you can invite your friends and they don’t need to break the bank. Single night passes are always available at a low cost.

You are welcome to bring in a photographer/videographer to shoot your showcase but they would only have access to the venue where you’re performing. You must ask at artist registration, and they will be provided with a single-admission ticket to gain access.

Otherwise, photographers are invited to apply on the website for full media accreditation. This application will open in early 2026.

The Canadian government offers several different funding streams for these kinds of performances.

Check out our funding guide here!

NXNE promotes artists and musicians in numerous ways. We will announce our lineup on social media, newsletters, press releases, and other forms of media coverage. Our social media and newsletters reach over 30,000 people — and our partners Billboard Canada expand this reach globally.

Additionally, each artist gets a page on our website and are listed in our schedule for attendees to see where their favourite artists or potentially new favourite artist will be performing!

Self-promotion is strongly encouraged and we provide artists with social media tools to do so.

Each year we provide artists with social media tools in order to promote their NXNE performances. We expect you to post about your show — otherwise how would your friends know to come? We think of this as a partnership — we’ll both help each other get the most people possible to be at your show.

NXNE has not, does not, and will not disclose a participant’s immigration status, except when required by law.

A valid passport from your country of residence is required at Canada’s borders. 

Print out the Official NXNE Offer Letter and carry it with you during travel, and provide it to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) if you are asked about your purpose for traveling.


If you need any other official documents that we can provide, don’t hesitate to ask!

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to acquire a visa to enter Canada. You may check this Government of Canada website to determine your visa requirements/eligibility.

According to R186(g), artists and musicians coming to perform in Canada in a time-limited engagement are exempt from a work permit.

Unless artists intend to stay and perform longer than 2 weeks in Canada, a work permit is required, otherwise you do not need a work permit to perform in Canada.

NXNE Music Festival: The NXNE music festival that takes place in Toronto, Canada between June 10-14, 2026.

Artist showcase: The official NXNE live music performance opportunities given to selected NXNE artists, typically between the hours of 8PM and 1AM ET.

Offer letter: The document that is sent to you when you have been chosen to perform at NXNE. This signed document is a requirement to confirm your band is attending and performing at the festival.

CBSA: Canadian Border Services Agency, the government agency responsible for border control, immigration enforcement, and customs services within Canada.

What is NXNE?

NXNE is a legendary annual music festival held— almost — every June across downtown Toronto since 1995. Following a short break, NXNE triumphantly returned June 14 -18, 2022 at 18 amazing live music venues with over 200 artists.  The festival celebrates community and new music with showcases, parties, and more. 

When is the next NXNE?

June 10-14, 2026.

Are you connected with Austin’s awesome SXSW?

We used to be! Heck, we knew them before they had Southby and had the pleasure of watching them grow the amazing event close up. They helped us launch NXNE; their staff were onsite and helped us produce the festival in the first few years and they remain friends and advisors to this day. We're not shy about getting tips from some of the best festival and conference creators in the world—and their BBQ is way better than ours.

We’re no longer affiliated with SXSW but we’re forever grateful for our relationship with them and their help getting us on our feet.

Who’s playing?

The best up and coming bands in Canada and the world as well as top established acts have all played NXNE — but our focus is on emerging talent. Top acts who’ve played NXNE’s stages over the years include: Post Malone, Lizzo, Flaming Lips, Arkells, The Lumineers, Jazz Cartier, St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Kaytranada, The Tragically Hip, Future Islands, and many more.  A low-price festival pass gains access to all shows.

What is the weather like and what should I pack?

Toronto weather is beautiful and vibrant during the summer! Temperatures can range from about 20-25 degrees celsius (68F-73F) on average during the day and as low as 15-18C (59F-64F). There is usually a chance of rain so do be prepared for that! Be prepared for common tree allergies such as birch, mulberry, hickory, and poplar trees. Not to mention grass pollen that stays from April until July. Make sure to bring a water bottle as well.

What are the drinking laws in Ontario? 

The legal drinking age in Toronto is 19 years old+. Alcohol may be purchased at any local vendor or LCBO. LCBO establishments are open from 10AM-9PM Monday through Saturday and Sundays from 11AM-6PM.

Drinking outside in public is strictly prohibited. Further, it is prohibited to bring outside beverages inside licensed establishments.

Establishments (bars, venues, clubs etc.), cannot serve alcohol after 2AM (whether or not your order was taken prior) and all alcohol must be removed for consumption after 2:45 am (whether you finished your beer or not!)  

More information about Ontario drinking laws can be found here.

What are the laws around Cannabis in Canada?

As of October 2018, Ontario law states that you must be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis. 

Adults 19+ can possess up to 30 grams of legally-produced cannabis. 

Although medical marijuana may be smoked or vaped in public where tobacco smoking is allowed, recreational cannabis may be consumed only inside private dwellings, or in yards attached to those dwellings, never in a public place or in a vehicle.

What are my ticket options to attend NXNE 2026?

NXNE attendees have the option of purchasing one of the following tickets:

Single Venue Ticket: Allows you entry into one venue on one night - if you’re here for a short time but want to have a great time!

Full Festival Pass: Allows you entry into all NXNE shows, subject to capacity restrictions. If you want to club hop and catch several amazing artists at a low price, this is the pass for you!

VIP Pass: Allows you entry into all NXNE shows plus additional perks/events such as the Billboard Summit at NXNE!

Executive Pass: Allows you entry into all NXNE shows with front-of-the-line access, access to the Billboard Summit, invites to exclusive parties and networking events, as well as plenty of additional perks/event invites + discounts!

Where does NXNE take place?

We host shows in 25+ of Toronto’s finest music venues, located in and around Queen West, Kensington Market, Bloor West, and more. Check out the list under the ‘Venues’ tab above!

What are my options for accommodations?

Each year we partner with local hotels who generously offer NXNE artists and attendees discounted room rates. Stay tuned as these will be announced early in 2026.

What modes of transportation are available?

There are many ways to get around the city! Check out our handy transportation guide.

Where should I eat?

We’ve created a guide to all of our favourite places to eat. Check it out here!

What simple steps can I take to prepare for my NXNE experience?

• Plan ahead of time - the entire festival schedule will be available on the NXNE FEST app, and you can create your own personalized festival schedule!

• Determine your mode of transportation and associated costs (download Transit app if taking public transport).

• Drink water and pace yourself

• Wear comfortable shoes 

There are many ways you can be a part of NXNE!

Attend

Attending NXNE is the simplest way to be a part of the action!

Volunteer

Volunteers are an incredibly important part of NXNE! It’s a great way to meet awesome new people, see some great music, and get some festival work experience. Many of our volunteers return year after year! Click here to learn more.

Perform

Are you a musician? You can apply to perform at NXNE. Click here to learn more.

Media Accreditation

Applications for Media Accreditation will be available on our website in spring 2026.