June 10–14, 2026

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Toronto

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Music Festival & Conference

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June 10–14, 2026 | Toronto | Music Festival & Conference |

NXNE 2026

Music. Discovery. Connection. 

For over 30 years, NXNE has brought together emerging artists, global music leaders, and passionate fans for one unforgettable week in Toronto. What began as a music discovery festival has evolved into one of Canada’s leading music and entertainment conferences — where breakthrough performances, industry conversations, and real-world networking happen side by side.

In 2026, NXNE expands even further with new venues, new experiences, new ways to connect, and more opportunities to discover what’s next.

June 2026 • Toronto

NXNE PASSES ON SALE NOW

Download the NXNE FEST app now!

What’s Happening at NXNE 2026

Discover Every Side of NXNE

MUSIC SHOWCASES

Emerging Artists + Billboard Canada LIVE

Hundreds of rising artists take over Toronto venues alongside exclusive Billboard Canada LIVE showcases featuring major breakthrough acts and special performances. Discover your next favourite artist before everyone else does.

BILLBOARD SUMMIT

The Future of Music & Culture

Industry leaders, creators, executives, brands, and innovators come together for high-impact conversations about music, media, technology, marketing, touring, AI, fan engagement, and what’s next for entertainment.

NEXT LEVEL PANELS

Real Conversations. Real Access.

The NXNE Next Level Panels return to TIFF Lightbox for two full days of conversations, insights, and networking designed to help artists, managers, creators, and music professionals better understand today’s rapidly evolving music industry.

DAY 1 (Friday, June 12) focuses on the live music business, featuring leading voices from festivals, venues, ticketing companies, agencies, and promoters discussing touring, booking, brand partnerships, fan experiences, and how artists break domestically and internationally in 2026. Sessions include conversations with executives from Live Nation, MLSE, Ticketmaster, Paquin Artists Agency, FEQ, Veld, Universal Music Canada, and more.

DAY 2 (Saturday, June 13) shifts to the artist and recorded music business, exploring A&R, label strategy, publishing, royalties, management, streaming, marketing, and global release planning. Artists and delegates will hear directly from representatives at Universal Music Canada, Warner Music Canada, Sony Music Canada, OVO, SOCAN, Spotify, YouTube Music, and top artist management teams working with some of today’s biggest artists.

Whether you’re building your first release strategy, looking to grow your audience internationally, understand touring and ticketing, or connect with industry decision-makers, the Next Level Panels offer valuable real-world insight and networking opportunities that can help move your career forward.

NXNE ARTIST HOUSE

The Creative Hub of NXNE

New for 2026, the NXNE ARTIST HOUSE is the festival’s dedicated artist hub — a welcoming place for musicians, delegates, and creators to connect, recharge, and build community throughout NXNE week.

Located at 192 Spadina Avenue in the heart of Toronto’s live music scene, ARTIST HOUSE is where artists can register, pick up their souvenir tote bags, enjoy low-key music programming, and spend time networking with fellow musicians, industry professionals, and new collaborators.

Open daily from 10 AM – 7 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, the space is designed to encourage conversation, creativity, friendships, and future collaborations in a relaxed environment.

ARTIST HOUSE will also feature a dedicated NXNE 2026 step-and-repeat media wall, giving artists, delegates, and attendees the perfect place to capture and share their NXNE memories.

Free beverages and daytime snacks will be provided courtesy of 7-Eleven, Propeller Coffee, and Collective Arts.

CANADIAN SYNC AWARDS + SOUND & VISION EDUCATION DAY 

Music Meets Film, TV & Ads and Education Day

Presented in partnership with the Guild of Music Supervisors Canada, the Canadian Sync Awards celebrate the best in music supervision across film, television, advertising, and media while bringing together artists, supervisors, the sync community, and industry leaders shaping the future of sync.

NXNE 2026 will feature the Canadian Sync Awards at The Concert Hall on Thursday, June 11, including live performances by Cat Clyde, Miesha and the Spanks, and La Sécurité, along with the presentation of the GMSC Impact Award to acclaimed Canadian artist Serena Ryder.

Leading into the awards, Sound + Vision at the W Hotel on Wednesday, June 10 offers a full day of panels, networking, and behind-the-scenes conversations exploring how music gets placed in film, TV, advertising, and beyond — providing artists and industry professionals with valuable insight into the world of sync licensing and music supervision.

FIFA WATCH PARTIES

Nathan Phillips Square Outdoor Stage

Watch FIFA matches live in the heart of downtown Toronto while enjoying DJs, live performances, food, activations, and NXNE programming on the outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square.

SOUNDSTAGE @ W HOTEL

NXNE’s New Premium Venue Experience

New to NXNE 2026, SOUNDSTAGE is one of Toronto’s most exciting new live music and event spaces — an elevated open-concept venue located on the 6th floor of the iconic W Toronto in the heart of Yorkville.

Launched by ArtsHouse Media Group, and blending live music, nightlife, culture, and creative energy, SOUNDSTAGE will host exclusive NXNE showcases, artist performances, industry events, parties, and special experiences throughout festival week. Designed with premium production and an intimate modern atmosphere, the venue offers fans and artists a unique way to experience NXNE in one of the city’s most stylish settings.

Anchored by Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada – two of the most trusted and influential voices in global music and culture, SOUNDSTAGE brings together music discovery, media, and unforgettable live experiences — making it one of the must-visit destinations of NXNE 2026.

LONG & McQUADE DAY PARTY

Long & McQuade Flagship Store • 925 Bloor St W

Join NXNE and Long & McQuade for an afternoon of live music, community, and summer festival energy at the Long & McQuade Day Party on Saturday, June 13 from 12 PM – 5 PM.

Part customer appreciation day and part neighbourhood street festival, this free outdoor event transforms the area into a lively celebration featuring five emerging NXNE artists performing 30-minute live sets throughout the afternoon. Guests can enjoy free hot dogs, discover incredible new music, and experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes NXNE one of Toronto’s favourite festival traditions.

As NXNE’s valued backline sponsor, Long & McQuade helps power live performances across the festival — and this special event is a chance to celebrate music fans, local community, and emerging artists together in the heart of the city.

PASSES & Tickets

Choose Your NXNE Experience

  • Perfect for fans focused on discovering new artists and exploring NXNE showcases across the city.

    Includes:

    • Access to participating emerging artist showcases

    • Access to Special Partner showcases

    • Access to select NXNE events

    • Festival discovery experiences across Toronto

  • Enhanced access for fans and industry attendees looking for flexibility and premium festival experiences.

    Includes:

    • Priority access to NXNE showcases

    • Access to conference programming and panels

    • Networking opportunities and partner events

    • 1 Headliner Showcase Credit Guaranteed

    What Are Showcase Credits?

    VIP Pass holders receive 1 guaranteed headliner showcase credit, which can be redeemed in advance for entry into a participating high-demand Billboard LIVE or featured headliner performance.

  • The ultimate NXNE experience with premium access across the festival and conference.

    Includes:

    • Premium priority access to showcases and events

    • Full conference and networking access

    • Access to exclusive partner experiences

    • Invitations to select VIP events and mixers

    • 5 Guaranteed Headliner Showcase Credits

    Platinum Advantage

    Platinum Pass holders can reserve up to 5 headliner showcase experiences in advance, giving you guaranteed entry into NXNE’s biggest performances while still exploring the rest of the festival.

  • Experience NXNE together and save.

    Purchase a group package of 10 passes and receive 20% off — perfect for friends, teams, music lovers, companies, students, and industry groups looking to experience NXNE 2026 together.

    Discover new artists, attend showcases and panels, and make unforgettable festival memories as a group while enjoying exclusive savings.

    All group pass purchases must be of the same pass type or denomination (ie. 10 x Discovery passes or 10 x VIP passes)

Note: VIP & Platinum Passes are found under ‘Memberships’. Group Pass discount is automatically applied when 10x any pass type are added to cart.

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