Who's Playing at the CNE this Year — Complete 2026 Schedule

TORONTO, July 23, 2026 — The countdown is on! Only four more weeks until Canada’s largest fair takes over Exhibition Place in Toronto (August 21 – September 7) to top off an exhilarating summer thus far following the culmination of FIFA World Cup. But the celebration of Canadian pride and global spirit doesn’t end there, as the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has just confirmed its 2026 line-up of international music superstars and beloved Canadian acts set to thrill audiences on the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada.

The CNE’s beloved concert series will be shining a spotlight on Canadian artists this year to commemorate the 90^th anniversary of the historic Bandshell venue, where some of the greatest names in music have performed. More than half of this year’s headliners are homegrown including Canadian Music Hall of Fame group Glass Tiger; singer-songwriter of 2024’s certified hit, “Betterman,” Virginia to Vegas; and one of Canada’s most successful alt-rock bands for more than 25 years, Finger Eleven.

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress JoJo, makes her CNE debut on Saturday, August 29.

A celebration of music wouldn’t be complete without reflecting the multicultural mosaic that makes up our country’s musical landscape. From Soca music to Hip Hop to South Asian folk tradition, some of the world’s most exciting global superstars will be making their CNE debut. UK-born Raf-Saperra will bring his electrifying live performance and distinctive blend of Punjabi storytelling with contemporary hip hop; and this year’s Soca Night tradition at the CNE will shine a bright spotlight on Barbados music ambassadors such as Edwin Yearwood, DJ Puffy, and the undisputed Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds. Powerhouse pop/R&B singer-songwriter JoJo, Grammy-winning American rapper Lupe Fiasco, and global chart-topper Shaggy are also set to headline.

UK-born Punjabi folk singer and hip hop artist Raf-Saperra headlines the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell on Friday, September 4 at the CNE.

All concerts are free with CNE admission. Advance Sale tickets are on sale now with savings up to 35% if purchased until August 20 at www.TheEx.com/tickets. New this year for music lovers, the CNE is offering a Front Row VIP add-on option with dynamic pricing that includes reserved seating in a front of stage VIP area of the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, access to the VIP Lounge and amenities, a dedicated VIP bar and a complimentary drink ticket.

Stay tuned for more BIG music news including a surprise international superstar presented by Billboard Canada to be revealed as the headliner for August 28^th, and a special evening with Rolling Stone Canada presenting a country rock sensation to be announced to co-headline with Dallas Smith.