CNE Bandshell Gets Big Boi, Sloan, Big Wreck And More For Throwback Summer Concerts

Toronto's CNE Bandshell concert series is leaning into big nostalgia this summer, with major '90s and 2000s acts headlining the throwback-themed lineup.

OutKast rapper Big Boi, Canadian-American rock band Big Wreck, and east coasters Sloan are leading the summer music programming at the Canadian National Exhibition, a major entertainment fair that takes over the Exhibition Place grounds every August.

Other '90s/2000s acts heading to the Ex this year include Canadian rockers Down With Webster, indie stalwarts The New Pornographers and Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip.

Several events will also look back further than the '90s: classic pop-rock group April Wine (who tour with Marc Parent on vocals, following the retirement and subsequent passing of frontman Myles Goodwyn) will perform on Aug. 31 and Toronto concert series Classic Albums Live will take on Bob Marley's Legend on Aug. 22, with Canadian reggae legend Jay Douglas opening the night.

There are also plenty of contemporary acts keeping things current. Canadian country artists MacKenzie Porter and The Reklaws will both perform on the Bandshell stage this summer, as will American singer-songwriter Brittany Howard, rising singer Ruby Waters, roots musician Julian Taylor and Montreal indie act Half-Moon Run.

The series' Drag EXtravaganza event will return to mix comedy, fashion and music for a second year, led by Tynomi Banks and Sapphira Cristál.

This year marks the 145th edition of the Canadian National Exhibition, which generates over $100 million in economic impact for Toronto. Admission to the CNE Bandshell concerts is free with the price of a ticket to the fair ($22.12 before tax at the advance rate).

At a time when concert tickets are hard to afford and Toronto festivals and cultural locales face existential challenges, the CNE remains a bustling site of city entertainment, not to mention a good place to find cotton candy.

Advance passes for the CNE are now on sale. Find the full CNE Bandshell lineup below:

2024 Bell CNE Bandshell Concerts:

Friday, August 16: Sloan with Paul Langlois Band

Saturday, August 17: Brittany Howard with Julian Taylor

Sunday, August 18: Bahamas with Jeremie Albino

Monday, August 19: MacKenzie Porter with Nate Haller

Tuesday, August 20: Drag EXtravaganza ft. Tynomi Banks, Sapphira Cristal, VENUS, Devine Darlin’ and Saltina Shaker

Wednesday, August 21: Down with Webster with Dee Holt

Thursday, August 22: Classic Albums Live performs Bob Marley’s Legend with Jay Douglas

Friday, August 23: Manchester Orchestra with Moneen

Saturday, August 24: The New Pornographers with Born Ruffians

Sunday, August 25: Big Boi with SonReal

Monday, August 26: Half Moon Run with Ghostly Kisses

Tuesday, August 27: Ruby Waters with Aysanabee

Wednesday, August 28: Big Wreck with Royal Tusk

Thursday, August 29: Destra and Band with Farmer Nappy, Dr. Jay & Friends

Friday, August 30: The Reklaws with Teigen Gayse

Saturday, August 31: April Wine with Boston Levi

Sunday, September 1: Voices of Classic Rock: Asia ft. John Payne (formerly of Asia), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey) & Fran Cosmo (formerly of Boston)

Monday, September 2: (No concert on Labour Day)