Lights, Lupe Fiasco, Shaggy, Silverstein to Play CNE's Newly Named Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell in 2026

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Summer is almost upon us, which means the beloved Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) will be opening its doors in the coming months.

Organizers for the city’s annual fair — which runs Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 — have announced the first six headliners who will perform on the CNE Bandshell’s new name, Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada.

The predominantly Canadian lineup includes: Visionary artist Lights, popular heavy post-hardcore band Silverstein, rock legend Tom Cochrane and CanRock band The Trews. In addition, global reggae-pop star Shaggy and rapper Lupe Fiasco have been tapped to take the stage.

More artists will be announced in the coming months to round out the CNE’s concert line-up across its five music stages.

In addition to the renamed SOUNDSTAGE, the fair has added the NXNE Stage, which will “showcase breakout artists on the cusp of stardom,” in partnership with Toronto’s NXNE Music Festival. Both partnerships are designed to amplify the CNE’s music programming while modernizing the musical selections with rising acts.

“SOUNDSTAGE is a future-facing cultural platform launched by ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), designed to connect live experiences, culture and music discovery through premium physical venues and large-scale stages,” says Mo Ghoneim, AMG founder. Billboard Canada, Rolling Stone Canada and NXNE are under the ownership umbrella of AMG.

“From the opening of our flagship SOUNDSTAGE venue in Toronto to the launch of the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Canadian National Exhibition in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada, we’re redefining the live music experience for the next generation while honouring the rich legacy of the Bandshell that helped shape it.”

Under its previous name, many iconic music acts have graced the stage, including Joni Mitchell, Johnny Cash, Blondie, Rush and more.

While the CNE is known for rides, food and other fair activities, live music and culture are integral to the event’s success.

Mark Holland — who stepped into the new role last summer — tells Billboard Canada in this week's Executive of the Week feature that "music is such a massive part of who we are."

“Connecting everybody to that is a democratic mission that we are really invested in,” he says.

He notes that the partnerships with Billboard Canada, Rolling Stone Canada and NXNE are their “declaration that we really feel that we should be a major international music festival" as well as a fair.

He cited last year's lineup of artists as his favourite, which featured Marianas Trench, Shawn Desman and July Talk, among homegrown talent and global stars.

“A lot of people don’t think about it. The Bandshell is turning 90 years old. I’ve looked. I don’t think there’s an older music festival in North America. We have at times really focused on live music and then drifted away from it,” he says.

While all concerts remain free with CNE admission, advance tickets can be purchased at theex.com/tickets. New this year, event organizers will offer a VIP add-on option for ticket buyers that includes a reserved front-of-stage viewing area for Bell SOUNDSTAGE, access to the VIP Lounge and amenities, a dedicated VIP bar and a complimentary drink ticket.