Full List of CNE Music Headliners: Finger Eleven, Raf-Saperra, Glass Tiger, JoJo, Bif Naked and More!

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 90th 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.

Multi-platinum rock icon Bif Naked will co-headline with Montreal collective, Bran Van 3000, who rose to global fame with their hit single “Drinking in LA.” And rounding out the Canadian billing are: Toronto-based contemporary R&B musician Charlotte Day Wilson, multiple JUNO winning artist Matthew Good and His Band, and 3x consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year, Dallas Smith, added to previously announced Canadian artists set to headline at the CNE such as Tom Cochrane, Lights, The Trews, Silverstein, and more!

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.

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 28th , and a special evening with Rolling Stone Canada presenting a country rock sensation to be announced to co-headline with Dallas Smith.

2026 CNE Headliners: Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell:

Friday, August 21: Lupe Fiasco
Saturday, August 22: Lights
Sunday, August 23: Shaggy
Monday, August 24: Virginia to Vegas
Tuesday, August 25: Glass Tiger
Wednesday, August 26: Bif Naked and Bran Van 3000
Thursday, August 27: The Trews
Friday, August 28: Surprise international headliner to be revealed presented by Billboard Canada
Saturday, August 29: JoJo
Sunday, August 30: Matthew Good and His Band
Monday, August 31: Dallas Smith with Surprise co-headliner to be announced presented by Rolling Stone Canada
Tuesday, September 1: Charlotte Day Wilson
Wednesday, September 2: Finger Eleven
Thursday, September 3: Silverstein
Friday, September 4: Raf-Saperra
Saturday, September 5: Tom Cochrane
Sunday, September 6: Dr. Jay’s Soca Night – Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Rupee, DJ Puffy
*Monday, September 7: No concert; CNE Gates close at 5pm on Labour Day

The 147th annual Canadian National Exhibition runs from August 21 to September 7, 2026.