CNE 2026 music lineup: Shaggy, Tom Cochrane, The Trews and Lights
· Toronto Sun
The CNE Bandshell is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026 with a stellar start to its concert lineup — and a new name.
Reggae star Shaggy, Canadian singer-songwriter Tom Cochrane, and electro-pop artist Lights are among the first artists announced for the Canadian National Exhibition, which runs Aug. 21 to Sept. 7.
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Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco is the opening day entertainment on Aug. 21, Lights performs on Aug. 22, Shaggy on Aug. 23, The Trews on Aug. 27, Silverstein on Sept. 3, and Cochrane on Sept. 5.
More artists appearing at the 18-day fair will be announced in the coming months to round out the concert lineup across five music stages, which will include the newly added NXNE Stage showcasing “breakout artists on the cusp of stardom,” in partnership with the NXNE Music Festival & Conference.
Bandshell celebrates 90 years
The CNE said Thursday it is renaming the Bandshell the Bell Soundstage at the Bandshell, in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada.
“The Bandshell has been the heartbeat of Canadian music for 90 years. Nine decades of artists, genres, and generations, all on this one stage,” CNE CEO Mark Holland said in a statement.
“This summer, we’re not just celebrating that legacy, we’re expanding it. Partnering with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada to reimagine what this stage means is how we ensure music becomes an even bigger part of what the CNE means to Canadians. We can’t wait to welcome fans back to the grounds,” he added.
Advance ticket discounts for the CNE are on sale now with savings up to 35% if bought until Aug. 20 at theex.com/tickets .
All concerts are free with CNE admission. However, new this year the CNE is offering a Front Row VIP Experience add-on option to their admission ticket with dynamic pricing that includes reserved front of stage viewing area of the Bell Soundstage at the Bandshell, access to the VIP Lounge and amenities, a dedicated VIP bar, and complimentary drink ticket.