MusicJun
NXNE (North by Northeast)
Toronto's scrappy indie music and tech festival.
When
June 15–19, 2026
Where
Multiple venues city-wide
Area
Downtown
Cost
Free + Paid · $20-75 wristband
Format
Indoor & Outdoor
Attendance
75K+ visitors
Running Since
1994 (32 years)
Family Friendly
Not typically
VT Insider Tip
The free outdoor programming at Yonge-Dundas Square is a good sampler, but the real discoveries happen at the smaller club showcases. Grab a wristband and venue-hop.
About
NXNE has evolved over the years from a pure music festival to a multi-disciplinary event blending live music showcases, comedy, tech talks, and interactive experiences. The music programming spans dozens of venues across the city.
What to Expect
Five days of live music, comedy, and interactive programming. Wristband gets you into most music showcases. Mix of emerging and established artists.
Pro Tips
The late-night shows (11pm+) are where emerging artists often give their best performances to smaller, more dedicated crowds.
Getting There
Venues span from Dundas Square to Queen West to Parkdale. TTC night service is your friend. Group venues by neighbourhood for efficient bar-hopping.