Toronto’s North by Northeast (NXNE), the city’s summer new-music-discovery festival, has announced that there will be nearly 150 acts playing this year at over 20 venues between June 12 and 16, 2024. International acts from Australia, Norway, Morocco, Mexico and more join a packed lineup of Canadian and local acts. 

“We’re hearing magic in the music submissions,” says NXNE president Michael Hollett. “June can’t come fast enough. We’re thrilled to unveil the exceptional talent. We’re handpicking more than 250 artists from 2,500 applications to grace the summer festival with amazing music.”

Some of the highlights from this announcement include Toronto eclectic folk-rock singer-songwriter Talia Schlanger; Halifax, NS, queer alt-folk duo Pillow Fite; Hamilton’s Soft-Shell Modern Yacht Rock band Ten Minute Detour; Vancouver-based Afro-soul band Serengeti; London, ON multi-instrumentalist, composer and performer John Fellner; Calgary singer-songwriter Victory; Toronto singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Dawson Gamble; Brooklyn pop-rockers Strawberry Launch; queer singer-songwriter Holly Clausius; Toronto’s alt-pop AIKO TOMI; and Boston’s art-pop band Little Fuss.

Also announced are, London, ON punk rocker Charlie Weber, Welsh Queer artist DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD, Toronto’s alt-rock and funk band High Flyer, Toronto indie rock four-piece Jane’s Party, Australia’s groovy songstress Jess Reiss, Toronto’s violinist singer songwriter Just Graham, Winnipeg multi-instrumentalist Lev Snowe, Canadian alt pop rock band Madame Psychosis, Brampton powerhouse SHV, Hamilton party rockers Sons of Butcher, dynamic R&B/hip hop force Tamir and electro pop artist Wolf Saga.

COMEDY

Kicking off Thursday, June 13th and wrapping up on Saturday, June 15th, NXNE’s COMEDY NIGHTS at Smith House will feature three fun-filled nights highlighting some of Canada’s top emerging comedic talent. Headliners include AL VAL, Jordanne Brown, Tamara Shevon, Sean Cullen, Dan Galea and Pat Thornton. Support talent for these nights include Chris Sarpong, Sammy Farid, Bita Joudaki and Garrett Jamieson on Thursday evening. Kris Siddiqi, Freddie Rivas, Ben Sosa-Wright and Precious Chong on Friday and Andrew Ivimey, Juliana Rodrigues, Anesti Danelis and Dena Jackson on Saturday night

NXNE INFO

With an always artist-centric approach and emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, NXNE strives to make its mark by empowering and supporting artists through connection, education and — most importantly — a forum to play. Unlike many other similar festivals, NXNE has been committed to reducing financial barriers for people to both create and consume music by not charging performers to apply, ensuring artists get paid for their performances and keeping festival passes at the same price as when the festival first launched in 1995.

For just $29, the Full Festival Pass grants you unlimited access to all venues and shows across all four nights, which is the same price NXNE charged when it launched in 1995 in partnership with Austin’s SXSW. If you prefer a more focused experience, Individual Show Tickets are available for $20, letting you attend a specific show on a specific night.

Tickets and Passes

Full schedule

Artist Directory

FREE EVENTS

Queen West Day Party is the quintessential one-of-a-kind, free all-day outdoor festival taking place on Saturday, June 15 from 11am – 7pm ET. A celebration of music, art, and the vibrant community spirit that defines Queen West, featuring performances from magnetic alt-pop headliner Alex Porat, as well as, jazzy post-bop improvisers Lavender Town, hip-hop/R&B duo Allydice, Nigerian-born Calgary-raised artist Dozie, electrifying rock band The Boneheads, Peterborough country powerhouse Elyse Saunders, R&B songstress Luna Elle and Birmingham, England pop/R&B artist Vincent Darby.

The day party features a 1600 sq foot beer garden, and robust marketplace with food and vendor tents including: Bioderma, Black Market, Brie Ceramics, Crank Coffee, For Health’s Sake, Garage Hard Lemonade, Good Behaviour Ice, Harmless Harvest Coconut Water, Kandies World, Kops Records, Microforum, Original Genes, Sobrii, Stubforge, Stuntin and The Tattour.

It’s OK Studios headquarters (468 Queen Street West) with free performances and workshops daily (Wed 11 to 5, Thu/Fri 11 to 7, Sat 11 to 2)

NXNE GARAGE BAND PEOPLE’s CHOICE AWARDS and festival Closing Night Party, take place at The Rec Room on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.