Overview
- The CNE released the full Bell SOUNDSTAGE schedule Thursday and Friday, naming Lupe Fiasco (Aug. 21), Shaggy (Aug. 23), JoJo (Aug. 29) and Dr. Jay’s Soca Night (Sept. 6) while running concerts from Aug. 21 through Sept. 6 that are included with regular fair admission.
- Two headline slots remain unannounced and are set for partner-led reveals with Billboard Canada on Aug. 28 and Rolling Stone Canada on Aug. 31.
- The new Front Row VIP add-on offers reserved front-stage seating, access to a VIP lounge and a dedicated bar with a complimentary drink ticket, and uses dynamic pricing that starts around $40 with some artist-specific prices such as Dallas Smith VIP listed at $87.99.
- More than half of the Bandshell roster is Canadian and the schedule spans pop, hip-hop, country, rock, soca and Punjabi music to mark the venue’s 90th anniversary.
- By keeping concerts included with admission while offering advance-sale discounts of up to 35% through Aug. 20 and paid VIP upgrades, the CNE is preserving broad access to free live music and testing new revenue streams for the fair.