With 650 bands playing at 50 venues across town, there’s a hell of a lot of music to catch at NXNE. Those of you who’ve spent your rent money on beer can still hear great bands for nothing at Yonge-Dundas Square, at seven free park and public-space stages and on two stages at Pearson Airport. Keep in mind that many of the bigger names will also be playing intimate club shows, including secret late-night parties. For the rest of us, there are three ways to get the most out of NXNE. Hit nxne.com for info on where to pick up your wristbands/passes. And if you’re intent on leaving it to the very last possible minute, you can purchase wristbands at the door for all shows.
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Wristbands
NXNE wristbands are the cheapest way to see the greatest number of bands, and will get you into all club shows and film screenings. Not only that, but they also allow you to bypass everyone paying cover and go straight to the front of the line. Your options are the five-day ($50), the one-day ($25) and the film-festival-only ($25) wristband.
Passes
If you’re not fond of waiting in line, you’ll want to spring for a Priority Pass ($200, students $100), which will get you in before everyone else, including wristbands. These are also the only way you’ll be able to catch folks like Mudhoney and X speaking at all the great conference events.
Cover charges
Of course, you can always just pay the cover charge at the door, but that only makes financial sense if you’re set on checking out just a showcase or two.
Party till 4
Ontario’s puritanical liquor laws still have a long way to go compared to the rest of the free world’s, but things are loosening up a bit every year. No, you’re still not allowed to drink on the street, but more than half of NXNE’s venues offer 4 am last call. So no matter where you are in the city, there’s likely to be an after-party nearby. Keep an ear to the ground for rumours of secret late-night gigs by many of the fest’s bigger acts. Here’s who’s open late:
- Bovine Sex Club
- Cadilliac
- Czehoski
- Dakota Tavern
- El Mo
- Free Times Café
- The Garrison
- The Gladstone
- The Great Hall
- Harlem
- Hideout
- The Horseshoe Tavern
- Lees Palace
- Mitzis
- Mod Club
- Neutral
- Rancho
- The Rivoli
- The Shop
- The Silver Dollar
- Sneaky Dees
- The Social
- Velvet Underground
- Wrongbar
