What to know
- Canadian National Exhibition returns August 21–September 7 with a newly announced lineup featuring major international and Canadian artists.
- Headliners include Lupe Fiasco and Shaggy, alongside Canadian acts like Tom Cochrane and The Trews.
- Additional performers include Lights and Silverstein, with more acts expected.
- The 2026 fair will feature five stages, including a new NXNE Stage for emerging artists and a renamed Bandshell stage celebrating its 90th anniversary.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is set to return this August, and with its annual fair comes live performances from a list of star-studded artists.
The CNE dropped a portion of their line-up on Thursday, three months ahead of opening day, garnering excitement with some international names making an appearance.
World-famous singers scheduled to perform include Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco, known for his hit songs “The Show Goes On,” and “Battle Scars.”
Jamaican-American artist Shaggy will also perform, known for hits like “It Wasn’t Me,” and “Mr.Boombastic,” the singer is expected to perform his well-known reggae-pop songs.
The fair will also see performances from Canadian greats, including Canadian music Hall of Fame inductee Tom Cochrane, best known for his iconic song “Life is a Highway,” famously covered by Rascal Flatts, while also appearing in Disney Pixar’s Cars.
The Trews, best known for Canadian forces tribute “Highway of Heroes,” will also perform their discography of rock songs.
Canadian icon and electropop singer Lights will be taking the stage, as well as Canadian rock sensation Silverstein, known for their hit “My Heroine.”
The CNE said they will continue to drop the names of expected performers as the city gets closer to opening day.
This year, the CNE will see five different stages across the fairgrounds, including the new NXNE Stage that highlights breakout artists on their rise to fame.
The existing CNE Bandshell stage will also be renamed to Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, ahead of the CNE’s plan to commemorate the Bandshell’s 90th anniversary.
In a media release, CNE’s CEO Mark Holland shared his excitement ahead of the 2026 season.
“This summer, we’re not just celebrating that legacy, we’re expanding it,” he said in part. “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.”
The CNE runs from August 21 to September 7.
