Khalid and Daniel Caesar Are Coming to NXNE Music Festival in Toronto This Week

The North by Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival is back in full swing, and this year it’s bringing two R&B powerhouses to Toronto—Khalid and Daniel Caesar. From June 11 to June 15, the city is about to get flooded with good vibes, live sets, and packed venues as the long-running music fest returns with a stacked lineup.

When and where is NXNE happening?

NXNE officially kicks off on June 11 and runs through June 15, taking over various venues across Toronto. The festival started back in 1995 and has always aimed to make live music more accessible—both for fans and artists. Originally launched in partnership with SXSW, NXNE helped remove financial roadblocks for musicians to perform by setting up an artist-friendly, fee-free lineup schedule.

This year, it’s even bigger. From Yonge-Dundas (now Sankofa Square) to cozy venues like The Mod Club, formerly the Axis Club, there’s no shortage of places to catch live acts.

Khalid performing for free at Sankofa Square

One of the most hyped events this year is Grammy-nominated Khalid’s free concert at Sankofa Square on June 12. He’s headlining Billboard Canada’s The Stage at NXNE, and he’s not coming alone. Canadian talents Alicia Moffet, Aqyila, Roy Woods, and 4Korners will also hit the stage that evening to celebrate NXNE’s 30th birthday bash.

If you’re planning to be anywhere on Thursday, make sure it’s Sankofa Square. No ticket required, just good energy and a love for R&B.

Daniel Caesar’s exclusive concert at The Mod Club

Also in the spotlight is Toronto’s very own Daniel Caesar, who’s returning home for an exclusive show at The Mod Club. The venue recently underwent a rebrand (you might remember it as the Axis Club), and Caesar’s performance will mark a pretty iconic moment for both the venue and the artist.

It’s not a free gig like Khalid’s, but fans are already buzzing for what’s sure to be a soulful, intimate experience.

NXNE Wednesday schedule and secret show

The festival opens with a full-day networking session at The Theatre Centre on Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Music industry pros, cultural leaders, and artists will be part of the Billboard Summit—a deep dive into what’s next for the music biz.

There’s also a mysterious “secret artist pop-up show” between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No word yet on the location, so keep your eyes on socials and your ears open.

Later in the day, Illuminarium will host the Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2025 and Power Players event, recognizing top industry movers and shakers. To wrap up the night, indie-rock queens The Beaches will throw down a DJ party, while over 25 artists will be performing across NXNE venues.

Thursday film screenings and performances

Before Khalid lights up Sankofa Square Thursday night, the day starts with another networking event and a screening of the indie rom-com Who the F**k is Jason Porter? at The Theatre Centre.

Later on, OVO Sound artist Roy Woods premieres his short film Dark Nights at TIFF Lightbox. The film explores betrayal and emotional survival, tying into the themes of his latest EP. A mix of music and cinema? Very Toronto.

What to expect over the weekend

By the time Friday rolls around, it’s game on for more panels and performances. Attendees can hit up the Next Level Panels to hear big names talk shop about trends in music, tech, and culture. There’s also the B2B Networking Cafe and the Meet & Mix mixer, where creators can rub shoulders with label reps, producers, and more.

Saturday brings an outdoor day party hosted by Long & McQuade at 925 Bloor Street West. Expect live music, food vendors, and good vibes. It’s open to the public and a great way to experience NXNE without having to commit to a full schedule.

To close out the festival on Sunday, The Beaches are back with a full performance at The Mod Club. It’s a solid way to wrap up five days of music, community, and celebration in the city.

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