The PNE Fair is returning this summer with a jam-packed schedule of fun from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, and music fans in Vancouver are in for a huge treat.
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has released the first five acts coming for this year’s Summer Night Concerts at the Freedom Mobile Arch as part of the 2026 PNE Fair.
Whether you’re into hip-hop anthems, pop sing-alongs, or classic rock, there’s something for all fairgoers to enjoy.
It will also be shortly after the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest takes over the PNE fairgrounds in Hastings Park.
The Summer Night Concerts are one of the most anticipated programs of the annual PNE Fair and will officially christen the Freedom Mobile Arch as Western Canada’s newest premier outdoor concert destination,” said the PNE in a release. “Purpose-built for world-class live performances, the amphitheatre offers enhanced sightlines, premium acoustics, and an unforgettable fan experience.
“This year’s lineup celebrates legendary icons, Canadian trailblazers, and global superstars across rock, pop, hip-hop, alternative, orchestral, and more.”
The PNE added that admission to the 2026 Fair is free with the purchase of a concert ticket.
Here are the first artists announced for Summer Night Concerts 2026:
Saturday, Aug. 22: Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo are legendary Canadian Music Hall of Famers fronted by vocalists/guitar heroes Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor. The group has sold four million records and has received some of Canada’s highest honours, including the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for artistic achievement and 12 Junos.
Sunday, Aug. 23: The Guess Who
One of Canada’s biggest rock bands of all time is coming to one of Vancouver’s newest stages this summer.
Legendary classic rockers Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman are heading out on the road as The Guess Who and will be playing the Freedom Mobile Arch as part of the 2026 PNE Fair.
It will be the first time in 23 years that Cummings and Bachman are touring under the name The Guess Who, having settled their trademark lawsuit with original members Jim Kale and Garry Peterson in 2024.
Tuesday, Aug. 25: The Beaches
The Beaches is made up of Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel and are one of the top stars in the Canadian music scene.
The Toronto-based group has multiple #1 singles on Canadian Alt Radio and seven Juno Awards under their belts. The Beaches has also performed a Tiny Desk Concert with NPR.
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Nelly
Lace up your Nike Air Force 1s and put in your Grillz, because Nelly is coming to Vancouver for the PNE Fair.
Nelly has blazed a trail in music and entertainment for over two decades, with smash hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” and collaborations with artists like Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, and Kelly Rowland. He has also won nine Billboard Music Awards.
Thursday, Aug. 27: Zedd
German record producer and DJ Zedd is a Grammy winner behind hits like “Clarity” featuring Foxes, “I Want You To Know” featuring Selena Gomez, and “The Middle” with Maren Morris and Grey. He is also a two-time MTV Video Music Award winner and a three-time iHeartRadio Music Awards winner.
The Summer Night Concerts will run every evening that the PNE Fair is open. Stay tuned for the rest of the lineup to be revealed this week.
Tickets include fair admission and start as low as $49 plus fees. Pre-sale begins on Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m. online.
And if you need your Playland fix before the Fair opens this summer, make plans to ride starting in May when the amusement park officially opens for the season.
PNE Fair Summer Night Concerts
When: Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2026 (no concerts on Aug. 24 and 31)
Where: Freedom Mobile Arch at The PNE — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Start as low as $49 plus fees and include fair admission. Pre-sale begins on Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m. online.
Originally published on Daily Hive.
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