This year’s NXNE Festival held from June 11–15, 2025, delivered exactly what it’s become known for; an electric mix of rising artists, genre defying showcases, and jam packed venues across Toronto. As someone who’s been attending since high school, I can confidently say this year did not disappoint.
The festival kicked off for me on Wednesday night at The Garrison, where Feral Minks and Harm and Ease set the tone early. The venue was packed, not something you always expect on a midweek night, but the crowd’s energy proved NXNE doesn’t need a weekend to bring people out. Harm and Ease in particular, had the audience moving like it was already Saturday. From there, I made my way to Supermarket to catch LostVoy, who kept the vibes going strong. Once again, another packed room, another impressive showing. If the first night was any indication, NXNE 2025 was already shaping up to be something special.
Thursday was easily the biggest night of the festival. Sankofa Square downtown hosted a free concert featuring none other than OVO’s Roy Woods, alongside 4Korners and Khalid. I got there more than an hour early and even then, Sankofa was already filled to the brim. There was a real sense of anticipation in the air. When Roy Woods finally hit the stage, the hometown love was undeniable. His voice? Still angelic. His set? Short but powerful. It left me and clearly many others hoping for a full concert announcement soon. Walking at Dawn turns 10 next year, Roy. Maybe an anniversary show?
After Roy, the Raptors’ own DJ 4Korners kept the crowd amped as the sun started to set. When Khalid finally emerged, it felt like the square exploded. His set flowed seamlessly between throwbacks and newer tracks, backed by an impressive team of dancers. It was the kind of moment that made you stop and think: “this is the event of the summer.”
By Friday, I was ready to roam the city and dive headfirst into NXNE’s indie and underground circuit. My night began at Baby G with an 8PM set from Katie Mal, her silky melodies set an ideal mood. Haleluya Hailu took the stage next, delivering such an entrancing performance it could have easily kept the crowd in place for the rest of the night. Still, the thrill of NXNE lies in jumping from venue to venue, so I kept moving.
Next stop, the Infinity Room for Lucky Honey. Then over to Handlebar for Junko Daydream, who I became a fan of after seeing them twice at last year’s NXNE. They didn’t disappoint. I closed out my night back at Supermarket for Full Throttle, a high-energy set that gave me one final jolt before I finally tapped out at 1AM. By then, sleep was no longer a suggestion, it was a necessity haha.
Saturday brought another full night, starting at Supermarket. This time, it was Monstrosa, whose elaborate medieval-themed costumes alone were worth the price of admission. But they didn’t just look the part, their performance was fun, theatrical, and wildly entertaining. The surprise appearance of a burlesque dancer during the final songs only added to the show’s spectacle.
Still riding that energy, I made one last stop at Handlebar to see Avalon Stone and Free the Fall. Their sets brought out a headbanging intensity that felt like a proper send off to a week full of music, movement, and moments that’ll stick with me for a long time.
What keeps me coming back to NXNE year after year is its ability to highlight Canada’s rich musical diversity. Whether it’s a polished pop act or a gritty punk set, a homegrown talent or a visiting artist, the festival brings them all to the forefront and gives fans a reason to explore every corner of the city in the process.
I’ve been attending NXNE since my high school days, and after this year, one thing’s certain: I have no plans on stopping anytime soon. Can’t wait to see what NXNE 2026 has in store.
