Toronto's outdoor concert season is set to begin this week, with the newly renamed RBC Amphitheatre and Rogers Stadium opening on Thursday and Saturday, respectively, featuring performances by Imagine Dragons and Bruno Mars.
Record-Breaking Season Ahead
Erik Hoffman, president of Music (Canada) at Live Nation Entertainment, described the summer schedule as highly robust. Both venues are expected to achieve record seasons, with Bruno Mars performing five shows to open Rogers Stadium for its second year. Hoffman noted that the amphitheatre will host 85 to 90 shows, up from 73 last year, making it the busiest amphitheatre in North America. Rogers Stadium will have 20 shows, marking the busiest summer ever.
No 'Blue Dot Fever' in Toronto
Despite reports of 'blue dot fever'—indicating high ticket availability on TicketMaster—leading to cancellations by Meghan Trainor and the Pussycat Dolls, Hoffman confirmed that Toronto is not affected. Post Malone and Jelly Roll postponed their tour's first three weeks but will still perform at Rogers Stadium on June 16.
Top-Selling Shows
Besides Bruno Mars, other hot-selling shows include Luke Combs (June 5-6), Noah Kahan (June 28), Foo Fighters (Aug. 4), Usher and Chris Brown (Aug. 11-12), BTS (Aug. 22-23), Chris Stapleton (Aug. 6 and Sept. 1), and AC/DC (Sept. 16), all at Rogers Stadium. Additionally, Toronto prog-rock band Rush will perform four shows at Scotiabank Arena on Aug. 7, 9, 11, and 13, with new drummer Anika Nilles filling in for the late Neil Peart.
Improved Operations at Rogers Stadium
After first-year challenges with transit, parking, and traffic, improvements have been made. Nathalie Burri, senior vice president of operations at Live Nation Canada, stated that parking is now available for pre-purchase, and a new connection to Allen Road will reduce traffic on Beffort. A new app and better signage will help patrons navigate, and a new pathway will improve access to Sheppard West subway station.
Festivals and New Events
Returning festivals include Luminato (June 3-28), NXNE (June 10-14), Toronto Jazz Festival (June 19-28), and VELD Music Festival (July 31-Aug. 2). The second edition of All Things Go Festival, featuring Kesha and The Beaches on June 6 and Lorde on June 7 at RBC Amphitheatre, is expected to sell out. OVO Fest, typically organized by Drake, remains uncertain after not returning last year. No shows will be held at RBC Amphitheatre during FIFA World Cup games at BMO Field.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival returns for its 15th edition from Aug. 7-9 at Burl's Creek, with headliners Jonas Brothers, The Dixie Chicks, and Rascal Flatts. New this year is the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway (June 11-19), featuring performances by Alessia Cara, Deborah Cox, and others. Additionally, TOgether, a free music and wellness festival on June 6 at Nathan Phillips Square, aims to raise $1 million for UHN and Michael Garron Hospitals.
Top Ten Summer Concert Picks
- Bruno Mars, May 23-24, 27-29, 30, Rogers Stadium
- Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, June 7, OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
- Jack White, July 14, RBC Amphitheatre
- Foo Fighters with Queens of the Stone Age, Aug. 4, Rogers Stadium
- Guns N' Roses, Aug. 5, Rogers Stadium
- Chris Stapleton, Aug. 6 and Sept. 1, Rogers Stadium
- Rush, Aug. 7, 9, 11, 13, Scotiabank Arena
- The Chicks, Aug. 8, Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Burl's Creek
- Robyn, Sept. 15, Scotiabank Arena
- AC/DC, Sept. 16, Rogers Stadium
