North by Northeast

North by Northeast (or NXNE) is an annual music and arts festival held each June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The festival's main focus is live music, particularly emerging talent. Acts that have had break out appearances at NXNE at small venues early in their careers include: Lizzo (2014, 2017), Daniel Caesar (2016), Run the Jewels (2014), Lumineers (2012), Grimes (2011), Gary Clark Jr. (2007), The Arkells (2007), Feist (2004), Billy Talent (1999) and thousands more. In its return post-COVID, the festival embraced its roots as a discovery event, programming exclusively in Toronto's live music venues, presenting over 200 of the world's best emerging acts bands in 20 venues over five nights from June 14–18, 2022. Festival passes were low priced and bands were not charged a fee to apply. The 2023 Festival takes place June 13–17. Complete festival passes cost $25, all shows are $15 at the door without a pass.

Previously the festival has also featured an eSports gaming tournament, comedy, a conversations series, a flea market and more. In addition to full-time staff, the festival also has about 1,000 volunteers in festival operations. NEXT Magazine is the festival's main print and online media partner at nextmag.ca. The alternative weekly newspaper Now previously was a major sponsor, and Now co-founder Michael Hollett owns NXNE in partnership with SXSW. Hollett sold NOW in 2016 before starting NEXT in 2020.