Set to open June 5th 2026, the new PNE Amphitheatre (Freedom Mobile Arch) will bring a new state of the art open air venue to Vancouver. The theatre will hold a capacity of 10,000 seats and allow performers to share their talents under the iconic mass timber canopy.
Of course, the amphitheatre will have to be broken in by music performers and fans. And Vancouver locals will get the chance to see that this August for the PNE’s Summer Concert Series.
Yesterday, it was announced via a PNE press release the first five of ten performers for the concert series, with performers for people of all music tastes.
The series opens with two Canadian rock group veterans.
To lead off, Blue Rodeo will take the stage. They’ll be followed by The Guess Who, who are set to reunite members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman on stage for the first time in over two decades. An old school vibe for the start with two bands who helped shape Canadian music now helping launch a brand new venue.
But the programming quickly shifts into newer territory.
The Beaches bring their modern alt-rock energy to the stage, while global hip hop icon Nelly headlines the following night with a catalogue of early 2000s hits. And although the amphitheater is outdoors, Nelly will surely find a way to make it “Hot in here”.
Electronic producer Zedd closes out the announced slate so far, adding a more dynamic and unique sound to the series .
On paper, it’s a lineup that spans decades and genres. In practice, it will gather a broad diverse crowd to the venue’s first concert series.
Fair admission included in every ticket and prices starting as low as $49. The concert series hopes to position itself as one of the more affordable ways to see major artists in the city, while also getting the chance to experience the rides and games inside Playland. The PNE’s model combining amusement park energy with live performances creates a different kind of concert experience. It’s less formal, more flexible, and built around a full night outing rather than a single show.
Stay tuned as the PNE has announced that they will be announcing the next five performers sometime this week, with rumours circling that there could be some even bigger names.