Event Spotlight: NXNE with Jen Fox

 

North by North East (NXNE) is an annual music and gaming festival held each June in the heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square (YDS). The festival’s main focus is Festival Village that occupies Yonge Street from Queen to Dundas! NXNE also includes club shows, eSports, comedy, a conversations series, a vendor market and more. NXNE has been hosting their event at YDS for the past 17 years with top acts who have played their stage such as Post Malone, Lizzo, Flaming Lips, Arkells, Iggy and The Stooges, and more.

We chatted with one of the organizers of the event, Jen Fox who told us all about what it’s like to organize and host NXNE. Check it out!

Q & A

Q: How did you get into events?

A: I always knew from a young age that I loved events. In high school I ran concerts at Legions across Mississauga. From there, I volunteered, worked and grinded at any live event I could get into before getting hired for events like NXNE, Just for Laughs, Gentlemen of the Road, Junos, Pemberton Music Festival, and more!


Q: What can people expect at your event?

A: NXNE is representative of our city’s culture and community. You will see music, gaming, comedy, local makers, and community groups. Our programming mixes Echo Beach level talent with the best emerging Toronto and Canadian artists.

Q: Why do you host your event at Yonge-Dundas Square?

A: YDS is the heart of our city. Every mode of public transportation hits the Square, we’re close to Ryerson university and the photos we take are always epic!

Q: How has COVID-19 made you see your event differently? 

A: For the safety of our fans and friends, NXNE will be virtual this year with Game Land on August 14 -16. We cannot wait to be back in the Square with all our friends for a physical festival, when it’s safe and makes sense.

Q: How would you describe your event and the YDS experience to someone visiting the city for the first time? 

A: NXNE Festival Village is a free, outdoor, accessible, weekend long celebration of all things great in our city. With multiple performance areas, activations, health and wellness initiatives, local makers, there is really something for everyone of all ages to experience.

Come early in the AM to take a spin class while the sun rises on the site, come throughout the afternoon to shop NXN-Flea and see the best emerging artists, or come in the evening to see acts like Chvrches, Lights, Big Freedia, Santigold, Cold War Kids and more – all for free.

Q: What is the funniest/craziest thing that’s ever happened on event day?

A: There is always a lot of crowd surfing (including from The Flaming Lips), but the craziest was probably pushing our load in for 5 hours during the night of the Raptors championship win.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about producing your event?

A: The most challenging part of producing our event is finding the time to enjoy it! NXNE happens over 10 days and there are always many components taking place at the same time, so you are really forced to choose. My birthday also always falls during the festival, so I haven’t celebrated in four years, but NXNE is the best gift!

Q: How can the community support your event as you move forward?

A: Follow us on social media and don’t be shy to reach out. All of our contact info is on our website. Also, enjoy Game Land online and attend the event.

Q: What is your favourite Toronto event (other than your own, of course)?

A: I LOVE seeing events at Budweiser Stage on a warm summer night or the Rogers Centre when the dome is open. I do also love attending Pride.

Q: How can people get involved with your event?

A: Every year we bring on volunteers to help with all aspects of the festival in exchange for passes, up close experiences, and industry knowledge. If anyone is looking to be involved outside of volunteering, feel free to reach out to jenfox@nxne.com.

For more information about NXNE, visit their website: https://www.nxne.com/

 
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