North by Northeast in Toronto, Ontario on June 11-17

Touted as the northerly brother of SXSW, NXNE showcases 650 acts to an audience of 300,000 people over the span of a week. An all-access wristband gets you into dozens of clubs throughout the week. Even better, there will be free shows at Yonge-Dundas Square, including a Spinner-presented party featuring Flaming Lips, Oberhofer and Hollerado and more. NXNE will also host 40 films, including Irvine Welsh's Ecstacy, and I am the Walrus.

Featured acts:
Bad Religion (above), Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, Oberhofer, Raekwon, Matthew Good, Purity Ring, Matthew Dear, Young Magic, Eight and a Half, Hollerado