#MusicalVibes
Discover the Heart of the Saskatoon EX: the SaskTel Grandstand
Rockin' with the fair since 1929!
The SaskTel Grandstand is one of the busiest and most iconic spots at the Saskatoon EX, and for very good reason! From the opening day until the last night, music lovers gather at the grandstand for some of the summer’s best open-air concerts. This beloved venue has hosted countless amazing entertainers, creating unforgettable memories for generations of fairgoers.
On Sunday, the grandstand transforms into the site of the crowd-pleasing Crash N’ Bash Demolition Derby, adding to its diverse and exciting lineup of events.
The best part? All shows at the SaskTel Grandstand are FREE with EX admission! It’s the perfect place to experience the vibrant energy and entertainment that the Saskatoon EX is known for.
Join us at the SaskTel Grandstand and be part of the tradition that has brought joy and excitement to the Saskatoon EX for decades. Whether you’re here for the music, the demolition derby, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, the grandstand is the place to be!
SaskTel Grandstand Schedule
6:45 pm First-In and FanZone
7:00 pm Gates Open
8:30 pm Shows Begin
The concert schedule for this year has not been announced yet. Check back soon to see who’s coming to the fair!
Thursday, July 31
8:30 pm
Metric is a Canadian band formed by Emily Haines, Jimmy Shaw, Joshua Winstead, and Joules Scott Key. They began their journey in New York City in 2001 and have since established a distinctive musical style across nine studio albums. The band has received significant recognition, including two Juno Awards for Alternative Album of the Year, and achieved over half a billion streams. Notable collaborations include working with Lou Reed on “The Wanderlust” and having their song “Black Sheep” featured in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2023, Metric continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their innovative sound.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Friday, August 1
8:30 pm
High Valley is a multi-platinum country group known for their upbeat messages, anthemic melodies, and unique blend of contemporary country and traditional bluegrass. Led by founder and lead singer Brad Rempel, the band has become the top-selling Canadian country music band in history. High Valley has achieved over half a billion global streams, multiple No. 1 songs in Canada, and numerous gold and platinum singles and albums. Their accolades include nominations for ACM, CMT, and JUNO Awards, and multiple CCMA Awards. Notable hits include Make You Mine, She’s With Me, and Grew Up On That. Their sixth studio album, Way Back, was released in May 2022, featuring collaborations with Alison Krauss.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Saturday, August 2
8:30 pm
For over 40 years, Loverboy has delighted audiences worldwide with their high-energy live shows and hits like Working for the Weekend. Formed in 1978 by Mike Reno and Paul Dean, the band signed with Columbia Records Canada after initial rejections from U.S. labels. Their debut album sold over 700k copies in Canada and 2 million in the U.S. Known for their red leather pants and big rock sound, Loverboy has sold over 10 million albums, earning multiple platinum plaques. They won a record six Juno awards in 1982 and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2009. The band continues to tour globally, entertaining fans of all ages.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Sunday, August 3
7:30 pm
Join us Sunday evening at the Saskatoon EX for the wildly popular Crash ‘N Bash Demolition Derby! This family-friendly event is packed with thrills and metal-bending action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Experience the excitement of cars crashing and smashing in a high-energy demolition derby. The iconic SaskTel Grandstand is the perfect backdrop for this adrenaline-pumping spectacle. It’s not just a derby; it’s a DIRT PARTY! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable night of fun and entertainment. Arrive early if you want to get a seat as they fill up FAST! Whether you’re a die-hard derby fan or just looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday evening, the Crash ‘N Bash Demolition Derby is the place to be!
Monday, August 4
8:30 pm
Smash Mouth has been a global phenomenon for over three decades, originating from San Jose, CA. Known for their multiplatinum and Grammy-nominated pop-rock hits, they became international live icons in the late ’90s. Their electrifying stage presence and universally adored music have earned them numerous awards and accolades. Smash Mouth’s hits like Walkin’ On The Sun and All-Star have dominated airwaves, with All-Star surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. Their TV and film appearances, including Shrek, cemented their pop culture status. The band continues to tour internationally, connecting with audiences worldwide through their high-energy performances.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Tuesday, August 5
8:30 pm
Corb Lund, a sixth-generation Albertan, is known for his vivid storytelling and acoustic arrangements. He is also an activist, mounting resistance against coal mining interests in the Rockies. Lund’s previous album, Songs My Friends Wrote, won the CCMA for Alternative Country Album of the Year in 2022. Agricultural Tragic debuted in 2020, reaching Top 5 on country charts in the US and Canada, and won the 2021 CCMA for Alternative Country Album of the Year. Lund debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in 2022 and returned in 2024. With multiple Canadian Country Music Awards, Juno, and Polaris Prize nominations, he typically plays over 150 tour dates per year.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Wed, August 6
8:30 pm
Formed in 1990 in Atlanta, TLC —comprising Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas—achieved monumental success with their debut album, Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip. Their follow-up, CrazySexyCool, became a cultural phenomenon, earning Diamond certification and producing timeless hits like Waterfalls. With 85 million records sold, 4 Grammy Awards, and a legacy celebrated through tours and new music, TLC remains the best-selling American girl group of all time. In 2017, they released a self-titled album and continue to tour, celebrating their legacy and the iconic CrazySexyCool.
FREE With General Admission - Premium Tickets Available
Premium Ticket Options
All concerts and shows offer rush seating. For those looking for an enhanced experience, we have three Premium Ticket options are available. Click on the links below for more details.
Elevate your concert experience in the FanZone! For just $29, enjoy standing room only access that brings you closer to the stage and the performers you love. Connect with other passionate fans, enjoy exclusive views, and make the most of every moment. The FanZone is where the fun begins!
Want a great seat but don't want to wait in line? Use your $29 First-In Rush ticket to access a special lane will be given access to the grandstand before other guests to choose their seat. These are not reserved seats and if left, are forfeit. General Admission must be purchased separately.
Treat your staff, clients, or best friends to an exclusive concert experience in our newly-upgraded SaskTel Grandstand box suites, located at the front of the grandstand! Enjoy the best views in our box suites. Seating can be purchased for a single show, multiple shows, or every show!
Elevate your concert experience in the FanZone! For just $29, enjoy standing room only access that brings you closer to the stage and the performers you love. Connect with other passionate fans, enjoy exclusive views, and make the most of every moment. The FanZone is where the fun begins!
Want a great seat but don't want to wait in line? Use your $29 First-In Rush ticket to access a special lane will be given access to the grandstand before other guests to choose their seat. These are not reserved seats and if left, are forfeit. General Admission must be purchased separately.
Treat your staff, clients, or best friends to an exclusive concert experience in our newly-upgraded SaskTel Grandstand box suites, located at the front of the grandstand! Enjoy the best views in our box suites. Seating can be purchased for a single show, multiple shows, or every show!
Lawnchairs are not permitted in the SaskTel Grandstand. However, accessible seating is available for those with mobility aids, along with one companion. Please speak to a staff member at the gate for assistance and directions.
A Legacy of Entertainment: The History of the Grandstand
[PH-91-34] courtesy of Saskatoon Public Library. Taken June 28, 1928
Built in 1928, this historic venue has been at the center of our fairgrounds for almost 100 years, making it a cornerstone of our history. As the most iconic building at the fair, the grandstand is a popular meeting spot where friends and families come together. Its central location and rich history make it a landmark that everyone knows and loves.
In the spring of 1928, a devastating fire swept through the Saskatoon Exhibition grounds, destroying the old grandstand and surrounding buildings in under an hour. The flames covered four acres of ground and cast a sullen red glow into the sky that could be seen 30 miles away. Though the fire’s origins were not known, it was suspected that a discarded match or cigarette was the likely cause. In addition to the fire department, men and boys hastily tumbled from their beds around 2:30 am to help fight the blaze, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the total loss was estimated at over $75,000.
The following morning, the exhibition board met and decided to immediately begin construction of a new fire-proof grandstand. This event marked a turning point in the history of the fairgrounds. The board seized the opportunity to not only replace the lost structure but to reimagine the entire layout of the grounds.
The new concrete grandstand, completed in time for the 1928 fair, was a marvel of its time. Built to be non-flammable and durable, it faced east instead of south, a strategic decision that changed the orientation of the track to run north-south. This thoughtful design ensured that patrons could enjoy events without the sun glaring in their eyes, significantly enhancing their experience.
Photographer Len Hillyard captured a general view of the wreckage.
Published in the Saskatoon Daily Star, May 7, 1928.
When visitors arrived at the exhibition that year, they were greeted by a transformed fairground. While familiar landmarks like the Herman gate remained, the new layout presented a fresh and exciting spectacle. The grandstand quickly became a central hub for entertainment, hosting concerts and races, drawing crowds from all over. By all accounts, the new grandstand was a hit with fairgoers. Paid admittances to the grandstand entertainment in 1928 was 60% greater than the previous year.
Today, the grandstand stands as a testament to the resilience and vision of the exhibition board. Its construction not only addressed the immediate need for a new structure but also set the stage for decades of memorable events. As we celebrate the fair’s 140-year history, the grandstand remains a beloved landmark, embodying the spirit and tradition of the Saskatoon EX.
