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The 2019 PNE Fair has just announced its musical and entertainment line-up, and you’re going to want to mark your calendars for its jam-packed programming.

Its Summer Night Concerts kicks-off on August 17 in the outdoor PNE Amphitheatre, and performances are free with admission. Highlights include rock legend Billy Idol, Smokey Robinson (who is on the verge of retirement), Canadian country-rock band Blue Rodeo, the Beach Boys, and legendary R&B group TLC.

Other concerts include MC Hammer and Bobby Brown, 98 Degrees, reggae-stars UB40, and several acts for PNE’s popular “I Love the 90’s” night: Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Biz Markie, Rob Base, Collective Soul, and Gin Blossoms.

“It [Summer Night Concerts] has got something for everybody, like rock, R&B, pop, stuff from the 80’s and 90’s, [and] some of the classic rock,” Shelley Frost, CEO and president of the PNE, told the Straight in a phone interview. “I’m really excited about the line-up. I think people will have a great time coming out and enjoying a great outdoor venue in our summer amphitheater.”

As for new entertainment and attractions at the family-friendly event, visitors can check out The Superconscious Experience of Reveen: a hypnotic and illusion show at Pacific Coliseum; Electric Fire: a nightly pyro musical show with flying rockets, exploding fire, and live performers; Snap Happy: a multisensory and immersive selfie exhibit; and Super Action Academy: a new hero show for young guests to become heroes.

Other activities and shows include mechanical bull-riding, a nightly drag show, comedy shows, and Mama Lou demonstrating her impressive strength as a strong woman.

The SuperDogs show will be making a comeback. PNE

For those hoping to enjoy classic, fan-favourite attractions, check out everything from the President’s Choice SuperDogs shows, the PNE Prize Home, Knight of Valour jousting, and Dueling Pianos.

“There are a ton of really fun things to do in Vancouver, and I recognize that. But what the PNE Fair offers is a unique experience,” said Frost. “You can come out and enjoy great music, but over and above that you’re just going to get free entertainment, great food, and rides that you can’t experience anywhere else.”

At the Fair’s Festival Park, ticket-holders can learn about creating art with molten glass at the Museum of Glass: Mobile Hot Shop, live performances, a roving PNE 12-piece brass-and-percussion band, and Dinosaur Stomp: an outdoor exhibit that feature 15 different dinosaurs.

“There’s nowhere else you can go to pet a baby goat, ride on a roller coaster, watch a summer night concert, and eat some of your favourite foods all in the span of a few hours,” added Frost.

Here’s the full schedule for the 2019 Summer Nights Concert Series:

Saturday, August 17th Blue Rodeo

Sunday, August 18th ZZ Top – 50th Anniversary Tour

Tuesday, August 20th 98 Degrees

Wednesday, August 21st Burton Cummings and Band

Thursday, August 22nd Vince Neil the Legendary Voice of Mötley Crüe

Friday, August 23rd Smokey Robinson

Saturday, August 24th Now’s the Time Tour - Collective Soul and Gin Blossoms

Sunday, August 25th STYX

Tuesday, August 27th UB40 – For the Many – 40th Anniversary Tour

Wednesday, August 28th Colin James

Thursday, August 29th I Love the 90’s feat. Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Biz Markie, Rob Base

Friday, August 30th Hammer’s House Party: MC Hammer with Special Guest Bobby Brown

Saturday, August 31st Billy Idol

Sunday, September 1st The Beach Boys

Monday, September 2nd TLC – 25th Anniversary

The PNE Fair runs from August 17 to September 2 from 11 a.m. until late, and will be closed on August 19 and 26. Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate.