Toronto's North By Northeast (NXNE) is changing things up this year by adding a weekend-long outdoor music festival to its roster of arts-related programming.

On June 17 and 18, NXNE will takeover a space in the Port Lands, likely at 155 Cherry St., as outlined in a letter (PDF) to the City of Toronto's Economic Development Committee.

Over that weekend, NXNE will curate a ticketed music festival, which will also include art installations and food trucks.

"The addition of the Port Lands site represents major growth for NXNE, building on our 22 years as a leading edge festival," says president and managing director of NXNE Michael Hollett in a news release. "Beyond the great clubs events that Toronto has come to expect, we will also have a remarkable, massive festival site and all the opportunities that affords."

Along with the Port Lands festival, NXNE is also introducing an Interactive, Music and Gaming Conference at the Ted Rogers School of Management. It's hosting this in conjunction with Ryerson University's Faculty of Communication and Design.

And for those who don't want to schlep out to the Port Lands, NXNE will still feature some programming at Yonge-Dundas Square as well as ticketed concerts at venues located throughout the city from June 15 to 19.

There's no word on this year's lineup yet, but bands can still apply to be a part of NXNE until April 14.

What do you think of the changes? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Matt Forsythe.