PUP Curate “PUP Picks” for Second Summer Festival

Photo: Vanessa Heins

Toronto’s own PUP are stepping in as guest curators for the inaugural Second Summer Festival, adding a local stamp to one of the city’s most ambitious new music events.

Set to take over 13 venues across Toronto’s west end from September 24 to 26, the festival will feature more than 110 artists. As part of their involvement, PUP have handpicked nine acts for a special “PUP Picks” lineup that highlights a mix of rising names and personal favourites.

The selections include High Vis, Casper Skulls, Truck Violence, Klokwise, Status/Non-Status, Eucalyptus, Cam Kahin, Kid Sistr, and Spirit Desire. According to the band, the goal was simple: spotlight artists they genuinely love, including a few that audiences may not have discovered yet.

Second Summer is built around that exact idea. The multi-venue format leans into discovery, pairing emerging talent with more established acts in intimate rooms across the city. For a band like PUP, whose roots are deeply tied to Toronto’s DIY and live scene, the fit feels natural.

The festival runs September 24 to 26, with full lineup details and tickets available now.