It’s almost here, Toronto: the much-anticipated Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) returns this weekend.
The annual CNE is set to return to Toronto this Friday, Aug. 21, marking the Ex’s 147th year bringing slightly rickety rides, outrageous eats and wholesome summertime fun to the city.
We’ve been summermaxxing for months, but come this weekend, we’ll be CNEmaxxing straight through until Labour Day, and I’ve compiled all the information you need to truly maximize your trip to the Ex.
Food
In addition to the tried-and-true corndogs, cotton candy and popcorn, the CNE has become known for its more, um, unique food offerings, with past hits like pickle lemonade and ketchup-and-mustard-flavoured soft serve.
This year, I’m pleased to report, will be no different.
Teaming up with Tijuana Tom’s House of Hot Sauce in Hamilton, the CNE has created its own signature, cotton candy-inspired hot sauce, which, in addition to being sold by the bottle, will also appear in a slew of dishes from the Midway to the food building.
Throughout the event, there are several different spots where you can grab a bite. Upon entering at the Princes’ Gates, you’ll stroll through Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beerfest, where, true to the name, a variety of food trucks, craft breweries and local beverage companies set up shop.
Vendors serving carnival staples can be found peppered throughout the event grounds, mixed in with midway rides and games. When in doubt, locate the Sky Ride running the expanse of the fairgrounds, and a vendor serving hot dogs or funnel cakes won’t be far.
If you’re of age and in the market for something strong to take the edge off, there are a series of licensed bars and patios throughout the fairgrounds, too, but you won’t be able to take any alcoholic beverages to go.
The undisputed epicentre of CNE eats, the Food Building, is where you’ll want to go to find the greatest concentration and diversity of food vendors, but be warned: it’s also where you’ll encounter the steepest lines.
Rides and Games
Perhaps the CNE’s primary draw, the Ex features a swath of staple carnival rides and games to try your luck on: whether you’re trying to win a giant stuffed banana or simply trying to keep your lunch inside your stomach.
When it comes to rides, all the classics are there: Polar Express, the Ferris Wheel, the Crazy Mouse, the iconic Swing Tower. To ride them, you’ll need to purchase tickets at kiosks inside the event or a Ride All Day pass, which, for $51.66, allows unlimited rides.
As for the games, some take tickets while others simply accept cold, hard cash (or, in most cases, Apple Pay).
Entertainment and Attractions
When you’ve had your fill of midway madness, there’s no shortage of other entertainment offerings at the CNE to keep the vibes high.
New this year, the 2026 CNE Space Experience will offer you a first-hand look into the life of an astronaut and let you learn more about Canada’s role in the Artemis II space mission. Featuring hands-on experiences, a 20-foot moon installation and hourly aerial acrobatic performances, it promises to be out of this world, indeed.
At Princes’ Gates, Pizza Pizza’s Big Dip High Dive Show will feature elite athletes and performers performing death-defying plunges from heights up to 80 ft. into a 40,000-gallon pool.
Long-running CNE staples will also return this year, including the CNE Drag Brunch, Classic Championship Wrestling, SuperDogs and the CNE Farm. You can learn more about the CNE’s entertainment offerings and find show schedules on the CNE’s website.
If you want to engage in some more high-stakes fun, you can also head to the CNE Casino, which is home to all your favourite games.
Shows
From concerts to the high-flying Canadian International Air Show, the special performances at the CNE promise to add a little dazzle to your summer day.
At the Bell Soundstage, nightly concerts are free to attend with entry to the fair, and this year’s lineup is already looking pretty loaded, with names like Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, JoJo, Charlotte Day Wilson, Lights and Glass Tiger all slated to perform.
The concerts at the bandshell tend to get pretty packed, so for an extra fee (roughly $45 to $90 depending on the performer), you can opt for a front-row VIP experience, which includes access to a VIP bar, VIP bathrooms, a front-row seat and one complimentary beverage.
Other stages around the fair will also feature live music and special performances throughout the day, every day, ranging from tribute bands playing the classics to dance and acrobatic displays at the Spotlight Stage.
The Canadian International Air Show returns to the city’s skies from Sept. 5 to Sept. 7, taking flight daily from noon to 3:40 p.m. You’ll want to take extra care to catch the air show this year, because it’s the last time the Snowbirds will participate until the 2030’s.
Tickets and Hours
The CNE runs every day from Friday, Aug. 21 to Monday, Sept. 7: a whopping 18-day run!
All midway rides are open from 11 a.m. until midnight on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends, so whether you swing by after work one day or plan a whole day of it on the weekend, you’ve got plenty of time to experience everything you want.
Advance all-ages tickets can be purchased online for $25.11, but kids aged 5 to 13 can also pick up a free pass, which grants general admission to the festival. Entry for kids aged four and under is free.
For thrill-seekers, the Ride All Day pass will set you back $51.66, but if you plan to hit as many rides as you possibly can, it’s most definitely worth the upcharge.
Getting there
With over a million people visiting the CNE every year, it’s important to thoroughly plan your route there to avoid any unnecessary headaches.
GO Trains will take you straight to the CNE grounds (Exhibition GO), or you can hop on the 511, 504B or 509 streetcars, as well as the 29 Dufferin bus, for direct access.
If you’re driving, the CNE grounds are accessible directly from the Gardiner Expressway, but if we’re being honest, you’re better off taking public transit.
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