Summer in Toronto ends with a bang every single year. The Canadian National Exhibition returns to Exhibition Place from August 21 to September 7, 2026, giving visitors 18 full days of rides, wild food, live shows, and unforgettable memories. Known affectionately as The Ex, this beloved event has been running since 1879. Today it draws over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the largest fairs in all of North America.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong regular, 2026 promises something for everyone. Therefore, planning ahead will help you get the most out of every hour on the grounds.
Event Overview: Dates, Hours, and Location
The 2026 edition runs for 18 consecutive days, opening on Friday, August 21 and closing on Labour Day Monday, September 7. The location is Exhibition Place, situated along the Lake Ontario waterfront in southwestern downtown Toronto.
| Detail | Information |
| Start Date | Friday, August 21, 2026 |
| End Date | Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| Duration | 18 days |
| Location | Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario |
| Address | 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON |
| Regular Hours | Gates open 10 am, Grounds open until Midnight |
| Labour Day Hours | Gates 10 am, Grounds close at 9 pm |
| Ride Hours (Weekdays) | 11 am to Midnight |
| Ride Hours (Weekends) | 10 am to Midnight |
The grounds are easy to reach by public transit. The GO Train Lakeshore West Line stops directly at Exhibition Station, which sits at the CNE entrance. TTC streetcar routes 509, 511, and 504 also serve Exhibition Place. Additionally, on-site and off-site parking lots are available for those who prefer to drive.
Tickets and Pricing: What to Expect
General admission gives you access to the grounds, all shows, and all exhibits for one full day. Children aged four and under enter free of charge. Buying tickets online in advance saves money, so purchasing before August 21 is a smart move.
| Ticket Type | Regular Price | Notes |
| General Admission (Adult) | $30 | Grounds, shows, and exhibits included |
| Ride All Day Pass | $85 | Includes admission plus unlimited midway rides |
| Children (4 and under) | Free | No ticket required |
| Online Processing Fee | $2.99 per ticket | Added at checkout |
Advance sale tickets offer savings of up to 35 percent off the gate price. Ride All Day passes are ideal for families who plan to spend most of the day on the midway. However, if your group prefers shows and exhibits over rides, the standard admission ticket offers excellent value on its own.
Midway Rides: Thrills for Every Age
The midway is the heartbeat of The Ex. With over 60 rides spread across the grounds, there is something for every thrill level. High-speed roller coasters and looping rides sit alongside slower family favorites. Younger children have their own dedicated zone, which keeps the experience safe and age-appropriate.
The Sky Ride is one of the most unique attractions on the grounds. Ski-lift-style chairs carry passengers from near the Princes’ Gates to the south end of the grounds, offering aerial views of the entire fairground below. It is a relaxing way to cross the venue while taking in the full scope of the event.
For competitive thrill-seekers, the midway games run parallel to the rides. Skill-based games and games of chance line the pathways, with prizes available for winners. These games add a classic carnival atmosphere that many visitors consider an essential part of the CNE experience.
Food at the CNE: The Toronto Star Food Building and Beyond
The Food Building is arguably the most talked-about destination at the entire fair. Every year, vendors compete to create the most outrageous, innovative, and deeply satisfying dishes imaginable. The CNE has a long history of food firsts. Past creations have included the now-legendary Cronut Burger, deep-fried butter chicken lasagna, tzatziki cheesecake, pickle Oreos, wasabi ice cream in a charcoal cone, and a footlong mozzarella stick served in a hotdog bun.
The 2026 edition will introduce a fresh wave of new creations alongside returning classics. Food Products Day also returns this year, inviting visitors to spin prize wheels and play games inside the Food Building for a chance to win giveaways from food vendors.
Beyond the Food Building, the grounds offer a wide variety of eating options.
- Food Truck Frenzy brings a rotating lineup of Toronto’s best food trucks to the fairgrounds
- Craft Beerfest offers a dedicated experience for beer enthusiasts seeking local and international brews
- Traditional fairground stands serve classics like mini donuts, corn dogs, cotton candy, and fresh-squeezed lemonade
- Celebrity chef demonstrations take place regularly, giving food lovers a chance to learn from industry professionals
Additionally, visitors are permitted to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and food into the CNE, which is a welcome policy for families watching their budget.
Shopping at The Ex: Markets, Vendors, and Unique Finds
Shopping at The Ex is a well-established tradition. The indoor and outdoor exhibit halls fill with vendors offering everything from kitchen gadgets and home goods to handmade crafts, fashion, and technology products. Many visitors make specific trips to the CNE purely for the shopping experience.
The variety of goods on display is impressive. Canadian artisans sit alongside international vendors, and the atmosphere feels more like an eclectic market than a typical retail environment. Therefore, browsing without a set plan is often the best approach. Unexpected finds are part of the charm.
The CNE Gaming Garage returns in 2026, giving tech and gaming fans a space to explore the latest in interactive entertainment. Crafting workshops also run throughout the fair, offering hands-on activities for creative visitors of all ages.
Live Entertainment: Shows, Concerts, and Spectacles
Entertainment runs continuously across multiple stages and venues throughout the 18 days. The variety is one of the CNE’s greatest strengths. Here is a look at the headline entertainment experiences.
SuperDogs: Fairy Tails
The SuperDogs show returns with a brand-new production called Fairy Tails. This beloved show features highly trained dogs performing incredible tricks, routines, and agility feats in front of a live audience. It is a multi-generational crowd-pleaser and one of the most reliably entertaining shows at the entire fair. Admission is included with your general entry ticket.
Bell Soundstage Concerts at the Bandshell
The outdoor Bandshell stage hosts daily music performances and nightly headline acts throughout the run. The 2026 Bell Soundstage lineup was announced early and features a mix of Canadian talent and international artists. Concerts begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening, giving visitors a live music experience at no additional cost beyond general admission.
Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show at Coca-Cola Coliseum
This spectacular indoor show combines aerial acrobatics with professional ice skating in a breathtaking performance. The Coca-Cola Coliseum hosts this experience, which has become a signature CNE attraction in recent years. All entry is covered by general admission.
Kids’ World
Kids’ World returns in 2026 with brand-new programming designed specifically for young visitors. The zone offers age-appropriate rides, interactive entertainment, and dedicated activities that give children their own space within the larger fair. Parents appreciate having a focused, safe environment for smaller kids.
CNE Farm and HorseCapades
The CNE Farm brings a slice of rural Canada into the heart of Toronto. Visitors meet live farm animals and explore interactive exhibits on emerging trends in agriculture. Adjacent to this, HorseCapades offers a free introduction to horses for young and old alike. It is educational, charming, and completely free with admission.
Canadian International Air Show
The fair closes in spectacular fashion each year with the Canadian International Air Show, held over Labour Day weekend. The air show draws massive crowds and remains one of the most anticipated events of the entire CNE calendar. Performances are visible from many waterfront locations around Exhibition Place, and the displays are included free with CNE admission.
Evening Fireworks
Every evening, fireworks light up the sky above Lake Ontario. This nightly spectacle caps off each day at the fair and has become one of the most memorable parts of the CNE experience for families and couples alike.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A few simple habits make a big difference at a large event like this.
- Arrive early on weekdays to enjoy shorter queues at the most popular rides and shows
- Purchase tickets online in advance to save up to 35 percent and skip ticket lines at the gate
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds cover a large area and most of the day involves walking
- Bring a light jacket for evening visits, as temperatures near the lake drop after sunset
- Take the GO Train or TTC to avoid parking costs and traffic congestion
- Bring a reusable water bottle since free refillable water stations are available throughout the grounds
- Plan your must-see shows in advance, as the SuperDogs and ice show have limited seating and fill quickly
Conclusion
The Canadian National Exhibition 2026 is set to deliver everything that makes The Ex one of Canada’s most beloved summer traditions. Running from August 21 to September 7, 2026, at Exhibition Place in Toronto, the event packs 18 days with over 60 midway rides, outrageous food creations, live concerts, world-class shows, and a shopping experience unlike anything else in the city. New attractions like SuperDogs’ Fairy Tails and the returning Kids’ World programming join crowd favorites like the Air Show, the Food Building, and nightly fireworks. Whether you come for the thrills, the food, the music, or simply the atmosphere, The Ex delivers a genuinely unforgettable end-of-summer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Canadian National Exhibition 2026?
The CNE runs from August 21 to September 7, 2026. That is 18 consecutive days, ending on Labour Day Monday. The grounds are open daily from 10 am, with rides running until midnight on most nights.
How much does it cost to get into the CNE 2026?
General admission is $30 for adults and free for children aged four and under. A Ride All Day Pass, which includes unlimited midway rides plus general admission, costs $85. Buying tickets online in advance saves up to 35 percent off the gate price.
What new shows and attractions are at the CNE in 2026?
The SuperDogs return with a brand-new show called Fairy Tails. The Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show is back at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Kids’ World features all-new programming for young visitors. The CNE Farm, HorseCapades, and the Gaming Garage also return for 2026.
What is the best way to get to Exhibition Place for the CNE?
The GO Train Lakeshore West Line stops directly at Exhibition Station, which is right at the CNE entrance. TTC streetcar routes 509, 511, and 504 also serve the grounds. Taking public transit is strongly recommended to avoid parking costs and traffic delays during the busy fair period.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to the CNE?
Yes. Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the CNE. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Free refillable water stations are also available throughout the grounds, so bringing a reusable water bottle is a practical choice.