CNE Toronto 2026 Guide: Tickets, Hours, Food and How to Get There

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CNE Toronto 2026: Everything you need to know before you go

Toronto, it’s nearly time — the highly anticipated Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back this weekend.

The annual CNE returns to Toronto this Friday, Aug. 21, marking its 147th year of rickety rides, outrageous eats and wholesome summer fun.

After months of summer mode, we’ll be in full CNE mode until Labour Day — here’s everything you need to make the most of your visit.

Food

Beyond the classic corndogs, cotton candy and popcorn, the CNE has become known for its more unusual food offerings — past hits include pickle lemonade and ketchup-and-mustard-flavoured soft serve.

This year is no exception.

Partnering with Hamilton’s Tijuana Tom’s House of Hot Sauce, the CNE has created a signature cotton candy-inspired hot sauce, sold by the bottle and featured in dishes from the Midway to the Food Building.

There are plenty of places to grab a bite. Entering through the Princes’ Gates, you’ll pass Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beerfest, home to food trucks, craft breweries and local beverage makers.

Carnival food vendors are scattered throughout the grounds among the rides and games. Follow the Sky Ride across the fairgrounds and a hot dog or funnel cake stand won’t be far away.

For those of legal drinking age, licensed bars and patios are dotted around the grounds, though alcoholic drinks can’t be taken to go.

The undisputed hub of CNE eats is the Food Building, with the greatest variety of vendors — just expect the longest lines.

Rides and Games

Rides are the CNE’s biggest draw, with a full lineup of classic carnival attractions and games — whether you’re chasing a giant stuffed banana or just trying to keep your lunch down.

All the classics are here: the Polar Express, Ferris Wheel, Crazy Mouse and iconic Swing Tower. You’ll need ride tickets from on-site kiosks or a Ride All Day pass at $51.66 for unlimited rides.

Games take tickets, cash, or — in most cases — Apple Pay.

Entertainment and Attractions

Once you’ve had your fill of the midway, there’s no shortage of other entertainment to keep the good times rolling.

New for 2026, the CNE Space Experience offers a first-hand look at life as an astronaut and Canada’s role in the Artemis II mission, with hands-on exhibits, a 20-foot moon installation and hourly aerial acrobatics.

At the Princes’ Gates, Pizza Pizza’s Big Dip High Dive Show features elite performers plunging from heights of up to 80 ft. into a 40,000-gallon pool.

Returning staples include the CNE Drag Brunch, Classic Championship Wrestling, SuperDogs and the CNE Farm — check the CNE website for full schedules.

For higher-stakes fun, head to the CNE Casino.

Shows

From concerts to the Canadian International Air Show, the CNE’s special performances add extra sparkle to a summer day.

At the Bell Soundstage, nightly concerts are free with fair admission, with a loaded lineup featuring Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, JoJo, Charlotte Day Wilson, Lights and Glass Tiger.

Concerts at the bandshell get packed, so for an extra $45–$90 depending on the act, you can grab a front-row VIP experience with VIP bar, VIP bathrooms, a front-row seat and one complimentary drink.

Other stages offer live music all day long, from tribute bands to dance and acrobatic performances at the Spotlight Stage.

The Canadian International Air Show returns Sept. 5–7, flying daily from noon to 3:40 p.m. Catch it this year — it’s the Snowbirds’ final appearance until the 2030s.