Summer in Toronto ends the way it always does — with The Ex. The Canadian National Exhibition 2026 runs from August 21 to September 7, giving Torontonians and visitors from across the country 18 full days of rides, food, live music, and entertainment. Few annual events in North America match its scale, its energy, or its tradition.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan of the fair, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Key Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Canadian National Exhibition (The Ex) |
| Dates | August 21 to September 7, 2026 |
| Location | Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario |
| Address | 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON |
| Daily Hours | 10:00 AM to Midnight |
| Attendance | Over 1.5 million visitors annually |
| Tickets | Available at theex.com |
The fair takes place at Exhibition Place, right on the Toronto waterfront. It has called this location home since 1879, making it one of the oldest annual exhibitions in North America. The iconic Princes’ Gates mark the main entrance, and the surrounding grounds offer stunning views of Lake Ontario throughout your visit.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Buying your tickets in advance is one of the smartest things you can do. Advance tickets offer discounts of up to 35 percent compared to gate pricing, and they save you time in line when you arrive.
| Ticket Type | Advance Price (until Aug. 20) | Notes |
| General Admission | $25.11 | Includes grounds, shows, and exhibits |
| Ride All Day Pass | $51.66 | Includes admission and unlimited midway rides |
| Front Row VIP Add-On | From $40 per person | Reserved front-of-stage viewing at Bandshell concerts |
A processing fee of $2.99 applies to all advance tickets, and HST is added at checkout. Prices rise once the fair opens on August 21. Therefore, purchasing early is the easiest way to keep costs down.
The Front Row VIP Add-On gives you access to a reserved viewing area at the front of the Bell SOUNDSTAGE, access to the VIP lounge, a dedicated VIP bar, and one complimentary drink ticket. However, note that the VIP add-on for several 2026 performers — including Lupe Fiasco, Lights, Shaggy, Silverstein, Tom Cochrane, and The Trews — sold out quickly. General admission still includes access to the concert space for all shows included with entry.
All tickets are available at theex.com.
Confirmed 2026 Concert Lineup
Live music is one of the most beloved parts of The Ex. Concerts at the Bell SOUNDSTAGE Bandshell are free with general admission. The 2026 lineup features a strong mix of rap, rock, pop, and Canadian icons.
| Date | Performer | Genre |
| Friday, August 21 | Lupe Fiasco | Hip-Hop / Rap |
| Saturday, August 22 | LIGHTS | Indie Pop / Electronic |
| Sunday, August 23 | Shaggy | Reggae / Pop |
| Thursday, August 27 | The Trews | Canadian Rock |
| Thursday, September 3 | Silverstein | Post-Hardcore |
| Saturday, September 5 | Tom Cochrane | Canadian Rock |
Additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming months. The full schedule will be published on theex.com as the event date approaches.
This year brings an exciting new partnership between the CNE and NXNE, Canada’s largest music festival. A newly added NXNE Stage joins the existing performance venues, expanding the music offering across five stages. Additionally, the CNE has partnered with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada to reimagine the Bandshell experience and cement music as a central part of the fair’s identity.
Must-See Attractions at the 2026 CNE
The fair offers far more than music. Across 18 days, dozens of attractions draw visitors of every age and interest. Here are the highlights you should not miss.
The Midway and Thrill Rides
Over 60 midway rides operate throughout the fair. From classic spinning rides to high-speed roller coasters, the midway is the beating heart of The Ex. If you plan to ride multiple times during your visit, the Ride All Day Pass delivers the best value. Weekday mornings offer shorter wait times than weekend afternoons.
SuperDogs: Fairy Tails
The SuperDogs show returns in 2026 with a brand-new production called Fairy Tails. This crowd favorite features agile and talented dogs performing jaw-dropping tricks in a theatrical show format. It runs daily from August 21 to September 7 at the Enercare Centre, and it is genuinely enjoyable for all ages.
The Canadian International Air Show
One of the most spectacular annual events in Toronto takes place at the CNE each year. The Canadian International Air Show runs from August 31 to September 2, 2026. Military jets and skilled aerobatic pilots perform high-speed maneuvers over Lake Ontario. The show is visible from the waterfront and is included with general admission. Evening rehearsals on August 30 and 31 offer a quieter viewing experience.
The Food Building
Over one million people visit the CNE Food Building each year. It is the heart of the fair’s legendary food culture. More than 100 food booths line the hall, featuring everything from classic midway staples to wildly creative new creations. Deep-fried everything, Tiny Tom Donuts, and outrageous fusion dishes compete for your attention at every turn. The Food Building can get crowded, so visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning is the smartest approach.
Classic Championship Wrestling
This fan favorite returns to the 2026 CNE with live wrestling action throughout the fair. It is a crowd-pleasing spectacle that draws enthusiastic audiences daily.
Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show
This popular indoor performance combines precision skating with acrobatic choreography. It is a welcome, air-conditioned alternative to the outdoor heat and one of the more visually impressive shows on the grounds.
Kids’ World and HorseCapades
Families with younger children have dedicated spaces at the fair. Kids’ World offers new programming and entertainment designed for young visitors. HorseCapades is a free and interactive introduction to horses, combining education with fun in a relaxed environment.
Annual Cat Show
On August 29 and 30, the Enercare Centre hosts the Annual Cat Show. More than 100 cats from across Ontario are showcased. It is a quirky and genuinely enjoyable event that surprises many visitors who stumble upon it.
CNE Farm and Agricultural Exhibits
The CNE Farm showcases emerging trends in agriculture alongside interactive exhibits and live farm animals. It connects urban visitors with Canada’s farming heritage in an accessible and engaging way.
Getting to Exhibition Place
Exhibition Place sits on Toronto’s waterfront in the southwestern part of downtown. It is well connected to public transit and easy to reach from across the city.
| Transport Option | Details |
| Streetcar | Routes 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst serve the grounds |
| Bus | TTC Express Bus from Bathurst Station with no stops in between |
| GO Train | Lakeshore West Line stops directly at Exhibition Station |
| Bike | Martin Goodman Trail connects to the grounds; Bike Share Toronto stations available |
| Parking | Paid lots available at $20–$30 per day; public transit is recommended |
For visitors coming from outside Toronto, the GO Train option is particularly convenient. The Lakeshore West Line drops you directly at the CNE entrance, which makes the trip straightforward and stress-free.
Visitor Tips for a Great Day at The Ex
A little planning goes a long way at a fair this size. Here are the most useful things to keep in mind before your visit.
- Visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for significantly smaller crowds, shorter lines, and an overall calmer experience
- Buy tickets online before August 20 to lock in the maximum advance discount
- Arrive when the gates open at 10:00 AM to get ahead of the crowds, especially at the Food Building
- Download the CNE map from theex.com before your visit to plan your route and track real-time crowd information
- Wear comfortable shoes — the grounds are large and you will walk a great deal
- Bring sunscreen and a light layer for the evening, as waterfront evenings in late August can turn cool
- Pace yourself in the Food Building — choosing two or three standout items is a far better experience than trying everything
- Plan your day around the Air Show if you are attending on August 31, September 1, or September 2
Conclusion
The Canadian National Exhibition 2026 runs from August 21 to September 7 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Over 18 days, the fair brings together world-class live music, thrilling midway rides, spectacular air shows, beloved family attractions, and an unmatched food experience. Advance tickets start at $25.11 and offer savings of up to 35 percent. Confirmed concert headliners include Lupe Fiasco, Shaggy, Lights, The Trews, Silverstein, and Tom Cochrane. New additions in 2026 include the NXNE Stage partnership and the Front Row VIP concert experience. Whether you are planning a family day out, a music-filled evening, or a full weekend at the waterfront, The Ex delivers one of the best summer fair experiences in North America. Buy your tickets early, plan your must-sees, and enjoy everything this Toronto tradition has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Canadian National Exhibition 2026?
The CNE 2026 runs from Friday, August 21 to Monday, September 7, 2026. That is 18 days of entertainment, rides, food, and live concerts at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. The grounds are open daily from 10:00 AM to midnight.
How much do CNE 2026 tickets cost?
Advance general admission starts at $25.11, including a $2.99 processing fee, with HST added at checkout. The Ride All Day Pass starts at $51.66. The Front Row VIP concert add-on starts at $40 per person. All advance prices are available until August 20, 2026. Prices increase at the gate.
Are concerts at the CNE free with admission?
Yes. All Bandshell concerts at the Bell SOUNDSTAGE are included with general CNE admission. The Front Row VIP Add-On is an optional upgrade that provides reserved front-of-stage viewing and lounge access, but general admission gives you full access to the concert area.
What is the Canadian International Air Show at the CNE?
The Canadian International Air Show takes place over the final weekend of the CNE, from August 31 to September 2, 2026. Military jets and aerobatic performers fly over Lake Ontario in a breathtaking display. The show is visible from the waterfront and included with general fair admission.
How do I get to the CNE at Exhibition Place?
The easiest options are the TTC Express Bus from Bathurst Station, the GO Train Lakeshore West Line to Exhibition Station, or streetcar routes 509 and 511. Driving is possible, with paid parking available at $20–$30 per day, but public transit is generally faster and less stressful during the fair.
