The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is returning to Toronto’s lakefront with more of the carnival rides, concert performances and eccentric food the fair is known for. The event will begin on Aug. 16 and run for more than two weeks before wrapping up on Sept.
2, Labour Day. According to their site , the CNE has been running annually since 1879. Here’s what you need to plan your trip and what you should expect this year.
Tickets purchased before the festivities start on Aug. 16 can be bought for several dollars cheaper. Whether attendees buy their tickets at the gate or online, they have the option of single day passes, ride passes or even VIP tickets.
People between the ages of 14 and 64-years-old can expect to pay general admission prices but children 13 and younger or adults 65 or older are eligible for discounted prices. Children four and under are free. Families can also buy a pass that covers admission for two adults and two children or one adult and three children.
Large groups of 12 or more people should contact the CNE to learn more about custom options for group tickets. Before buying tickets, attendees should note that general admission tickets don’t include access to the rides and that they will need to purchase a ride all day pass for access. The CNE is held at Exhibition Place in Toronto which is north of Lake Shore Boulevard West between Strachan & Dufferin Streets.
It is accessible directly from the Gardiner Expressway by car. There will be bike and vehicle parking available in designated zones of the grounds but the space is first-come, first-served. Attendees also have several public transit options to get to the festival.
The 511 Bathurst Streetcar, 504B King Streetcar, 29 Dufferin Bus and 509 Harbourfront Streetcar will all be running routes close to the events. Another option is to take the GO Train and get off at Exhibition station. On Saturday, the TTC will be offering free rides to active members of the Canadian military and veterans in honour of Warriors’ Day.
For more information on any of the routes, check a map service or the CNE website . From dill pickle cotton candy to ketchup and mustard ice cream to granny smith apple poutine , the CNE is known for having wild and wacky combinations on the menu. Though this year’s featured items haven’t been announced yet, almost 200 different food vendors are expected to be at the exhibition to serve up carnival favourites.
There will also be a wide variety of food trucks on location and a craft beer festival. While at the CNE, attendees can watch ice skaters perform aerial and acrobatic tricks, catch the 2024 Canadian International Air Show as they celebrate their 75th anniversary, gather around the waterfront as water-skiers showcase their skills among many more performances . For animal lovers, there will be dog, equestrian and cat shows or they can meet farm animals up close while pretending to be a farmer for the day.
Sloan, Down with Webster, Born Ruffians, Half Moon Run and The New Pornographers will be playing sets along with cover bands and international acts throughout the exhibition. There will also be exhibits ranging from historical collections to Indigenous artworks to immersive light experiences. People can bring their own food but if they choose to use a cooler, it is subject to search.
Attendees cannot bring their own alcohol to the CNE but alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase in licensed areas on the grounds, including a craft beer festival . Bicycles, in-line skates and two-wheel scooters are not allowed on the CNE grounds for the duration of the fair. With the exception of service dogs and animals on-site as part of the CNE’s programming, pets are not allowed at the exhibition.
Though they can’t be brought into the fair, they should not be left in cars. Any animals found in parked vehicles will be reported and rescued by CNE Animal Services. Smoking of any kind is not allowed within nine meters of Kids’ World and all other buildings on the grounds.
The CNE organizers are asking attendees to be considerate of other guests when smoking in designated areas. The grounds will be open from 10 a.m.
to midnight, except on Labour Day, when it’ll close at 10 p.m. The gates will open at 10 a.
m. and close at 10 p.m.
for the duration of the fair, except on Labour Day when it’ll close at 5 p.m. For a more detailed list of operational hours, check the CNE’s website .
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