If there’s one Toronto tradition that knows how to send summer out with a bang, it’s the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Running from August 21 to September 7, 2026, the 147th edition of The EX once again transformed Exhibition Place into a lively playground filled with music, midway rides, food, games, family activities, technology, live performances and high-flying entertainment.
After taking in this year’s event, it’s easy to see why the CNE remains one of Toronto’s most anticipated annual attractions.
A Little Something for Everyone
The biggest strength of the CNE is its variety. You can arrive with a completely different plan from the person standing next to you and still find plenty to enjoy.
Families can head to the kids’ attractions and CNE Farm, while thrill-seekers can make a beeline for the midway. Music fans have plenty of live performances to choose from, and food lovers can spend hours sampling familiar favourites and creative carnival treats.
There’s also shopping, competitions, gaming and interactive experiences, making the CNE much more than a traditional fair.
Our verdict: The variety makes it particularly easy to spend an entire day at The EX without running out of things to see and do.
Canadian Music Gets the Spotlight
One of the highlights of CNE 2026 was its celebration of Canadian music.
With the historic Bandshell celebrating its 90th anniversary, it was fitting that Canadian artists played such an important role in this year’s concert lineup.
The performers represented a broad range of styles, from rock and alternative to contemporary R&B, country and pop. Artists including Glass Tiger, Virginia to Vegas, Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, Bran Van 3000, Charlotte Day Wilson, Matthew Good and His Band and Dallas Smith helped showcase the depth of Canada’s music scene.
Canadian favourites such as Tom Cochrane, Lights, The Trews and Silverstein also added to an impressive homegrown lineup.
For visitors, the best part is that the CNE’s headline concert experience is included with admission, making the EX an especially attractive option for live-music fans.
International Sounds Add to the Experience
The CNE also delivered on its promise to celebrate Canada’s multicultural musical landscape.
From Punjabi hip hop and South Asian influences to Soca, pop and international rap, the lineup reflected the diversity of Toronto itself.
Raf-Saperra brought his distinctive combination of Punjabi storytelling and contemporary hip hop, while Soca Night celebrated Barbados with performers including Edwin Yearwood, DJ PuMy and Alison Hinds.
International stars including JoJo, Lupe Fiasco and Shaggy added even more variety.
This multicultural approach is one of the things that makes the CNE feel particularly relevant to Toronto: there is a genuine sense that many different audiences can find something that speaks to them.
Our Favourite New Attraction: The CNE Space EXperience
One of the most memorable additions this year was the CNE Space EXperience.
The interactive attraction offered visitors an opportunity to explore Canada’s contribution to space exploration, learn about the Artemis II mission and experience hands-on exhibits related to Canadian space technology.
The Artemis II Journey photo exhibition added an educational component, while the spectacular illuminated Moon and aerial acrobatic performances provided the kind of visual spectacle that works particularly well at a major summer event.
It was informative without feeling like a classroom — and visually impressive enough to keep younger visitors interested.
Review rating: ★★★★★ for creativity and presentation.
Gaming Garage Gets a Space-Age Makeover
The CNE Gaming Garage was another strong choice for families and younger visitors.
This year’s space theme added a fun new dimension, with activities including an Astronaut Fitness Challenge and the interactive aiLIENS: Lunar Station 6IX.
The Innovation Garage was also a welcome feature, giving aspiring student programmers and indie developers a chance to showcase their work.
Best of all, the gaming experiences were free, giving visitors another way to enjoy the CNE without constantly reaching for their wallets.
The Big Dip High Dive Show Makes a Splash
For pure spectacle, it’s difficult to beat The Big Dip High Dive Show, presented by Pizza Pizza.
High diving has a history at the CNE dating back to the early 1960s, and its return brought a nostalgic tradition back with a modern, adrenaline-filled presentation.
Watching elite divers climb platforms as high as 80 feet before plunging into a 40,000-gallon pool is impressive enough during the day.
At night, the show turns up the drama even further with fire surrounding the divers during their descent.
If you’re looking for an attraction that gets the crowd reacting, this one certainly delivers.
The Canadian International Air Show Remains a Must-See
Another major CNE tradition is the Canadian International Air Show, which once again provided one of the most spectacular sights of the EX.
The skies above Toronto became part of the show as aerobatic performers and military aircraft took centre stage.
The appearance of the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds was particularly significant, giving audiences an opportunity to see the iconic team perform before a planned multi-year pause.
For anyone visiting the CNE over Labour Day weekend, finding a good viewing location for the air show is highly recommended.
Family Entertainment Is Still at the Heart of The EX
Despite all the new attractions, the CNE hasn’t forgotten what makes it special for families.
The Ice Skating & Acrobatics Show, featuring seven-time Canadian champion Elvis Stojko, brought athleticism and entertainment together, while the SuperDogs returned with the new Fairy-Tails show.
At the CNE Farm, visitors could meet barn animals and participate in activities including goat yoga and line dancing.
These experiences provide a nice balance to the louder, faster attractions of the midway.
New Stages Bring More Live Entertainment
Another highlight was the expansion of live entertainment throughout the grounds.
The NXNE Stage offered a platform for emerging Canadian artists, while the Spotlight Stage brought international performers to Toronto.
Japan’s HARIBOW added high-energy Double Dutch to the entertainment mix, while OMNIUM presented an innovative circus experience in English and American Sign Language, featuring performers of diverse abilities and a Deaf Ringmaster.
These additions reinforced the feeling that the CNE is evolving beyond its traditional midway roots.
And, of Course, There Are the Rides!
No CNE review would be complete without mentioning the midway.
The rides remain one of the biggest draws for visitors looking for thrills, while the games provide plenty of opportunities to test your luck and skill.
Then there’s the food.
From classic fair favourites to the latest over-the-top carnival creations, eating your way through the CNE is practically an attraction in itself.
For many visitors, it’s this combination of rides, food, games and nostalgia that makes a return trip to The EX an annual tradition.
Final Review: Is CNE 2026 Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
CNE 2026 successfully combines the nostalgia people associate with The EX with enough new attractions and entertainment to keep the experience feeling fresh.
The strongest aspects are the variety of activities, the impressive Canadian and international music lineup, the new Space EXperience, the return of high diving and the continuing appeal of the midway.
Whether you’re visiting with children, friends, a partner or on your own, the CNE offers plenty of reasons to stay for several hours — and potentially come back for another day.
TorontoArtsandEvents Verdict
★★★★★ 5/5
Best for: Families, music lovers, thrill-seekers, foodies, gamers and anyone looking for a classic Toronto summer experience.
Don’t miss: The CNE Space EXperience, The Big Dip High Dive Show, Canadian International Air Show, live concerts and the midway.
The EX continues to prove that some Toronto traditions really do get better with time.
See you at CNE 2027!
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