Top Things to Do at 2022 CNE in Toronto

The Canadian National Exhibition is back with a new spectacular nightly Drone Show, a variety of food festivals and a thrilling midway from August 19 to September 5, 2022.

The 144th year of the Canadian National Exhibition Association will kick off with an official ceremony will take place in front of the historic Princes Gates at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 19th.

This year, the annual Warriors Parade on August 20th by veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and First Responders will celebrate its 100th Anniversary.

Credit: CNE

That is not all, during the 18 days of pure fun inside Princes’ Gates, you can go on an immersive odyssey through time while enjoying a multimedia show that merges the most cutting-edge theatrical technology, pyrotechnics, and augmented reality.

Foodies can expect three themed food festivals — Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest, Mardi Gras Food Truck Festival, and Celtic Food Truck Festival.

Children can enjoy a new SuperDogs show “PAWVENGERS,” and a thrilling ride on the 40 feet diameter, 34ft tall Double-Decker Merry-Go-Round with 76 seats. As per NAME, the provider of the midway, “For guests who want a bird’s eye view of the midway, the double-decker top floor of this exquisite Merry Go Round offers a wonderful sight of all that the fair has to offer. The inspired lighting throughout the ride sets the mood for a romantic experience.”

For those looking to enjoy live concerts, the CNE is packing music, performances and comedy on its six variety stages daily throughout the grounds, including an impressive marquee line-up on the Bandshell Stage. Concert goers can expect to see Tom Cochrane, Marianas Trench, Jay Douglas, Gordon Lightfoot, Iskwē, Monowhales, and many more!

You can also see some of Canada’s funniest acts like Howie Mandel, Ali Hassan (CBC’s Laugh Out Loud and Run the Burbs’), Nour Hadidi (Kevin Hart’s LOL Network), Nile Seguin (Just for Laughs), and Canada’s Got Talent finalist Courtney Gilmour.

The CNE will cap off with the traditional Canadian International Air Show featuring the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team & Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Here are all top things to do at the Ex:

Top Things to Do at the 2022 Canadian National Exhibition

2022 Warriors’ Day Parade – The 100th Anniversary – The Warriors’ Day Parade is a unique and spectacular event that includes the colour, sound and traditions of Canada’s Regiments and Squadrons as well as the recognition of those who served and those who serve today. August 20th at Gore Park, west on Lakeshore Boulevard, to CNE Grounds
Nightly Drone Show – Watch the skies above the Food Building come to life in a spectacle of dancing lights! Cap off a fun-filled day at the fair with a colourfully dynamic Drone Show featuring 100 drones that will illuminate the night with an array of stunning images. From Aug. 19 – Sept. 4, at 10:45pm above the Food Building

NEVAEH & The NorthStar presented by VinFast – “NEVAEH” and her trusty drone “NorthStar” embark on a never-before-seen odyssey through time and space featuring ground-breaking projection mapping, augmented reality, laser, pyrotechnics and indoor drones. 3 Shows Daily, Coca-Cola Coliseum
Celtic Food Truck Festival – To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses, a new festival takes over Princes’ Boulevard for a rousing weekend that celebrates Celtic culture with music, entertainment and food. September 1 to September 5, 2022; 2 pm to 10 pm; September 5; 2 pm to 6 pm, Princes’ Blvd
4th Annual Gaming Garage Powered by AMD – The gaming extravaganza will run throughout all 18 days of the fair featuring everything from esports and pinball tournaments to Dungeons and Dragons, board games, VR, Video Game Dance Floor, and more. The Emerging innovator’s Pitch Competition takes place Aug. 28, convening Canada’s brightest innovators to pitch their inventions and compete for cash prizes; and a Robotics Competition takes place Sept. 2 – 4, where contestants and their creators will spar head-to-head to determine which bot will take the crown. Daily, 2 & 5 pm Enercare Centre Hall B
Celebrity Kitchen Stage – The CNE’s Celebrity Kitchen Stage will feature a roster of renowned chefs, Canadian culinarians, and mixologists such as MasterChef Canada’s Claudio Aprile, Corbin Tomaszeski of Dinner Party Wars, and Food Network star Bob Blumer. Get inspiring meal ideas with Caribbean-inspired flavours from La-Toya Fagon or learn how to properly cook with seafood from Rock Lobster’s Matt Dean Pettit. Daily, Enercare Centre Hall A
73rd Annual Canadian International Air Show – Canada’s largest and longest-running air show returns with its soaring aerial spectacle! Sept. 3 – 5, Waterfront
Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest – Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest will feature more than 20 vendors offering global fare from perogies to Egyptian street food, Caribbean roti to pho dumplings. Wash it all down with a selection of icy cold craft brews. August 25 to August 28, 2022; 11 am to 11 pm, Princes’ Blvd
Crazy Foods – Festival goers can expect some crazy CNE food concoctions this year. Try 2 ft. Long Taco by Machette, Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich by Waffles & Cream, Mango Passionfruit Mojito Float by Yogen Fruz, Purple Slime Soda and Rainbow Slime Candy by EATive, Flaming Hot Cheetos Burrito by Burrito Co., Flaming Hot Cheetos Chicken Burger by Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Flaming Hot Cheetos Smashburger by Bacon Nation, Fried Cheesecake Chimichanga by Farm To Fryer at the Food Building. Outdoor Concessions will feature Deep Fried Coffee and Giant Mozzarella Sticks by Deep Fried, Ketchup & Mustard Ice Cream by So Cute Ice Cream, Korean Squid Ink Corndog by SaltSpring Concessions, Lightsaber Cotton Candy Stick at Candy Time, Mac & Cheese Chimney Cones by Eva’s Original Chimneys, Mac & Cheese Lemonade by Real Fruit Drinks, Mac & Cheese Pizza by Wood Fired Pizza, and Spicy Pickle Lemonade by Real Fruit Drinks.

SuperDogs – Celebrating their 40th anniversary, these incredible canines will unleash their superpowers in a high-energy, high-flying adventure show, PAWVENGERS. Daily, Enercare Centre Hall D
Celebrating CNE Heritage – Step into Doorways to the Past displayed throughout the grounds for an interactive journey of The EX through the eras; travel back in time and walk through the iconic history of the CNE and its storied grounds with the CNE Heritage Immersive Experience (Enercare Centre Heritage Court Gallery); or join the CNE Ghost Walks to learn about the fair’s haunted history and legendary spirits.
CNE Bandshell – Enjoy summer nights outdoors while rocking out with Tom Cochrane, Marianas Trench, Jay Douglas and many more! The Bandshell will also shine a spotlight on some of Canada’s funniest acts.
Kids’ World – Families can enjoy the mini-Midway for kids, interactive programs such as the Pizza Nova Pizza-Making Shop, and plenty of entertainment on the Kids World Stage from characters such as Bob the Builder, Dorothy & Wags from The Wiggles, a topsy turvy cirque-tacular show, Cirque Wonderland; a Dino Dig – where aspiring paleontologists can dig for prehistoric artifacts; and Chalkmaster Dave who will be creating amazing chalk art in Kids World.
Turn Off the Plastic Tap – Famed Canadian artist, activist, and photographer Benjamin Von Wong presents #TurnOffThePlasticTap, a massive 25’ x 30’ art installation that comments on the overuse of plastics by using discarded plastic. Daily, Enercare Centre Hall A
National Geographic’s The Greatest Wildlife Photos Exhibit – The world’s most striking wildlife images will be on display at the CNE. Daily, Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Pavilion & Enercare Centre, Hall A
Charles Pachter (aka Johnnie at the Fair) Exhibit: A Romance with Canada – The CNE is honouring the work of esteemed Canadian painter Charles Pachter and his unique connection to the fair. Some of his most renowned works and favourite subject matter will be on display including The Queen & Moose series. Daily, Withrow Common Gallery
Voitek Pendrak Immersive Projections – Toronto-based photographer and multimedia artist Voitek Pendrak presents an all-new 360° immersive experience titled, A Trip Through 103: Therapy for the Soul, that combines his vibrant kaleidoscope-like imagery and cinematography with an original soundtrack to create a truly mind-bending show. Daily, 1pm – 7pm, Enercare Centre Salon 103
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Exhibit – This important exhibit showcases the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit through art, storytelling, and a variety of interactive experiences. Daily, Enercare Centre
Giant Sand Sculpture – See the intricate features of the massive sculpture out of 100 tonnes of sand!
CNE sign – There are a multitude of options for selfies, but don’t forget to get a picture at the 8-foot tall CNE sign featuring a Canadian maple leaf.
Cat Show – Say hello to some adorable felines as more than 125 cats from all across Ontario will be visiting the CNE this summer for the annual Cat Show! August 27 & 28, Enercare Centre

Most activities and concerts (except midway, food, etc.) are included in general admission which costs $20, if purchased before Aug. 18. Advance Ride All Day Pass
costs $41.59 and includes grounds admission, and access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides.

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