Toronto 
Following record-breaking attendance in 2022, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Toronto’s favourite end-of-summer tradition, is preparing for a spectacular comeback from August 18 to September 4, 2023.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
New to the CNE this year is the mesmerizing “Sparkling Symphony,” a daily fountain show on Lake Ontario. This spectacle melds high-energy music with 11 dancing fountains soaring up to 100 feet high, colour-changing lights, and lasers to light up the night.
In the throes of the summer heat, visitors can cool down at the indoor Skating Show, featuring Canadian skating champion Elvis Stojko, which marks its return after a hiatus since 2018.
Konterschwung/CNE
Notably, Konterschwung, the Swiss acrobats, will join the eclectic line-up of global artists embodying Canada’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
Additional international performers include the Croquiky Brothers, Odawa Wiingushk, Prima Dance School, and the cool Swiss acrobats, Konterschwung, representing the global entertainment scene.
Foodies can look forward to a cornucopia of delectable delights, from ice cream waffles and Tiny Toms doughnuts to the more unconventional culinary creations the CNE is famed for.
Over Labour Day weekend, the Canadian International Air Show promises a stunning aerial spectacle, while the popular nightly Drone Show, presented by Vinfast, offers awe-inspiring displays with 100 drones.
Welcoming over 1.56 million visitors, the CNE’s highest count in seven years, the festival brings back cherished highlights such as the Celebrity Kitchen Stage, the Food Truck Frenzy, and the 18-day Gaming Garage, powered by Intel.
The renowned SuperDogs will return with their new show “Barkade”, immersing the audience in a world of video games and animation.
Monster Energy will bring the Bandshell Park alive with multiple daily shows, featuring the Monster Energy Skateboard Team. The Food Building area will transform nightly with a dynamic Drone Show, offering a captivating display of light and colour.
A specially designated “Acrobat Alley” will animate the space south of the Enercare Centre’s Hall C, with a Tramp Wall and Aerial Acrobatics.
Seven music stages will host a medley of concerts and live performances, making the CNE experience more remarkable. Keep an eye out for the 2023 Bandshell Line-up announcement and the revelation of new food items.
Mark your calendars for this grand extravaganza, an essential component of Toronto’s summer celebrations.
CNE – Canada’s Largest Fair
What: Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, the CNE offers a wide variety of entertainment and events including Bandshell concerts, celebrity chef demonstrations, an aerial acrobatics and ice skating show, a dog show, a working farm, parades and a three-day Air Show, all of which are FREE with admission to the CNE.
When: August 18 – September 4, 2023
How Much: Starting at $20 before August 17
After August 18:
Adult Admission: $25
Seniors: $20
Youth: $20
Children under 4 years old: FREE
Family Pass: $75
