Toronto 
Ontario’s cherished summer finale, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), is set to return, boasting a myriad of new and returning attractions.
Credit: CNE
In addition to returning favourites like the Superwheel, a 150-ft observation ride, the 145th edition of CNE will bring all the thrills with extreme sports.
This year, the CNE will highlight extreme sports, with 51-year-old British skateboarder Andy Macdonald making his debut at the newly introduced EX Games. The event will feature a 12ft half-pipe and daily performances by top athletes in skateboarding, BMX biking, and inline skating at the Princes’ Gates.
This year’s exhibition will also see the return of Elvis Stojko with a new ice-skating show titled “ACTION!”, and wrestling legends at the Classic Championship Wrestling event. The CNE Gaming Garage will introduce the national CNE Master Clash featuring TEKKEN 8, with finalists competing in Toronto for a $12,000 prize.
For families, the exhibition offers the Byte Sized Gaming Zone, retro arcade games, a robotics competition, and a television history exhibit by the MZTV Museum. The Withrow Common Gallery, in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario, will present “Bridging Eras & Galleries,” highlighting significant artworks once owned by the CNE.
Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to Ribfest, while the Canadian International Air Show, featuring the renowned Snowbirds, will dazzle on Labour Day Weekend.
2024 CNE Highlights
Credit: CNE
- Extreme Sports: Andy Macdonald, Britain’s oldest competing skateboarder at 51, will debut at the EX Games featuring professional skateboarders, BMX bikers, and inline skaters performing on a 12ft half-pipe.
- CNE Aquarama: The CNE Aquarama returns with world champion water-skiers and top Canadian athletes performing on the West Channel of Lake Ontario.
- Air Show: Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Canadian International Air Show will host performances by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor.
- Wrestling and Skating: Wrestling legends including WWE Hall of Famers and Canadian and Mexican stars will participate in the Classic Championship Wrestling.
- Gaming and Robotics: The CNE Gaming Garage will host the first-ever national CNE Master Clash featuring TEKKEN 8, along with retro arcades and a robotics competition.
- ACTION! Ice-Skating Show: A blend of ice skating and circus acts, with a special appearance by three-time world champion Elvis Stojko.
- Art and History Exhibitions: The Withrow Common Gallery, in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario, will feature historic artworks. The MZTV Museum of Television and the Carnival Exhibit will offer a glimpse into past entertainment and technology.
- SuperWheel: North America’s tallest travelling ferris wheel offering breathtaking lake and city views from 36 climate-controlled observation pods. Located south of the Midway.
- CNE Bandshell: The Bell CNE Bandshell will host artists like Manchester Orchestra, Big Boi, and Brittany Howard, alongside special events like the Drag EXtravaganza and Soca Night.
- CNE Heritage: “Bridging Eras & Galleries” at Withrow Common Gallery in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario, featuring images from the historic art collection of the CNE.
- Culinary Highlights: The Kitchen Stage will see celebrity chefs like Andrea Nicholson sharing their expertise on a variety of culinary topics.
- Ribfest: The popular food event will return to Bandshell Park with international flavours to try from new and returning ribbers including Randy’s Halal Ribs, What A Jerk, Slow Jam Filipino-style ribs, PK Concessions and BBQ Boyzz.
- New Foods: Noteworthy additions include Egg Club with its Japanese milk bread sandwiches and O-Mochi’s exclusive mochi donut flavor. Also joining are fine dining spots like Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro. Outdoors, the Midway will offer creative foods from Greekery Bakery’s desserts to Food Trucks like Los Vietnamita and Tut’s Egyptian Street Food.
- Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest: Over 20 food trucks and 10 local breweries will offer a global culinary experience on Princes’ Blvd.
- CNE Casino: Extended gaming options including a No Limit Hold’em tournament with a prize trip to the North American Poker Tour in Las Vegas.
- SuperDogs Show: ‘Hollywoof: A Night At The Pawscars’ presents a canine performance full of Hollywood glamour.
- Biinaagami AR Exhibition: An immersive Augmented Reality exhibit that explores the Great Lakes with Indigenous narratives on water preservation.
- Kids World: Kids’ World is a delightful area featuring rides, a playground, onstage entertainment, and a park with whimsical creatures.
- CNE Farm: CNE’s Farm showcases urban agriculture trends and offers interactive experiences like Kids’ AGventure where children can engage in farming activities. The farm includes features such as a balcony and vertical gardens, hydroponics, a corn maze, and a 100-ton sand sculpture. New this year, meet the adorable shaggy-haired threeyear-old Highland cattle, affectionately dubbed “Mr. T.”
Trip Planning – 2024 CNE
Credit: Canadian National Exhibition
When:
August 16 to September 2, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place in Toronto
How Much:
Available online at TheEx.com before August 16th
Advance Sale Admission Pass – Includes grounds admission, and access to all shows and exhibits on any one day of the 2024 CNE: $22.12
Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass – Includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides on any one day of the 2024 CNE.: $44.25
Regular Admission Tickets, beginning August 16th:
General Admission: Includes grounds admission, and access to all shows and exhibits on any one day of the 2024 CNE.
- 14 to 64 years: $26.55
- 65 years+: 22.12
- Child Admission (5 to 13 years): $22.12
- Family Pass – 2 Adults and 2 Children, or 1 Adult and 3 Children: 84.07
- Children 4 Years & Under: Free grounds admission
