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
Debuts include Dinner in the Sky, elevating diners 150 feet, and Drag Brunch Extravaganza with Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 stars. MYTHOS presents immersive cultural storytelling, while Aerial Balloon Show “Evolution” offers high-flying acrobatics.
Other additions include Goat Yoga, CNE Coffee Party, Emma Memma performances, and the first-ever Chocolate Sculpture and Cake Decorating competitions.
Returning events include the concerts with 98 Degrees, The Commodores, and Moist, plus Food Truck Frenzy, Classic Championship Wrestling, and a $100,000 Grand 50/50 Raffle.
The Canadian International Air Show, featuring the renowned Snowbirds, will dazzle on Labour Day Weekend.
2025 CNE Highlights
Credit: CNE
- Dinner in the Sky – Making its Canadian festival debut, this ticketed dining experience will lift 22 guests 150 feet in the air for 360-degree views of the CNE grounds. Each meal will be prepared and served in front of diners, with packages starting at $110. Located near Hotel X, daily “flights” begin at 3 p.m. and include sunset and evening seatings.
- Drag Brunch EXtravaganza – On August 17, Season 1 alumni of Canada’s Drag Race — BOA, Juice Boxx, Kyne, Lemon, and Tynomi Banks — will reunite for a brunch hosted by Devine Darlin. Tickets cost $100, with proceeds benefiting a 2SLGBTQIA+ charity in the Greater Toronto Area.
- MYTHOS – This immersive multimedia production will present three cultural stories: the Chinese zodiac’s Great Race, the Nigerian goddess Oshun, and the Haudenosaunee creation story of Sky Woman. The show combines visuals, music, narration, and interactive features.
- Aerial Balloon Show “Evolution” – A 20-foot balloon suspended more than 40 feet above the ground will serve as the centrepiece for acrobatic performances accompanied by music and visual effects.
- 76th Annual Canadian International Air Show – Running August 30 to September 1, the program will include the Northern Stars Aerobatic Team, Trevor Rafferty, Luke Penner, a CF-18 Tactical Demonstration, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
- Bell CNE Bandshell Concert Series – Free nightly concerts will feature Luciano, 98 Degrees, Bishop Briggs, The Commodores, Chantal Kreviazuk, Moist, Shawn Desman, July Talk, Jessia, Rêve, Aqyila, Loverboy, and Marianas Trench from August 15 to 31.
- CNE Coffee Party – On August 24, visitors can enjoy Nabob coffee, free Tiny Tom Donuts, and a live DJ set at Bandshell Park.
- Goat Yoga at The Farm – Daily sessions led by Yoga Kawa instructors will feature baby goats. The Farm also houses about 100 animals and showcases urban agriculture exhibits.
- Powwow Dance Workshops – Ojibwe dancer Deanne Hupfield will lead workshops highlighting the cultural significance of powwow dances from August 18–21 and 25–28.
- Emma Memma Live Show – From August 15 to 19, children’s entertainer Emma Watkins will perform music and choreography at the Kids’ World Stage.
- Chocolate Sculpture and Cake Decorating Competitions – The CNE’s first such contests will be judged by pastry chef Anna Olsen. Finals for chocolate sculptures will be on August 23, and cake decorating on August 31.
- Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest – More than 20 food trucks and craft breweries, including six new vendors, will line Princes’ Boulevard from August 16 to September 1.
- Classic Championship Wrestling – Appearances will include Demolition (Ax & Smash), Joey Janela, Powers of Pain, Jimmy Hart, and Ted DiBiase.
- CNE Foundation’s Grand CNE 50/50 Raffle – Offering a minimum $100,000 grand prize, with proceeds supporting youth sports, community grants, scholarships, and programs for children facing serious illness.
- Sports events will feature the U15 Girls Fastball Tournament (Aug. 23), Peewee Baseball Tournament (Aug. 15–29), and 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
- Heritage and community programming includes the Exhibition City Walking Tour, Warriors’ Day Parade, CNE Ghost Walks, Heritage Walking Tours, visits to Scadding Cabin, the Labour Day Parade, Midway Nighttime Photography Walk, Community Postcards art project, and AR Heritage Doors.
- The CNE midway features a mix of thrill rides, coasters, family attractions, and kiddie rides, ranging from 8 to 22 tickets. Highlights include Mach 3, Superwheel, Crazy Mouse Coaster, Niagara Falls Flume, Mega Drop, Polar Express, and family favourites like Giant Wheel, Bumper Cars, and multiple carousels.
Trip Planning – 2025 CNE
Credit: Canadian National Exhibition
When:
August 15 to September 1, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place in Toronto
How Much:
Available online at TheEx.com.
Advance Sale Admission Pass: $25.11, Includes grounds admission and access to all shows and exhibits
Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass:$47.24, Includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides
Plus HST
