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
More than 1.4 million visitors attend the CNE each year, and the 2026 program stretches from space exploration and 80-foot-high dives to concerts, circus performances and family attractions.
The Canadian International Air Show also returns for its 77th year, while Elvis Stojko, the SuperDogs and Classic Championship Wrestling are among the familiar names coming back.
Here is a closer look at what visitors will find around the grounds this summer.
What is New:
Credit: CNE
- Step inside Canada’s space story: The CNE Space EXperience explores Canada’s role in the Artemis II mission through interactive exhibits, Canadian space technology and the Artemis II Journey photo exhibition. A 20-foot illuminated Moon anchors the attraction, accompanied by lunar projections and hourly aerial acrobatic performances.
- Space games get interactive: New space-themed activities are joining the returning Gaming Garage. Visitors can tackle an Astronaut Fitness Challenge, create characters for aiLIENS: Lunar Station 6IX on a 17-foot screen, and explore work by student programmers and independent developers at the Innovation Garage.
- High diving makes a dramatic comeback: The Big Dip High Dive Show revives a CNE attraction last seen in the early 1960s. Performers will leap from platforms reaching 80 feet into a 40,000-gallon pool at Princes’ Gates, with nighttime dives featuring performers engulfed in flames.
- Bell SOUNDSTAGE brings major names: Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, Raf-Saperra and Alison Hinds are joining Canadian performers including Tom Cochrane, Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, The Trews, Glass Tiger, Bran Van 3000 and Charlotte Day Wilson for free nightly concerts through September 6.
- NXNE gets its own CNE stage: North by Northeast and the CNE are partnering on a new NXNE Stage featuring emerging artists. Performances will run nightly from August 21 through September 6 at the Collective Tap Yard, located on the west side of the Food Building.
- Kitchen Studio turns visitors into cooks: Anna Olson will teach Saturday workshops on making seasonal Ontario fruit jam. Other sessions include fresh pasta preparation with Le Dolci Culinary Classroom and Japanese matcha preparation led by instructors from Isabella’s Donuts at the Enercare Centre.
- Kids’ World heads into an enchanted forest: The new Enchanted Forest combines storytelling, interactive play and live characters including Great Gazebo, Lionheart and Bramble. Kids can also catch a K-POP Tribute Cirque Show and appearances by PAW Patrol, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse characters.
- HARIBOW makes its CNE debut: Japan’s HARIBOW brings high-speed Double Dutch to the Spotlight Stage from August 21 to 29. The group combines jump rope, dance, acrobatics and theatrical storytelling, following appearances on major Got Talent stages that included standing ovations and a Golden Buzzer.
- OMNIUM brings an inclusive circus to Canada: OMNIUM will present the Canadian premiere of “I’m Possible” from August 30 to September 7. Malik Paris leads the production using artistic American Sign Language as its Deaf ringmaster, alongside showman Johnathan Lee Iverson.
- A new café opens inside the Music Building: Drip combines a seated coffee shop with CNE merchandise. Visitors can order an EXpresso or Canada’s Fair Blend while browsing hoodies, nostalgic T-shirts and reusable water bottles supporting the CNE’s waste diversion program.
What Is Returning:
- The Farm brings back animals and goat yoga: Visitors can meet Ontario farmers and livestock, explore a hay maze, make wool crafts, try goat yoga or learn line dancing. New Standardbred Canada activities include wooden sulky rides, a virtual-reality harness racing simulator and demonstrations.
- The Air Show returns for its 77th year: Labour Day weekend brings the Canadian International Air Show back over Lake Ontario. Performers include the CF-18, USAF F-16 demonstrations, Jack Aces, Edge 540, The Pink Jet and the Snowbirds before their multi-year hiatus.
- More than 100 cats compete for Best in Show: The CNE Cat Show reaches its 125th edition on August 29 and 30. Visitors can meet cats ranging from pedigreed competitors to rescued pets and hear about the show’s history from former judges and returning winners.
- Walking tour uncovers a “city within a city”: The hour-long Exhibition City Walking Tour explores the CNE grounds’ architectural history. Visitors will hear how the site once included banks, a post office, hospital, social housing and other services normally associated with a functioning city.
- Classic Championship Wrestling steps back into the ring: Wrestling returns to Bandshell Park North with appearances and meet-and-greets featuring Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Rhyno, Gangrel, Luigi Primo, Briyante RB, Joey Janela, Nova and Ms. Spicy Sirena Linton throughout the fair.
- SuperDogs return with Fairy Tails: The SuperDogs are back with a new production inspired by classic tales, modern twists and original stories. The family show combines athletic performances, trainers, playful moments and storytelling as the long-running attraction introduces its latest CNE adventure.
- Elvis Stojko headlines a new ice production: Urban Edge pairs world-class ice skating with circus performers in a city-inspired production. Elvis Stojko, a three-time world champion, two-time Olympic silver medallist and seven-time Canadian champion, headlines the show directed by Melanie Royer.
- Gaming Garage gets a cosmic makeover: The returning Gaming Garage adds TRIP: A Cosmic Adventure, aiLIENS: Lunar Station 6IX and an Astronaut Fitness Challenge. The latter uses motion-capture technology and NASA training categories to put visitors through as many as four interactive exercises.
- Drag Brunch returns with a new lineup: Tynomi Banks, Jada Hudson, Midas, Destiny Doll and Latin drag king Rico Rico are scheduled for this year’s ticketed CNE Drag Brunch. The returning event takes place August 30 at Acqua Supper Club, south of Bandshell Park.
- The midway remains part of the tradition: Rides and carnival games return alongside the bright lights and fair food that have long been part of the CNE experience. The midway continues to be one of the exhibition’s major attractions for visitors of different ages.
Trip Planning – 2026 CNE
Credit: Canadian National Exhibition
When:
August 21 to September 7, 2026
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:$51.66, Includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides
Plus HST
