The Canadian National Exhibition returns to Exhibition Place from August 21st to September 7th, bringing 18 days of attractions, live entertainment, food, rides, family programming and new experiences to Toronto.

Returning for its 147th edition, the CNE will introduce several major attractions this year, including an immersive space exhibition created in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, an 80-foot high-diving show, new music stages, international performances and expanded family programming.

Explore a Massive Space Experience

One of the biggest additions to the 2026 CNE is the new Space EXperience, an immersive attraction exploring Canada’s role in the Artemis II mission and the future of space exploration. Visitors can step into the life of an astronaut, learn about Canadian space technology and explore interactive exhibits highlighting humanity’s return to the Moon.

The experience will include The Artemis II Journey, a photo exhibition presented in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, featuring extraordinary images and behind-the-scenes moments from the mission.

At the centre of the experience will be an illuminated 20-foot Moon installation featuring lunar projections and hourly aerial acrobatic performances.

The Big Dip High Dive Show

High diving returns to the CNE with The Big Dip High Dive Show, presented by Pizza Pizza. A team of performers will climb platforms reaching up to 80 feet before diving into a 40,000-gallon pool positioned near the Princes’ Gates.

Nighttime performances will raise the stakes further, with divers descending while surrounded by flames.

Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco and More Perform at the CNE

The CNE has partnered with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada to present the new Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell.

The free concert lineup includes international and Canadian artists such as Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, Raf-Saperra, Alison Hinds, Tom Cochrane, Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, The Trews, Glass Tiger, Bran Van 3000 and Charlotte Day Wilson.

Performances will take place nightly from August 21st to September 6th.

The New NXNE Stage

The CNE is also partnering with North by Northeast to launch the new NXNE Stage. Located at the Collective Tap Yard, the stage will showcase emerging Canadian artists and bring a music-festival atmosphere to the fair throughout its run. Visitors can discover new performers while enjoying food and drinks in the area.

The Snowbirds Return for the Canadian International Air Show

The 77th Canadian International Air Show returns during Labour Day weekend from September 5th to 7. This year’s lineup includes the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18, the United States Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team, the Jack Aces Formation Aerobatic Team, the Edge 540, the Pink Jet and the Christen Eagle.

The Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds will also perform in what is expected to be one of their final appearances before a multi-year hiatus.

Culinary Workshops at the Kitchen Studio

Food lovers can participate in a new series of workshops at the CNE’s Kitchen Studio. Pastry chef and cookbook author Anna Olson will teach visitors how to prepare seasonal Ontario fruit jam, while Le Dolci Culinary Classroom will lead fresh pasta-making workshops.

Guests can also learn about authentic Japanese matcha preparation from instructors representing Isabella’s Donuts.

Family Experiences and Kids’ Programming

Kids’ World will transform into an immersive Enchanted Forest featuring storytelling, live characters, interactive play, quests and challenges.

The area will also feature a K-pop tribute circus show, acrobatics, dancing and appearances from popular characters including PAW Patrol, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

The CNE Farm will return with animals, crafts, a hay maze, line dancing and goat yoga. Visitors can also explore new Standardbred sulky rides and a virtual-reality harness racing simulator.

International Performers Make Their Canadian Debut

The Spotlight Stage will showcase music, dance, circus and cultural performances from around the World.

Japanese Double Dutch group HARIBOW will make its Canadian debut with a performance combining jump rope, dance, acrobatics and theatrical storytelling.

The CNE will also welcome OMNIUM’s inclusive circus production, I’m Possible, led by the first Deaf ringmaster and featuring performers of different abilities.

Returning CNE Favourites

Several popular attractions will also return this year, including the Ice Skating and Acrobatics Show featuring seven-time Canadian champion Elvis Stojko.

Other returning experiences include the SuperDogs with a new Fairy-Tails production, Gaming Garage, Classic Championship Wrestling and the CNE Farm.

The annual Cat Show returns on August 29 and 30, bringing together more than 100 cats from across Canada to compete for Best in Show.

Explore the History of Exhibition Place

Visitors can discover the history and architecture of the CNE grounds through the Exhibition City Walking Tour.

The hour-long tour explores how the area once functioned as a city within a city, complete with exhibition halls, banks, a post office, hospital, police station, fire hall and social housing.

Tours will be offered on weekdays, excluding opening day and Labour Day.

CNE Drag Brunch

The CNE Drag Brunch returns on August 30th with performances from Tynomi Banks, Jada Hudson, Midas, Destiny Doll and Latin drag king Rico Rico. The brunch is a separate ticketed experience taking place at Acqua Supper Club.

More than 1.4 million visitors attend the CNE each year, making it one of Toronto’s biggest end-of-summer traditions.

With new attractions, free concerts, food, family programming and returning traditions, the CNE remains one of Toronto’s biggest events to experience before summer ends, bringing in over 1.4 million visitors each year.

As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

CNE 2026

When: August 21st to September 7th

Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto

Admission: Ticketed. Prices start at $25. Grab your tickets here

Advance offer: Savings of up to 35% are available on advance tickets purchased by August 20th.