The CNE is set to be bigger and better than ever this year with a new Superwheel, Drag EXtravaganza, and of course, a variety of wacky food items.
The 144th annual CNE takes place from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4 at Exhibition Place.
This year, the Canadian National Exhibition will feature an all-new, 150-ft. tall Superwheel, complete with 36 roomy air-conditioned pods offering views of the city.
Also new this year is a Sparkling Symphony, a Vegas-style daily choreographed aquatic spectacle on Lake Ontario. The show combines high-energy music with 11 fountains and dancing streams of water soaring as high as 100 ft. in the air, with colour-changing lights and lasers. Other new attractions this year include the Monster Compound, featuring Monster Energy’s Skateboard Team, DJs and a Barber Shop, and an outdoor acrobatic and trampoline show.
For ice skating fans, the CNE has a new ice skating and acrobatic show called Time Flies where world class skaters will perform to popular songs from the last 12 decades. The show will also feature special guest and three-time World Champion Elvis Stojko.
The CNE has a variety of new exhibits and installations to check out this year. National Geographic’s all-new exhibit: Pristine Seas, highlights the importance of marine protected areas through photography and film, located in the Arts and Crafts Pavillion. Visitors can also take a picture in the Selfie Hallway, full of new creations including a giant floral aquarium, an eight-ft. tall shimmer wall, and oversized models of iconic CNE foods.
Some classic shows and performers are returning to the CNE this year, including the nightly Drone Show presented by Vinfast and Gaming Garage by Intel. Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest will feature more than 20 vendors offering food from perogies to Indian Rasoi, Caribbean cuisine and authentic Mexican food. A Celebrity Kitchen Stage is also returning for all the foodies out there, featuring chefs Mark McEwan and Claudio Aprile.
The beloved SuperDogs are returning with their new show, Barkade! The skilled dogs will once again take to the stage and perform adorable tricks at the Enercare Centre.
As always, visitors can also shop till they drop with more than 700 retailers at the EX this year, including fashion brands, hand-made and local products, and more.
The 74th Annual Canadian International Air Show returns this year with a soaring aerial spectacle that will close out the CNE season. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Yak-50, CF-18s and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will showcase their skills and speed over Lake Ontario on Labour Day weekend.
NEW EX-TRAORDINARY FOODS
Bizarre, yet delicious dishes and drinks are up for grabs at the EX this year, including a Krispy Kreme Blueberry Chicken Sandwich and Peanut Butter Jelly Corn.
Inspired by the new Barbie movie, there’s no shortage of pink-themed food offerings to try, from Malibu Mac & Cheese to Nachos with Pink Queso Sauce. There’s also a delicious Pink Cookie Stuffed Chimney Cone and a show-stopping Watermelon burger.
Also a popular choice on the menu this year are pickle-flavoured treats, from Pickle Cotton Candy to Pickle Fries. Pizza Pizza also participated in the pickle theme with a Deep Fried Pizza slice. The classic slice of cheese pizza is coated in a special batter, deep fried with three flavours, one of which includes pickles, hot honey, creamy garlic and Doritos.
For peanut butter lovers, there are a handful of menu items that might peak your interest. The Peanut Butter Corn Dog & Peanut Butter Pickle Dog offers a unique combination of a hotdog wrapped in a pickle, wrapped in crispy batter and topped with PB&J. There’s also the Peanut Butter Chocolate Corn Dog, providing a sweet and savoury take of a corn dog.
Some food vendors also put a twist on fair classics, with a Peanut Butter & Jelly Corn on the Cob, Churros S’mores Sandwich, and Poutine Pizza. In addition, the maker’s of last year’s viral Ketchup & Mustard Ice Cream are back with two new flavours: Street Corn Ice Cream and Cheeseburger-Flavoured Ice Cream served on a cheddar dipped cone.
WHAT’S ON STAGE AT THE EX
Along with new exhibitions and food to check out,, the CNE has an impressive 17-day concert line-up coming to Bandshell Park.
R&B icon Dionne Warwick is making her only Canadian tour stop at The EX on Aug. 19. Other artists performing include platinum-selling powerhouse Amanda Marshall, nine-time JUNO winning artist Jann Arden, Bollywood music icon Shafqat Amanat Ali and reggae star Marcia Griffiths.
Toronto drag queen icon Tynomi Banks will be joined by fellow queens Mo Heart, Jan Sport and Ivory Towers for an all-out Drag EXtravaganza on Aug. 29. The show marks the first time drag will be performed on the CNE Bandshell Stage. Also, award-winning duo the fabulous Fay & Fluffy will bring their famed drag storytime to the all-new Storybook Nook in Kids’ World.
In celebration of 50 years of hip hop, Toronto’s Kardinal Offishall, Choclair and Haviah Mighty will be hitting the stage with classic hip hop anthems.
Meanwhile, to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s record-breaking album The Dark Side of the Moon, a tribute performance will happen on stage on Sept. 2. In addition, The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains will be extended in Toronto through to Sept. 4, in celebration of the Ex. The 20,000 sq. ft. indoor exhibition at the Better care Living Centre, adjacent to Bandshell Stage, features an audio-visual journey about the history and legacy of Pink Floyd.
Early admission tickets to the EX start at $20 for those 14 to 64 years old and rise to $25 on Aug. 18. Children four and under are free.
