What to know
- The CNE runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 at Exhibition Place, with regular hours from 10 a.m. to midnight and several attractions operating on different schedules.
- Tickets start at $13 on select nights, while general admission is $26.55 and several discounted and family options are available.
- Exhibition GO Station is right at the festival, with Metrolinx adding and adjusting train service throughout the CNE.
- Drivers should expect road closures and parking costs of $40 to $50, with Dufferin Street closures beginning Aug. 31.
- This weekend could bring showers and thunderstorms, particularly Saturday and Sunday, so check the forecast before heading out.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back this weekend, bringing carnival rides, unique snacks, incredible performances, and cultural exhibits.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the iconic two-week festival.
Location and hours of operation
The CNE will take place at Exhibition Place, located north of Lake Short Blvd. W. between Strachan and Dufferin streets.
The iconic festival is happening between Aug. 21 and Sept. 7, and will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day, with admissions accepted until 10 p.m., when gates close. On Labour Day, the festival will happen from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., but gates will only be open until 5 p.m., with online admission tickets only available for purchase until 2 p.m.
Attendees should note that not all festival attractions will be open for those hours of operation. On-site buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, and casino doors will close at 8 p.m. while operations will last until 10 p.m. The attractions will only be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Labour Day.
The Adult Midway will operate from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Meanwhile, the Kiddie Midway will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labour Day.
Finally, the Kids’ World will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every CNE day.
How to get there
With the festival located right at the Exhibition GO Station, there are plenty of options to access it by public transit.
One of the easiest ways to get to the festival is by taking the Lakeshore West line to the station, which leaves you right at the door.
Those coming to the festival in a group also have some ticket options to save money on the GO, including Weekend Group Passes, which start at $30 for two riders and the One-Day Weekend Passes, starting at $10. Plus, children under 12 ride the GO for free.
To make commuters’ experiences smoother, Metrolinx is adjusting its service for the duration of the festival. For those leaving from Union Station on weekdays, the agency is adding a new Exhibition GO train at 9:32, which arrives at Exhibition GO at 9:46. Plus, all trains between 3:50 p.m. and 5:29 p.m. will depart two minutes earlier than usual.
On weekends, those leaving from Union Station to Exhibition should note there are new train services departing at 1:59 p.m., 2:35 p.m. and 2:59 p.m.
Those travelling from Exhibition GO should note that trains between 10:24 a.m. and 10:15 p.m. will leave one minute later on weekdays. On weekends, there will be a new train departing Exhibition GO at 1:12 p.m.
Commuters can also take TTC buses and streetcars directly to CNE. The 511 Bathurst and 509 Harbourfront streetcars leaves attendees right at the Exhibition Loop, which is a short walk from the festival. Attendees also have the option of taking the 504 King streetcar to the Dufferin Gate Loop, where they can walk down to the festival.
Those taking the subway can connect to Line 2 at the Dufferin Station, and take the 29 Dufferin bus south to the Dufferin Gate Loop.
Although attendees are strongly encouraged to take transit, the CNE is also accessible by car, as it is close to the Gardiner Expressway. Parking spots are available across the grounds, with rates ranging from $40-$50.
Tickets
There are several ticket options available depending on age, group size, and desired festival experience.
General admission tickets for those aged 14 to 64 go for $26.55 and include admission to the festival and access to all festival exhibits and shows. Those 65 and older and kids between 5 and 13 can access $22.12 tickets, which also include the same perks as general admission.
Those looking to enjoy the festival with the family can get a Family Pass for $84.07, including admission for one adult and three children aged 5 to 13 or two adults and two children, also including the same perks.
Those looking to enjoy unlimited festival rides can get the Ride All Day Pass, which includes admission to all rides throughout one entire day of the festival for $75.22. A Ride All Day Pass for children under 13 and adults over 65 is also available for $70.80.
As always, those accessing the festival on its first day, Friday, Aug. 21, can get a great discount, with the Opening Day Deal ticket going for $15, including admission to all shows and exhibits of the day. Between Aug. 24–27 and Aug. 31 and Sep. 3, attendees can also purchase $13 Nights tickets, which will be available at 4:45 p.m.
On Aug. 24 and Aug. 31, kids under 13 can enter the festival for $2 for Kid’s Toonie Monday.
Tickets and coupons are available at the CNE’s website and at the CNE gates.
What to do at CNE
One of the most popular festivals of Toronto’s summertime, the CNE offers a wide range of attractions, shows, and exhibits.
The fair is known for its carnival-style rides and games for all ages, including the Dragon Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Bumper Cars, and much more.
The event is also packed with an incredible lineup of performers, with new talent to see almost every day of the festival, from latin grooves to rock to jazz.
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The festival will also feature plenty of cultural attractions, with a range of exhibits throughout the event, from the History of Sport at the CNE to The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Exhibit.
Several food vendors will also be available at the fair, bringing the flavours that reflect the city’s diverse food scenes, including Canadian classics, Caribbean favourites, Greek flavours, and much more.
In addition, attendees should be prepared to try some wild dishes, as the festival is known for offering uncommon bites. This year, some of the dishes include lobster on a stick, popcorn falafel and s’mores fried pizza.
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Weather this weekend
Those looking to enjoy the festival this weekend might need to prepare beforehand, as forecasts predict risk of thunderstorms and rain over the next few days.
Friday will be sunny with a high of 26ºC and humidity making it feel like 27, with clouds arriving at night and fog patches developing overnight with a low of 16ºC.
It will be cloudy on Saturday, with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, with a high of 25ºC and Humidex of 30. Showers are also expected at night, with a low of 17ºC.
The risk of showers will persist on Sunday, with a high of 21ºC during the day and a low of 13ºC at night.
Road closures
Drivers should note that some roads will be closed to accommodate the festival.
From Aug. 21 to Sep. 7, Dufferin St. will be closed between Springhurst Ave. and British Columbia Rd. from 5 a.m. on Saturdays to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays and during Labour Day.
Those taking the Gardiner Expressway should also plan ahead, as two right lanes on Lake Shore Blvd. W. between Bremner Blvd. and Bay St. will be closed from Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
