Going to the CNE usually means a full day of midway rides, food stops, shopping, concerts and wandering around Exhibition Place. Naturally, at some point, you’re probably going to want to sit down, cool off and grab a drink.
Good news: there are plenty of places to do exactly that.
For the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition, bars and drink spots are spread throughout the CNE grounds, from the always-busy Bandshell Park to a beach-inspired bar, a garden tucked beside the Casino and even a late-night speakeasy.
This year, Collective Arts Brewing is the official beverage and beer partner of the CNE, with its own Collective Tap Yard bringing drinks, entertainment and creative experiences to the fair.
So whether you’re looking for a place to meet up before a concert, somewhere to take a break between food stops or a spot to turn your CNE visit into more of an evening out, here’s your guide to all the bars at the 2026 CNE, including where to find them and when they’re open.
Collective Tap Yard
If you want to make your CNE drinks stop part of the entertainment, the Collective Tap Yard is one of the spots to keep on your radar.
Located just west of the Food Building, the outdoor space is the CNE’s home for Collective Arts Brewing and will also host creative programming throughout the fair.
The Tap Yard will have Learn to Spray Paint sessions on August 24 and September 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Find it: Outside, west of the Food Building
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Beach Bar
The Beach Bar brings a little lakeside energy to the CNE, with its location south of the Horse Palace and a schedule of live music throughout the fair.
Several dates also include a photobooth, making this one of the more date-night-friendly stops to add to your CNE itinerary.
Live music is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. on select dates, with performances from Vincent Teestsov, Matt Fasullo, David Archibald, Riley Wheater, Kev Olden, Samantha Ava, Angelique Dancel, Martina Bukovcan and Brent Jackson.
Find it: Outside, south of Horse Palace
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Circus Bar
The Circus Bar is located near BMO Field and is bringing some creative entertainment along with the drinks.
Throughout select dates, visitors can stop by for Alternative Caricatures with artists including Inna Gertsberg and Waldoodles, with sessions scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening.
Find it: Northeast of BMO Field
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Bandshell Bar
The Bandshell Bar is a natural choice if you’re already spending the evening around Bandshell Park, especially with the CNE’s free concert lineup happening nearby.
The bar will also have Tiny Taven, a Collective Arts merchandise shop, running throughout the 18-day fair.
There will be temporary tattoo pop-ups with Jieun Kim on August 29, September 1 and September 3.
Find it: Bandshell Park
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Midway Bar
If your CNE strategy involves going directly from the rides to a drink, the Midway Bar is about as conveniently located as you can get.
It sits along Princes’ Boulevard near Enercare Centre, making it an easy stop while exploring the midway and surrounding attractions.
Find it: Princes’ Blvd., south of Enercare Centre Hall A
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight daily
Festival Bar
The Festival Bar is located along the eastern stretch of Princes’ Boulevard and gives you another option for grabbing a drink while moving between CNE attractions.
It opens later on its first day, beginning at 6 p.m. on August 22.
Find it: Princes’ Blvd. E
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight
Opening note: Opens August 22 at 6 p.m.
Layla’s Garden
For something that sounds a little more removed from the midway chaos, head to Layla’s Garden.
The outdoor bar is located beside the CNE Casino on the east side of the Better Living Centre and stays open until 11 p.m.
Find it: Outside the Casino, east side of Better Living Centre
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Majnoon Speakeasy
For a later-night option, Majnoon Speakeasy is tucked inside the CNE Casino.
This is the spot for the grown-up after-hours crowd, with hours extending well beyond the rest of the CNE bars.
The speakeasy is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is restricted to guests 19+.
Find it: Inside the CNE Casino
Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays
Age: 19+
Craft Beer Festival
Beer lovers can make their way to the Craft Beer Festival on the eastern end of Princes’ Boulevard.
The bar is open throughout the day and into the evening, giving you another option for a drink while exploring the CNE grounds.
It opens August 22 at 6 p.m.
Find it: Princes’ Blvd. E
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight
Opening note: Opens August 22 at 6 p.m.
Carousel Bar
Located right at the southeast end of the Food Building, the Carousel Bar is an easy stop to pair with your CNE food crawl.
Grab your food, grab a drink and take a breather before heading back out into the fair.
Find it: Southeast end of the Food Building
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Craft Beer & Wine Garden
If you want a more relaxed place to sit down with a drink, the Craft Beer & Wine Garden is located inside Heritage Court at the Enercare Centre.
It offers another indoor option when you need a break from walking around the grounds.
Find it: Heritage Court, Enercare Centre
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
The Hobby Bar
Even the Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies Pavilion has its own bar.
The Hobby Bar gives you a spot to grab a drink while exploring the pavilion and its collection of crafts, hobbies and exhibitors.
Find it: Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies Pavilion
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Getting hungry? Browse the new and crazy foods you can try at the CNE this year while you’re there!
The 2026 CNE runs August 21 to September 7 at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
