Summer is still in full swing this August, even though it feels like it’s ending. The ‘unofficial’ end of summer is marked by the highly anticipated Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and it’s finally here!
From August 18 – September 4, get ready for good vibes, crazy food, and awesome entertainment. The CNE is gearing up to make it the best month of the year and you don’t want to miss out on the fun.
Here are all the cool new attractions featured at the CNE this year as well as everyone’s returning favourites:
NEW THIS YEAR
SuperWheel
This jaw-dropping attraction is North America’s tallest travelling ferris wheel that will give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire CNE grounds.
If you’re a fan of heights and stunning panoramic views, this is the ride for you. Rising 150-feet in the sky, each observation pod seats four to six guests comfortably on the SuperWheel. The gondolas are even air conditioned for a comfortable experience in the summer heat.
One gondola on the SuperWheel is VIP, with couches and a glass floor!
Where you can find it: South of the Midway towards Lakeshore & Ontario st. (overlooks Niagara Falls log ride)
Sparkling Symphony
Bringing Las Vegas to Toronto, is Sparkling Symphony, a Vegas-style fountain show. Located on Lake Ontario will be a daily aquatic choreographed performance of 11 fountains and streams of water as high as up to 100 feet to high-energy music. As the sun sets, the magic continues with a breathtaking display of colour-changing lights and dazzling lasers in the night sky.
When: Daily at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 8pm
Where you can find it: South of Lakeshore Rd. along Lake Ontario
Monster Compound Experience
Bandshell Park will be featuring performances from the Monster Energy Skateboard Team riding a custom-built halfpipe, live DJ performances, and race simulators! If you’re lucky enough, you might also get the opportunity to get a fresh fade from the Monster Barber Shop for free at this Monster Compound Experience!
When: Daily from 12pm – 7pm
Where you can find it: Bandshell Park
Cirque-tacular Spectacular
Cirque-tacular Spectacular is a show filled with high energy from trampoline, gymnastics, and aerial acrobatics that’s suitable for all ages! Whether you’re coming to the CNE with young ones, or are young at heart this is a great addition to their entertainment line-up.
Where you can find it: Outside of Enercare Centre Hall B
Selfie Hallway
The CNE itself is very Instagrammable but they’ve taken it to another level by creating even more photo-worthy spots.
The Selfie Hallway will include a huge floral aquarium, an eight foot tall shimmer wall, and oversized models of iconic CNE foods such as a giant cotton candy and ice cream waffles.
Where you can find it: Enercare Centre, East side Heritage Court
National Geographic Exhibit
Pristine Seas is National Geographic’s newest exhibit. Explore through photography and film of the importance of marine protected areas.
Where you can find it: Arts and Crafts Pavilion
Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show: Time Flies
Watch world class ice skaters and circus artists hit the ice with their stunning performances featuring special guest Elvis Stojko, a three-time World Champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist and seven-time Canadian champion at the Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show.
When: Daily at 2 pm & 5 pm
Where you can find it: Inside Cola-Cola Coliseum
Echoes of Entertainment: A Concert History of the CNE
Travel back in time to a photographic journey at Echoes of Entertainment that showcases CNE‘s iconic concerts including Freddie Mercury, Louis Armstrong, Sonny & Cher, Jackson 5 and more who have once stepped onto the CNE Stages with their incredible talent.
Where you can find it: Daily from 12pm to 9pm
Where: Withrow Common
RETURNING FAVOURITES
Nightly Drone Show
If you’re familiar with CNE, then you know that drone shows are one of the highlights of this event. Presented by Vinfast, 100+ drones appear nightly at around 10:15pm after the sun sets and soar above the Food building and transformed into a sparkling light show.
When: Nightly at 10:15pm
Where: Above the Food Building
Gaming Garage
Show off your gaming skills at the Innovation Garage and Gaming Garage. Sponsored by Intel, this is a spot where all gamers can play freely, participate in pinball tournaments, competitive esports, VR experiences and video game tournaments where you’ll have the chance to win up to $8,500.
When: Daily
Where: Enercare Centre, Hall B
Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest
The CNE is proudly KNOWN for their crazy foods. 2023’s Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest will feature 20 vendors with global cuisines such as perogies, Indian Rasoi, Caribbean cuisine, and Mexican food while pairing them all with local craft beers.
When: August 19 – September 4, 2023
Where: Along Princes’ Blvd on the East side (closer to Strachan)
Celebrity Kitchen Stage
Get excited the return of the Celebrity Kitchen Stage where some of Toronto’s restauranteurs and TV personalities will be presenting. Expect to see Canada’s Top Chef judge Mark McEwan, 2023 winner of Canada’s Top Chef Tre Sanderson, Food Network Canada’s Fire master’s Cindy Fung, and Masterchef Canada judge Claudio Aprile. Pay attention as you might learn some tips and new recipes to try out!
When: Daily at 1pm & 4pm
Where: Enercare Centre Hall A
Chef judge Mark McEwan Chef Tre Sanderson Cindy Fung
Canadian International Air Show
Canada’s longest running and captivating air show is right at CNE! Prepare to be amazed as you watch for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Yak-50, and CF-18s and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to take the sky.
When: September 2, 3 & 4, 2023 from 12pm – 3pm
Where: Waterfront, south of Bandshell Park
Hungry at the CNE? Here’s a list of all the EX-travegant new foods of the 2023 Canadian National Exhibition that are available this year!
