The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is returning to the Exhibition Place, Toronto this August 16 – September 2 and we can’t wait for another year of summer carnival dates.
It may be a little early to prepare for the CNE since many Torontonians believe it marks the unofficial end of summer (and we don’t want to think about that, yet) but we’ve already started daydreaming about the fun, games, food, and entertainment that it brings to the city.
the food
The CNE has released their menu of unique and often whacky food for the 2024 season, and the Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest will be back!
Situated on Princes’ Boulevard just inside the historic Princes’ Gates in front of the Beanfield Centre and Enercare Centre, the Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest will feature a wide variety of tasty treats and live music.
They’ve released the line-up of participating food trucks that include: Randy’s Roti & Doubles, Starving Artist Waffles, Cheese Headz, I Love Churros – Panchos Bakery, Get Your Own Taters (GYOT), Ricks Good Eats, What A Jerk, Kono Pizza, feastTO Dumplings, Beavertails, Tuts Egyptian Street Food, and so many more.
Craig’s Cookies’ bright pink food truck will also be in the frenzy with two unique and exclusive SAVOURY cookie flavours. Read more about that here!
music
Also announced so far is the first round of Bell CNE Bandshell Headliners that will take to the stage this year to bring music from nostalgic rock and pop, to new-age country and so many genres in between.
Jazz, funk, soul singer Brittany Howard (with Julian Taylor), frontwoman of four-time Grammy-winning group Alabama Shakes, and solo Grammy winner will put on a powerhouse performance on August 17.
Barrie-born guitarist and singer Afie Jurvanen, best known by his stage name Bahamas, will perform his classic hits and new songs (with Jeremie Albino) from his critically acclaimed country foray album, “Bootcut,” on August 18.
Chart-topping Canadian country singer MacKenzie Porter (with Nate Haller) brings her distinct country-pop shimmer to the Bell CNE Bandshell stage on August 19;
This one will take you back. Two of the biggest groups throughout the 2000s will be headlining: Toronto rap-rock group Down With Webster are touring for the first time in 10 years, capping off the summer festival season at the Bell CNE Bandshell on August 21 (with Dee Holt). Indie rock sensation Manchester Orchestra will make their only Canadian tour stop at the CNE on August 23 (with Moneen).
A favourite among CNE music fans, April Wine (with Boston Levi), will hit the stage on August 31.
Concerts are FREE with CNE Admission. Stay tuned for more musical acts to be announced including a not-to-be-missed marquee Opening Day headliner to kick off the 2024 edition of Toronto’s iconic Fair!
need-to-know
The CNE is on from August 16 through September 2, 2024.
Advance tickets to the 2024 CNE are on-sale now. Enjoy advance discounts available online at
TheEx.com. ($22.12 advanced sale admission pass / $44.25 advanced sale ride all day pass)
Get in the mood by checking out all the attractions and new features at last year’s CNE.
