The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is officially here August 16 – September 2, 2024 for its 145th edition packed with good vibes, crazy food, and awesome entertainment.
Aside from the iconic rides, games, and outrageous food menu that graces Exhibition Place each year, there’s also a full line-up of shows, activities, special areas, and events going on to keep you entertained through the rest of the summer!
Here are all the cool new spots, and long-beloved date ideas at the CNE this year:
NEW! Get pumped at The Ex Games
An exciting extreme sports half-pipe show featuring top athletes in skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating. Athletes include Andy Macdonald, Eito & Takeshi Yasutoko, Coco Zurita, Paul-Luc Ronchetti, and Zach Newman. With three shows daily, guests will be thrilled with this high-flying new program at the CNE.
Headlining skateboarder Andy MacDonald is set to compete for Great Britain in the Paris Olympics. At 51 years old, he will be the oldest Olympic skateboarder in history, already attracting significant media attention.
Watch right at the Princes’ Gate daily at 1:30pm, 3:30pm & 5:30pm.
Unwind at the BARX Patio
Following the success of the Waterfront Night Market, ProjectXIX, in collaboration with Hotel X Toronto, is thrilled to bring back the Asian-themed BARX Patio at the CNE for the second year in a row! This elevated patio and bar experience offers CNE guests an escape with great vibes, drinks, DJs and more!
Located at the North Boulevard of Hotel X Toronto, directly in front of the gates of the Stanley Barracks, BARX Patio is open to all CNE guests at no extra entry cost. Guests can indulge in a variety of Asian-themed beverages, ready-to-drink cocktails, and Soju Bombs.
This year, the patio also features a “Seafood Zone” offering lobster rolls, tempura, and other delicious seafood selections, as well as an arcade and games area that the entire family can enjoy.
Catch a concert at Bandshell Park
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.
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).
Try your skills in the Gaming Garage
Show off your gaming skills at the Innovation Garage and Gaming Garage. Sponsored by Intel, this is back for another year of all things gaming and innovation!
New this year is the national CNE Master Clash ft. TEKKEN 8 tournament with qualifiers on August 24 and finals on August 25. With unique programming every week, there’s always something new and exciting happening in the CNE Gaming Garage.
Where: Enercare Centre
Explore The Farm
The CNE’s Farm features interactive exhibits showcasing trends in urban agriculture while at the same time providing an opportunity to meet approx. 100 farm yard animals ranging from piglets to cows, sheep, goats & more!
In Kids’ AGventure, guests can be a farmer for a day, pick apples off a tree, dig for potatoes, milk a cow and collect eggs from the chickens.
This year’s farm also includes Balcony Gardens, Vertical Gardens, Hydroponics, a Hay Pyramid and games, Fruit Tree Forest exhibit, A corn maze, 100 ton sand sculpture, Indigenous healing gardens, and so much more!
Find it in the Better Living Centre daily from 10am-10pm.
Win big at the Casino
A popular annual draw, the CNE Casino features a variety of games including Blackjack, King’s Bounty Blackjack, Spanish 21, Hold’Em Bonus Poker, Omaha Poker, three-Card Poker, No Commission Mini Baccarat, Roulette, and a private air-conditioned Texas Hold’Em Poker Room!
During the CNE, the Casino features a beautiful licensed outdoor patio. Guests can also enjoy live nightly entertainment and order from a selection of favourite midway treats.
Find The CNE Casino in the Better Living Centre (northeast corner of the building) open from 12pm (noon) to 6am daily until September 2nd.
Cheer for the best at Classic Championship Wrestling
Don’t miss appearances and autograph opportunities with WWE Hall of Fame members Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart, Tito Santana, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and WWE Legend “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau. Also, catch AAA Mexican Superstar Sam Adonis featured in the show!
Find this at the Pregame Sports Themed Bar East of BMO Field at 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm.
Schedule:
- Sam Adonis: August 20 – September 2
- Jimmy Hart: August 23 – 25 & August 30 – September 2
- Jacques Rougeau: August 16 – 18
- Tito Santana: August 23 – 25
- Jerry Lawler: August 30 – September 2
Be amazed at the CNE Aquarama
Prepare to be amazed as world champion water-skiers and top Canadian athletes showcase their incredible skills at the waterfront! his family-friendly event is not to be missed. Head down to the waterfront and experience the excitement firsthand as these phenomenal skiers dazzle you with their breathtaking performances.
Catch the Aquarama Water Ski Performance, August 16 to 18 and August 23 to 25 at 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm at the waterfront!
SuperDogs Hollywoof: A Night At The Pawscars
This year SuperDogs are back again with their new show! Be prepared for a spectacular evening of canine magic and Hollywood glamour. Prepare to be dazzled as the Global Pet Foods SuperDogs™ present ‘Hollywoof: A Night At the Pawscars’ – where the stars of the silver screens have paws, tails, and an undeniable flair for the dramatic.
Visit the Enercare Centre Hall D daily until September 2nd to cheer on your favourite pups! Here’s the schedule:
- Monday through Thursdays @ 2pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm
- Friday, Saturday and Sundays @ 12pm, 2pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm
- Labour Day Monday @ 12pm, 2pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm
Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show: ACTION!
Experience the ultimate fusion of blockbuster movies, world-class ice skating, and mesmerizing circus acts in ACTION! Watch as top-tier ice skaters glide effortlessly and circus artists showcase incredible acrobatic and aerial feats.
Special guest Elvis Stojko, the legendary three-time World Champion, brings his precision, power, and passion to the performance. ACTION! promises an unforgettable journey through iconic cinematic moments.
Happening in the Coca-Cola Coliseum daily at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm until September 2nd.
Marvel at the sky during The Air Show
In celebration of 75 years of the 2024 Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) and 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), two of the world’s top demonstration teams will take flight over Toronto. You can look forward to witnessing the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the much-anticipated return of the Royal Air Force Acrobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
New in 2024, fans are invited to visit the free STEM area, which features full-size aircraft on display, a unique virtual reality experience, and aerospace exhibits. You can also round out the experience with a variety of local food vendors at the refueling station and enjoy meet and greets with select performers.
Attend the Canadian International Air Show between August 31st and September 2nd from 12pm to 3:30pm to experience the skies come to life!
Experience the Air Show at Hotel X Toronto’s Sky Lounge
Join Hotel X for a lap of luxury at the exclusive Sky Lounge Experience on the breathtaking High Park Terrace. Guests can experience unobstructed views of the CNE’s annual Airshow while enjoying first-class treatment and indulge in great vibes, tasty eats, and live music while enjoying the luxurious views from the Sky Lounge.
The Sky Lounge Experience at Hotel X Toronto will be open Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and can be found on the High Park Terrace at Hotel X Toronto 111 Princes’ Blvd.
Tickets (GA) are $144.45 for this experience and you can upgrade to VIP, with those tickets starting at $445.58. Purchase here.
Guests looking to upgrade their experience into a weekend stay at Hotel X can book the Layover Package or the Cockpit Experience Package!
Party on at the Silent Disco
Step into a world of sound and silence at the CNE’s Silent Disco, Hosted at the new Beach Bar’s Stage on August 20 and August 27 (7:00pm to 10:00pm)! Join the CNE for an unforgettable evening where you move to the groove you choose in the privacy of your own headphones.
The Beach Bar’s Silent Disco features songs that range across genres, from Top 40 hits to Taylor Swift and Soca! Don’t miss this unique blend of community, music, and technology at one of Canada’s most iconic annual events.
Stroll through the many art exhibits
Throughout the CNE, you can check out exhibitions and galleries of various art, artifacts, and other cool trinkets and pieces of history.
Exhibits this year include History Of Television (Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Pavilion), Hidden Histories of the CNE (Beside the Carnival Exhibit in the Swing Space), Bridging Eras and Galleries: The CNE and AGO (Withrow Common Gallery), The Mississauga of the Credit First Nation Exhibit (Heritage Court), 6ix Dimensions (Salon 103 of the Enercare Centre), Biinaagami AR Exhibition (Enercare Centre, North Hall B), The Carnival Exhibit (Swing Space of the Enercare Centre), “Dawn” by Youry Bilak (Galleria – Hall D), and many more.
Hungry at the CNE? Here’s a list of all the EX-travegant new foods that are available this year!