Summer is still in full swing this August, even though the ‘unofficial’ end of summer is marked by the highly anticipated Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and it’s finally here!
From August 15 – September 1, 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 things to do for fair goers of all ages and group sizes at the CNE this year:
Dinner in the Sky
August 15 – September 1
Strap in for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience 150 feet above the ground with incredible 360-views of the city & fair. This high-flying dining experience is suspended in the air and offers the opportunity to sip and dine in a “Chefs Table” environment where each course is prepared and served in front of an intimate group of guests, up to 22 seats.
The CNE is the first-ever festival in Canada to offer Dinner in the Sky, a concept and tourism attraction that has been hugely popular in cities such as Dubai, Tokyo, and Punta Cana.
Several ‘flights’ will take place daily at Stanley Barracks (near Hotel X). Flights begin every afternoon from 3pm onwards including sunset-hour dinners and cocktails at night among the neon lights of the Midway.
Dinner in the Sky is an enhanced ticketed experience with menu & flight packages starting at $110 per person. Your ticket includes admission to the 2025 CNE.
CNE Drag Brunch EXtravaganza
Sunday, August 17th 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
This fabulous inaugural Drag Brunch brings you dazzling performances that will serve up laughter, lip-syncs, and jaw-dropping glamour! It also serves as a fierce reunion of Canada’s Drag Race Season One queens. Join them for bottomless mimosas, brunch bites & unforgettable performances.
Featuring Tynomi Banks, Lemon, JuiceBoxx, BOA, and Kyne. Hosted by Toronto’s drag legend herself, Devine Darlin’.
Goat Yoga Instructed by Yoga Kawa
August 15th to September 1st
Stretch, breathe, and relax at the CNE Farm as friendly goats join your flow. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just goat-curious, this 30-minute session offers light movement, deep breathing and a whole lot of laughter, as baby goats wander, cuddle and climb their way into your flow.
This playful and relaxing wellness experience is led by certified instructors from Yoga Kawa.
Daily sessions at:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Sign up at the Info Desk located inside the CNE Farm at the Better Living Centre. Yoga mats are provided – just bring yourself!
CNE Coffee Party Presented by Nabob
Sunday, Aug 24th 10 am to 12 pm
Presented by Nabob Coffee, join fellow coffee lovers for live DJ Spinning, bottomless mimosas, donut giveaways & free coffee to kickstart your day! Scare away the Sunday scaries, and sip, snack, dance and connect at the CNE’s first ever Coffee Party.
Emma Memma’s Live Show
Aug 15th – 19th
Beloved children’s entertainer Emma Memma is bringing music, dance, and signing to Kids’ World. Formerly known as Emma from The Wiggles, Emma Watkins is an ARIA award-winning performer that has become a household name for families around the world. Now, as Emma Memma, she brings life to a colorful world filled with catchy songs, loveable characters, and gesture-based choreography that captivates young audiencesu.
Emma will be joined by her cheerful Memma mates – including BB Butterfly and Elvin Melvin – as they take on the CNE!
Sing, dance and sign along with Emma Memma at CNE Kids’ World Stage from August 15th to August 19th at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Evolution: Aerial Balloon Show
August 15 – September 1 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm (August 16th: 6:00 pm & 7:30 pm)
Centered around a stunning aerial balloon, “Evolution” is a high-flying cirque celebration of the CNE’s enduring legacy. From the roaring 1920s to today, this dynamic show highlights the fair’s most iconic attractions through breathtaking circus acts, evocative music, and dazzling visuals. A tribute to over a century of innovation, tradition, and imagination at the Ex.
MYTHOS
August 15 – September 1 10:00 am to 10:00 pm with shows every 45 minutes
MYTHOS is an immersive anthology telling the stories passes down from different cultures. Developed with authenticity by writers, artists, musicians, and actors with deep connection to these communities and stories.
The three featured stories are:
- The Great Race (Origin: China),
- Oshun (Origin: Nigeria) and
- Sky Woman (Origin: Canada (Haudenosaunee).
All three stories will run hourly during the CNE hours of operation. There will be interactive elements for guests to experience while the stories are being told.
Exhibition City: A Walking Tour of the CNE Grounds
Weekdays, August 18 – August 31 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Explore the hidden history and architectural legacy of the CNE grounds with the brand-new Exhibition City Walking Tour—an immersive, hour-long journey through a space once viewed as a fully functioning city in its own right.
From majestic exhibition halls to everyday amenities like banks, a post office, news department, and even a hospital and social housing, the grounds once featured everything a thriving urban centre required. Art galleries, public gathering spaces, and key civic institutions including fire hall and police station, reflected the fair’s broader role in shaping Canadian identity.
The tour also highlights iconic landmarks like the Princes’ Gates, which, much like the ceremonial city gates of old, were designed to welcome guests and dignitaries into a space of celebration and possibility.
Free Crafting Workshops
Daily at 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Drop into the Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Building for daily sessions hosted by local studios. Workshops have 28 spots and are first come, first serve.
Cake Decorating Competition
August 24 to August 31 12 pm – 7 pm
The CNE in collaboration with local bakeries will host the 2025 Cake Decorating Competition! This year’s theme? “Unexpected Pairings”. From tiered masterpieces to whimsical fondant fun, talented local bakeries are putting their skills to the test.
On August 31 at 1:00pm, special guest Anna Olson will return for the finals to judge and present the awards. Participate in the judging by casting your own vote for the Public’s Choice Award!
Local bakeries to be announced soon.
Plus, join them after for a CNE Cake Party! All guests are invited to sample the cakes and celebrate the winners of the Cake Decorating Competition. You batter believe it’s going to be good!
Want to elevate your experience? You can get VIP Ticket Bundles that seriously hooks up the whole crew!
