Canadian National Exhibition 2024 in Toronto

The end of summer in Toronto is always associated with the Canadian National Exhibition—an iconic event with considerable economic impact and historical significance. Canadian National Exhibition is held for 18 days in a row, from mid-August to Labor Day, at the Exhibition place in Toronto, on 210 Princes' Boulevard. It is attended by over a million people annually, which makes it the largest fair in Canada.

Canadian National Exhibition Program

The fair represents a mix of exhibits, live music, agricultural displays, shopping, sports events, a casino, and, of course, a huge Carnival Midway with plenty of rides. There are a few stages on-site, with the largest of them, CNE Bandshell, hosting the biggest headliners of the fair. There is also a football stadium, parks, fountains, and plazas. The International Pavilion exhibits products from different countries.

The Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies Building is full of handmade stuff and unusual items. There is a garden show, a sand sculpture contest, and the SuperDogs performance. The Food Building features cuisines of many cultures. The Coliseum hosts live shows like circus acts, acrobatics, buskers, parkour, and more. Don't forget about "the Mardi Gras" parade taking its place every evening during the event.

The carnival midway has roller coasters, swings, thrill rides, and a log flume ride. There is also a zip line and a "sky ride," similar to ski-lift which carries visitors across the midway.

Exhibition Attractions

This year, the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) celebrates its 76th anniversary with an aerial extravaganza at Lakeshore Blvd. during exhibition days from 12 pm to 3:30 pm. Also, visitors can try their luck in a variety of CNE Casino games, including Blackjack, Lucky Ladies, Spanish 21, Hold’Em Bonus Poker, Omaha Poker, 3-Card Poker, No Commission Mini Baccarat, Roulette, and a private air-conditioned Texas Hold’Em Poker Room. The Casino will operate from July 24 to September 2 from noon to 6 am. Food Products Day is another event where guests can spin the wheel and play games for a chance to win prizes in the Toronto Star Food Building on August 21 at 11 am.

Gaming Garage Festival invites geeks to Enercare Centre from August 16 to September 2 from 10 am to 10 pm. The interactive horse program Horse Capades will entertain the public at Horse Palace from August 4 to August 15 from 11 am to 2 pm. Additionally, take time to visit the Opening Ceremonies, Kids' World, and SuperDogs Show.

Live Music

The Canadian National Exhibition has prepared a wonderful lineup that will satisfy a variety of musical tastes and create great memories. On the 2024 stage, guests will see performances by the Doriann Forrester Trio, Pretty Archie, Bree Taylor, Rudy Gunn, Frank Cosentino, Jessica La, Page Rutledge, Carson Janik, Jeremy de Freitas, Fiddlestix, Lou Moore, 12 Strings, Dan Box, Saxy Grooves, Ty Wilson, Brian McAnoy, The Western Swing Authority, Eric Jackson & The Willow River Band, and Midnight Destiny Band.

Exhibition Competitions

Do you love competitions, especially watching them? Then choose your event at the Canadian National Exhibition, which knows how to surprise guests every year. The Rising Star Talent Competition will take place at the International Stage in Hall B at the Enercare Centre from August 16 to September 1 at 7 pm. The Ambassador of the Fairs will be chosen at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from August 16 to September 2.

For sports fans, there will be a CNE-OBA: 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at OVO Athletic Centre on August 22 and 23, a U15 Girls Fastball Tournament on August 23 and 24, and a Peewee Baseball Tournament from August 16 to September 2. Also, don't miss the Cat Show, Garden Show Competition, and GrowTO urban-style agriculture contest, which promise no less excitement and exciting emotions.

Tickets and Location

An Advance Sale Admission Pass for all ages costs $12.12 and includes grounds admission and access to all shows and exhibits on any one day of the Canadian National Exhibition. An Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass for all ages costs $44.25 and includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits, and unlimited midway rides on any one day of the CNE. Exhibition Place, spanning 78 hectares (192 acres), is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, not far from downtown Toronto.

History

The first Canadian National Exhibition was held in 1879 as an agricultural and engineering event. Its primary purpose was to exhibit inventions and innovations. However, over time, it has evolved into a large entertainment attraction and an annual family tradition for many Canadians.