The CNE is back with a bang this year. The 147th edition of this end-of-summer tradition is bringing a few new attractions to The Ex: daredevils, deep-fried delights, the sketchy midway- it’s all back for better or worse. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not a bunch of Debbie Downers. But the reality is, the CNE is no longer a cheap, family-friendly outing. Lineups for food and rides can take hours. It’s Toronto, swelter season, you’re surrounded by asphalt. Wear plenty of SPF and drink heaps of water! Okay, mom talk over. With a little fine-tuning, you can learn to love the CNE again. Here, a guide for grown-ups.
How to Fall in Love with the CNE- A Guide for Grown-Ups
First, and most importantly, decide what day(s) to go. What is important for you, and only you, to see? It’s not the casino, which is open for extended hours. It’s likely not the farm animals or dogs that are forced into high agility jumps. We suggest looking at the concert schedule and going from there.
The new NXNE Stage will showcase some of Canada’s most exciting emerging artists. The Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell brings a packed lineup of free nightly concerts, including Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, Tom Cochrane, Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, The Trews, Glass Tiger, Bran Van 3000 and Charlotte Day Wilson.
Get Your Advance Tickets for The CNE Toronto here 🎫
Needless to say, midweek first thing in the morning is the only time to enter. Be sure to consult the schedule for Ricoh and nearby BMO Fields, because you do not want to get caught up in crossfire. We suggest tucking in at nearby Hotel X for stunning views and easy escapes back to your room or rooftop pool.
Making its return after disappearing from the CNE more than 60 years ago, The Big Dip High Dive Show presented by Pizza Pizza will have elite divers climbing platforms as high as 80 feet before making a very dramatic splash at the Princes’ Gates. And because apparently diving from 80 feet isn’t thrilling enough, nightly performances will see the divers engulfed in flames as they make their descent.
The CNE is also reaching for the stars with one of Canada’s largest celebrations of space exploration. A 20-foot moon installation will be brought to life with animated lunar projections, alongside interactive space artifacts. The Artemis II Journey photo exhibition will offer a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most ambitious space missions ever undertaken. Basically, it’s one small step for the CNE and one giant leap away from the midway.
Meanwhile, food exploration is a lesson in what your caloric intake can tolerate. Deep-fried finds are abound, but look for more summer-fresh ideas like fresh fruit spiked with Tajin. Yes, you can join the cattle in the food building, but there are booths galore selling less oily foods outdoors. Wear a dress, bring hand sanitzer and hope for the best.
And then there are the CNE favourites we return for every year. Elvis Stojko will take the ice alongside acrobatic performers, goat yoga, line dancing and hands-on agricultural activities. Overhead, the Canadian International Air Show will once again take over the Toronto skies, so stay home with those puppers if possible.
So yes, summer may technically be winding down. But with this much happening at the CNE, we’re not quite ready to hand it over to fall just yet.