Canadian National Exhibition (CNE | The Ex)

“August 15 – September 1, 2025 – Canada’s Biggest End-of-Summer Celebration!“

Get ready for 18 days of excitement, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences at the 2025 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also known as The Ex, running from August 15th to September 1st, 2025! Established in 1879, the CNE is Canada’s largest annual fair, drawing over a million visitors each year with its thrilling attractions, cultural showcases, food innovations, and action-packed entertainment.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, food lover, music fan, or family looking for fun, the CNE has something for everyone!

Signature Events & Must-See Attractions

The CNE is famous for its one-of-a-kind events, bringing thrilling spectacles and classic traditions to fairgoers every year:

• The Air Show (Labour Day Weekend) – One of the CNE’s most iconic events, featuring jaw-dropping aerobatic performances from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and international aviation teams.
• Warriors’ Day Parade – Honoring veterans and active service members, this historical parade is a powerful tribute to those who serve.
• Labour Day Parade – A CNE tradition, celebrating labour unions and workers, closing out the fair on Labour Day Monday.

Thrills, Sports & Gaming

For fans of sports, gaming, and action-packed entertainment, the CNE delivers high-energy events: (Canadian National Exhibition)

• The EX Games – A showcase of extreme sports, featuring skateboarding, BMX tricks, and thrilling stunts.
• Gaming Garage – A paradise for video game lovers and tech enthusiasts, featuring eSports competitions, VR experiences, and interactive gaming zones.
• Classic Championship Wrestling – High-energy live wrestling matches, featuring some of Canada’s best professional wrestlers battling it out in the ring.

Family Fun & Spectacular Shows

The CNE is a paradise for kids and families, with interactive attractions, fun performances, and hands-on experiences: (Canadian National Exhibition)

• Kids’ World – A dedicated space filled with games, rides, stage shows, and interactive activities.
• The Farm – Bringing the rural experience to the city, showcasing live animals, farming demonstrations, and educational exhibits.
• SuperDogs Hollywoof – A crowd-favorite show, featuring talented dogs performing incredible tricks and stunts with a Hollywood twist.
• Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show – A breathtaking blend of aerial performances and dazzling ice-skating routines, making for an unforgettable experience.

Midway, Exhibits & Haunting Attractions

The CNE Midway offers thrilling rides, carnival games, and delicious food, while The Kiddies Midway features gentler rides for younger visitors.

Visitors can also explore: (Canadian National Exhibition)

• Various Exhibits – Showcasing art, culture, science, innovation, and Canadian heritage.
• Garden Show – A beautiful display of floral arrangements, landscaping ideas, and expert gardening tips.
• Cat Show – A charming competition featuring fancy felines showing off their beauty and agility.
• CNE Haunted Walks – A spine-chilling ghost tour through the fairgrounds, sharing spooky stories and eerie history of The Ex!

Live Music & Entertainment

The CNE Live Music and Entertainment stages will feature a variety of performances, from local bands to big-name headliners, playing everything from rock and country to pop and world music. (Canadian National Exhibition)

A Grand Celebration to End the Summer!

With its rich history, thrilling entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and diverse cultural experiences, the 2025 Canadian National Exhibition is set to be the biggest and best yet! Whether you come for the air show, extreme sports, haunted walks, or food innovations, there’s something for everyone at The Ex!

Mark your calendars for August 15th to September 1st, 2025, and don’t miss Canada’s biggest end-of-summer celebration at the CNE!

History of The Ex

A Short History of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), often called “The Ex,” is one of Canada’s largest annual fairs and a significant part of Toronto’s cultural history. Established in 1879, the CNE originally aimed to promote agriculture, industry, and technology in Canada. It quickly became a showcase for the country’s innovations, highlighting everything from farming techniques to cutting-edge machinery.

In its early years, the fairgrounds hosted agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and industrial displays, reflecting Canada’s economic and technological advancements. Over time, the CNE expanded to include carnival attractions, midway rides, food vendors, concerts, and sporting events, making it a major summer destination for visitors from across the country.

The fairgrounds, located at Exhibition Place in Toronto, have been home to iconic structures like the Princes’ Gates (built in 1927) and the now-demolished Grandstand, which hosted horse races and auto shows. The fair also played a key role during World War I and II, when its grounds were used for military training and barracks.

By the mid-20th century, the CNE had grown into a celebration of Canadian culture, introducing visitors to new technology, art, and entertainment. The Food Building, known for its unique and sometimes outrageous culinary offerings, became a major attraction, while the Air Show, first introduced in 1949, remains a highlight of the exhibition.

Though attendance declined slightly in the late 20th century due to competition from theme parks and changing entertainment trends, the CNE continues to draw over 1 million visitors annually. Today, it remains a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, blending agricultural showcases with virtual reality experiences, esports competitions, and thrilling midway rides.

Held every August until Labour Day, the CNE is a beloved end-of-summer tradition, embodying the spirit of fun, innovation, and community that has defined it for over 140 years.