Back for its 145th year, Ontario’s favourite fair and end-of-summer rite of passage, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is set to make its grand return, August 16 to September 2, 2024. This year’s attractions are bringing all the thrills with extreme sports taking centre stage. On the heels of the Paris Olympics, the oldest competing skateboarder this year, 51-year-old Andy Macdonald of Great Britain, will make his CNE debut joining an exciting line-up of pro-skaters, BMX bikers and in-line skaters for The EX Games. A massive 12ft half-pipe will be the playground for some of the world’s best extreme athletes who will put on a high-flying show daily in front of the iconic Princes’ Gates.

The EX Games will be located at Princes’ Gates. Three performances daily at 1:30pm, 3:30pm and 5:30pm.
There’s plenty more EX-hilaration from sea to sky with the return of the popular waterskiing show, CNE Aquarama, on the West Channel of Lake Ontario – showcasing incredible flips, spins, flyboarding and human pyramids on the water; as well as the 75th anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show, featuring the beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor. Three-time world champion skater Elvis Stojko is back with an all-new Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show “ACTION!”; and icons of wrestling will be ringside to sign autographs and put on a show at Classic Championship Wrestling including WWE Hall of Famers Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart, Tito Santana, and Jerry “The King” Lawler; along with Canadian legend “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau, and Mexico’s AAA wrestling superstar Sam Adonis.

Classic Championship Wrestling will be located East of BMO Field. Three performances daily at 2:30pm, 4:30pm, and 6:30pm.

And for those who want to ‘fight’ their way to the top of the leader board, the CNE Gaming Garage, sponsored by Intel, is back with the first-ever national CNE Master Clash ft TEKKEN 8 Tournament. In collaboration with Intel, MSI, and Best Buy, preliminary rounds will take place in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal and top qualifiers will receive a trip to Toronto to compete at the CNE Finals for the $12,000 prize pool. Registration is still open, with the Last Chance Qualifiers taking place at the CNE on August 24. Families and young gamers can also enjoy interactive play in the new Byte Sized Gaming Zone, watch the FIRST Robotics Competition, or go ‘old school’ with retro arcades.

Speaking of retro, visitors can learn about the history of television and marvel at TVs of yesteryear at the MZTV Museum of Television Exhibit; or ‘step right up’ to the Carnival Exhibit of quirky artifacts from the Conklin company, that was once one of the oldest travelling carnivals. In association with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), the CNEA’s Withrow Common Gallery will feature “Bridging Eras & Galleries” – exhibiting images of important artworks by Group of Seven and other distinguished artists that were once owned by the Canadian National Exhibition, before the historic art collection was transferred to the AGO in the 1960s. Through various art displays, exhibits, walking tours, and even ghost walks, visitors are encouraged to discover the CNE’s heritage, history, and influence.

For full programing details, CNE opening hours, show times and ticket information, go to TheEx.com.
MORE NOTEWORTHY HIGHLIGHTS:

Bell CNE Bandshell Line-Up: Some of the most exciting touring acts in music this year are coming to the Bell CNE Bandshell stage including Manchester Orchestra, Big Boi, Brittany Howard, Big Wreck, and Sloan with special guest, The Hip’s Paul Langlois. Canada’s Down With Webster, MacKenzie Porter, Bahamas, Born Ruffians, Ruby Waters, The Reklaws, and April Wine (to name a few) have also been announced to headline; along with the return of Drag EXtravaganza with Tynomi Banks and Sapphira Cristál, Soca Night with stars from Trinidad and Tobago, Destra and Farmer Nappy, with DJ Dr. Jay, and a Tribute to Bob Marley by Classic Albums Live with support from Canadian reggae favourite, Jay Douglas.

The CNE SuperWheel is Back!: Last year’s debut of the CNE SuperWheel instantly became a hotspot for Instagram-worthy photos, matched only to the views from the iconic CNE Sky Ride. North America’s tallest travelling Ferris wheel to grace the Toronto skyline is back, soaring 150 ft high at its tallest viewpoint with air-conditioned pods and picture-worthy panoramic views of the CNE and city.

Kitchen Stage: Top celebrity chefs and some of Toronto’s favourite restaurateurs will be sharing recipes, kitchen hacks, and advice on everything from wine and cheese to sourdough and sustainability. Daily presentations will feature the likes of Fire Masters judge Andrea Nicholson, Food Network Canada’s Afrim Pristine, The Great Chocolate Showdown producer and chef Lindsay Greflund, and more!

Ribfest: Back by popular demand, Bandshell Park will be home to some of the city’s best ribs. This year, RibFest takes on an international theme with flavours from the Philippines and Caribbean, Asian-fusion and Halal ribs, and traditional smoked ribs. Grab a napkin and get ready to bite into RibFest.

CNE Casino Presented by PokerStars: The CNE Casino is now open! Operating for an additional two weeks through to September 8th, the CNE Casino features a variety of games including Multi-Action Blackjack, Roulette, WAR, Spanish 21, Three Card Poker, and OmahaPoker. The CNE Casino is also holding a No Limit Hold’em with a maximum prize pool of $320,000 with the winner receiving a poker experience of a lifetime – a trip to Las Vegas for the North American Poker Tour (NAPT). Guests can also enjoy nightly live entertainment on the licensed outdoor patio.

Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest: More than 20 food trucks and craft breweries will take over Princes’ Blvd starting Saturday, August 17. No need for globetrotting, foodies can feast on fare from around the world right here at the CNE. From Egyptian street food to Vietnamese-Latin fusion, butter chicken samosas to Caribbean roti, and everything in between. Take a break and enjoy a cold craft beer from one of the 10 local breweries, and don’t forget to end off with a sweet treat with Beavertails or Craig’s Cookies to name a few.

Biinaagami AR Exhibition: Biinaagami (Anishaabemowin) that translates to “clean water”, is an immersive exhibit activated by Augmented Reality that takes visitors through the discovery and exploration of the Great Lakes with Indigenous narratives that highlight the importance of water preservation. The AR experience transports participants to Canada’s vast and beautiful oceans, lakes and rivers such as the St. Lawrence estuaries; encounter true-to-scale Canadian wildlife; and play digital games to learn about the impact of plastics on the environment.

“Mr. T” is coming to the CNE Farm: The CNE Farm in the Better Living Centre has long been a go-to destination for all ages to learn about where our food comes from, watch daily demonstrations such as sheep shearing, meet Ontario farmers and learn how they care for their animals, get inspiration for balcony gardens, and kids can have plenty of fun playing farmer for a day with interactive games, an inflatable corn maze and haystack pyramid. New this year, meet the adorable shaggy-haired three-year-old Highland cattle, affectionately dubbed “Mr. T.”

CNE Foundation’s Grand CNE 50/50 Raffle: The CNE Foundation’s Grand CNE 50/50 fundraiser is back with another guaranteed $100,000 minimum cash grand prize! Every purchase supports the CNE Foundation’s community and youth programs such as the Pee Wee Baseball and 3-on-3 Basketball tournaments, scholarships, and Smiles on Faces program that treats vulnerable kids to a day of fun at the CNE. Grand CNE 50/50 tickets will be available on-site during the CNE, and online at CNEF5050.com beginning August 1 at 10am, with the winner selected on September 2 at 5pm.

The 145th annual CNE takes place from August 16 to September 2, 2024 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, ON.

So happy to be back at my happy place! Running August 18 – September 4, 2023, Toronto institution THE EX (Canadian National Exhibition) is back again and in full flight, heading into its second weekend. We’ll never forget how empty our Summers felt without.

In addition to a Las Vegas-style Waterfront Fountain Show and skating icon Elvis Stojko bring back and taking to the rink for the first time in four years, fan favourites like SuperDogs, International Stage performances from around the world, Celebrity Kitchen Stage, Food Truck Frenzy, and 18-day Gaming Garage sponsored by Intel, are back!  

And of course, it wouldn’t be The Ex, without the The Canadian International Air Show taking to the skies on Labour Day weekend. Recently-added fixture, the nightly Drone Shows presented by Vinfast, are back again with 100 drones and breathtaking formation, giving you a reason to come and stay all day.

The Ex has always been about the festivity and the food for me. There are several amazing new food options in the Food Building and also the Midway. We try a few of the fun new options and wouldn’t be surprised to visit again once more before Labour Day!

Ticket pricing:
Adult Admission: $25
Seniors: $20
Youth: $20
Children under 4 years old: FREE
Family Pass: $75 
 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Let’s go to The EX! Ontario’s favourite fair and end-of-summer rite of passage returns in just over a week to delight, and indulge the senses. This year, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) will feature an all-new Superwheel, the first and largest observation ride of its kind to grace the Toronto skyline. The 150-ft tall wheel features 36 enclosed observation pods that deliver spectacular 360 views of the city day or night. Whether it’s people watching high atop the CNE Midway, soaring high above to catch the nightly drone show, or getting aerial views of the CNE’s new fountain extravaganza Sparkling Symphony — the Superwheel is sure to become one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

More NEW attractions include the Monster Compound, featuring Monster Energy’s Skateboard Team showing off on a custom halfpipe, DJs and a Barber Shop offering complimentary cuts and styling (located at the north end of Bandshell Park); and a Cirque-tacular Spectacular outdoor acrobatic and trampoline show outside of the Enercare Centre. Sashay this way to the CNE for Toronto drag queen icon Tynomi Banks who will be joined by fellow queens Mo Heart, Jan Sport and Ivory Towers for an all-out Drag EXtravaganza (Aug. 29), bringing drag to the CNE Bandshell Stage for the first time ever; and award-winning duo the fabulous Fay & Fluffy will bring their famed drag storytime to the all-new Storybook Nook in Kids’ World.

Returning favourites are bigger and better than ever including the nightly Drone Show Presented by VinFast with more drones and impressive new formations to light up the night sky; and Gaming Garage Sponsored by Intel, which is getting a makeover to include even more free games and new tournaments with larger prize pools such as Street Fighter 6 Tournament (Aug. 19 & 20), Valorant Tournament (Aug. 26) and League of Legends Tournament (Aug. 27).

Elvis Stojko is back in the building (Cola-Cola Coliseum) with an all-new ice skating and acrobatic show; Food Truck Frenzy and Celebrity Kitchen Stage will inspire and tantalize the taste buds; and the Canadian International Air Show will close out another spectacular season with the beloved Snowbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and returning fan-favourites showcasing skill, strength, and speed over Lake Ontario on Labour Day Weekend.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE:

NEW: SuperWheel – North America’s tallest travelling ferris wheel is coming to the CNE! The Superwheel is truly an elevated experience unlike any other soaring 150-feet in the sky. Escape the heat and bustle of the Midway to enjoy unparalleled lake and city views inside one of its 36 climate-controlled observation pods that comfortably seat 4 to 6 guests. (South of the Midway).

NEW: Sparkling Symphony – The CNE’s new Vegas-style fountain show “Sparkling Symphony” is a daily choreographed aquatic spectacle on Lake Ontario combining high-energy music with 11 fountains and dancing streams of water soaring as high as 100ft in the air, with colour-changing lights and lasers to illuminate the show at night. (Daily, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 & 8 pm, Lake Ontario).

EXTENDED: The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains – The CNE and S2BN Entertainment are co-presenters of the Toronto premiere of this globally acclaimed exhibition on one of the greatest bands of all time. Visitors can embark on a chronological journey through Pink Floyd’s storied history from 1976 to the 2000s, featuring 350+ artifacts, personal memorabilia including instruments and handwritten lyrics, album art covers, and iconic songs from their ground-breaking catalogue through an audio-visual experience. Tickets to The Pink Floyd Exhibition (which includes CNE admission) can be purchased in advance at www.TheEx.com or www.PinkFloydExhibition.com, or on-site during the Fair. (Better Living Centre).

Nightly Drone Show Presented by Vinfast – Once the sun sets, the drones rise, and the skies above the Food Building are transformed into a mesmerizing symphony of dancing lights. Get ready to be captivated by 100+ dazzling drones creating a breathtaking display of colours and images that will leave visitors in awe. Designed by masters of drone formation spectacles, North Star Entertainment, the nightly drone show is back by popular demand. (Nightly at 10:15pm, above the Food Building).

4th Annual Gaming Garage sponsored by Intel – Level up your gaming experience at the Innovation Garage and Gaming Garage sponsored by Intel, which is in its 5th year as a live event and popular attraction. Gamers of all levels can immerse in free play, pinball tournaments, competitive esports and video game tournaments to win up to $8,500, VR experiences, or show off their moves on the video game dance floor. A Robotics Competition will also take place September 2- 4, where contestants and their creations will spar head-to head to determine which bot will take the crown, along with other competitive showcases from start-ups, student video game creators, and more. (Daily, Enercare Centre, Hall B).

NEW – Monster Compound Experience – Monster Energy is taking over the Bandshell Park with the all-new Monster Compound featuring daily performances from the Monster Energy Skateboard Team riding a custom-built halfpipe, live DJ performances, racing simulators, and even the chance to grab a free fresh fade from the Monster Barber Shop! (Daily, 12pm – 7pm, Bandshell Park).

NEW – Ice Skating and Acrobatic Show: Time Flies – World class ice skaters, extreme skaters and circus artists will hit the ice with dazzling performances. Travel through the last 12 decades with the help of popular songs that have stood the test of time. This high energy show will feature special guest Elvis Stojko, a three-time World Champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist and seven-time Canadian champion. (Daily, 2 pm & 5 pm, Cola-Cola Coliseum).

2023 CNE Bandshell Line-Up – Six-time GRAMMY-winner Dionne Warwick will delight fans on the only Canadian stop on her North American Tour this summer at the CNE. 2023 Bandshell headliners include platinum-selling powerhouse Amanda Marshall, nine-time JUNO winning artist Jann Arden, Bollywood music icon Shafqat Amanat Ali, legendary reggae songstress Marcia Griffiths, singer-songwriter William Prince, and fellow country superstar Brett Kissel. In addition to marquee acts, this year’s CNE Bandshell will present special tribute nights and themed concerts such as a not-to-be-missed show Drag EXtravaganza starring Canada’s Drag Race Tynomi Banks; and a celebration of 50 years of hip hop with Toronto’s own Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, and the first woman to win the Juno Award for Best Rap Album, Haviah Mighty. All CNE Bandshell concerts are FREE with CNE admission. (Daily, 7:30pm, Bandshell Stage).

NEW – Echoes of Entertainment: A Concert History of the CNE – Step into a mesmerizing world of musical nostalgia with “Echoes of Entertainment: Concert History at the Canadian National Exhibition.” Immerse yourself in a captivating photographic journey, where the past comes alive through a spectacular showcase of the CNE’s iconic concerts, accompanied by an enchanting collection of music. Behold the iconic talent that graced the unforgettable CNE stages, including the likes of the incomparable Freddie Mercury, the legendary Louis Armstrong, the dynamic duo of Sonny & Cher, and the sensational Jackson 5, among many others. (Daily, 12pm to 9pm, Withrow Common).

ON Now! CNE Casino Presented by Pokerstars – A popular annual draw, the CNE Casino presented by PokerStars features a variety of 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! (Better Living Centre).

Celebrity Kitchen Stage – Celebrity Kitchen Stage returns this year with some of Toronto’s favourite restauranteurs and TV personalities. Get tips and recipes from the impressive culinary skills from the likes of Canada’s Top Chef judge Mark McEwan and 2023 winner of Canada’s Top ChefTre Sanderson, Food Network Canada’s Fire master’s Cindy Fung, and Masterchef Canada judge Claudio Aprile. Get inspired with new cuisines and new chefs each day on the Celebrity Kitchen Stage. (Daily, 1pm & 4pm, Enercare Centre Hall A).

Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest – Everyone’s favourite food truck festival is back! This year’s Frenzy will feature more than 20 vendors offering global fare from perogies to Indian Rasoi, Caribbean cuisine to authentic Mexican food, and a variety of local craft brews to wash it all down. (Aug. 19 – Sep 4, Princes’ Blvd).

Immersive Art Experience – A Trip Through 103: Therapy for the Soul – Visitors can take a transformative trip through Salon 103 inside the Enercare Centre to be immersed in a sensory art experience unlike any other. Feel and bask in the surroundings of generative laser art projections courtesy of Scott Draves and the Electric Sheep, mixed with original music and live performance art including dance by Alina Christensen and violinist Dr. Draw. (Daily, 10am – 10pm, Enercare Centre, Salon 103).

74th Annual Canadian International Air Show – Canada’s largest and longest running air show is back with its soaring aerial spectacle! The beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Yak-50, and CF-18s return to dazzle crowds; and the thrilling U.S. Navy Blue Angels will electrify audiences with a captivating show. (Sept. 2, 3 & 4, from 12pm – 3pm, Waterfront, south of Bandshell Park).

The CNE Foundation Grand CNE 50/50 is back! – The CNE Foundation supports the urgent need to digitize and preserve the historically and culturally significant images of the CNE’s archival collection, including thousands of photo negatives that are at risk of being lost forever. In addition to the CNE Archives Project, the Foundation supports various youth and community programs, as well as the Smiles of Faces Program that provides all-expense-paid visits to the CNE each summer for 25 vulnerable children and their families. Support the Foundation for a chance to win BIG in this year’s Grand CNE 50/50 fundraiser with a $100,000 guaranteed minimum cash Grand Prize and more; and check out the new Silent Auction to bid on great auction items and CNE memorabilia. Visit CNEfoundation.com or CNEF5050.com for more information.

SuperDogs – SuperDogs are back again this year with their new show Barkade! Jump into the world of video games and animation as the SuperDogs take the stage and perform adorable tricks and entertain with their unique personalities. (Daily, 2:00, 4:30 & 6:30pm with an additional show at 12 (noon) on the weekends, Enercare Centre Hall D).

NEW – National Geographic Exhibit – National Geographic’s all-new exhibit: Pristine Seas, highlights the importance of marine protected areas through photography and film. Visitors will get a lens-view of the NatGeo team’s expeditions from the colourful and vital coral reefs of the Southern Line Islands to the melting icebergs of the Antarctic. (Arts and Crafts Pavilion).

NEW – Selfie Hallway – With plenty of Instagram-worthy moments to capture from the crazy foods to the views from the SuperWheel and Sky Ride, the CNE is giving visitors even more to smile about. Take a selfie with all-new creations including a giant floral aquarium, an 8-ft tall shimmer wall, and oversized models of iconic CNE foods such as a giant cotton candy and ice cream waffle. (Enercare Centre, East side Heritage Court).

NEW – Cirque-tacular Spectacular – Combining trampoline, gymnastics, and aerial acrobatics, the Cirque-tacular Spectacular is a high-energy show that will wow audiences of all ages. (Outside of Enercare Centre Hall B).

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations Exhibit – Visit the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation’s booth for games and an interactive experience focused on their rich history and culture. A daily activity schedule will be posted each morning at the booth and on its social media page at Facebook.com/MNCFN. (Enercare Centre, Heritage Court).

Shopping at the CNE – With more than 700+ retailers from fashion brands to global artisans and Canadian-made products, visitors can shop ‘til they drop at the CNE throughout the grounds. Check out the international markets and warehouse sales inside the Enercare Centre, shop from hand-made and local products at the Arts & Hobbies Building, or find great deals among the outdoor vendors at almost every corner.

The 144th annual CNE takes place from August 18 to September 4, 2023 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada.

General Admission
Advance Tickets (purchased before Aug. 18): $20
General Admission (14 to 64 years): $25
Adults 65 & Better: $20
Children (ages 5 to 13): $20
Children 4 & under: FREE
CNE Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): $75

*Plus HST and applicable fees. To purchase tickets, ride passes, and for more information on discounts and promotions, go to www.TheEx.com

About the Canadian National Exhibition
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is governed by the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA), comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors. The CNEA is responsible for the planning and presentation of the annual Canadian National Exhibition at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1879, the CNE generates an economic impact of approximately $112 million for the Greater Toronto Area and $142 million for the province of Ontario each year (when in operation). In 2022, the CNE attracted 1.56 million visitors over its 18-day fair.

The Ex is almost back! August 18 to September 4, 2023. And this year we’re getting a new Vegas-Style Waterfront Fountain Show!

Skating icon Elvis Stojko stars in the CNE’s Skating Show, twice daily inside the Cola-Cola Coliseum.  The Skating Show returns for the first time since 2018.

Konterschwung, acrobats from Switzerland, are among the exciting line-up of artists representing global entertainment and Canada’s vibrant cultural mosaic.

After a two-year break due to the Pandemic, our beloved Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back! The celebration of the end of Summer is back on for 18 days, ending Labour Day (September 5, 2022) and 1.4 million+ visitors are projected for the run!

We were so thrilled to visit again and can we say it was even more bustling than ever for a Saturday? People have an appetite for fun after having missed The Ex, and also an appetite for fun, inventive foods you just can’t get anywhere else! Even popular local restaurants with actual store fronts use this opportunity to test creative menu items you can’t normally get at their stores.

There is no shortage of amazing food options. As soon as you pass through the iconic Princes’ Gates you are greeted with a long strip of Food Trucks and right now there is the Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest (Aug. 25 – 28), with the new Celtic Food Truck Festival (Sept. 1 – 5) next.

Everything we love about The Ex is back. The Midway, the Gondola rides, the Superdogs Show (this year it’s a PAWVENGERS theme), all the vendors! It’s as if we never skipped a beat at all.

New this year, every night above the Food Building after dark, is a show consisting of 100 Drones putting-on a dazzling spectacle.

Get a good idea of it here:

Of course, the big culinary draw this year are Ketchup and Mustard Ice Creams, located on the south side of the BMO Field! The vendor is drawing long queues of curious guests looking to see what the buzz is all about! Check-out our Reel as my BFF Habeyah and I take you through our LET’S GO TO THE EX 2022 Adventure and see our reactions to Ketchup Ice Cream!

There’s still a bit of time to check-out The Ex. Tickets are available here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/The Ex)

THE CNE HAS JUST REVEALED ONE OF THE CREATIVE NEW FOOD CONCOCTIONS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR THIS YEAR…

Get Ready for Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream!

Each year, more than 1.4 million visitors flock to the Canadian National Exhibition to satisfy their taste buds, appetites, and curiosities for the zany new foods that have become synonymous with the CNE experience. And while organizers are tight-lipped around the full line-up of crave-worthy and crazy concoctions this year – the CNE has dropped a breadcrumb…Ketchup-Flavoured and Mustard-Flavoured Ice Cream!

It’s a battle of the condiments – in soft serve form! Local Toronto vendor Harrison Swift has been serving up some of the most memorable treats at the CNE Midway since 2013 (ala Pickle Lemonade). New this year, he has come up with a sweet and savoury twist on ice cream offering a ketchup-flavoured and mustard-flavoured soft serve with appropriately fun accoutrements such as a pretzel or fries. For those who love both ketchup and mustard – try them swirled together! The ice creams will be available at a new booth on the CNE Midway called So Cute Ice Cream.

While full list of new food items will remain Top Secret for another few weeks, CNE fans can start contemplating whether they are Team Ketchup or Team Mustard.

Stay tuned for more announcements!

The CNE runs August 22 to September 5, 2022.

There’s less than two weeks left till September and what normally would be signalling the start of the CNE in Toronto, is instead a much more low-key affair this year. The CNE at Home Virtual Fair runs August 21 to September 7, 2020. The Portal accessible online gives fans of the Summer favourite a chance to still enjoy the Exhibition’s most popular shows, favourite food recipes, tricks of the trade from buskers, historical retrospectives, new music performances and much more.  

Funnyman Howie Mandel is even feeling the loss this year. Did you know one of his first gigs was on the Vegas Chicks ride?

Recipes/How-Tos to be shared include:

Some activities to be enjoyed are:

CNE Jam sessions online featuring Toronto bands and artists

Gaming Garage powered by AMD online tournaments with cash prizes and giveaways up for grabs (Aug. 21-23)

Rising Star Youth Competition and online voting

Virtual rides, ghost walks, and retrospective specials including a look back at the history of the CNE Grandstand (Bandshell), Best Of the Aerial Acrobatic & Ice Skating Shows, President’s Choice SuperDogs and much more

Special online events include a commemoration the 99^th Annual Warriors’ Day Parade with a look back at its history (Sat. Aug. 22); and a virtual edition of the Canadian International Air Show (Sept. 5-7).  

Visit TheEx.Com for more! There’s also a 50/50 with tons of lucrative prizing!

(Photo credit: Canadian National Exhibition)

Signalling the end of Sumner for Toronto since 1879, the historic CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION returns from August 16 to September 2, 2019.

The Ex as it is known affectionately by Torontonians, brings 1.4 million people to the City and for the first time ever features a Comedy Festival. Diversity is at the forefront this year with a diverse roster of talent including dancing troupe ILL-Abilities slated to perform.

A lantern exhibit titled SILK ROAD COMES TO LIGHT inspired by fables from Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road, celebrates cultures as they were and are. You can even download an App: CNE Night 2019 to learn about the installations.

The affair is a haven for gaming geeks as well! The AMD Gaming Garage and nostalgic Pinball Alley provide tons of cutting edge and retro fun.

For those athlete’s out there, The Ex Race gives one winner a $10k prize, but these contestants must go through a grueling and demanding obstacle course first!

Some of the exciting food offerings at The Ex this year which we got to try. The ones with asterisks we loved:

•The Cheesecake Factory‘s General Custard*
•Pickle Lemonade
•Fried Avocado from Bacon Nation*
•Calamari Fries*
•Flamin’ Cheetos Corndog*
•Red Licorice/Pink Lemonade Donuts and Timbits from Tim Hortons
•Rainbow Grilled Cheese from Pancho’s
•Maple Bacon Churros from Pancho’s
•Cotton Candy Tacos
•Spicy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bacon Burger from Bacon Nation
•Rainbow Funnel Cake
•Cherry Fried Cheese Curds from The King of Curds*
•Beyond Guac Burger*
•Strawberry Dream Waffle Stick from Fudge Puppy
•Pickle Pizza from R&J Concessions*
•Super Snacker (Eight Beaver Tails stacked)
•Oreo Chocolate Cheesecake Chimneys from Eva’s
•Oh Hungry Dessert Dog (Sweet Jesus)

Bandshell Park also will feature a new value food experience, UNDER $6 in the 6 including Jerk Chicken Skewers, Tacos and more!

Some visuals. Hover cursor right to navigate each gallery:

To learn more about The Ex, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Now in its 134th year, the Canadian National Exhibition, known affectionately by Torontonians as The Ex for the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, promises novelty, guilty pleasures and an opportunity for Families and Friends to create memories together.  I admit I’ve long outgrown my love for the rides at The Midway and arrive later in the day to take advantage of the $5 Admission Charge after 5:00 PM, enjoying the benefits of less congestion.  I am drawn by the festivity, the lights and all that over-the-top charm.

The highlight for me every year is visiting the Food Building, which essentially is one gigantic Food Court filled with every single variety of not-so-great-for-you, whether it be Tiny Tom’s Donuts, Beaver Tails (a fried Pastry topped with lemon, cinnamon and sugar), Homemade Fudge, Fish & Chips or $0.99 Pasta. The rage this year, The Cronut Burger, combines the Pastry Craze which has consumed New Yorkers, The Cronut (combination Croissant and Donut) with an all-time favourite in The Hamburger.  The item is available exclusively at the Epic Burgers & Waffles Food Stand only.

Although I’ve been on an all-Vegetarian Diet since January, I decided to make one meat-eating exception to try this Novel Delicacy. Splitting it with my BFF Fran after already being decidedly full, the $10 investment came with mixed reactions.  Fran found it “not bad”, while simply it wasn’t a Love Connection for me. For one, the Cronut itself lacked any resemblance to a Croissant, sans flakiness and it appeared to have been sitting out for a while – tough, if you will.  A Maple-Bacon Drizzle was completely unnecessary and did little to complement the flavour other than to cash-in on the Bacon trend, giving the Burger a bit of added relevance.  The Patty itself was smokey though – not bad. Surely, acclaimed New York City Pastry Chef Dominique Ansel would be fuming if he saw for himself what we were doing to his prized Creation north of the Border.  Consumers of the Krispy Kreme Donut Burger at $9, seemed much more pleased with themselves.

If you have $10 in your pocket and want a sure-fire Hit, I’d say go for Far East Tacos, which took noted Korean-American Chef David Chang‘s concept of the milk-infused Steamed Bun (Bao), which can be enjoyed at his Momofuku Noodle Bar in Toronto, fusing it with Asian-inspired fillings like Breaded Fish Filets, Kalbi Ribs and more.  Add a bit of cheese, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce and Kimchi (Pickled Cabbage) and what you have is a sensational delight. You get two for $10 and you have the option of enjoying it in Taco form also.  We learned sadly that the Shop only will be available at The Ex with no immediate plans to launch into a Restaurant just yet.

Learn more about The Ex and start planning your visit right here!

UPDATE 8/21/13 9:00 AM EST: Thank you for everyone’s concern as I’ve received multiple messages asking if I’m well after News of this broke this morning.  Multiple Outlets are reporting that at least 12 people fell ill last night after eating at The Ex and some are reporting that these Patrons consumed The Cronut Burger.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)