#FIRSTLOOK: 147TH CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

The 147th Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is taking summer entertainment to new heights this year, literally and figuratively, with not only Canada’s largest immersive space exhibit, but also one of the tallest high diving shows where skilled daredevils will plunge from heights up to 80ft into a massive pool – and with nightly performances engulfed in flames! Each year, more than 1.4 million visitors make it an end-of-summer tradition to experience all that the CNE has to offer from the new attractions, electrifying music performances, and the nostalgia of the midway rides and games, to fun foods and family entertainment.

Some of the returning favourites include the Ice Skating & Acrobatics Show with seven-time Canadian champion Elvis Stojko, a new Fairy-Tails show by the beloved SuperDogs, Gaming Garage, Classic Championship Wrestling, and The CNE Farm where visitors can meet barn animals, try goat yoga and line dancing. The 77th edition of the Canadian International Air Show will feature the CNE debut of The Pink Jet and the Jack Aces Aerobatic Formations Team among the notable performers, see the iconic Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds who will take to the skies for one of their final performances before a multi-year pause.
In addition to free headlining concerts at the CNE Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, there will be performances around every corner including the brand new NXNE Stage where some of Canada’s most exciting emerging artists will be showcased; and the Spotlight Stage where international acts converge such as Japan’s dynamic Double Dutch dance group HARIBOW, and Canadian-debut of OMNIUM, a trailblazing circus presented bilingually in English and American Sign Language by a first-ever Deaf Ringmaster featuring worldclass acrobatics and performers of all abilities.

The 2026 CNE kicks off on Friday, August 21 through to September 7.

NEW and Noteworthy Attractions at This Year’s CNE:

NEW – The CNE Space EXperience: Embark on a galactic adventure at the CNE’s Space EXperience, where visitors can discover Canada’s vital role in the Artemis II mission and the future of space exploration. Step into the life of an astronaut, explore cutting-edge Canadian space technology and innovations through hands-on interactive exhibits, and relive humanity’s return to the Moon through The Artemis II Journey photo exhibition. Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency and funded by the Province of Ontario, the exhibition features extraordinary images from one of the most significant chapters in modern space exploration. Complete your journey beneath a spectacular 20-foot illuminated Moon, where stunning projections of the lunar phases culminate in breathtaking hourly aerial acrobatic performances that will leave audiences starstruck. (Daily, Enercare Centre – Hall B – Northside)

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen takes images of the Moon through an Orion spacecraft window during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Hansen and his crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data and photos to share with their team back on Earth. (Credit: NASA)

The CNE Space EXperience includes the Astronaut interactive exhibit, created by Scitech in Perth, Australia and Produced by Imagine Exhibitions.

NEW – Space-Themed Games at the CNE Gaming Garage: Alongside the CNE Space EXperience is the return of the CNE Gaming Garage that will offer a ‘new frontier’ of space-themed games to play for free. Visitors can put themselves to the test in an Astronaut Fitness Challenge, or watch their drawings come to life on a 17ft tall screen as their avatar voyages through aiLIENS: Lunar Station 6IX. Plus, support aspiring student programmers and indie gaming developers at the Innovation Garage. (Daily, Enercare Centre – Hall B – Northside)

NEW – The Big Dip High Dive Show, presented by Pizza Pizza: The CNE is making a huge splash this year! What was a CNE pastime in the early ‘60s, high diving makes its spectacular return with The Big Dip High Dive Show. A team of elite performers will climb platform heights up to 80 feet and bravely plunge into a 40,000 gallon pool at the CNE’s iconic Princes’ Gates. This heart-pounding attraction gets even more daring at night when divers are engulfed in flames as they descend at lightning speeds. (Daily, Princes’ Gates)

NEW – CNE Bell SOUNDSTAGE Concert Lineup 2026: This summer, the CNE has teamed up with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada to present the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, to deliver an unforgettable lineup of performances. Enjoy free concerts by international chart-toppers such as Shaggy, Lupe Fiasco, Raf-Saperra and Alison Hinds, to Canadian music icons and homegrown acts including Tom Cochrane, Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, The Trews, Glass Tiger, Bran Van 3000, Charlotte Day Wilson and more! (Nightly, Aug. 21- Sept.6, Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell)

NEW – NXNE Stage: It’s the best of two ‘fests – The CNE and North by Northeast (NXNE) have partnered to bring the next wave of music stars to Canada’s largest fair. Adding another destination to discover new music at the CNE, the NXNE Stage will feature exciting performances by some of today’s hottest emerging acts. Take in the cool music festival vibes with some cold beer at the Collective Tap Yard, presented by local brewer Collective Arts, the official beer partner of the 2026 CNE. (Nightly, Aug. 21- Sept. 6, Collective Tap Yard, West side of Food Building).

NEW – Standardbred Sulky Rides + Goat Yoga is back! The Farm at the CNE is one of the most popular destinations for families and all ages, whether it’s learning about agriculture and meeting Ontario farmers and their livestock, to making crafts with wool, or adventuring through a hay maze. Visitors can sign-up to try Goat Yoga, learn some line dancing, or watch 100-tonnes of sand take shape as artists create a sculpture to commemorate the United Nation’s Year of the Woman Farmer. Standardbred Canada will also be offering interactive activities such as wooden sulky rides, a VR harness race simulator, and live demonstrations. (Daily, The Farm at the Better Living Centre)

The 77th Annual Canadian International Air Show: Soaring above Lake Ontario during Labour Day Long Weekend, the Canadian International Air Show will showcase aviation acrobatics at its best. This year’s performers include the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18, USAF F-16 demonstrations, the Jack Aces Formation Aerobatic Team, the Edge 540, The Pink Jet, a Christen Eagle, and the beloved Canadian Armed Forces’ Snowbirds taking their final flight before a multi-year hiatus. Ticket packages and more information available at www.cias.org (Sept. 5 – 7, CNE Waterfront)

The Pink Jet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that utilizes the universal language of aviation to take breast cancer awareness to new heights.
NEW – Kitchen Studio Workshops: Time to roll up the sleeves and learn some culinary skills at the CNE’s Kitchen Studio! Join renowned pastry chef and cookbook author Anna Olson every Saturday as she teaches how to prepare Ontario-fresh seasonal fruit jam; learn to make fresh pasta from scratch with Le Dolci Culinary Classroom; or discover authentic Japanese matcha preparation taught by instructors from Isabella’s Donuts (Daily, Enercare Centre – Hall A)

NEW – Enchanted Forest Immersive Experience: Step into a world of magic! Kids’ World at Centennial Park transforms into a whimsical realm with the Enchanted Forest Immersive Experience where storytelling, interactive play, and live characters bring fantasy to life. Meet the Great Gazebo, Lionheart, and Bramble as they invite young adventurers to partake in quests, challenges, and explore hidden wonders across the park. Other new attractions in Kids World include the K-POP Tribute Cirque Show, a high-energy, acrobatic spectacle with dancing and singalong songs; plus popular licensed character appearances from PAW Patrol to Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse. (Daily from 10am – 8pm, Kids World)

The 125th Cat Show: Celebrating over a century of purr-fection! The Cat Show at the CNE has been a longstanding tradition and annual feline competition that gathers over 100 cats from across the country to determine the Best in Show. Learn about the Cat Show’s history from past judges and returning winners and get up-close to cats of all breeds and backgrounds, from the most illustrious pedigrees to inspiring rescued pets. (Aug. 29 & 30, 10am – 5pm, Enercare Centre)

Exhibition City Walking Tour: Explore the hidden history and architectural legacy of the CNE grounds with the Exhibition City Walking Tour—an immersive, hour-long journey through a space once viewed as a fully functioning “city within a city.” 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 in a thriving urban centre. Today, art galleries, public gathering spaces, and key civic institutions including the fire hall and police station, reflects the Fair’s broader role in shaping Canadian identity.​ (Weekdays 11:30am, excluding Opening Day and Labour Day, Princes’ Gates)

Classic Championship Wrestling: Bring on the nostalgia and rivalry! Classic Championship Wrestling returns to the CNE with special appearances and meet & greet sessions with wrestling stars including Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Rhyno, Gangrel, Luigi Primo, Briyante RB, Joey Janela, Nova, and Ms. Spicy Sirena Linton. (Daily, Bandshell Park North)

NEW – Canadian Debut Acts on the Spotlight Stage: The CNE’s Spotlight Stage will feature daily performances of dance, music, culture and entertainment from around the world. Among the must-see performers are HARIBOW, a high-energy Double Dutch team from Japan, internationally recognized for their appearances on major Got Talent stages, where they earned standing ovations and a Golden Buzzer. Blending world-class jump rope skills with dance, acrobatics, and theatrical storytelling, they transform Double Dutch into a dynamic performance filled with speed, precision, and powerful synchronization (Aug 21 – 29, Enercare Centre).

HARIBOW, a high-energy Double Dutch team from Japan will be performing in Canada for the first time at the CNE on August 21 & 29.

Spotlight Stage Cont’d: Also making their CNE debut on the Spotlight Stage is OMNIUM, a first of its kind inclusive Circus that is multi-abled and representative. The Canadian premiere of its jaw-dropping show, “I’m Possible,” celebrates diversity and artistry through awe-inspiring Circus arts. The show is led by Malik Paris performing artistic ASL as the first ever Deaf ringmaster, accompanied and voiced by legendary showman Johnathan Lee Iverson, the first African American ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. (Aug. 30 – Sept. 7, Enercare Centre).

NEW – CNE Drip Merchandise & Coffee Shop: Something EXciting is brewing at the CNE this year! Step into the Music Building and discover, Drip, a new seated café and retail shop. Fuel up with an EXpresso or a fresh brew of Canada’s Fair Blend, while browsing an exciting collection of CNE-inspired merchandise from stylish hoodies to t-shirts featuring nostalgic imagery, and reusable water bottles that help support the CNE Waste diversion program. (Open Daily from 10am – 10pm, closing early on Labour Day, Music Building across from the Kiddie Midway).

CNE Foundation Grand 50/50 Fundraiser: It’s a win-win! The CNE’s Grand 50/50 Fundraiser offers a chance to win big while giving back to the community. This year’s raffle includes a guaranteed minimum jackpot of $250,000, and exciting new Early Bird prizes. Every ticket purchased directly supports the CNE Foundation’s work, including student scholarships, community grants, and the Smiles on Faces Program—helping create memorable experiences for children with critical illnesses and their immediate families with an all-expenses-paid visit to the CNE. 2026 Raffle Tickets are now available online at www.cnef5050.com and at various locations on-site during the fair.

CNE Drag Brunch: Back and better than ever! Get ready for dazzling performances that will serve up laughter, lip-syncs and jaw-dropping glamour at the CNE Drag Brunch, back by popular demand. This year’s Queens include Tynomi Banks, Jada Hudson, Midas, Destiny Doll, and Latin Drag King, Rico Rico. CNE Drag brunch is an enhanced experience and ticketed event. (Aug. 30, Acqua Supper Club, south of Bandshell Park)

Jada Hudson – International drag entertainer and reality star of the new series, “Slaycation,” on CraveTV.
The 147th annual CNE takes place from August 21 to September 7, 2026 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada. Advance Sale tickets are on sale now with savings up to 35% if purchased until August 20 at www.TheEx.com/tickets.