Toronto’s 147th CNE is now open at Exhibition Place, with unusual food launches, a new NXNE music stage, fresh farm programming and ticket deals running through Labour Day.
Toronto’s end-of-summer fair is back, and the 2026 CNE is leaning into two things it does better than almost anywhere else: spectacle and snacks. The Canadian National Exhibition opened Friday, August 21, at Exhibition Place and runs through Monday, September 7, bringing its midway, concerts, exhibits, farm programming and food vendors back to the waterfront. ([theex.com](
This year’s strangest menu items include a Kraft Dinner smoothie, nitrogen-infused Oreo treats and pickle-flavoured coffee. They are exactly the kind of creations that turn a regular fair visit into a Toronto conversation piece, even if your group decides to split one rather than order three. ([torontotourism.org](
For anyone searching for CNE 2026 Toronto plans, the bigger story is that the fair has added more reasons to stay beyond the rides. A new NXNE Stage brings emerging artists to the grounds, while the CNE’s established concert programming, air show and indoor attractions remain part of the admission experience. ([theex.com](
What is new at the CNE this year?
The most notable change is the partnership between the CNE and North by Northeast. The new NXNE Stage sits west of the Food Building and is part of an 18-day music program that connects Toronto’s music-discovery festival with the city’s biggest annual fair. It gives visitors another reason to explore the grounds after eating or riding, especially if they want to hear newer acts without buying a separate concert ticket. ([theex.com](
The Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell also continues to offer concerts free with CNE admission. The lineup includes performances across the fair, while front-row VIP add-ons are sold separately and do not include entry to the grounds. General-admission standing room remains available, but access is first come, first served. ([theex.com](
Accessibility has also received a practical update at the Bandshell. A raised accessible platform is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with room for one support person per guest. Visitors who need that accommodation should arrive early because space is limited. ([theex.com](
The food launches worth hunting down
The CNE’s food culture has become an attraction in its own right. The 2026 highlights include a Kraft Dinner smoothie, nitrogen-infused Oreo treats and pickle-flavoured coffee, according to reporting from the fair’s opening weekend. The lineup reflects the current CNE formula: familiar comfort food, unexpected formats and enough visual drama to make a snack part of the day’s itinerary. ([theex.com](
The official food program also brings back food trucks and adds a new CNE Coffee Shop called Drip beside the official merchandise store. Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beerfest return as well, giving visitors an option beyond the Food Building and midway stands. ([theex.com](
A useful strategy is to treat the food as a shared tasting route. Start with one novelty item, add a more filling meal, then save room for a dessert or coffee stop. That approach lets a group sample more without turning every purchase into a full meal.
New farm activities make the fair more than a midway
The CNE Farm has added several hands-on features for 2026. Children ages eight to 14 can try new sulky rides, which take place around a track pulled by a pony. An adult must remain with the child, and participation requires a signed waiver. Registration opens 30 minutes before each session. ([theex.com](
The farm also introduces horse-care education and meet-and-greets, wool craft workshops and a Farm Theatre program featuring sing-alongs and line dancing. The wool bracelet activity is open to all ages, while needle felting is available to guests 13 and older with registration. ([theex.com](
Returning features include the baby goat playground, corn maze, hay labyrinth, hydroponics and aquaculture displays, milking demonstrations and Kids’ AgVenture. The farm is located in the Better Living Centre, making it a useful indoor stop when the weather turns hot or a younger visitor needs a quieter break from the midway. ([theex.com](
Air show, SuperDogs and high-dive action
The Canadian International Air Show returns for its 77th year from September 5 to 7, running from noon to 3:40 p.m. The announced aircraft and teams include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18, a U.S. Air Force F-16 demonstration, the Jack Aces Formation Aerobatic Team and the Edge 540. ([theex.com](
Inside the Enercare Centre, SuperDogs presents its new “Fairy Tails” show throughout the fair. Performances run at 2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with an additional noon show from Friday through Sunday. Seating is first come, first served, and the venue recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime. ([theex.com](
Other 2026 attractions include the Big Dip High Dive Show, Urban Edge ice skating and acrobatics, Classic Championship Wrestling, Kids’ World, the Gaming Garage, crafting workshops and the CNE Casino. The mix means a CNE 2026 Toronto visit can be built around food, music, family activities or the classic midway rather than trying to cover every section in one afternoon. ([theex.com](
Tickets, hours and the best way to arrive
General admission for ages 14 to 64 is listed at $26.55 before HST and the online processing fee. Children ages five to 13 and visitors 65 and older pay $22.12, while children four and under enter free with a paying adult. A family pass is listed at $84.07, and the Ride All Day Pass costs $75.22 for all ages or $70.80 for children 13 and under and visitors 65 and older. Online purchases carry a $2.99 processing fee per ticket, and HST is added where indicated. ([theex.com](
There are also limited-date offers. The $13 Nights promotion applies from August 24 to 27 and August 31 to September 3, beginning at 4:45 p.m. on those dates. Kid’s Toonie Monday offers admission for $2 to children 13 and under on August 24 and August 31 when accompanied by a paying adult. ([theex.com](
The grounds are open from 10 a.m. to midnight, with the midway opening at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. On Labour Day, September 7, the grounds close at 9 p.m. and the gates close at 5 p.m. Exhibition Station is beside the grounds, while the 509 and 511 streetcars serve Exhibition Loop directly outside the gates. ([theex.com](
For a smoother CNE 2026 Toronto visit, take transit, choose one or two must-see shows before arriving and leave room for the food detour that will almost certainly become the day’s main story.
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