The Canadian National Exhibition returns to Exhibition Place in Toronto from Friday, August 21, through Labour Day Monday, September 7, 2026. The 18-day event combines midway rides, food, concerts, family attractions, exhibits and the Canadian International Air Show.
Visitors can save by buying advance tickets before August 21, while some food, parking and programme details are still being updated.
CNE Toronto 2026 Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | August 21–September 7, 2026 |
| Location | Exhibition Place, 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto |
| Regular grounds hours | 10 a.m.–midnight |
| Labour Day hours | 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; gates close at 5 p.m. |
| Advance admission | $25.11 plus HST |
| Advance Ride All Day Pass | $51.66 plus HST |
| Children four and younger | Free admission |
Ticket prices shown above include a $2.99 processing fee, while HST is added during checkout.
What Are the CNE Toronto 2026 Dates and Hours?
The CNE opens Friday, August 21, and continues through Monday, September 7. On regular days, the grounds operate from 10 a.m. to midnight, while exhibition buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Adult Midway opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, closing at midnight. Kids’ World operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the Kiddie Midway generally runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Labour Day has a shorter schedule. The grounds close at 9 p.m., buildings close at 7 p.m. and the midway closes at 9 p.m. Entry gates close at 5 p.m., with no entry or re-entry after that time.
Visitors can review the official CNE hours of operation before travelling.
How Much Are CNE 2026 Tickets?
Advance tickets are available through August 20 at 11:59 p.m.
The Advance Admission Pass costs $25.11 and includes admission to the grounds, shows and exhibits on one day. The Advance Ride All Day Pass costs $51.66 and includes admission plus unlimited midway rides.
Children aged four and younger receive free admission. The CNE is also offering a downloadable Kids’ Pass for children aged five to 13 until August 20. It includes admission and shows, but rides are not included.
Regular event-priced tickets and additional ride specials had not been published as of August 3. Purchase passes only through the official CNE ticket page or another authorized seller.
What Can Visitors See at the 2026 CNE?
Confirmed attractions include:
- The 77th Canadian International Air Show
- SuperDogs: Fairy Tails
- The CNE Farm
- Classic Championship Wrestling
- Kids’ World
- Midway rides and games
- Exhibits, shopping and live performances
The official website also lists an ice-skating and acrobatic show and the Garden Show among the main CNE experiences.
Concerts and live music
Bell SOUNDSTAGE performances are included with general CNE admission. Artists connected to the announced 2026 programme include Lupe Fiasco, Lights, Shaggy, Silverstein, Tom Cochrane and The Trews.
General-admission concert space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Separate Front Row VIP add-ons provide premium viewing and lounge access, but they do not include CNE gate admission.
Visitors should check the official Bell SOUNDSTAGE schedule for performance dates and later lineup announcements.
CNE food
Food remains one of the CNE’s biggest attractions, including traditional midway snacks, Food Building vendors and unusual limited-time dishes.
However, the full 2026 featured-food list, Food Truck Frenzy programme and Craft Beerfest details had not yet been released. Check the official CNE food page closer to opening day rather than relying on menus from previous years.
How to Get to the CNE
GO Transit provides the most direct rail option. Visitors can leave the train at Exhibition GO Station, located beside the CNE grounds.
TTC buses and streetcars also provide direct service:
- 509 Harbourfront: Union Station to Exhibition Loop
- 29 Dufferin: Dufferin Station to Dufferin Gate Loop
- 504B King: Service to Dufferin Gate Loop
- 511 Bathurst: Service toward Exhibition Loop
Riders should check current TTC alerts before travelling because construction and temporary diversions can affect routes.
The CNE recommends allowing extra travel time and using public transit where possible. Official 2026 parking prices had not yet been posted. Bicycle parking is available outside Dufferin Gate and Princes’ Gates.
See the CNE’s official travel and transit guidance before beginning your trip.
Accessibility and Visitor Services
The CNE grounds cover approximately 192 acres. Accessible washrooms are available in exhibit buildings, while wheelchair and scooter services are offered through the event’s accessibility programme. Reservations are recommended.
Visitors with an Access 2 Card may qualify for complimentary admission for a support person under the CNE’s policy.
A free accessible EXpress Train travels between five designated stops around the grounds approximately every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The service finishes earlier on Labour Day.
Visitors requiring assistance should review the official CNE accessibility information before attending.
Tips Before Visiting
Buy advance tickets by August 20 when the current ticket options suit your plans. Arrive earlier on weekends and Canadian International Air Show days, when larger crowds are likely.
Use the official daily schedule to plan concerts and attractions. Bring a payment card, but consider carrying some cash because the CNE advises that some vendors may only accept cash. ATMs are available throughout the grounds.
Check the weather forecast, transit alerts and event schedule on the morning of your visit. Performance times, food announcements, parking information and other details can change before opening day.
For other late-summer closures and services, read the Fresh Global News guide to Civic Holiday 2026 in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the CNE Toronto 2026?
The CNE runs from August 21 through September 7, 2026, at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
Q2. What time does the CNE open?
The grounds open at 10 a.m. and normally close at midnight. On Labour Day, the grounds close at 9 p.m. and entry gates close at 5 p.m.
Q3. Are rides included with admission?
Standard admission does not include midway rides. The Ride All Day Pass includes grounds admission and unlimited midway rides for one day.
Q4. Are CNE concerts included with admission?
Bell SOUNDSTAGE performances are included with general admission. Optional Front Row VIP access costs extra and does not include gate admission.
Q5. What is the best way to reach the CNE?
GO Transit to Exhibition Station and TTC routes serving Exhibition Loop or Dufferin Gate are the most convenient options. Always check live service information before travelling.
