The ultimate guide to the CNE: Tickets, hours, discounts and what to know before you go
The end of summer in Toronto is always bittersweet — while the end of sunny days and the coming winter are less fun to think about, the sweet part is that it means it's time for a beloved Canadian tradition.
The end of the season means it's time for the Canadian National Exhibition (also known as the CNE or The Ex), Canada's largest and longest-running fair with food , games and tons to see and do.
To say there’s a lot to see at the Canadian National Exhibition is a bit of an understatement — the CNE is Canada's biggest annual fair and dates back almost 150 years.
To help you plan a visit to one of Canada's oldest fairs, we've laid out everything you need to know about the 2026 CNE.
See on Instagram When is the 2026 CNE? The 2026 CNE runs from August 21 to September 7, 2026.
The CNE grounds are open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day of the fair, with the exception of Labour Day, when the grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and gates will close at 5 p.m.
A more complete list of the hours of operation can also be found online .
How much are CNE tickets? A range of different CNE tickets are available.
Advance admission passes can be purchased online for $25.11 per adult, a discounted rate that's available until August 20.
The ticket includes grounds admission and access to all shows and exhibits on any one day of the 2026 fair.
Visitors can also purchase an advance Ride All Day Pass for $51.66, which includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides on any one day of the CNE.
The CNE also offers Front Row VIP Experience add-on tickets for concerts at the CNE Bandshell.
The tickets include access to a front-of-stage viewing area, an exclusive VIP lounge, a dedicated VIP bar and VIP washrooms, and a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
For visitors 13 years old and under, the CNE offers a free School Kid's Pass which can be obtained by selecting the child's school board online.
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