One of Toronto’s popular end-of-the-summer events is around the corner and this year’s Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) promises carnival fun for the whole family.
Running from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2, the CNE will be bringing back some favourites, like the Superwheel—the tallest traveling Ferris Wheel at 150 feet high—and 35 other thrilling midway rides. It will also feature some new attractions, like an extreme sports show by pro skaters and BMX bikers.
In 2023, the CNE broke attendance records, with a total of 1,604,000
visitors during the 18-day event. The previous record was 1,601,000, set in 2015.
Here are some of the top activities and shows to take in while at the 2024 CNE.
Kids World
Located next to the kids’ midway, which includes child-sized rides to enjoy, is
Kids World, a space full of activities for younger attendees. From onstage entertainment to a playground for little climbers, Kids World offers fun and adventure for younger visitors.
Extreme Sports Show
Andy Macdonald, 51, known as one of the oldest competing skateboarders, will make a CNE
debut alongside a lineup of pro skaters, BMX bikers, and in-line skaters. They will show off their moves on a 12-foot half-pipe located in front of the Princes’ Gates.
Aquarama
The waterskiing show
Aquarama will return to the West Channel of Lake Ontario this year. The group will showcase flips, spins, and human pyramids on the water.
Canadian International Air Show
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will take to the skies for the 75th anniversary of the
Canadian International Air Show. The Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor will also be in the show.
Ice Skating Performance
Three-time world champion ice skater Elvis Stojko will be at the CNE with a new aerial and acrobatic ice-skating
show.
WWE
Wrestling fans can
meet and get autographs from favourites like 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.
Gaming Garage
CNE will host the first-ever national Master Clash ft. Tekken 8 tournament in the
gaming garage. Preliminary rounds will take place in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal. Top gamers who qualify will receive a trip to Toronto to compete in the finals. The winner will take home a $12,000 prize pool.
Byte Size Gaming Zone
Younger gamers and families can enjoy some interactive play in the
byte size gaming zone. It will also host a robotics competition as well as retro arcade games.
Carnival Museum
Find out more about the history of carnivals at the
Carnival Exhibit of quirky artifacts from the Conklin Company. They were one of the oldest travelling carnivals.
Midway
With over 35 rides, including Crazy Mouse Coaster, Cliff Hanger, Haunted Mansion, Mega Drop, and more, there are plenty of thrills and screams to be had at the CNE
Midway.
Kitchen Stage
Celebrity chefs and some local restaurateurs will take to the stage to share recipes, kitchen hacks and advice on all things culinary. Presentations will include Fire Masters judge Andrea Nicholson, Food Network Canada’s Afrim Pristine, and The Great Chocolate Showdown producer and chef Lindsay Greflund.
CNE Farm
CNE’s
farm allows kids of all ages to learn more about farm life and get up close with some of the most adorable animals, including sheep, piglets, goats, and Mr. T, a three-year-old Highland cattle.
Musical Performances
The CNE will also be welcoming a variety of musical
performers including Sloan, Big Wreak, The New Pornographers, Born Ruffians, Half Moon Run, and rapper Big Boi.
