Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) 2025
Since its inception in 1879, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), affectionately known as The Ex, has been a beacon of tradition, innovation, and community spirit in Toronto, Ontario. Spanning 18 glorious days from mid-August to Labour Day, the CNE transforms the city into a vibrant tapestry of entertainment, excitement, and cultural celebration, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Event Highlights:
- Midway Madness: Experience the thrill of the carnival with exhilarating rides, challenging games, and iconic midway attractions that delight visitors of all ages.
- Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of live performances, including concerts, dance shows, theatrical productions, and daily parades that captivate audiences with their dynamic energy and artistry.
- Exhibitions and Competitions: Explore diverse exhibitions, competitions, and showcases highlighting everything from arts and crafts to cutting-edge innovations and culinary delights.
- Food Extravaganza: Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure at the Food Building, home to a tempting array of international cuisines, gourmet treats, and delectable delights that cater to every palate.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Create lifelong memories with family-friendly activities, including animal shows, petting zoos, interactive exhibits, and hands-on agricultural displays that offer fun and educational experiences for children.
- Innovation Showcase: Discover the latest technological advancements and startups at the Innovation Garage, where groundbreaking ideas and inventions redefine the boundaries of creativity and ingenuity.
- Themed Days and Events: Immerse yourself in themed days and special events that cater to diverse interests and demographics, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Ex.
- Fireworks Spectacular: Marvel at the nightly fireworks displays illuminating the Toronto skyline with bursts of color, music, and magic, providing a dazzling finale to each day of festivities.
Why Attend:
- Time-Honored Tradition: Embrace a cherished tradition that has been an integral part of Toronto’s cultural fabric for over a century, celebrating community, creativity, and connection.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Create lasting memories with friends and family as you explore various attractions, entertainment, and culinary delights that cater to every taste and interest.
- Cultural Celebration: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Canadian culture, artistry, and innovation showcased through exhibitions, performances, and showcases celebrating the nation’s diversity and heritage.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Enjoy many family-friendly activities and attractions designed to entertain, educate, and inspire visitors of all ages, ensuring fun and excitement for the whole family.
- Culinary Adventure: Indulge your senses in a culinary extravaganza at the Food Building, where you can sample a world of flavors, cuisines, and culinary creations from around the globe.
- Innovation and Creativity: Discover the latest innovations, trends, and startups at the Innovation Garage, where groundbreaking ideas and inventions redefine the boundaries of creativity and ingenuity.
- Community Spirit: Join fellow Torontonians and visitors from around the world to celebrate community, culture, and connection at this iconic event, which brings people together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie.
industry growth
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a shining example of growth and success in the event and entertainment industry. As a leading trade show in Toronto, it attracts over 1.6 million visitors annually, making it one of the largest and most popular fairs in Canada. The CNE significantly boosts the local economy, contributing over $112 million to the Greater Toronto Area and more than $143 million to Ontario each year. Beyond entertainment, it provides thousands of jobs, from planning to on-site roles, showcasing its broad economic and social impact. This event reflects the industry’s ability to create engaging experiences while supporting local businesses and communities.
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