The Canadian National Exhibition is back! CNE Toronto 2025 will run from August 15 to September 1, bringing 18 days of thrilling rides, bizarre foods, live performances, and exciting events to the heart of the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a yearly tradition-keeper, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit.

A Food Lover’s Playground

One of the biggest draws at CNE Toronto 2025 is the outrageous food lineup. This year, expect both returning fan favourites and bold new creations.

• Classic carnival indulgences: Tiny Tom’s donuts, candy apples, waffle ice cream sandwiches.
• Wild culinary experiments: Ketchup & mustard soft serve, deep-fried pickle Oreos, tzatziki cheesecake.
• Food truck frenzy: Curbside Dogs with peanut butter & jelly hot dogs, mac and cheese toppings, and even brussels sprouts.
• New arrival: Potato Bar Inc., offering loaded smoked potatoes or hand-cut fries with decadent toppings.
• Back in action: Just Cone It serving shepherd’s pie, pepperoni pizza, and pulled pork, all in a cone.

The Food Building will once again be packed with options, from Bombay Spice Street’s giant 12-inch samosa to Pizza Pizza’s footlong deep-fried mozzarella stick. Bring your appetite, there’s something on every corner.

Rides, Games, and New Thrills

From mellow to extreme, CNE Toronto 2025 offers rides and games for every comfort level.

• Classic rides: Ferris wheel, Polar Express, and the colourful carousel.
• New VIP ticket experience: Perfect for die-hard midway fans.
• First in Canada: Dinner in the Sky — dine 150 feet above the ground with skyline views. Tickets start at $110.

For games, expect the classics: ring toss, balloon burst, bottle smash, basketball hoop toss, and whack-a-mole. Adults can also try their luck at the CNE Casino.

Live Entertainment You Can’t Miss

The CNE is just as much about entertainment as it is about rides. This year’s highlights include:

• CNE Archives Exhibit celebrating 146 years of history.
• CNE in Colour photo showcase by ride safety specialist Greg “Scooter” Korek.
• Bandshell Park concerts: Shawn Desman, Jully Black, 98 Degrees, Yukon Blonde, and more.
• Super Dogs “Wild Wild Woof” agility show — multiple daily performances.
• Ice Skating & Acrobatic Show at Coca-Cola Coliseum, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. daily.
• Daytime Coffee Party on August 24 at the Bandshell Stage.

Major Events and Special Shows

• Canadian International Air Show: August 30 – September 1, daily from 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
• Classic Championship Wrestling: Featuring WWE legends like Jimmy Hart and Ted DiBiase.
• Magic & Comedy: Double Vision with multiple showtimes from August 15–19.
• New for 2025: CNE Drag Brunch starring Tynomi Banks, Lemon, JuiceBoxx, BOA, and Kyne.

Plus, catch buskers, strolling entertainers, and unique acts like The Funny Waiter Show and Rock N Rolling Piano.

Tickets, Hours, and Discounts

• Dates: August 15 – September 1, 2025.
• Advance tickets: $25.11 (General Admission) to $47.24 (Ride All Day Pass).
• At the gate: Available starting August 15.
• Free entry: Children 4 and under.
• Special discount: 47% off for Presto cardholders (advance purchase only, until August 14).

Hours:

• Gates: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily (closes 5 p.m. on Labour Day).
• Grounds: Until midnight (9 p.m. on Labour Day).
• Food Building: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Labour Day).
• Casino: Noon – 6 a.m. daily.

Getting to the CNE

Getting to CNE Toronto 2025 is easy with direct transit options:

• GO Train service straight to the grounds.
• TTC routes: 511 Bathurst Streetcar, 504B King Streetcar, 29 Dufferin Bus, and 509 Harbourfront Streetcar.

Final Word

CNE Toronto 2025 promises another year of unforgettable food, thrilling rides, world-class entertainment, and can’t-miss events. Whether you’re there for the air show, the midway, or just the atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer in style.