EVENT: Midway, food & airshow at 134th CNE

It’s a Toronto tradition, synonymous with the final days of summer. Every year, GTA residents and tourists hit the midway, check out the air show and scarf down dangerously delicious treats at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Crowds start packing the CNE grounds for the 134th time beginning Friday until Sept. 3. More than 1.3 million people visited The Ex last year.

All these visitors will help provide the City of Toronto with a major economic boost. The CNE pumps more than $50 million a year into Toronto’s economy and provides temporary employment for as many as 900 people.

The fair, which began in 1879, occurs throughout 192 acres of lakefront property at Exhibition Place. It is currently the seventh largest fair in North America.

The Mega Drop ride returns to thrill fans this year, along with other favourites, such as the Ferris Wheel, Wave Swinger, Zipper, Swing Tower, and the Crazy Mouse spinning coaster. In addition, the midway offers 125 games.

Entertainers this year include Big Sugar with Flash Lightnin’, Nick Carter with Andrew Allen and The Tea Party. Aerial acrobatics and ice skating return to the Ex with Canadian ice dancers, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, winners of gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Performances are from Aug. 17-31.

Perhaps one of the CNE’s most iconic events, the air show is also back, offering impressive high-flying aerial acrobatics. Attendance is free with admission.

Catch illusionist Ted Outerbridge perform his magic tricks on Sept. 1 and 2.

For animal lovers there are the cat and dog show, as well as the HorseCapades July 31-Aug. 16.

General admission is $16, seniors are $12, children five-13 years old are also $12, while kids under five are free. A family pass for four people is $48.

The gates open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the festival.

Click here for the full CNE lineup.

Share photos and videos of your favourite rides, food and entertainment. Click here to upload your content or send them using the iPhone or iPad app.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today