The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Canada’s largest fair, opens its 147th annual run on August 21, 2026, at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition to promote agriculture, industry and the arts, it was renamed the Canadian National Exhibition in 1912. Today, the 18‑day event draws over 1.4 million visitors and has evolved into a sprawling showcase of agricultural displays, carnival rides, live concerts and creative culinary offerings.
This year’s edition introduces the immersive CNE Space EXperience, celebrating Canada’s role in the Artemis II moon mission, alongside the return of the Big Dip High Dive Show, an iconic 1960s spectacle with 80‑foot plunges. A new NXNE Stage also highlights emerging musical talent. As an end‑of‑summer ritual for generations of families, the CNE remains a beloved cultural institution, blending tradition with innovation until it closes on Labour Day, September 7.