What’s New at the Ex This Year? CNE 2026 Changes to Know Before You Go
The CNE returns to Toronto from August 21 to September 7, 2026, with several additions this year, including a new ice skating and acrobatic show, changes at the Bandshell, a new NXNE stage, updated Gaming Garage programming, sensory rooms and a Vintage Market.
Some 2026 details are still being announced, so this guide covers what has been confirmed so far and what visitors should know before heading to the Ex.
Note: CNE schedules, performers, prices and attraction details can change before or during the fair. Check the official CNE website before your visit for the latest information.
New Attractions, Shows and Updates Coming to the CNE in 2026
CNE 2026 at a Glance
| Date: | August 21 to September 7, 2026 |
| Address: | Exhibition Place, 210 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto |
| Time: | – 10 a.m. to midnight on most days – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with entrance gates closing at 5 p.m. |
| Admission: | – Children 4 and under: Free admission – Kids ages 5 to 13: Free Kid’s Pass available until August 20 – Advance Sale Admission Pass: $25.11 – Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass: $51.66 *Note: Listed ticket prices are before HST and any additional fees at checkout.* |
The CNE confirms its 2026 operating dates and hours, including the earlier Labour Day closing. Its current ticket page also offers free Kid’s Passes for children ages 5 to 13 through August 20.
Check the official CNE ticket page for current ticket prices, available passes, and any additional ticket options or offers that may be added closer to the event.
Urban Edge Brings a New Ice Show to the CNE
One of the bigger additions this year is Urban Edge: Ice Skating & Acrobatic Show at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Canadian figure skater Elvis Stojko headlines the production, which combines skating with acrobatic performances. Shows are scheduled during the CNE, giving visitors an indoor option between the midway, food stops and other attractions.
This is one to keep on your schedule rather than leaving until the end of the day, especially if you already have a few concerts or other shows planned.
The Bandshell Has a New Name and Setup
A familiar CNE concert spot has changed for 2026.
The Bandshell is now the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, and the venue is marking its 90th anniversary this year. The CNE has partnered with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada for its updated music programming.
The confirmed lineup includes artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Lights, Shaggy, Virginia to Vegas and Glass Tiger, with more performers appearing throughout the fair. The official schedule currently lists Lupe Fiasco for August 21, Lights for August 22 and Shaggy for August 23.
NOW Toronto has also reported on the new lineup and notes that the CNE will have five music stages this year, including the new NXNE Stage.
Good to know: Regular Bell SOUNDSTAGE performances are part of the CNE’s entertainment programming, so you do not need to build your whole visit around buying a separate concert ticket.
There’s a New NXNE Stage
The CNE and NXNE Music Festival & Conference have joined forces for 2026.
That partnership brings a new NXNE Stage to the fair, adding another place to catch live music beyond the Bandshell. The CNE says the partnership will put more focus on newer Canadian artists.
For anyone who normally walks straight from the rides to the main concert, this gives you another stage worth checking before calling it a night.
Gaming Garage Is Getting a New Setup
The CNE Gaming Garage is returning, but it will not look exactly the same as previous years.
The 2026 setup moves to the south side of Hall B and centres programming around a large 100-foot, 12K-resolution screen. The Innovation Garage is also returning, giving schools and independent developers space to show their projects.
This is another useful indoor stop, especially during the hotter part of the afternoon.
Kids’ World Is Getting New Programming
Families will also see changes at Kids’ World.
The CNE has confirmed new programming for 2026, although not every part of the schedule has been posted yet. Kids’ World remains one of the areas worth checking ahead of time rather than simply walking in and hoping the timing works, especially for families trying to catch specific performances.
There is also a money-saving option parents should know about: free Kid’s Passes for ages 5 to 13 are currently available through August 20. Each pass covers grounds admission and access to CNE shows and exhibits, but not midway rides.
A Vintage Market Is Joining the Shopping Lineup
Anyone who spends as much time browsing indoors as they do on the midway has another stop this year.
A Vintage Market is joining the Enercare Centre, with sellers offering second-hand clothing, accessories, home items, toys and other finds.
It adds a different option to the CNE’s usual shopping areas, particularly for visitors who would rather browse racks than another booth of phone accessories.
New Sensory Spaces Are Available
Some of the most useful changes for 2026 are focused on accessibility.
The CNE has added sensory spaces for visitors who may need a quieter area away from crowds, lights and noise. Its accessibility resources also cover getting around the 192-acre grounds, parking, medical services and venue-specific information.
The Bell SOUNDSTAGE is also adding an accessible raised viewing area for guests who require accommodations.
For anyone travelling with a family member who may need these services, checking the CNE accessibility information before arriving can save a lot of searching once you are inside the grounds.
HorseCapades Has a New Competition
HorseCapades gets started before the main fair.
This year’s programming adds a Rescue Race Competition alongside its horse demonstrations and performances.
Since HorseCapades runs before the CNE officially opens, it can also work as a separate family outing rather than squeezing it into a full midway day.
The Air Show Is Back for Labour Day Weekend
The Canadian International Air Show returns during the final weekend of the CNE.
That means anyone planning a Labour Day weekend visit should expect the waterfront area to get busier when the flying program begins.
A useful planning move: decide beforehand if the air show is part of your day. If not, an earlier CNE date may make more sense.
What Hasn’t Been Announced Yet?
One part of the CNE people tend to ask about early is the food.
The complete 2026 featured food lineup has not been released yet, and more programming announcements are expected before August 21.
So, no, you do not need to start preparing yourself for whatever gets deep-fried this year just yet.
The best move is to check the CNE site again closer to opening day rather than relying on older food lists from previous years.
Is CNE 2026 Worth Planning Differently This Year?
For regular CNE visitors, there are enough changes that it is worth checking the schedule before going instead of following your usual route.
The new skating show, expanded music programming, NXNE partnership, Gaming Garage changes, Vintage Market and accessibility additions give visitors more to work into the day.
And with the CNE spread across a large site, choosing two or three priorities before arriving can save you from spending half your visit walking from one end of Exhibition Place to the other.
Which CNE 2026 update are you most curious to see in person? Share what’s at the top of your list in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Buying in advance can help you save compared with event-day pricing. The CNE currently offers advance admission and Ride All Day passes before opening day, with HST and any applicable fees added at checkout. Check the official ticket page before buying, since more ticket options or offers may be added closer to the event.
Yes. Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell concerts are included with regular CNE admission, so you do not need a separate concert ticket for the general viewing area. Some shows also offer Front Row VIP add-ons, which are sold separately and still require regular CNE admission.
Yes. The Ride All Day Pass includes admission to the CNE grounds, access to shows and exhibits, and unlimited midway rides for one day. You will need to exchange the pass for a ride wristband at a North American Midway Entertainment ticket booth once you arrive.
You Might Also Like:
