The ‘unofficial’ end of summer is upon us—but August in Toronto is going out with a bang. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back from August 15th to September 1st, bringing good vibes, outrageous food, and entertainment for all ages.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or just in it for the vibes, here’s what’s new at the 2025 CNE:
Dinner in the Sky
Aug 15 – Sept 1
Strap in for a once-in-a-lifetime dining adventure—150 feet above the ground with sweeping 360° views of Toronto and the fairgrounds. In this intimate “Chef’s Table” experience, 22 guests enjoy gourmet courses prepared and served right in front of them.
The CNE is the first festival in Canada to offer this internationally popular attraction, seen in Dubai, Tokyo, and Punta Cana. Multiple “flights” take off daily from Stanley Barracks (near Hotel X), with options ranging from afternoon tea to sunset dinners and nighttime cocktails under the Midway’s neon glow.
Packages start at $110 per person (includes CNE admission).
CNE Coffee Party Presented by Nabob
Sun, Aug 24, 10 am – 12 pm
Calling all coffee lovers! Nabob is hosting the CNE’s first-ever coffee party—complete with a live DJ, bottomless mimosas, donut giveaways, and free coffee. The perfect way to kick off your Sunday and chase away the Sunday Scaries.
Evolution: Aerial Balloon Show
Aug 15 – Sept 1 | Multiple Daily Shows
A breathtaking cirque performance centered around a massive aerial balloon, Evolution tells the story of the CNE through the decades—from the Roaring 1920s to today—with daring acrobatics, mesmerizing visuals, and live music.
Mythos
Aug 15 – Sept 1 | Every 45 Minutes
Step inside an immersive storytelling experience that celebrates cultural legends from around the world. This anthology—created by artists with authentic ties to the stories—brings to life:
The Great Race (China)
Oshun (Nigeria)
Sky Woman (Haudenosaunee, Canada)
2025 Foods
The 2025 CNE food lineup is bigger, bolder, and butterier than ever, with over 30 new creations that push the boundaries of sweet, savoury, and downright surprising. Butter takes centre stage with indulgences like butter ice cream, butter tart funnel cakes, and even a butter burger, alongside quirky sips like butter soda and TikTok-famous dirty sodas. Food mashups are everywhere—think chicken nugget–stuffed cookies, kimchi dumpling sundaes, hashbrown ice cream sandwiches, churro pizzas, and sushi corn dogs. For the adventurous, there’s deep-fried frozen watermelon, lobster ice cream, pickle boats topped with everything from smoked meat to s’mores, and a two-foot-long hot dog.
Savoury lovers won’t be left out, with over-the-top creations like butter chicken birria tacos, smash burger tacos, Chicago mix popcorn chicken tenders, poutine dumplings, and deep-fried pizza on a stick. And for those chasing Instagram-worthy treats, expect rainbow empanadas, glitter teas, and heart-shaped funnel cakes to light up your feed. Whether you’re here for the outrageous, the comforting, or the totally unexpected, the CNE’s 146th year is promising a flavour-packed, camera-ready feast you won’t forget.
As CNE’s newest CEO, Mark Holland said best, “The CNE is so much more than a fair. It is an exhibition of art and culture, and frankly and adventure. WHen you come here you never know what you may be able to find.”
In its 146th year, the CNE is proving once again that it’s more than just a fair, it’s Toronto’s ultimate summer send-off, where you come for the fun and leave with stories and snacks you’ll be talking about until next August.
For more information:
210 Princes’ Blvd.
http://www.theex.com/
Instagram: @letsgototheex
Facebook: /TheEx
