Toronto's CNE Runs Through September 1, Fan Expo Canada Concludes
The Canadian National Exhibition: Toronto's End-of-Summer Extravaganza
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), affectionately known as "the Ex," is Toronto's massive end-of-summer carnival-style event, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually and cementing its place as one of North America's premier fairs 3. Spanning an impressive 260 acres, the CNE runs from August 15 to September 1, 2025, offering a vast array of entertainment, thrilling rides, classic games, diverse food, and unique exhibits 1 3.
Rides, Games, and Family Fun
Visitors flock to the CNE for its iconic rides, ranging from heart-pumping roller coasters like the Mega Drop to family favorites such as the classic Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, and the scenic Sky Ride 2 3. Ride coupons or "Ride All Day Passes" are available for purchase. For budget-conscious families, today, Monday, August 25, marks "Kid's Toonie Monday," offering $2 admission for children 13 and under when accompanied by a paying adult, and a special deal of 75 ride coupons for $30 for kids 3. Beyond the rides, the midway teems with classic carnival games like Ring-A-Bottle, Hoop Shots, Skee Ball, FunBall, and Whac-A-Mole, promising opportunities to win plush toys and prizes 3 1.
For families, "Kids' World" provides a dedicated midway with rides, a playground, and interactive activities for younger visitors. The "CNE’s Farm" offers an immersive agricultural experience with farm animals, demonstrations, a mini tractor pull, and this year's "babies at the farm" theme, featuring a baby goat playground and goat yoga sessions 3.
Culinary Adventures and Unique Eats
The CNE's Food Building is a major highlight, attracting over a million visitors annually with its more than 100 food booths featuring local restaurants and international cuisines, including vegan, raw, and halal options 3. While fair classics like BeaverTails, corn dogs, and deep-fried Oreos are ever-present, the CNE is renowned for its unique and adventurous food creations. This year's offerings included a 2-foot long Hot Dog, Biscoff Fried Chicken Crunch Ice Cream Sandwich, Black Latte, Maki Sushi Corn Dog, stuffed double UFO Burger, and even Lobster Ice Cream 3 4. For those seeking lighter options, Booster Juice and various pita booths offer healthier choices, while Reis & Irv Frozen Yogurt provides a customizable cold treat. Budget-friendly sweets like five-dollar ice cream waffle sandwiches and the nostalgic Tiny Tom Donuts are also available 3.
Entertainment and Special Attractions
Beyond the midway, the CNE is packed with diverse entertainment. The "CNE Gaming Garage" appeals to tech enthusiasts with e-sports tournaments, robotics competitions, and a retro arcade 3 5. Live music is a staple, with performances by artists like Jully Black, 98 Degrees, and The Commodores this past weekend 3 4. Coming up this weekend, the "Canadian International Air Show" (August 30, 31, and September 1) will dazzle with aerial acrobatics, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Other shows include "Evolution," an aerial balloon cirque celebration, and the beloved "Superdogs" show, "Hollywoof: A Night at the Pawscars" 3 5. While it just wrapped up yesterday, the Annual Cat Show captivated audiences on August 23 and 24 3. For indoor activities on a rainy day, the CNE also offers the "ACTION! Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-skating Show" featuring Elvis Stojko, the "History of Television" exhibit, "6ix Dimensions," and the CNE Casino with Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette 5.
In a heartwarming event, a long-distance couple in their 60s, Jacqueline and Patrick, chose to celebrate their recent marriage with a special ceremony on the Midway this past Saturday, August 23, in front of the iconic SuperWheel, after their official wedding in May 6.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your CNE experience, public transit via Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) or GO Train to Exhibition Station is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles 3.
Fan Expo Canada 2025: A Pop Culture Extravaganza
Fan Expo Canada, the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada, and the third-largest pop culture event in North America, concluded its run yesterday, Sunday, August 24, 2025 7 11. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 21-24, the expo spanned over 400,000 square feet, offering a packed schedule of reunions, new product launches, exclusive merchandise, and interactive activations 4 7.
Celebrity Appearances and Panels
This year's Fan Expo featured a special 40th-anniversary reunion for Back to the Future stars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, which took place on Friday night. Other notable guests included Ewan McGregor, Hailee Steinfeld, William Shatner, Mike Tyson, John Boyega, and Mary Steenburgen, who participated in autograph sessions, photo ops, and celebrity panels 4 7. Attendees also enjoyed professional comic artist sketch duels and "How To" workshops, with many embracing the opportunity to wear costumes and cosplay 4 7.
Immersive Fandom Experiences
Fan Expo Canada delivered rich experiences for various fandoms:
- Anime Attractions: The "Anime HQ" served as a central hub for games, performances, meetups, K-Pop dancing, and lo-fi beats. Attendees could meet favorite anime voice actors, participate in Q&A panels, and attend fan-led discussions. The "Maid Café" offered a unique Akihabara-style experience with games and stage performances. "IdolFest" celebrated Japanese Idol culture on Friday and Saturday, while the "Itasha Car Showcase" displayed vehicles decorated with anime characters. Workshops on gunpla and origami, along with anime-themed games and trivia, completed the offerings 10.
- Gaming Attractions: The gaming section provided opportunities to meet gaming voice actors and engage in gaming panels delving into game lore. The "Friendiverse Lounge" offered a communal space for games, fandom crafts, and discussions, fostering camaraderie among fans. "Gaming Cosplay Meetups" for popular franchises like Final Fantasy, Pokémon, and Elden Ring allowed fans to connect and capture memorable group photos 12.
Other Toronto and Regional Events
While the CNE continues this week, several other festivals in Toronto just wrapped up this past weekend:
- Toronto Folk Festival: Kicked off on Ward’s Island this past Saturday and concluded yesterday, Sunday, offering a grassroots, artist-led celebration 4.
- Toronto Korean Festival: Also concluded yesterday, Sunday, at Mel Lastman Square. This major cultural event celebrated the global rise of Korean culture with K-dramas, K-Pop, a Chimel Pavilion (chicken and beer), a Kimchi-Making experience, a Royal Hanbok Fashion Show, and taekwondo demonstrations 4.
- Sankofa Day: This free celebration took place on Saturday, August 23, marking the official historic opening of the newly named Sankofa Square. It featured Indigenous and African ancestral ceremonies, a Black-led community run, performances, art installations, film showcases, and an artisan and food vendor market 4.
Outside of Toronto, other large fairs are still in full swing or have recently concluded:
- Great New York State Fair: Located in Syracuse, NY, this affordable 13-day event runs from August 20 to September 1, 2025, featuring food, exhibits, entertainment, rides, and animals. Admission is $8 for adults, with seniors and children 12 and under entering for free 9.
- Tennessee State Fair: This annual event in Lebanon, TN, ran from August 14 to August 23, 2025, attracting over 200,000 visitors, and concluded this past Saturday 8.
Traffic and Transit Updates
For those navigating Toronto this week, be aware of ongoing disruptions. The TTC Line 2 between St. George and Broadview stations experienced shuttle bus replacements yesterday morning for structural maintenance. Significant road closures include the Gardiner Expressway with lane reductions and on-ramp closures between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, a full closure of Queen Street between Bay and Victoria Streets until 2027, and Yonge Street reduced to a single lane between Wellington and King into 2026 due to subway work 4. Public transport is highly recommended for travel to and from event locations.
