Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top 5 agricultural fairs in North America.

Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE is a not-for-profit organization that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a showcase of the nation.  People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration.

Although the CNE has changed significantly over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario’s great annual traditions and an event that offers substantial entertainment value for money.

Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, it is affectionately embraced as an end-of-summer ritual by more than 1.5 million visitors annually, visitors who reflect the rich diversity of Toronto and the region.

Highlights of the annual CNE include:

• Entertainment
• Concerts
• The Farm
• Food
• Shopping
• Rides
• Games
• Kids’ World (a green space featuring attractions designed for children 10 & under)
• Exhibits
• Park Entertainers & interactive experiences
• A three-day Air Show (on Labour Day Weekend)
• & much more!

All attractions & shows are FREE with admission to the CNE!

A 2017 Economic Impact Assessment, conducted by Enigma Research Corporation, reports that the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) generates an estimated $93.1 million for Greater Toronto Area and more than $128.3 million for the province of Ontario each year.

One of the many ways the CNE helps to boost the local economy is through job creation. The CNE hires approximately 1200 people starting in the spring of each year to assist in the planning and production of the annual fair. An additional 3,500 people are hired during the Fair itself by CNE partners including Emergency Services, Toronto Police, Toronto Fire, food vendors, exhibitors and concessionaires. For many young people growing up in Toronto, the CNE is their first employment experience.

With annual visitation of approximately 1.5 million people, the CNE offers companies an excellent venue in which to sell their products and connect with their audiences face to face. Many corporate sponsors and more than 700 exhibitors, including many Canadian and international businesses, participate in the CNE.

The CNE also works with organizations including Festivals and Events Ontario, Tourism Toronto and Attractions Ontario to help promote tourism in the Greater Toronto Area and the Province of Ontario.