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The Canadian National Exhibition — Toronto’s signature end-of-summer event — is back after two years of pandemic cancellations. It runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, with Midway rides, fun foods, live shows and plenty of attractions.

Here’s a rundown of the CNE’s programming this year:

The Midway offers rides and games for all to enjoy. Thrill-seekers can get some good old-fashioned adrenalin going on the 35 rides, including classics like the ferris wheel and new additions such as the double-decker merry-go-round. The Kiddie Midway features 31 fun-sized rides, arts and crafts and family-friendly shows to entertain the little ones.

This season’s live performance and music programming is packed with talent from comics to international stars. Multiple stages across the Ex grounds will have live music throughout the day, but the main music event each night takes place on the CNE Bandshell stage.

Don’t miss the finale: Every night at 10:45 p.m., 100 drones will illuminate the sky for a fantastic light show above the food building.

A wide variety of treats and snacks are on offer at the food building and at booths throughout the grounds. In addition, food truck events are also returning to the Ex this season. Enjoy a wide variety of fare from food vendors as well as craft beer and live music at the Mardi Gras Meet-Up on Princes’ Boulevard from Aug. 20-23 and the Food Truck Frenzy from Aug. 25-28. From Sept. 1-5, the Celtic Celebration & Food Truck Festival will be showcasing Celtic food and culture, commemorating the 100th anniversary of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.”

Tons of other attractions are also on offer. The CNE Casino will be open from noon to 6 a.m. The Gaming Garage will host a variety of tournaments including esports, pinball and robotics. At The Farm, meet farmyard animals, learn about the trends in Canadian urban agriculture, visit the corn maze and try your hand at farming.

The Ex will end with the Canadian International Air Show, which runs Sept. 3-5. The event will showcase nine pilots from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The U.S. Air Force F-35, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 demonstration jet, the Canadian Forces SkyHawks military demonstration team and pilot Gord Price are also performing. The Air Show can be viewed from the CNE grounds. An Exclusive Air Show Zone, ticketed separately, is also on offer.

Tickets to the Ex are available online and at the gates.

General admission is $25 for people aged 14-64, $20 for 65 and up and kids aged five-13. Children four and under can attend for free. $11 evening tickets are available each Monday (excluding Labour Day) to Thursday for admission after 5 p.m.

Special ticket offers are also available online under the tickets tab. A number of opening day discounts are valid for Aug. 19, like general admission for $13 and eight ride tickets for $22. Get a free Kids’ Pass online for admission to everything except rides. Up to five free kids’ passes can be downloaded per person.

General admission does not include tickets to Midway rides, which are sold separately. Get four ride tickets for $5, 20 for $22 and 55 for $55. Each ride requires four-to-eight tickets, unless you get a ride-all-day pass, which gives you access to unlimited rides.

The grounds are open from 10 a.m. to midnight, except on Labour Day. On Labour Day the grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the gates close at 5 p.m. The Midway is open from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends. If you need to leave the grounds and return later in the day — be sure to ask for a hand stamp at the gate to get back in.

Learn more online at theex.com.

Clarification — Aug. 19, 2022: This file was updated to clarify that CNE grounds are open from 10 a.m. each day, while the midway is open beginning at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.

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