Toronto's Ex Gets a Major Refresh for 2026
The Canadian National Exhibition — better known to most as "the Ex" — is once again gearing up to close out summer in style. Running from August 21 to September 7, the 2026 CNE in Toronto is bringing a wave of new activations, shows, and interactive experiences that go well beyond the usual midway rides and butter tart contests. For Ontarians outside the GTA, including plenty of Ottawa families who make the trip down the 401 each year, there's a lot to get excited about.
A Lunar Adventure Lands at the Ex
One of the biggest new additions this year is a space-themed activation exploring Canada's role in the Artemis II lunar flyby mission. Visitors can step into the shoes of an astronaut, check out cutting-edge space technology, and wander through interactive exhibits, including The Artemis II Journey photo exhibition. The experience wraps up at a striking 20-foot illuminated moon installation, complete with projected lunar phases and hourly aerial acrobatic performances. Given how much attention Canada's space program has drawn in recent years, this feels like a natural fit for a fair that prides itself on showcasing homegrown innovation.
Test Your Astronaut Fitness
The CNE Gaming Garage is also going galactic, with new space-themed games available to play for free throughout the run of the fair. The Astronaut Fitness Challenge lets attendees test whether they've got the physical chops to make it as a spacefarer, while the more low-key aiLIENS: Lunar Station 6IX experience turns your own drawings into animated avatars that travel across a massive 17-foot-tall screen. It's the kind of tech-forward, family-friendly programming that's become a signature of the modern Ex.
High Diving Makes a Splashy Comeback
For a bit of old-school spectacle, the return of high diving is a genuine throwback moment. Once a beloved CNE tradition in the early 1960s, the sport is coming back to the fair with The Big D, featuring elite divers performing daring aerial stunts. It's a nod to the Ex's long history as one of Canada's most enduring late-summer traditions, blending nostalgia with genuinely impressive athleticism.
Worth the Trip from Ottawa
While the CNE has always been a Toronto institution, it consistently pulls visitors from across Ontario, and this year's lineup of new attractions gives Ottawa residents another good excuse to plan a late-August getaway. Whether it's the space exhibits, the returning high-diving shows, or simply the massive midway and food vendors the Ex is famous for, the 2026 edition looks set to be one of the more ambitious years in recent memory.
The 2026 CNE runs from August 21 to September 7 in Toronto.
Source: blogTO
