The CNE celebration starts from August 17 to September 3, and then will return with more diverse programming then ever along with exhilarating attractions.

The CNE will be home to one of the world’s largest indoor lantern festivals giving prominence to 17 illuminated large-scale art installations on display daily and putting up the Enercare Centre, as well as an outdoor TELUS Asian Market Revolutionising Princes’ Blvd. into a bustling and lively marketplace for artisanal crafts and authentic street foods over the last few days.

And of course beloved Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show and the CNE Bandshell will be reappearing. At the Band shell, headliners  include Blood, Sweat & Tears, Dennis DeYoung and the music of STYX, Nancy Wilson of Heart, and the new music from The Trews, Bedouin Sound clash, and Marianas Trench to name a few.

Let’s see what else is new?

1.    Legends of the Silk Road Come to Light

According to the CNE this time it will be prominent with a spectacular indoor lantern festival, the festival will include a stunning series of 17 illuminated sculpture installations that will create a kaleidoscope of colour, portrayed around legends and myths associated with the ancient Silk Road.

The admiring displays were created by 90 artists and arrived in eight shipping containers that travelled more than 12,000 km from China to Toronto.

 Utilizing 4,000 metres of synthetic silk, 55 metres of steel, and arrived in eight shipping containers that travelled more than 12,000 km from China to Toronto.

2.    TELUS Asian Market

 The energetic and colourful TELUS Asian Market at the CNE acquires Princes’ Blvd. starting Thursday, August 30 through to Labour Day with an eclectic mix of vendors, artisanal crafts, cultural entertainment, and authentic international street food to feast on

3.    Flip Flop Sculptures

Mesmerising art with a cause. By Kenyan artisans Abandoned flip flops recovered from the Indian Ocean are transformed into whimsical animal sculptures artisans. Their creativity at work can be watched out until the end of the 18-days of the CNE, inside Hall A, Enercare Centre.

4.    Silent Disco

On August 27 and 28, Dance the night away on Princes’ Blvd. to tunes that only you can hear at the CNE’s first-ever Silent Disco. Participants are encouraged to don a pair of the 300 headphones available on a first-come, first-serve basis with a deposit, and let loose to the music of two enthusiastic DJs rotating a variety of types of songs.

5.    Nook of Gnomes

 As the CNE visitors enter Heritage Court. Six whimsical giant garden gnomes are ready to greet. These legendary spirits have been super-sized to stand at 12 feet and six feet tall known for their small stature , the gnomes are sure to be an instant ‘selfie’ sensation that are Wrapped with flowers and greenery,

6.    The Zipper

 As one of most popular amusement park rides Celebrating its 50th anniversary worldwide, the Zipper debuts its new makeover at the CNE this year Be one of the firsts to experience the new-generation Zipper. Now the Thrill seekers can ride the vertical G-forces (without the confined cage) surrounded by illuminated LEDs, music and ‘screams.

7.    The 69th Annual Canadian International Air Show

While it’s not new, the aviation extravaganza is bookended by two of North America’s best aerobatic jet teams the 69^th annual Canadian International Air Show soars over Lake Ontario with another awe-inspiring show on Labour Day: The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

What is new is, this will be the Thunderbirds’ only performance outside of the USA in 2018 and first time back at the CNE in 15 years.

8.    Quatro: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show

The Quatro, CNE’s new Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show, is themed around the dynamic forces of the four elements: water, fire, wind, and earth. Enchanting audiences with their athleticism and glaring artistry, featuring include Vanessa Bauer, the 2018 Dance on Ice winner, and former Cirque du Soleil artist, Angela Kim.

Canadian National Exhibition:

When: August 17 to September 3, 2018

Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto                        

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