Let’s go to the Ex! The CNE is back again, marking the end of summer vacation.
The CNE is a Toronto STAPLE. I try and go every year… The food! The games! The excitement! You really can’t beat the price, and it’s a great way to end off your summer vacation. (Or in my case this year, start a vacation!)
There is so much to do there. This year I’ll be going twice, for sure. Once with a couple friends, and then again to check out the Tyler Shaw concert on the 30th. It’s cutting it a little close to before we leave for Vancouver, so I’m going to need to be super on-top of my packing and laundry. I’m already cringing at the laundry that I’m going to have to do before hand.
The CNE runs from August 19th to September 5th. You can buy tickets at the door, or jump the lines by buying tickets online.
The Must-See events this year are:
Concerts //
Every year, the Bandshell stage hosts some great names in Canadian music. I went and saw Theory of a Deadman here a couple years ago! I missed out on Dragonette due to weather and general laziness (which I kick myself for still). This year, there’s definitely a bit more of a country vibe, with headliners like George Canyon, Jess Moskaluke, and Dean Brody. I’m super excited for Tyler Shaw, Dan Talevski, and Scott Helman.
Food Trucks //
There are no shortage of articles of the crazy foods that the CNE food vendors bring out (anyone remember the deep-fried butter? #gross). I’m all about the desserts though – load me up on the ice cream!! I’m not one for the crazy fad deep fried foods, but looking at some of the foods from this article by Narcity – I want to try the Carnival Milkshake by Fran’s Restaurant, Deep Fried Cookie Dough Balls by Cookie Dough Me, and Chimney Stax Filled with Yogurty’s. DONE.
HorseCapades //
Alright, this one actually takes place before the actual CNE (there’s only 2 days left to get to it!) but deserves a mention, especially by me. Get out and check out the horses, and walk around the Horse Palace and learn about these beautiful animals. Plus, there’s free pony rides! Although a word of caution for those with kids young enough for them – sometimes that’s all it takes is a pony ride to get them hooked (worked for me!).
Midway //
Of course, the CNE wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Midway. Fun roller coasters, tummy tossing spin rides, plus all of the fair games. This one is fun to do at night because of all the lights and sounds just make it perfect. It really does make everything look and feel so summery. I think this year I want to go on the carousel and the ferris wheel (so romantic!).
Are you going to go? Are you one that goes every year, or (like Andrew) have you never been? Let me know!
PS. Don’t forget to enter my MUJI giveaway!! It’s going until the 26th, so enter now!
