Get ready for 18 days of summer thrills at The Ex, running August 15–September 1, 2025, in Toronto.
As one of Canada’s largest and longest-running fairs, The Ex welcomes over 1.4 million visitors annually to Exhibition Place for an epic mix of carnival rides, live music, food adventures, cultural showcases, and family-friendly fun.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or just looking for a perfect summer day out, The Ex has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan the ultimate visit with tips on parking with the Indigo Neo app, where to eat, the music lineup, and all the can’t-miss attractions and events that make The Ex a true end-of-summer tradition.
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Must-Do Events and Attractions
Places to Park
Scoring a great parking spot near The Ex can set the tone for your entire day. Finding great parking nearby means less stress and more time enjoying all the rides, food, and fun. Here are some top Indigo Neo lots within the area of the fairgrounds.
Park and Walk
Parking a short distance from The Ex and walking makes your visit easier and less stressful. Farther lots are cheaper, less crowded, and easier to access, while the walk lets you stretch, enjoy city views, and avoid post‑event traffic.
99 Atlantic Avenue
16-minute walk to Fairgrounds
This 24/7 surface lot offers 35 parking spaces and is conveniently located near the Exhibition GO Station and fairgrounds. Payment available on-site only for this location.
Park and Ride
Parking near Union Station and taking the train to The Ex is a convenient and hassle‑free option. You avoid the traffic and higher costs of on‑site lots, enjoy easy access to GO Transit, and get dropped off right at Exhibition Station. It’s a quick, cost‑effective, and stress‑free way to start and end your day at the fair.
181 Bay Street
4-minute walk to Union Station
This 24/7 underground garage is located in the heart of the Financial District and offers 1450 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site.
18 York Street
7-minute walk to Union Station
This 24/7 underground garage offers 656 spots. With full automation and Indigo Neo app support, parking is quick and easy. EV charging available on-site.
530 Front Street West
16-minute walk to Union Station
This 24/7 underground parking garage features 242 spaces and is located just west of The Ex grounds. EV charging available on-site.
What to Eat
When it comes to The Ex, the food is just as iconic as the rides and live shows. From wild deep-fried treats on the Midway to international flavours and gourmet bites at the Food Building, there’s something to satisfy every craving and every vibe.
While the full menu of over-the-top eats hasn’t been revealed yet, these are a few fan favourite snacks from last year.
Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
Food Building
$$
Sold by Smash City at The Ex, the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls wrap seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles in a crispy golden spring roll shell. Each bite delivers the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a fun, handheld fair‑food twist.
Crème Brûlée Cone
Food Building
$$
Sold by Eva’s Original Chimneys at The Ex, the Crème Brûlée Chimney Cone features a traditional hand‑rolled Hungarian pastry “chimney cone” filled with rich custard and topped with a hardened caramelized sugar crust.
Hot Ice Cream Waffle Sandwiches
Outside Food Building
$$
Sold by the Original Hot Ice Cream Waffle at The Ex, the Hot Ice Cream Waffle Sandwich pairs a warm, freshly pressed waffle with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a nostalgic mix of hot and cold in every bite. This simple yet iconic fair treat has earned a spot in The Ex Food Hall of Fame for its perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Deep-Fried Butter
Food Building
$
Sold by the Deep Fried booth in the Food Building at The Ex, Deep-Fried Butter features frozen butter balls dipped in sweet batter and fried until golden, creating a rich, indulgent bite that melts in your mouth.
Music Lineup at The Ex
This year, the Bell CNE Bandshell is hosting 17 nights of free concerts featuring a mix of Canadian artists, pop favourites, indie gems, and nostalgic throwbacks. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. and every performance is included with your ticket admission—no extra tickets needed!
Top headliners include Shawn Desman, Loverboy, July Talk, 98 Degrees with Alyssa Reid, The Commodores with Jully Black, Cold War Kids, Bishop Briggs, The Dirty Nil, The Rural Alberta Advantage with Yukon Blonde, Marianas Trench, and Dean Brody.
Located just south of the Horse Palace at Exhibition Place, the Beach Bar Stage sits beside the open-air Beach Bar (open 10 a.m.–midnight), creating a breezy, sun-soaked setting for afternoon concerts.
Top performers include Toronto’s beloved surf-rock tribute band, The Beachmen, channels the spirit of the Beach Boys with vintage harmonies and feel-good vibes on August 16th. Skaface take the stage on August 24th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., delivering upbeat rhythms and dance-worthy energy near BMO Field.
The Casino Patio Stage, nestled beside The Ex’s licensed outdoor patio attached to the Better Living Centre, offers a relaxed evening vibe with live music and entertainment. Performances at the Patio Stage typically begin around 7:30 p.m.
Top headliners include Chandra Raye and the Get Down, The Gator James Band, Frank Cosentino Band, The Serotones, Mo Guzman, Lost Patients, and The Paul James Band.
Must-Do Events and Attractions
Whether you’re heading in early to grab a front-row seat at the ice skating show or planning your day around the roar of the Air Show, getting there stress-free makes it all the more fun. Here are the must-do events and attractions at this year’s The Ex.
Epic – Ice Skating Meets Aerial Acrobatics
Daily at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The legendary Elvis Stojko returns to The Ex stage in EPIC, a brand-new ice show that blends myth and acrobatics. A dazzling fusion of figure skating and aerial performance that brings high-flying drama right to the Coca‑Cola Coliseum.
Welcome to the CNE Farm
Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Craving a little countryside in the city? Head to the CNE Farm in the Better Living Centre, where you can meet over 100 adorable animals—from goats and sheep to cows and a brand‑new Highland calf. This year, it’s all about the babies!
SuperDogs: Wild Wild Woof
Daily at 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
In Hall D at the Enercare Centre, talented dogs and their Canadian trainers wow the crowd with tricks and laughs. It’s a feel-good performance that highlights the amazing bond between people and their four-legged stars.
Gaming Garage
Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to Hall B at the Enercare Centre for non-stop interactive fun! Join the fun with high-energy stage shows, Japanese rhythm arcade games, and classic board and tabletop favourites. It’s the ultimate destination for gaming, tech, and hands-on excitement!
Air Show
Daily from 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
The Canadian International Air Show is back with heart-pounding stunts and sky-high excitement over Lake Shore Boulevard. Featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Hornet, it’s a thrilling Labour Day tradition you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
The Ex is a summer tradition and a vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and fun in Toronto.
From concerts and midway rides to iconic eats and live entertainment, it’s the perfect place to make lasting memories. Whether you’re a local or coming in from out of town, planning ahead is key.
Skip the parking stress and get straight to the fun. Book your spot with the Indigo Neo app.
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