What’s new at the 135th Canadian National Exhibition

The 135th Canadian National Exhibition kicked off today in Toronto, boasting some inventive (and decidedly delicious, but unhealthy) food, new rides, and a range of performers for everyone. This year’s CNE also welcomes a brand new add-on attraction with the launch of the new CNE Zipline that will whisk riders 1,100 feet over the midway for $30 a ride.

Among the new food being offered this year, CNE-goers can sample the Cronut Burger by Epic Burgers, which features a cronut bun (a combination croissant/donut) with a beef patty, cheese, and maple bacon jam on top; the Spice Cream Cone by Just Cone It!, which is a pizza crust cone filled with Nutella, and then vanilla ice cream, and topped with bacon bits and chili pepper spice; or the all bacon Canuck Burger by Bacon Nation Canada (the same company that offers a Bacon And Peanut Butter Milkshake).

That is just the tip of the new menu this year, and foodies can also take in Food Truck Frenzy from August 23 to 25 at the Princes’ Boulevard in front of the Allstream Centre.

Beyond the food, rides, games, and shopping, this year’s CNE also features performances by The Proclaimers, The Beach Boys, Dragonette, and Walk Off The Earth. The Flying Wallendas, The Recycled Orchestra from Paraguay, and Cascade from France will also be performing daily at venues around the CNE grounds. Plus, there’s the annual Air Show throughout Labour Day Weekend.

Earlier this week, media were treated to a preview of this year’s CNE, including samples of the food, and a chance to ride the CNE Zipline. Check out some of the highlights from the event, including an interview with CNE General Manager David Bednar, who talks about what this year at The Ex has to offer.

Music & Concerts at the CNE Bandshell:

The Proclaimers – Aug 16
The New Pornographers with Cuff the Duke – Aug 17
The Beach Boys with Brothers Dubé – Aug 18
Elvis-If I Can Dream – Aug 20
Fab 5 with Jay Douglas and Pablo Paul – Aug 21
5th Dimension – Aug 22
Lou Gramm – The Voice of Foreigner – Aug 23
USS with Ill Scarlett – Aug 24
Dragonette with Dirty Radio – Aug 25
Danny Fernandes, Massari & Mia Martina – Aug 27
Big Wreck with The Reason – Aug 28
Frankie Avalon – Aug 29
Walk Off The Earth with Shawn Hook – Aug 30
Theory of a Deadman – Aug 31

Air Show

The 64th annual Canadian International Air Show soars over Lake Ontario Labour Day weekend for another awe-inspiring show. The 2013 display will feature amazing aerobatics and delight fans of all ages! Both the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and acrobatic daredevil Mike Wiskus are back with their spine tingling stunts! Come join us at the CNE waterfront Labour Day weekend and experience this terrific fantasy of flight.