The Canadian National Exhibition closes on Monday. The 2026 fair opened on August 21 and Labour Day is its last day — and the last day runs on a different clock from the rest of the run.
The one time that matters: 5 p.m.
Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the CNE says there is no entry or re-entry after 5:00 p.m. Online tickets stop selling at 2 p.m.; on-site sales end at 5 p.m.
That is four hours before the fair actually shuts. The grounds stay open until 9 p.m., so anyone already inside has the evening — but turning up at 5:30 p.m. means not getting in at all, whatever the grounds hours say.
Closing-day hours
- Gates — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no entry or re-entry after 5 p.m.)
- Grounds — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Buildings — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Adult midway — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Kiddie midway — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Kids’ World — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Casino — noon to 8 p.m.
The parade comes first
The Labour Day Parade steps off along Queen Street from University Avenue on Monday morning, with marchers reaching the CNE at about 11 a.m. It is organised by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, which expects roughly 25,000 marchers.
And the air show at noon
The 77th Canadian International Air Show flies its final show of the year over the waterfront off Exhibition Place from noon to 3:40 p.m. — the lineup and the marine restrictions are covered separately.
The CNE normally reports a total attendance figure after the fair closes. None was available as of publication.
Source: Canadian National Exhibition, “CNE Event Hours of Operation”, retrieved September 7, 2026.
