You can now eat at the 2026 CNE without paying admission

With the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) officially underway in Toronto, it's no surprise that some of us are probably craving the fair's bizarre yet oddly coveted foods — ramen fried frog legs, anyone?

If that's you, perk up those ears, because I'm about to tell you how you can indulge in some CNE eats — and even hop on your favourite midway rides — without having to buy a ticket.

Sounds almost impossible, right? Not this year.

CNE's EXcelunch Specials now allow you to purchase a time-stamped admission ticket at one of the following four locations: GO Gate, Exhibition TTC, or the Princes' or Saskatchewan gates. Once you've secured your entry, it's time to unleash your cravings and make your way around to all the food vendors you think you can try (and, of course, digest).

Indulged to your heart's content? Head back to the same gate you entered through and request a refund for your ticket. Your $30 admission fee will be refunded, meaning you'll have paid only for your extravagant — and possibly unusual — lunch, with no admission fee attached.

But, of course, there's a catch.

Think of your time on the fairgrounds as a race against the clock. This little hack is only valid Monday through Wednesday, excluding Labour Day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. As long as you're out of the park before 2 p.m., your ticket will be refunded, no questions asked. 

Not a bad lunchtime hustle for anyone wanting to tickle their taste buds. 

The 2026 CNE is in Toronto from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 and is known as an annual end-of-summer tradition for many local residents and others across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

This year, the food fanfare is in full swing, with the attraction serving everything from delectable delights to questionable concoctions, including the infamous KD Smoothie.