The CNE is now open for 2026. So, how far can $50 take you at The Ex?

Each and every year an array of intriguing (or zany) carnival food hits the menus at the CNE, and this year is no exception. From KD Smoothies to cotton candy jerk chicken waffle dogs to pickle-infused coffee, here's a look at some of the wild eats at the CNE in 2026.

The CNE offers something for everyone, but can you do it on a budget?

Here is a closer look at how you can stretch out $50 as the 147th annual CNE gets underway.

Admission

The cost of getting into the fair varies.

Depending on your age and whether you purchase your ticket in advance or at the park, a single pass can cost between $22.12 and $26.55.

Unlimited access to rides included in your ticket entry, however, costs a bit more, ranging from $51.66 and $75.22, which automatically would put one over budget.

A family of four can save a little bit in purchasing the family pass—which covers either two adults and two children or one adult and three children—costing $84.07. Children four years old and under can head to the park for free.

Some days are also cheaper to go than others.

Opening day costs $15 for all ages, and there are $13 nights from Aug. 24 to Aug. 27, as well as Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. Children 13 years old and younger can also get in for a toonie on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

Rides

Rides also cost coupons, ranging between eight and 22 ride tickets. For $30, you can get 58 coupons, which would yield, at most, about seven rides. There’s also an option to buy 14 coupons for $10, and on Kid’s Toonie Mondays, 75 coupons can be purchased for $30.

Otherwise, 136 coupons cost $60, and a Ride All Day Pass, which excludes admission, costs $55.

Food

Then comes food. A tried and true, budget-friendly option can be found in the $1.99 Primo Spaghetti inside of the food building.

Those who are visiting the CNE for the purpose of trying out some of the wild new food items off the menu this year have a variety of options too.

For those looking to sink their teeth into something sweet, the Funnel Cake Fire and Mango Tango donuts at Marry Me Mochi cost around $6 each, and a dot cake push pop at Legend Dairy costs around $8.60, before tax. A Japanese sando at Marry Me Mochi costs around $12, a fried Sm’Oreo at Legend Dairy costs around $15, and a Dunkaroo-dipped or pickle cheesecake pops at Mr. Pickle costs around $18.

Those looking for something more savoury can opt for an $8 sushi pop at HK Station, a bucket of six Pegrolls (think pierogi meets spring roll with a pickle twist) for $11, an $11.11 to $13.11 deep-fried slice of pizza at Pizza Pizza, or Jamaican beef patty mini pierogis at Supreme Pierogi for $16.

As for drinks, a snack size of the KD Smoothie at Booster Juice costs $6.69, a regular size of the sweetcorn wasabi lemonade at Alijandro’s Kitchen costs $7.50, and a Dirty Soda costs around $14.80. Those in need of a caffeine hit can also sip on one of the iced coffees at the Greekery Bakeshop, where the bacon-infused “Pig Me Up” costs $13 and the dill pickle-forward “The Big Dill” costs $12.

The popcorn falafel poutine at Donia’s Donair, the Lobster on a Stick, and the Strawberry Toast Crunch Funnel Cake might push solo festivalgoers over $50, as they cost $22, $23.90, and $31, respectively.