It's officially the end of the summer with the Toronto CNE kicking off this weekend.

Everyone knows the basics, from weird food to fun rides ... But there are also events going on all weekend that you can experience for free with your admission ticket.


We put together a list of the food, fun, and freaky for you to plan a great weekend.

READ: 10 Free Movies And Events In Toronto This Weekend

1. Legends of the Silk Road Come to Light

When: August 17 to September 3Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Where: Enercare Centre, Hall D

The CNE will come to light this year with a spectacular indoor lantern festival. A stunning series of 17 illuminated sculpture installations will create a kaleidoscope of colour, themed around legends and myths associated with the ancient Silk Road.

2. East Coast Kitchen Party

When: August 18 and 19Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. and  Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.Where: Princes’ Boulevard

Get ready for a tidal wave of Maritime culture throughout opening weekend, as the East Coast Kitchen Party returns to the CNE. Indulge in East Coast cuisine and craft beers. Watch the city’s best mixologists face off in a Caesar competition. Or cheer on a race to see who can shuck the most oysters for bragging rights.

3. CNE Gaming Garage Powered by AMD

When: August 24 to 26Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Where: Enercare Centre, Hall F

Back by popular demand, the Gaming Garage Powered by AMD is bigger and better. Gamers can rally in eSports tournaments and compete in pinball tournaments for a shot at prize money, enjoy play-to-win tabletop games, interactive VR experiences, gaming demonstrations, and more.

4. Parkour Competitive Demonstrations

When: August 17 to 19Time: Showtimes vary by dayWhere: Outside, west of the Toronto Star Food Building

Excitement gets going on the West End of the grounds with parkour, where athletes free-jump from one obstacle to another during a sensational gravity-defying show outside the Food Building.

5. Marianas Trench Performance

When: August 17Time: 7:45 p.m.Where: Bandshell Park

Hot off the recent release of their latest single Rhythm of Your Heart, multi-platinum selling band Marianas Trench electrifies the CNE Bandshell on August 19 with their progressive pop smash hits.

READ: Toronto Road Closures To Watch For This Weekend

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