Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Fair in Vancouver
The Pacific National Exhibition, widely known as the PNE Fair, is one of Metro Vancouver’s most iconic summer events. For over a century, this annual celebration has delighted visitors with a mix of amusement rides, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, midway games and delicious festival foods.
Held during the final stretch of summer, the PNE transforms the Playland amusement park into a full-scale country fair packed with attractions for all ages. Beyond the summer festivities, the PNE grounds also host seasonal events like Fright Nights in the fall.
For the fair’s official website, visit pne.ca.
What to Expect at the PNE Fair
The PNE combines all of Playland’s classic amusement rides with seasonal entertainment, unique shows and an endless variety of food vendors. Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, shop at the marketplace, and enjoy concerts from popular and legendary performers.
The fair is a long-standing Vancouver tradition, drawing families, friends and visitors from across British Columbia and beyond. Whether you come for the thrill rides, the food or the music, there’s something for everyone.
Summer Concert Series
Each summer, the PNE hosts live concerts featuring well-known artists and bands. Previously held outdoors at the PNE Amphitheatre, and then for a couple of summers in the Pacific Coliseum, the concerts now take place in the newly-renovated PNE Amphitheatre (with its new Freedom Mobile Arch name).
Concert performances during the PNE Fair span a variety of genres, from rock and pop to country and tribute acts.
Featured Attractions & Entertainment
The PNE offers a variety of special features and performances each year. Popular recurring highlights most years include things like the following:
Agriculture at the Fair – An interactive farm experience with live animals and agricultural displays.
KC Bear’s All Canadian Street Party – Family-friendly singing and dancing with the PNE’s beloved mascot.
I-Flip Show – High-energy aerial stunts and acrobatics.
Marketplace – Over 90 vendors offering everything from home goods to specialty products.
Remix Inferno – A nightly pyrotechnic and music display.
Safeway Cooking Stage – Live culinary demos and cooking tips from local chefs.
Sands of Wonder – Intricate sand sculptures created on-site.
SuperDogs – Crowd-favourite stunt dogs showing off their skills.
Note: Every year is slightly different. Not all of the above happen every year, and every year there is something new.
PNE Amusement Rides
The PNE boasts nearly 40 rides ranging from gentle ones for little kids to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides for daredevils.
Kids’ Rides:
Perfect for younger visitors, options include the Merry-Go-Round, Teacups, Honeybee Express, Super Slide and more. Many of these rides have height requirements, with some allowing smaller children to ride with a parent.
Medium Thrill Rides:
Great for older kids and those who want moderate excitement, favourites include the Kettle Creek Mine Coaster, Scrambler, Flume log ride and the Pirate Ship.
Extreme Thrill Rides:
For serious thrill-seekers, there’s the Beast, Hellevator, Hell’s Gate, Enterprise, Revelation, Drop Zone and the Wooden Roller Coaster. The newer ThunderVolt electric coaster is the fastest of its kind in Canada.
Ride Tips for the Best Experience
Tip #1: Avoid getting soaked on cold days. Skip the Flume, unless you’re ready to cool down on hot days (in which case it’s arguably the best ride to go on).
Tip #2: Start small. New to rollercoasters? Try the Kettle Creek Mine Coaster first.
Tip #3: Dress for safety. Some rides require secure footwear — no flip-flops or slip-ons.
Other Information
For the fair’s official website, visit pne.ca. To learn about the venue’s amusement park earlier in the summer, see our article about Playland.
Other websites you might also find of interest include VancouverFoodFestivals.ca, VancouversBestPlaces.com, VancouverMusicFestivals.ca and VancouverTradeShows.com.