For reference:

Recent PNE Fair Attendance Figures:
2024: 637,920
2023: 626,531
2022: 529,772
2021: 239,000 (pandemic-reduced)
2019: 731,708 (pre-pandemic)
2018: 705,381
2017: 722,466
2016: 712,367
2015: 678,193
2014: 769,242
2013: 712,049
2012: 763,000
2011: 803,598
2010: 937,485
2009: 855,137
2008: 753,298
2007: 906,808
2006: 958,781
2005: 903,467

I'd be surprised if the final numbers are below 600k despite the anecdotal reports as I would have expected a lot of last second promotions to push tickets. 600k is still a far cry from the 900k they used to get though - maybe after the renovations are closer to complete they can push for that again (it's felt very crowded to me at 600k though).

I don't mind the prices at the PNE - like it's pretty much what any fair charges - but I do think that the PNE is really for just two demographics: 1) People with kids and 2) People attending the concerts who want a night out.

I stopped going for a long time b/c I was neither of those demographics but now I've been the last 3 years and I'm going on Saturday cause my kid loves it. Now that she's a bit older I figure I'll be a regular for the next 4-5 years as she likes the kind of rides that Playland offers as well.

^It's kind of neat looking at stats like that, we tend to forget how much COVID has just threw a wrench into everything we're seeing nowadays.

Its all had a lasting effect.

I’m still living my best Covid days. Socially distancing from my co workers and barely showing up to work. Picking up garbage at krab park ?! Don’t make me laugh.

1.1 million 1986. Expo powered crowds.

Speaking of Crab Park, Honda's gonna be in a rage when he finds out the city spent money on fixing up the playground. Playgrounds in the DTES?! Fuck them kids!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sJpDABtw/

Spent the day at the PNE/Playland yesterday with my kid and her bestie and had a grand time. Yes, food is pricey but I still consumed a corn dog, donuts, a foot long (covered in cheese sauce, a mac and cheese bowl, ate some ice cream, and had a beer (well over my calorie budget - probably 3 cheat days in one).

Definitely not as busy as last year especially considering the comfortable weather (especially after 3pm) but still pretty packed - I can't fathom what it was like 20 years ago when attendance was 50% higher. The construction definitely didn't help the vibe though and it seems like they relocated the kid's favourite, the pig races.

pig races was in the middle of the barn area. was packed full when we were there a few weeks ago. the announcer is funny and odd but a good entertainer

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/0...ll-attendence/

Attendance is down this year, surprised they even hit over 600k
The PNE says attendance topped 612,000 for its 115th fair — a drop of about 25,000 attendees from 2024.

It's not the same exact thing, but for comparison and discussion, the CNE in Toronto reported 1 million visitors as of August 29th, and organizers estimate they will hit 1.4 million visitors by the end of the fair season.

In 2024, the CNE reported 1.49 million visitors.

^it's totalyl different cause the population is just crazy.

2025 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) cost $55. like wtf
https://torontolife.mblycdn.com/tl/r...ot-hot-dog.jpg
thsi one was actually interesting

Deep Fried Frozen Watermelon
$12 bucks
https://torontolife.mblycdn.com/tl/r...watermelon.jpg

^Given Toronto has over double the population, I'd say those numbers seem to follow scope for the most part.

For Vancouver's PNE to see a 25K drop in attendance is not bad.