One of the city’s top summer traditions, the Vancouver PNE Fair, is returning for another year of entertainment, treats, concerts and fun from August 20 to September 5.

Since its inception in 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition, more commonly known as the PNE, has been a popular and well-loved attraction for locals and tourists of all ages.

The history of the PNE Fair

With more than 100 years of stories to tell, the PNE is an important part of British Columbia’s history.

In 1910, Canadian Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier opened the inaugural Pacific National Exhibition, which was known as “The Industrial Exhibition” at the time. The exhibition was an opportunity for British Columbia to show the rest of Canada and the world how remarkable the province was. The PNE was a success as it became the second largest event of its kind in North America, behind the New York State Fair.

The PNE also introduced significant milestones for the province. In its early years, the PNE debuted several technological firsts, including the first rotary telephone in the Pacific Northwest, and aircraft and rocketry displays.

Many of today’s largest consumer shows also began as part of the PNE, including the Vancouver Boat Show, the BC Home Show and the Pacific International Auto Show, all of which began as displays at the PNE.

And 112 years later, the PNE continues to draw crowds of more than 900,000 every year, serving as the largest annual ticketed event in BC.

2022 PNE Fair attractions and events

Every year, the Vancouver PNE Fair features a number of new and returning events and attractions fun for the whole family.

This year, entertainment and activities include the SuperDogs, Chinese Acrobats, High Dive Show, Dueling Pianos, Agriculture Displays, Drag Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Pyro Musical, Exhibits, Home Showcase and the return of Summer Night Concerts!

The beloved Summer Night Concerts at the PNE Amphitheatre is an opportunity for guests to enjoy live outdoor performances from music legends like The B52s, Bachman Cummings, Barenaked Ladies, Nelly, TLC & Shaggy, Cake, The Beach Boys, The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and much more. Note that reserved tickets are required for all Summer Night Concert shows.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, the Playland amusement park at the PNE offers enjoyable family-friendly rides as well as extreme G-force thrills not for the faint of heart. This year, Playland has launched Skybender, a brand-new electrifying riding experience that takes guests through dynamic action sequences, flying them high above the park.

Vancouver PNE 2022 will continue to have limited capacity, so purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.

For more information or to purchase Vancouver PNE tickets, visit www.pne.ca.

Published August 18, 2022.