The Saskatoon Ex returns for another thrilling season, marking the second year of the eight-day format, extending the fun for attendees.
Starting Thursday, there will be a wide variety of games, rides and live entertainment that culminates with Canadian musicians Mother Mother on August 6.
The Saskatoon Ex, dubbed ‘the Ex’ by locals, started in 1886, making it 141 years old. Over time, the event has grown to become a summer favourite while incorporating Saskatchewan culture.
Here’s five things to know about what the Ex has to offer this year.
1. There’s a new interactive kid-friendly area
Prairieland Park has partnered with SaskMilk to bring audiences the SaskMilk Ag Pavilion, where families can experience real farm adventures.
The pavilion includes interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities like milking a life-size demonstration cow, tractor pedal races, a petting zoo featuring farm animals and more.
There’s also an educational section where agriculture enthusiasts of all ages can journey into the world of animal care, food production and the current agriculture industry.
2. There’s a multitude of new shady spots
The duration of this year’s Ex will be accompanied by intense heat, with the current forecast sitting around 30 C for the first few days. Additionally, Aug. 1st is predicted to feel like 32 C.
To help attendees take shelter and shade, the Ex will have several colourful sails near the main entrance on Ruth Street and Lorne Avenue. There will also be a 22,000 square foot tent called “The Canopy”, which freeway drivers may have already noticed.
These shady additions come after Prairieland Park received feedback that there weren’t enough places to sit in the shade.
The Super Miami ride is expected to join the other 42 rides at this week’s Ex, coming to Saskatoon from the Calgary Stampede. scooter korsk
3. The ‘Super Miami’ ride will make its debut
“The Super Miami” is expected to join the other 42 rides at this week’s Ex, coming to Saskatoon from the Calgary Stampede.
Currently, the Ex receives about 80 per cent of the same rides from the Stampede.
Super Miami is a vertical thrill where riders sit in one long row as two arms lift and swing the row in a clockwise motion. Prairieland Park is expecting it to be a big hit, especially after the commotion of the previous year’s addition, “Crazy Mouse,” which will return this year.
Praireland noted that while these rides are fully expected to run, the event’s ride list is subject to change.
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4. Karaoke lovers unite for Midway Melodies
Another connection to the Calgary Stampede is the new open-air karaoke experience called Midway Melodies. This all-age group experiences runs every day from noon to midnight, and is located on the tarmac north of The Canopy.
Prairieland Park describes the program as being built from the ground up, with staff assembling 20 vibrant purple microphones users can belt into. There will also be a large screen featuring lyrics to each song, which will span genres and generations.
5. Concert timelines have changed
All Grandstand main stage shows will start an hour earlier than previous years, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and music starting at 7:30 p.m.
Over the course of the eight-day event, there will be seven concerts that are free with general admission.
However, premium tickets are available. The 2026 concert line-up includes Theory Of A Deadman, Shawn Desman, Streetheart, Josh Ross, MICO, Jade Eagleson and Mother Mother.
The only grandstand event to keep the original timing is the fan-favourite Crash ‘N Bash Demolition Derby, which will roar to life at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8.
