REGINA – The rides are soaring, the midway is packed, and with one final weekend to go, fairgoers say the 2026 Queen City Ex is proving that even Saskatchewan's summer heat can't outshine one of the province's biggest annual traditions.
With temperatures expected to climb into the low 30s through the final two days, thousands of people continue to fill the REAL District to experience thrilling rides, live music, family entertainment, agricultural exhibits, shopping and the iconic midway food that keeps generations coming back year after year.
Visitors say the intense heat has done little to dampen the excitement.
Families and groups of friends interviewed throughout the grounds described this year's exhibition as energetic, welcoming and full of attractions worth spending an entire day exploring.
Many said they're staying cool by carrying portable fans, drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight clothing and taking regular breaks beneath the large shade tents located throughout the midway. Others are escaping the hottest afternoon temperatures inside the air-conditioned Brandt Centre, Viterra International Trade Centre and AffinityPlex before heading back outside for another round of rides.
The REAL District has also made staying cool easier with free hydration stations and water refill locations across the grounds, allowing visitors to refill reusable water bottles throughout the day.
Health experts recommend drinking water regularly, taking breaks from direct sunlight, wearing sunscreen, replacing lost electrolytes and watching for signs of heat exhaustion during extended periods outdoors.
Of course, no trip to the Queen City Ex is complete without enjoying the food.
Long lineups continue to form at vendors serving everything from corn dogs, mini donuts, fresh lemonade and pickle-on-a-stick to smoked barbecue, giant burgers, loaded poutine, frozen treats and countless deep-fried favourites. Every purchase also helps support dozens of local and visiting businesses that make the Queen City Ex one of Regina's largest annual economic and tourism events.
West Coast Amusements continues to keep the midway buzzing with rides for every age group, from gentle Kiddieland attractions for young children to towering thrill rides that send adrenaline seekers soaring high above the fairgrounds.
Entertainment has also been one of the biggest attractions throughout the week.
The Queen City Ex has already welcomed country legends Billy Dean and Collin Raye along with rock favourites Helix and Quiet Riot earlier in the exhibition. The excitement continues Saturday night with Canadian country superstar Dallas Smith taking the Grandstand stage at 8:30 p.m., before Arkells close out the Queen City Ex on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. The exhibition will then wrap up with a spectacular fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m., giving visitors one last reason to look skyward before another successful fair comes to an end.
Beyond the concerts, guests can continue enjoying agricultural exhibits, interactive family activities, shopping, games, animal displays and live entertainment spread throughout the REAL District.
One of this year's most meaningful additions was Thursday's Sensory-Friendly Kidway Morning, when Kiddieland rides operated without lights or loud sounds to create a more welcoming experience for children with sensory sensitivities. Visitors who need a quiet break can also continue using the Joshua Tree Quiet Zone, located inside Queensbury Downs, from noon until 6 p.m. daily through the remainder of the exhibition.
For many fairgoers, those thoughtful additions have made it possible to spend more time enjoying everything the Queen City Ex has to offer.
As the exhibition enters its final two days, the message from visitors is simple: bring a reusable water bottle, pack a portable fan, take advantage of the shaded rest areas and indoor cooling spaces, support the local businesses serving food, drinks and entertainment, and don't miss one of Regina's biggest and most cherished summer traditions before the midway lights go dark for another year.
