Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

Pacific National Exhibition: over a century of fairs and shows in Vancouver

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is a non-profit and statutory organization based in Vancouver, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Its activity takes place at the Hastings Park site, where it brings together an amusement park, a fairground and several event spaces. The entity presents itself as the largest employer of youth in British Columbia and as the longest-running and best-attended annual ticketed event in the province.

Its history dates back to 1910. Since then, according to its own historical account, millions of visitors have passed through its facilities to attend shows, exhibitions, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts and cultural activities, in addition to the annual summer Fair. Among the milestones the organization cites are a live performance by the Beatles and the historic race known as the Miracle Mile.

Playland and Fright Nights

Playland is the amusement park integrated into the site. The 2026 program includes the regular Playland season and the Fright Nights event, presented by the organization itself as Western Canada's largest haunt. Fright Nights returns in October with haunted houses, cursed graveyards, rotting factories and mansions, as well as costumed performers roaming the site and rides operating through the night.

The website indicated that advance Fright Nights tickets started at $39 and included access to all haunted houses and rides, with a Rapid Pass option to skip the line. The opening was announced for October 7, 2026.

Concerts and scheduled events

The site hosts a continuous schedule of concerts and shows. The Summer Night Concerts series includes Sarah McLachlan's performance, rescheduled to September 20, 2026, with tickets for the original date remaining valid. The program announced at the time of analysis included, among others, Chance The Rapper, Zeds Dead, Jungle, Sabaton, Malcolm Todd, the ISU Short Track World Tour, Worship North America Tour, Dooms Night, Sammy Virji, Gorgon City, Gryffin, Bonobo, Underoath and the Under $100 Art Show, as well as the Vancouver Comic & Toy Show.

The Freedom Mobile Arch

At the heart of Hastings Park is the Freedom Mobile Arch, presented as Vancouver's newest open air landmark. The space is anchored by a mass timber canopy and is designed to offer world-class sound and sightlines. It has capacity for up to 10,000 guests and hosts concerts, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Event spaces and corporate use

The PNE markets its facilities for external events. The offering includes the Pacific Coliseum and the PNE Agrodome, for which a naming rights inquiry process has been opened, suite rentals, event space rentals, corporate events and private park rentals, as well as filming locations. It also offers catering services and group programs with specific rates for groups, super groups and school groups, as well as birthday parties.

Community and educational programs

The entity maintains a line of community activity that includes programs and events, ticket donations, community grants, an arts and culture grant program, and Hastings Park access. It also includes the Light up the Pacific Coliseum initiative and the presence of the Rolla Skate Club at Rollerland.

Structure and governance

The PNE defines itself as a non-profit and statutory organization, dedicated to delivering memorable experiences to its guests and investing in the social fabric of the community. Its governance is structured around annual reports, board meetings, a community advisory group and an executive team, with public documentation on governance, the Hastings Park Master Plan and its history and legacy. The organization acknowledges that its work spans across the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.