Queen City Ex set to open July 30

REGINA —In just one week, the Queen City Ex presented by SaskTel will begin. Running from Wednesday, July 30 to Sunday, August 3, this year’s fair promises something for everyone—from thrill rides and live music to cultural showcases and tasty treats.

Bigger midway, more thrills

Joining QCX this year is West Coast Amusements, Canada’s longest-running family-owned traveling midway company. They’re bringing over 40 rides, including high-adrenaline thrillers and family-friendly classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl. Little ones can enjoy the fun in Winmar Kiddieland, designed for up-and-coming thrill seekers.

All-Canadian Concert Lineup

The Original 16 Grandstand Stage will host six Canadian acts over five nights:

• July 30 – Blue Rodeo 
• July 31 – The Reklaws 
• August 1 – The Glorious Sons 
• August 2 – Sam Roberts Band 
• August 3 – Bif Naked & Kim Mitchell  — followed by fireworks!

General admission includes access to all concerts, with Fan Zone Passes available for $20 in advance or $22 at the gate for closer views.

Extreme action and family fun

The Extreme Zone features the Full Send BMX Show, the Classic Strongman Championship League, and the Saskatchewan’s Strongest Man Competition on Aug. 3 at the Brandt Centre.

Over in the Thrill Zone, the Kings Park Speedway & Sask Drift Showcase rev up the excitement with a Hit to Pass Last Man Standing event on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.

Families can enjoy Miss Rodeo Agribition Abbey Harty’s horsemanship demos and the always adorable Mutton Busting—kids riding sheep!

Marketplace, culture and entertainment

The QCX Marketplace returns with handcrafted goods and local treasures. The Original 16 Midway Stage offers entertainment in the Beer Gardens, including hypnotist Sailesh and local bands EPIC, BILF, and Wonderland.

Don’t miss the Mostos Indigenous Village at the Family Stage in Confederation Park, featuring performances by Terrance Littletent and the Kawacatoose Boyz Singers. Plus, kids can meet Blue from Blue’s Clues & You! after an interactive show.

Food and new flavours

Classic fair treats like cotton candy and mini donuts are back, along with a new twist: Spicy Dill Pickle Cotton Candy—a sweet and tangy fusion that’s sure to surprise your taste buds.

Admission and passes

QCX is making the fair more accessible than ever:

• General Admission:
  • Advance: $19
  • Gate: $21
  • Children 12 & under: Free from 12–2 p.m. daily (with adult)
  • Children 3 & under: Free all day
• Ride All Day Pass:
  • Advance: $49.35 (admission not included)
  • Gate: $58
• QCX Fast Pass: $20 — skip the lines!
• Friends & Family Pack: Four admissions for $60 (or $54 at Sherwood Co-op)
• Fan Zone Passes: $20 advance / $22 day-of (concert upgrade)
• Best Deal: Sherwood Co-op offers Ride All Day Passes for $55 (includes gate admission)

Getting there

Thanks to the QCX Safe Ride Program, brought to you by SGI and the City of Regina, free transit is available to all fair-goers.

Advance passes are available now at realdistrict.ca, the Brandt Centre Box Office, and Sherwood Co-op locations. Sales end July 29.