It’s that time of year again.  As summer nears its end, Vancouver winds up for another installment of mini doughnuts, Superdogs, hair-raising carnival rides and nightly concerts.

This year’s Fair at the PNE features hundreds of exhibits, more than 50 thrilling rides and dozens of free concerts.  Here are the top five can’t-miss attractions.

• Summer Night Concert Series: These concerts every evening are often alone worth the price of admission.  This year’s lineup includes plenty of familiar names.  Check out classic rock star Rick Springfield, boogie down with Olivia Newton-John, get funky with Tower of Power and rock on with Heart – to name a few.  

• 55 Rides: It wouldn’t be a PNE without a spin on the Wooden Roller Coaster, which reaches 75 kilometres per hour on its steepest drop (not bad considering it was built in 1958).  Also check out the latest sensation: Atmosfear.  At 218 feet, it’s the park’s tallest attraction, spinning riders around in swinging chairs 20 storeys above the ground at a brisk 70 kilometres per hour.

• Star Trek – The Exhibition: Trekkies, prepare to be dazzled.  This 20,000-square-foot display takes you through the bridge of the Starship Enterprises and features original costumes, model ships and masks.  You can also pose for a photo in Captain Kirk’s Chair or with your favourite character in front of a green screen.

• Decadent and Delicious Fair Food: Hungry?  Dozens of vendors serve up carnival classics at the PNE.  Check out new crowd favourite Crazy Dogs, offering creative sausages like the Mexican-themed Piggy in a Poncho and the two-foot-long, chili-smothered Double Dog Dare Ya.  And don’t miss the second annual Rib Festival, with master barbecue chefs from across Canada serving up ribs, brisket and pulled pork to win your vote.

• Superdogs:  It just wouldn’t be the PNE without this crazy, canine spectacular.  Watch some of the planet’s most amazing pooches pull off incredible stunts in the 35th annual installment of this family classic.

Love the PNE?  What’s your favourite attraction?  Let us know below.