- Sept. 24, 1888: The fair is officially opened by Gov. Gen. Lord Stanley. The grounds were open from 2 to 6 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m.
- 1891: The Ottawa Electric Railway extends to Lansdowne Park, giving exhibitors better access.
- 1907: Fire in the Coliseum boiler room causes extensive damage. A new and improved building goes up the next year, followed by a new grandstand in 1909, a machinery hall in 1913 and a horticultural hall in 1915.
- 1933: The Great Depression causes a drop in admission price from 35 to 25 cents.
- 1941-46: The Second World War forces cancellation of the Ex because thousands of soldiers are billeted in the fair's buildings. Due to popular demand, the 149 tents are used to stage the Ex in 1941.
- 1947: The first post-war Ex is a huge success. Total attendance reaches 324,000 and the Ex nets almost $137,000. The association offers its first car lottery. After vacating the premises, the Department of National Defence chips in $450,000 to clean up and repair the grounds.
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- 1957: The $400,000 H.H. McElroy building is officially opened by Mayor George Nelms.
- 1960: The 7,000-seat southside grandstand is added, boosting stadium capacity to 22,000.
- 1967: The $10-million Civic Centre complex opens in July. Ex organizers call it the most important development in the history of Lansdowne Park.
- 1971: A one-price admission is introduced, instead of separate prices for each attraction.
- 1973: The City of Ottawa takes over full-time operation of Lansdowne Park. Under the agreement, the city provides the association with a yearly operating fund, with all profits turned over to the city.
- 1979: Attendance drops to 600,000. Organizers blame an OC Transpo strike for the lowest attendance figure of the 1970s.
- 1984: The Ex celebrates its past by establishing a Heritage Village exhibit.
- 1988: To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Ex plans for special days for senior citizens and veterans.
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