• 1000 Main Street East
Last updated yesterday
Festival of Friends celebrates its 50th anniversary at Gage Park from July 31 to August 2, 2026, bringing one of Canada's largest free music and arts festivals back for a three-day August long weekend of concerts, vendors, family attractions, and community celebration.
The 2026 lineup includes Canadian indie icon Feist and country music star Dallas Smith. Sunday closes with a 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration on the SecondShop.ca Mainstage, hosted and backed by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings.
The July 6 lineup announcement names guest performances by James & Scott of Finger Eleven, Chantal Kreviazuk, Hawksley Workman, Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies, Tebey, Maestro Fresh Wes, Marc Jordan, Dan Hill, Andy Kim, Elliott Brood, Teenage Head, Ashley MacIsaac, and Harrison Kennedy.
Mainstage schedule highlights:
Friday, July 31: 6:15 p.m. Tomi Swick, 7:45 p.m. The Redhill Valleys, 9:15 p.m. Dallas Smith, with earlier mainstage slots still to be announced.
Saturday, August 1: 6:00 p.m. Suzie McNeil and 9:00 p.m. Feist, with additional mainstage performers still to be announced.
Sunday, August 2: 6:00 p.m. The Pintos, 7:15 p.m. Great Lake Swimmers, and 8:45 p.m. the 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration.
Across the weekend, expect over 150 vendors, four stages of music, a huge midway, children's performers, and family-friendly festival programming. Admission is free, the festival runs rain or shine, and parking on the festival grounds is $15 per day.
The festival has also said another major guest artist will be announced every Monday in July, so the lineup may continue to grow.
Will you be attending?
Gage Park • 1000 Main Street East
Parking on the festival grounds is $15 per day. Transit and surrounding street parking are recommended when the on-site parking area fills.
Fri, Sep 11
All day
When
Fri, Sep 11
All day
Where
James Street North
Get involved
Gage Park has some paved and dirt paths, but much of the festival takes place on grass and turf. The main viewing area is sloped, with views of the Main Stage available throughout the park.
Fri, Jul 24
3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
When
Fri, Jul 24
3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Where
Ancaster FairgroundsFri, Jul 31
4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
When
Fri, Jul 31
4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Where
Bayfront ParkFri, Aug 28
5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
When
Fri, Aug 28
5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Where
Winona ParkThu, Sep 24
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
When
Thu, Sep 24
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where
Ancaster FairgroundsFri, Aug 21
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
When
Fri, Aug 21
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Where
Downtown Dundas