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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, country music star Dallas Smith, and singer-songwriter Basia Bulat. Sunday closes with the 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration on the SecondShop.ca Mainstage at 8:45 p.m., hosted and backed by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings.
2026 schedule:
Friday, July 31 — Mainstage: 2:00 p.m. Monte Carlo Band; 3:15 p.m. Bianca Bernardi; 4:45 p.m. Shaylyn; 6:15 p.m. Tomi Swick; 7:45 p.m. The Redhill Valleys; 9:15 p.m. Dallas Smith.
Saturday, August 1 — Mainstage: noon Kaeley Jade; 1:30 p.m. Rob Lamothe; 3:00 p.m. Chlorine; 4:30 p.m. Peter Elkas Band; 6:00 p.m. Suzie McNeil; 7:30 p.m. Basia Bulat; 9:00 p.m. Feist. The '76 Bandshell: 12:45 p.m. Taylor Abrahamse; 2:15 p.m. Jacob Moon; 3:45 p.m. The Brown Notes; 5:15 p.m. The Poobs. OLG 50 Years of Songs & Stories Stage: noon Jacob Moon, Alfie Smith and Rob Lamothe; 1:30 p.m. Ron Cole, Alfie Smith and Wayne Krawchuk; 2:45–4:45 p.m. Festival Flow Yoga; 5:00 p.m. Pip, Tomi Swick and Carm Milioto. Children's Stage: noon and 12:55 p.m. My Friend Christopher; 2:00 p.m. and 3:05 p.m. Mr Ben & the Mr Men.
Sunday, August 2 — Mainstage: noon Obstruction; 1:30 p.m. Alfie Smith; 3:00 p.m. Carm Milioto; 4:30 p.m. Chris Chambers Band; 6:00 p.m. The Pintos; 7:15 p.m. Great Lake Swimmers; 8:35 p.m. Hamilton Singalong to “Skinnamarink” with Sharon Hampson; 8:45 p.m. the 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration. The '76 Bandshell: 12:45 p.m. Doug Feaver & Ruth Sutherland; 2:15 p.m. Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi; 3:45 p.m. McCurlie, Doidge & Wiles; 5:15 p.m. The Poobs. OLG 50 Years of Songs & Stories Stage: noon Mark McNeil, Jamie Shea and Larry Feudo; 1:30 p.m. Suzie McNeil, SG Sinnicks and Chris Chambers; 2:45–4:45 p.m. Festival Flow Yoga; 5:00 p.m. Doug Feaver, Bob Doidge and Ruth Sutherland. Children's Stage: noon and 1:10 p.m. Mr Ben & the Mr Men, followed by the 2:15 p.m. singalong at the Bandshell.
The All-Star Celebration guests include Chantal Kreviazuk, Bif Naked, James and Scott of Finger Eleven, Matt Mays, Hawksley Workman, Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies, Tebey, Maestro Fresh Wes, Marc Jordan, Dan Hill, Andy Kim, Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness, Elliott Brood, Teenage Head, Ashley MacIsaac, Terra Lightfoot, and Harrison Kennedy. Individual guest appearances do not have a published running order.
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.
General admission remains free. A limited number of VIP passes are available for a $150 donation per night; proceeds help support the festival.
2026 park map: https://festivaloffriends.ca/map
Fri, Jul 31, 2:00 p.m.–Sun, Aug 2, 11:00 p.m.
Gage Park has approximately 150 parking spaces. Availability may be limited during events; check posted parking and surrounding street restrictions when visiting.
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.
Gage Park · 1000 Main Street East
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