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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 and country music star Dallas Smith. 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.
The All-Star Celebration lineup now includes guest performances by James and 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, Terra Lightfoot, 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, 8:35 p.m. Hamilton Sing-Along to Skinnamarink with Sharon Hampson, 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.
· 1000 Main Street East
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.
