Festival of Friends celebrates its 50th anniversary at Gage Park this weekend

The Festival of Friends, one of Canada’s largest free music and arts festivals, returns Friday to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a three-day long weekend of concerts, vendors and family attractions.

Friday’s mainstage lineup kicks off with the Monte Carlo Band at 2 p.m., followed by Bianca Bernardi at 3:15 p.m. and Shaylyn at 4:45 p.m. Shaylyn is a country music artist who was born in Hamilton.

A JUNO award-winning singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Tomi Swick, will be on at 6:15 p.m. The Redhill Valleys, an Americana alt-country group whose name actually pays homage to their hometown of Hamilton, will play at 7:45 p.m., before Dallas Smith closes out the night at 9:15 p.m.

On Saturday, other performers with ties to Hamilton who will be on the mainstage include Alfie Smith, who is a blues and roots singer-songwriter, and Wayne Krawchuk, who is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Hamilton as well as a professional musician for over 35 years.

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On Sunday, in addition to performances attendees can enjoy Festival Flow Yoga from 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The All-Star lineup features Canadian music legends such as Chantal Kreviazuk, hip-hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes, Brad Roberts, the lead singer and guitarist for Crash Test Dummies and Hamilton punk icons Teenage Head.

This three-day event also includes over 150 vendors, four stages of music, a huge midway, children’s performers and family-friendly festival programming.

The festival runs rain or shine with free general admission and $15 daily on-site parking.

Limited VIP passes are available for a $150 nightly donation for those looking to further support the event.

Information including tickets can be found on the official Festival of Friends website.

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