Festival of Friends announces one-day ‘Concert in the Park’ in Hamilton

The Festival of Friends is back!

The Hamilton-based outdoor festival has announced a one-day ‘Concert in the Park’.

It will take place on September 18 at Gage Park.

The festival will feature four stages of music with over 30 performers.

Organizers say the event will be capped off with a pair of “major” surprise headliners that will be announced 24 hours before they hit the stage.

“COVID really ripped the heart out of the music community in Hamilton, and we’re doing our best to reintroduce as much live music as possible, while also putting to work local sound technicians, designers, and other trades,” said General Manager Robert Rakoczy in a post on the festival’s website. “As the oldest and largest annual event in this city, it’s only fitting that we would put on Hamilton’s first major event post-lockdown.”

Rakoczy says they have been working closely with city staff to ensure the event is as safe as possible. “Our plan is to screen every attendee, offer mobile contract tracing, and we have created a system to minimize crowding near the stage. Gage Park is massive,” he said.

A limited number of food vendors, games, and some attractions for kids will be at the festival.

A mobile vaccination clinic is also expected to be on site.

Admission is free and the concert will run rain or shine.

The Festival of Friends has been running since 1976 and is known for its outdoor music, and vendors featuring arts and crafts.

The Festival of Friends is BACK with a one-day “Concert In The Park” on Saturday, September 18th!#HamOnt's first major post-lockdown event will feature four stages of music capped off by two huge surprise headliners.

Visit https://t.co/dwUXSO5QV9 for more info! pic.twitter.com/gmRu8KsQJn

— Festival of Friends (@FestofFriends) September 3, 2021