Performers at the inaugural festival included Willie P. Bennett, Ray Materick, Brent Titcomb, Shirley Eikhard, Marc Jordan, Noel Harrison, Sylvia Tyson, Stan Rogers, The Good Brothers, Jesse Winchester, Ian Tamblyn, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Raffi, Ben Mink, Jackie Washington[3] and Colleen Peterson.

[4] In its first year, the Festival also partnered with the neighbouring Delta Theatre, which hosted free screenings of Canadian films, as well as marathon concerts that ran from midnight until daybreak.

[5] Over the next 35 years, the festival continued annually in Gage Park, and evolved into a showcase for arts and music featuring musicians, crafters, and food from across the globe.

Over the years Canadian singer-songwriters such as Bruce Cockburn, Ken Whiteley, Burton Cummings, Scott Merritt, Valdy, Bob Snider, Tom Wilson, Randy Bachman, Fred Eaglesmith, Jane Siberry, Ron Sexsmith and Gord Downie appeared in the bandshell.

[9][17] In a statement, organizers explained that "the Festival of Friends was forced to move to Ancaster for a myriad of reasons – including unresponsive leadership at city hall, as well as issues of access in Gage Park.