Seeing the benefits of mutual support and collaboration, six Ontario music festivals came together in 1986 to form the OCFF. This new organization established a folk-genre presenters' network and programmed professional development workshops that would be held during an annual conference.

The OCFF initiated several projects that raised the profile of the organization and increased its membership.  The OCFF began to print a quarterly magazine, Folk Prints, established the Songs From the Heart songwriting competition, began the community outreach program Art Beat, and added Official Showcase performances to the conference weekend.

By 1999 the OCFF board of directors had representatives from each region of Ontario, represented 25 major provincial folk festivals, and included 'individuals' (artists) into its bylaws as voting members.

In January 2001 the OCFF hired an Executive Director and the organization continued to expand.  By January 2004 membership had increased, programming intensified, and the service development and financial strength of the OCFF were transformed profoundly.  

Now, 24 years after its founding, the OCFF is the largest folk and roots music organization in Canada and serves its members as a recognized arts service organization.