George street festival turns 40 -and they still got it

Since its debut in 1985, George Street Festival or GSF has become the heartbeat of summer in downtown St. John’s.

A week-long celebration of music, community, and pure, unfiltered Newfoundland energy. Every year, the street transforms into a sea of dancing bodies, raised drinks, and voices shouting lyrics into the night sky. And this year? The vibes are immaculate.

For its 40th anniversary, the festival is pulling out all the stops — with some hometown favourites, national icons, a reality TV DJ!!! (you know who), and all the good ol’ kitchen party chaos we live for.

Oh, and in case you were wondering why the dates look a little different: the fest is running from July 31st to August 6th this year, slightly pushed back to accommodate the Canada Summer Games. That’s right, Newfoundland is double booked for greatness.

So without further ado — here’s your night-by-night breakdown of the 2025 George Street Festival lineup, complete with reactions, excitement, and just a sprinkle of emotional yelling. You know, the usual.

Night 1 — July 31:

Arkells with Neon Dreams

(Local opener TBA

Let’s kick it off with two bands who are basically George Street Festival royalty. Arkells, Canada’s kings of live energy, are returning to the street where it all began for them in St. John’s.

The Hamilton rockers first played George Street way back in 2009 — back when your iPod still had a click wheel and you could get into Lottie’s with just a smile. They’ve since become George Street royalty, returning again and again with anthemic bangers, unmatched energy, and the kind of on-stage charisma that makes you text your ex halfway through “Leather Jacket.”

Joining them is none other than Neon Dreams, the Halifax duo who are basically honorary Newfoundlanders at this point. Their feel-good, genre-blending set always brings the vibes, the singalongs, and the serotonin. If you’ve never screamed “Life Without Fantasies” on George Street… well, now’s your chance.

We don’t know yet who the local opener is, but we do know this is going to be the kind of night people talk about for years. You’ll lose your voice. You’ll make new best friends. You might cry. And it’ll be worth every single second.

Night 2 — August 1

Blue Rodeo with Kellie Loder

Alright, so how do you follow up the first night of Arkells and Neon Dreams? Easy. You bring out the big guns — and by big guns, we mean Blue Rodeo.

It’s not just George Street turning 40 this year — Blue Rodeo is celebrating their 40th anniversary too. That’s four decades of timeless Canadian classics, tear-jerking harmonies, and thousands of beer-raised choruses of “Try.” You’re going to hear “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” in a crowd of thousands and you’re going to feel it in your soul.

Opening the night is the incomparable Kellie Loder, one of Newfoundland’s most beloved singer-songwriters and absolute powerhouse performers. Whether you first discovered them through Canada’s Got Talent or you’ve been following their career since “Boxes,” you already know Kellie is going to absolutely own the stage.

This is a night for swaying, singing, and maybe even a slow dance or two. Bring your parents. Bring your crush. Bring your best friend who cries at concerts. It’s going to be magic.

Night 3 – August 2: The Legendary Kitchen Party

It wouldn’t be a George Street Festival without a kitchen party night — and this year, they’re pulling out all the stops.

This one’s for the fiddle fans, the accordion lovers, and the ones who know every single word to “Heave Away.” Whether you’re from the bay, the city, or just visiting for the week, this lineup is pure Newfoundland gold.

The Celtic Connection will be leading the charge with the kind of foot-stomping, arm-linking, roof-raising energy that only they can deliver. Add in Rugged Shores and KitchinParti, and you’ve got a triple threat of trad vibes, jigs, reels, and good old-fashioned screech-in-worthy fun.

If you’re looking for a night of hometown pride, sea shanty screams, and spilling your beer mid-dance — this is the one.

🎧 Night 4 — August 3:

DJ PAULY D & JBillz

CABS ARE HEREEEEEEEE!

Yes. You read that right.

Pauly D is back in the province for the first time since 2012 ( 13 whole years ago), and he’s about to fist pump George Street into another dimension. Whether you were raised on Jersey Shore or currently watching jersey shore family vacation and just love a bass drop, this night is for you.

Expect bangers. Expect chaos. Expect spray tans and “Cabs are here!” soundbites in the crowd. And joining him is local sensation JBillz, who always knows how to turn the crowd into one giant dancefloor.

❓ Night 5 – August 4

TBA – Stay tuned!

Ah yes, the mysterious middle child of the lineup. This night has the comment sections buzzing. Some folks are convinced it’s going to be like oh it’s Our Lady Peace?? (personally? doubtful — they’re touring with Collective Soul at that time), others are placing bets on a surprise East Coast comeback or a massive pop act.

Here’s the truth: no matter who ends up filling this slot, they’ve got some pretty big shoes to follow. But also? The mystery is half the fun. Watch this space.

Night 6 – August 5

SHANNEYGANOCK with RUM RAGGED

As Shanneyganock frontman Chris Andrews famously yells: “ARE THERE ANY NEWFOUNDLANDERS HERE TONIGHT?!”

(Answer: yes.)

This is the most Newfoundland night of the week, and honestly? That’s exactly what the heart of this festival is all about. Shanneyganock and Rum Ragged are two of the most beloved, hardest-working trad acts on the scene

NIGHT 7 – August 6: Closing Night – TBA!

The final night of the 2025 George Street Festival is still under wraps, but based on the rest of the lineup and the milestone year, we’re expecting a big closer. Maybe someone new. Maybe a surprise reunion. Maybe something that’ll have us screaming in the group chat at 2AM.

All we know is: don’t skip the last night.

The Rant

(But Like, A Nice One)

Okay. Let’s talk about the feedback.

Yes, I’ve seen the posts. The comments. The “same bands every year” crowd. The “George Street has gone downhill” takes. The whispers of “well, I heard Our Lady Peace is coming” (again — probably not. They’re touring with Collective Soul, folks).

Here’s my take: This lineup is actually solid. Diverse. Balanced. Local-heavy. And we need to start appreciating how hard it is to make this happen.

Bringing major acts to Newfoundland isn’t as simple as it looks. It takes time, money, scheduling miracles, and a lot of “do you think they’ll say yes?” moments. And it’s over 7 nights! You try booking a full week of shows during peak summer and see how many acts are free, affordable, and want to come this far east.

Also… we just lost the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival. Forever. This year is the last one. That’s a massive loss for our cultural landscape. And if we’re not careful, other events could follow.

So instead of picking it apart, why not show up? Buy the pass. Dance like nobody’s watching. Cheer for the opener. Support the organizers. This is a celebration of 40 years of music on the most famous street in Atlantic Canada. Let’s treat it like the gift it is.

as someone who’s been going to every George Street Festival since graduating high school in 2021 and has covered it as part of the media for this blog — I’m telling you: this one’s gonna be special !

So See you on the street. Pint in one hand, phone in the other, voice gone by the second night.

Let’s make year 40 legendary!