The George Street Festival is an annual event that takes place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The festival is a celebration of music, food, and culture that attracts visitors from all over the world. The event has been running for over three decades and has become a significant part of the local community.
The history of the George Street Festival dates back to 1986 when a group of local business owners decided to host a street party to celebrate the end of summer. The event was a huge success, and it has continued to grow in popularity ever since. Today, the festival is a week-long event that features a diverse lineup of musicians, food vendors, and other attractions.
Key Takeaways
- The George Street Festival is an annual event that celebrates music, food, and culture in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The festival has been running for over three decades and has become a significant part of the local community.
- The event features a diverse lineup of musicians, food vendors, and other attractions and attracts visitors from all over the world.
History of George Street Festival
The George Street Festival is an annual event that takes place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. It is organized by the George Street Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the cultural and economic development of George Street.
The festival began in 1986 as a small celebration of the street’s unique character and history. Over the years, it has grown into one of the biggest events in North America, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
George Street is often referred to as the “biggest little street in North America” due to its small size and big reputation for nightlife and entertainment. The street is home to over 20 bars and pubs, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The George Street Association saw the potential for a festival that would showcase the street’s vibrant culture and bring people together in celebration. The first festival featured local musicians and street performers, and it was an immediate success.
Since then, the festival has continued to grow and evolve, featuring a diverse range of musical acts, food vendors, and cultural events. It has become a beloved tradition in St. John’s, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the city’s unique culture and nightlife.
Overall, the George Street Festival has played a significant role in promoting the cultural and economic development of St. John’s, and it continues to be a highlight of the city’s summer calendar.
Key Attractions and Highlights
Live Music
The George Street Festival is known for its amazing live music performances, and this year is no exception. With a lineup that includes The Navigators, Shanneyganock, Alan Doyle, Celtic Connection, Justin Fancy, Signal Hill, Rock, Third Eye Blind, Women of Rock, Arkells, Blue Rodeo, The Trews, Derina Harvey Band, Loud Luxury, Washboard Union, Mallory Johnson, Irish Descendants, Matt Mays, The Bishops, The Masterless Men, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Nick Earle, The Tea Party, Sam Roberts Band, Fortunate Ones, Kellie Loder, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Rum Ragged, Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, Our Lady Peace, Great Big Sea, April Wine, Barenaked Ladies, and many more, there is something for everyone.
Street Party
The George Street Festival is not just about the music, it’s also about the street party atmosphere. With thousands of people coming together to celebrate, the festival is a great place to meet new people and have a good time. The street is closed off to traffic, and there are plenty of food and drink vendors, as well as carnival games and rides for the kids.
Kitchen Party
One of the highlights of the George Street Festival is the Kitchen Party. This is a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador event where people gather in someone’s kitchen to play music, sing songs, and have a good time. At the George Street Festival, the Kitchen Party is held on the street, and everyone is invited to join in. With local musicians and performers taking part, it’s a great way to experience the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Overall, the George Street Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves live music, street parties, and traditional Newfoundland and Labrador culture. With a lineup of amazing performers and a great atmosphere, it’s sure to be a highlight of the summer.
Ticket Information
The George Street Festival is a popular event that attracts a large number of visitors every year. If you plan to attend the festival, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. Here is some information about ticket sales and gate openings that you should know.
Tickets
Tickets for the George Street Festival can be purchased online or at various retail locations throughout St. John’s. The festival offers both single-day and multi-day passes, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Children under the age of 12 can attend the festival for free when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket Sales
Ticket sales for the George Street Festival typically begin in early July and continue until the start of the festival. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the gate.
Gates Open
The gates for the George Street Festival typically open at 6:30 pm each evening. The festival runs for six days, so there are plenty of opportunities to attend.
Gate 1 – Adelaide St./Kelly’s Pub
Gate 1 is located on Adelaide Street, near Kelly’s Pub. This gate is convenient for those staying in the downtown area.
Gate 2 – Water St. Yellowbelly Corner
Gate 2 is located on Water Street, near Yellowbelly Brewery. This gate is convenient for those staying in the west end of St. John’s.
Gate 3 – Duckworth St./Trinity Pub
Gate 3 is located on Duckworth Street, near Trinity Pub. This gate is convenient for those staying in the east end of St. John’s.
Overall, the George Street Festival is a great way to experience the culture and music of Newfoundland and Labrador. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy all that the festival has to offer.
Venues and Location
The George Street Festival takes place in the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland, on George Street. This street is known for its lively atmosphere and abundance of bars and pubs, making it the perfect location for a music festival.
Bars and Pubs
During the festival, over 15 bars and pubs on George Street participate in the event, offering a wide variety of food and drink options for festival-goers. Some of the most popular bars and pubs include Lottie’s, O’Reilly’s, and Trinity Pub.
In addition to the bars and pubs on George Street, there are also several other establishments in the surrounding area that participate in the festival. Duckworth Street and Adelaide Street are two nearby streets that also offer a variety of food and drink options for festival-goers.
Overall, the location of the George Street Festival provides the perfect setting for a lively and enjoyable music festival experience.
Festival Lineup
The George Street Festival lineup for this year is packed with an exciting mix of local and international artists. The festival will feature over 50 performers across six stages, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Some of the notable performers include Cartermusic, The Bishops, and The Masterless Men, who will be showcasing their unique Newfoundland sound. The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Nick Earle, and The Tea Party will also be taking the stage, bringing their rock and roll energy to the festival.
For those who enjoy country music, Brett Kissel and Meghan Patrick will be performing, while Our Lady Peace and Great Big Sea will be entertaining the crowd with their alternative and folk rock music. April Wine, Barenaked Ladies, and The Irish Descendants will also be making appearances, adding to the festival’s diverse lineup.
In addition to these big names, the festival will also feature up-and-coming artists such as BIC and The Ballpoints, Tino Borges and The Incident, and Glass Tiger, who will be showcasing their unique styles and talents.
Other notable performers include Síochána, The Punters, William Prince, Tim Baker, Carolina East, Robyn Ottolini, The Reklaws, Fairgale, Elliott Brood, and DJ Dem Ones. The Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Rum Ragged will also be bringing their unique sounds to the festival, making it a truly diverse and exciting event for all music lovers.
Overall, the George Street Festival lineup for this year promises to be an unforgettable experience, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Accommodation and Amenities
The George Street Festival is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world. As such, it is essential to plan for accommodation and amenities in advance. Fortunately, there are several options available for visitors to choose from.
Hotels
There are several hotels located in downtown St. John’s that offer comfortable accommodation for festival-goers. Some of the popular hotels include:
- Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John’s Conference Centre
- The Murray Premises Hotel
- Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
- JAG Boutique Hotel
Each of these hotels offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, and fitness centers. Visitors are advised to book their rooms in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
Royal St. John’s Regatta
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is a popular event that takes place on Quidi Vidi Lake, which is located just a short distance from downtown St. John’s. Visitors who plan to attend the regatta can take advantage of the shuttle service that is provided by the festival organizers. The shuttle service runs from several locations in downtown St. John’s to Quidi Vidi Lake.
Other Amenities
In addition to hotels and shuttle services, there are several other amenities available for visitors to the George Street Festival. These include:
- Public restrooms
- Food and beverage vendors
- First-aid stations
- ATMs
Visitors are advised to bring cash with them as some vendors may not accept credit or debit cards.
Overall, visitors to the George Street Festival can expect to find a range of accommodation and amenities to suit their needs. By planning in advance, visitors can ensure that they have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the festival.
Social Media and Contact Information
The George Street Festival has a strong social media presence on various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms are used to keep festival-goers up to date on the latest news, announcements, and changes related to the festival. The official Facebook page for the festival has over 10,000 followers, and the Instagram account has over 5,000 followers. The festival’s Twitter account is also active, with regular updates and engagement with followers.
In addition to social media, the festival can be contacted through various channels for general inquiries. The festival’s website provides a contact form for those who wish to get in touch via email. The festival can also be reached by phone during regular business hours. The festival’s contact information, including phone number and email address, can be found on the official website.
For those who wish to stay up to date on the festival’s latest news and announcements, following the festival on social media is highly recommended. The festival’s social media accounts are updated regularly, and followers can expect to see announcements related to lineup announcements, ticket sales, and more.
Overall, the George Street Festival has a strong social media presence and can be easily contacted through various channels for general inquiries.
Impact of Pandemic
The George Street Festival, like many other live events, was heavily impacted by the pandemic. In 2020, the festival was cancelled entirely due to health and safety concerns. This was a significant blow to the local economy and the community, as the festival typically brings in a large number of tourists and generates revenue for local businesses.
The cancellation of the festival also had a ripple effect on the performers and vendors who rely on the festival for income. Many musicians and artists were unable to perform and sell their merchandise, which had a negative impact on their livelihoods.
In 2021, the festival was able to take place, but with significant changes to ensure the safety of attendees and participants. The festival was held outdoors, with limited capacity and physical distancing measures in place. There were also increased sanitation protocols and mandatory mask-wearing.
Despite these measures, attendance was lower than in previous years, which had an impact on the overall revenue generated by the festival. However, the festival was still able to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and support local artists and musicians.
Overall, the pandemic had a significant impact on the George Street Festival, as it did for many live events. However, the festival was able to adapt and make changes to ensure the safety of attendees and participants, while still providing a valuable experience for the community.
Canadian Music at the Festival
The George Street Festival is known for showcasing a wide range of Canadian music, and this year is no exception. From classic rock to modern pop, festival-goers can expect to hear some of the best music that Canada has to offer.
One of the headliners for this year’s festival is April Wine, a classic rock band that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. With hits like “Roller” and “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” April Wine is sure to get the crowd singing along.
Another popular Canadian band that will be performing at the festival is Barenaked Ladies. Known for their quirky lyrics and catchy tunes, Barenaked Ladies have been making music for over 30 years. Fans can expect to hear hits like “One Week” and “If I Had $1,000,000” during their set.
Our Lady Peace is another Canadian band that will be taking the stage at the festival. With over 20 years of experience, they have a loyal fan base and a string of hits, including “Clumsy” and “Somewhere Out There.”
Great Big Sea, a folk rock band from Newfoundland, will also be performing at the festival. Known for their high-energy performances and catchy tunes, they are sure to get the crowd dancing and singing along.
In addition to these headliners, there will be many other Canadian musicians taking the stage throughout the festival. With such a diverse lineup, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Festival Rules and Regulations
The George Street Festival is a fun and exciting event that brings together people from all walks of life. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone attending, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed.
Alcohol and Plastic Cups
Alcohol is available for purchase at the festival, and it is important to note that it is strictly forbidden to bring your own alcohol onto the premises. In addition, festival-goers are required to use plastic cups for all beverages, including alcohol. This is to prevent glass from being broken and causing potential hazards.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted within the festival grounds. Designated smoking areas are available outside the festival gates.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited from being brought onto the festival grounds:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal drugs
- Fireworks
- Glass bottles or containers
- Pets (with the exception of service animals)
Security Measures
Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone attending the festival. All bags will be checked upon entry, and festival-goers may be subject to a search at any time while on the festival grounds.
Code of Conduct
Festival-goers are expected to behave in a respectful and responsible manner. Any behavior deemed inappropriate, including but not limited to excessive intoxication, fighting, or harassment, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the festival grounds.
By following these rules and regulations, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time at the George Street Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule of events for the George Street Festival?
The schedule of events for the George Street Festival varies each year. The festival typically runs for a week and features live music performances, food and drink vendors, and other entertainment. The schedule for each day is usually announced a few weeks before the festival begins, so be sure to check the official website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
Can I purchase tickets for the George Street Festival online?
Yes, tickets for the George Street Festival can be purchased online through the official website or through authorized ticket sellers. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance as they often sell out quickly.
What are the age restrictions for the George Street Festival?
The George Street Festival is a 19+ event. All attendees must be of legal drinking age and have valid identification to enter the festival grounds.
What is the cost of admission for the George Street Festival?
The cost of admission for the George Street Festival varies each year. Typically, tickets range from $30-$50 for a single day pass and $100-$150 for a full week pass. VIP packages are also available at a higher cost.
Are there any prohibited items at the George Street Festival?
Yes, there are several prohibited items at the George Street Festival. These include outside food and beverages, weapons, illegal drugs, and any other items deemed unsafe or disruptive by festival organizers. Bag checks and security screenings may be conducted at the entrance.
Are there any parking restrictions during the George Street Festival?
Yes, there are parking restrictions during the George Street Festival. Street parking is limited and may be restricted during festival hours. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in designated parking lots nearby.