CityFolk Festival Day 1 Feat: Alex Warren, Hanorah, Mia Kelly, Tafari Anthony & Tyler Shaw
CityFolk Festival Kicks Off Autumn with Energy, Soul, and Connection
Day 1 – Review and Photos by Cole Lewis
CityFolk Festival ushered in the fall season with its signature blend of vibrant music and idyllic weather: warm evenings that gently cooled into breezy nights, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable kickoff on Wednesday.
The Fasken stage opened with Montreal’s Hanorah, whose playful energy and dynamic stage presence set a lively tone for the evening. Her vocals danced across the crowd, inviting festival goers into the rhythm of the night.
Next up was Gatineau’s own Mia Kelly, whose poetic storytelling and soulful voice captivated an ever-growing audience. Her local fanbase was out in full force, and their enthusiasm was palpable.
Closing the Fasken lineup was Tyler Shaw, a familiar and beloved figure in Ottawa’s music scene. His entrance was electric; bursting onto the stage with charisma and instantly connecting with fans, some of whom he greeted by name. The crowd overflowed the area, fully immersed in his performance and the warmth of his presence.
Over at the TD stage, Tafari Anthony kicked things off with infectious energy, engaging every corner of the crowd with his movement and charm. Paul Russell followed, with anticipation building as the DJ hyped the crowd. The audience was already dancing before Paul even hit the stage, and when he did, he matched the energy with a dynamic performance that brought fans even closer.
A touching moment came just before the headliner, when a young Indigenous artist took the stage to share a message of unity through music. Their heartfelt welcome and brief song created a sense of connection that resonated deeply with the crowd.
MTV’s Best New Artist, Alex Warren, closed the night with a set that felt both grand and intimate. His direct engagement with front-row superfans and heartfelt acknowledgments made the performance feel personal, even in such a large setting. For many, he was a new face but by the end of the night, he had clearly won over fresh fans with his grounded demeanor and rising star power.
Whether you came for the music, the laid-back atmosphere, the games and photo ops, or a cozy date night on the Great Lawn, CityFolk delivered. It was a night of connection, celebration, and pure enjoyment; proof that Ottawa’s fall festival scene is alive and thriving.
