CityFolk Festival Day 4 Feat: Dropkick Murphys, H4RRaff, Loviet, The Pogues, Becks WM, Caleigh Cardinal & Catbite
City Folk Ottawa – Saturday Night
Review and Photos by Cole Lewis
Saturday night at CityFolk carried a fresh pulse; an electric energy that felt distinctly different. Celtic punk took center stage, drawing fans in not just for the music, but for the coveted band merch. Dropkick Murphys sold out of merchandise early, leaving many fans empty-handed but still buzzing with excitement.
As part of the weekend’s free show series, Becks took over the concourse with a crowd-gathering set that leaned into heartfelt storytelling. Her music painted vivid scenes, offering a quieter but no less compelling counterpoint to the evening’s high-octane lineup.
Loviet, one of the most exciting emerging artists on the scene, lit up the Fasken Stage with a performance that was fierce. If she’s not already on your playlist, she should be. Her energy matched the night’s vibe perfectly, leaving first-time listeners wide-eyed and wowed. Next up was Edmonton’s Caleigh Cardinal, whose soulful folk stylings brought depth and emotion. She shared stories of resilience: of people who refuse to take “no” for an answer, and reminded us that silence is never the solution. Her message was clear: we must write, sing, and speak out. Closing out the Fasken Stage was Hurray for the Riff Raff, who dialed down the tempo but kept the spirit alive. Their set was a gentle exhale, the kind that wraps you in the warmth of a crisp fall evening and reminds you why live folk music matters.
On the TD Stage Catbite kicked things off with a high-energy ska set, led by Brit Luna, who danced and twirled across every inch of the stage; even the catwalk, bringing fans closer to the action.
Then came Dropkick Murphys, who exploded onto the stage and never let up. Ken Casey, ever the showman, tossed the mic into the crowd, where 15-year-old superfan Connor Hannon (who had traveled from Massachusetts) caught it with precision and belted out lyrics like a seasoned pro. It was a moment that felt both spontaneous and cinematic. Casey kept the crowd connection strong, fist-bumping crowd surfers and even inviting a young fan to enjoy the show from the side of the stage. His presence was magnetic, his engagement intentional, and the vibe; pure joy.
The Pogues rounded out the night, filling the stage with their signature sound and camaraderie. Members took turns in the spotlight, and the crowd responded in kind; singing along, swaying, and soaking in every note of their favorite tunes.
