CityFolk Festival – Day 3
CityFolk Day 3 Review
Review and Photos By Cole Lewis
Day 3 of CityFolk delivered an incredible mix of folk, roots, indie, and rock performances across both stages, making for a memorable start to the weekend.
The night began on the Westside Stage with indie folk artist Tennyson King, who brought an enchanting set full of unique sounds and thoughtful storytelling. Throughout the performance, King shared the inspirations behind many of his songs, creating a deeper connection with the audience and enhancing the overall experience. One story that stood out was behind his song “Safe Travels.” King explained how he had always wanted to write a song around the phrase after hearing it for the first time, and he carefully crafted the harmonies to capture the warmth and sentiment that resonated with him. Armed with the distinctive sounds of the zhongruan and guzheng, King left many audience members wondering what they were hearing in the best possible way. It was the perfect way to start the evening.
Gwenifer Raymond followed with a captivating display of rapid-fire fingerpicking guitar. While she carries a quiet and understated stage presence, her musicianship spoke volumes. It didn’t take long for listeners to melt into the sounds she was creating, many wondering how a single performer could produce such rich, driving music alone on stage. Her set was mesmerizing from start to finish.
Closing out the Westside Stage was Jensen McRae, who was greeted by a large crowd of fans eager to sing along. Opening with “Let Me Be Wrong” and fan favourite “Savannah,” McRae quickly showed why so many people had gathered early to secure a spot close to the stage. She delivered a confident and heartfelt performance while maintaining an endearing humility. At times she seemed genuinely surprised by the size and enthusiasm of the audience, a reaction that only further endeared her to her fans.
Over on the main TD stage, Ottawa’s own The New Hires got things started with a burst of energy. It’s always exciting to see local artists continue to earn bigger opportunities, and they looked completely at home on the CityFolk stage. Featuring fan favourites such as “Where The Sun Sets” and “Save First & Foremost,” the band had no trouble filling the space and drawing an impressive crowd.
Next up was Switchfoot, who arrived with the energy and confidence of years of headlining and ultimately stole the show. Frontman Jon Foreman wasted little time before venturing into the crowd, shaking hands, singing with fans, and making his way along the fence line while maintaining the band’s infectious energy. Between a set packed with favourites, a cover of a Beastie Boys classic, and a partial Led Zeppelin cover, the crowd happily sang along throughout the night. The band’s performance of “Stars” had fans chanting every word, and later, bringing young fans on stage created one of the evening’s most memorable moments. Closing with “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move,” Switchfoot delivered a set that will be talked about long after the festival ends.
Finally, Third Eye Blind took the stage to close out the night, drawing fans eager to relive the soundtrack of their youth. With the band’s last Ottawa appearance coming more than a decade ago, there was a strong sense of anticipation throughout the crowd. Opening with “Thanks a Lot” and “Dust Storm,” the band immediately brought plenty of energy, but it wasn’t until “Never Let You Go” that the audience truly came alive. From there, the set only gained momentum, with each song bringing another wave of nostalgia.
Despite the chilly evening temperatures and the knowledge that exiting the festival would mean battling large crowds, fans stayed until the very end to hear beloved hits like “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going to Be.” For those who arrived unprepared for the cool weather, dancing along became the perfect way to stay warm while reminiscing about years gone by. As thousands sang along under the lights, Third Eye Blind provided a fitting end to an outstanding night of music and an excellent start to the weekend at CityFolk.
Day 3 showcased exactly what makes CityFolk special: diverse artists, unforgettable performances, and crowds that were fully invested in every moment, whether discovering a new favourite artist or singing along to songs they have loved for decades.
