Cityfolk 2025 Day 4 | Hidden Beats

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A Night I Could Not Wait For

Cityfolk 2025 Day 4 was the night I had circled on my calendar since the lineup was announced. The entire festival had already been incredible, but this was the day I was most excited about. Seeing Dropkick Murphys, a band that has been a staple in my playlists for years, alongside the legendary Pogues felt like the perfect storm of energy and tradition.

The weather could not have been better, and the crowd came buzzing with energy from the very start. Everyone seemed ready for a party, and the atmosphere only built higher with each act that stepped on stage. From the smallest tent to the main stage, it was a night filled with anticipation, electricity, and pure celebration.

Loviet Starts with Style

The small stage kicked off with Loviet, who wasted no time setting the tone for the night. Her sound was crisp, her vibe was effortless, and the way she ripped on the guitar had the crowd cheering from the first notes.

For an opening act, the turnout was impressive, and Loviet fed off the energy of every single person there. You could tell she was having a blast on stage, and that joy translated perfectly to the audience. Coming from the GTA, she made her mark at Cityfolk and showed why she is one to watch.

Catbite Brings Punk Ska Power

Over on the main stage, Catbite was up next and instantly grabbed attention. This was my first time seeing them live, and they blew me away with their mix of punk and ska energy. It was also their debut at Cityfolk, and they made sure the crowd knew they were here to make an impression.

The band’s skill was on full display, from sharp instrumentation to bold vocals. They leaned into the punk spirit, getting right in the faces of the crowd as they sang, pulling people deeper into the set. Their cover of “Valerie” near the end was a standout moment, adding a unique spin to a familiar song that had fans dancing.

Celeigh Cardinal Shines with Soul

Back at the small stage, Celeigh Cardinal brought a different kind of magic. Her outfit sparkled under the lights, but it was her voice that truly stole the show. Every note was powerful, and she took the time to connect with the audience, weaving stories about her musical journey between songs.

The performance felt intimate and soulful, creating a space where fans could not only listen but feel. She captivated the crowd with authenticity and grace, proving why she is such a standout artist in the Canadian music scene.

Dropkick Murphys Light the Fuse

Then came the moment many of us had been waiting for. Dropkick Murphys stormed the main stage, and from the very first note, the energy shot through the roof. Crowd surfers appeared instantly, fists pumped in the air, and the intensity was unmatched.

The band played fan favorites including “Rose Tattoo” and “Shipping up to Boston,” sending the crowd into absolute chaos. For only the second time ever, they performed “Green Fields of France,” and fans knew they were witnessing something special. They even brought kids up on stage, tossed a mic into the audience for a fan sing along, and gave a heartfelt shoutout to Shane of The Pogues. Ken Casey took it a step further, leaping off the stage and rocking out at the Barcade with fans, blurring the line between artist and audience.

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Hurray for the Riff Raff Holds Their Ground

While the Dropkicks dominated the main stage, Hurray for the Riff Raff closed out the small stage with a set that was equally compelling in its own way. At first, the crowd was modest, but as people drifted over, the space filled and the energy grew.

Their sound was fresh and engaging, creating a mood that fans embraced wholeheartedly. The band looked like they were having the time of their lives, and that fun was infectious. By the end of the performance, many of us were making mental notes to dive deeper into their music, myself included.

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The Pogues Deliver a Legendary Finish

As the headliners for the night, The Pogues came on stage with a sense of history and legend behind them. From the moment they began, the band played with a confidence that comes from decades of experience, and it showed in every note.

They shared laughs, introduced one another with playful banter, and kept the crowd hooked from start to finish. Fan favorites filled the setlist, offering something for everyone and leaving no one disappointed. People had traveled from as far as the Maritimes to see them live, and it was easy to understand why. The Pogues left a lasting impression, wrapping up Day 4 in the most fitting way possible.

Closing Out a Perfect Night

Cityfolk 2025 Day 4 lived up to every expectation I had and more. Sharing this night with my wife and reconnecting with friends I had not seen in twenty years made it unforgettable on a personal level.

There were countless festival stealing moments, but seeing Dropkick Murphys fire up the crowd and The Pogues close the night with legendary style was something I will never forget. Cityfolk still has one more day to go, and if Day 4 is any indication, the festival is about to finish on a high note.

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