Fans Pack Churchill Park for Four Thrilling Days of Music
Thousands of music lovers flocked to Churchill Park in St. John’s for the fourth annual Churchill Park Music Festival, which boasted some of the biggest names across multiple genres from July 25-29.
The four-day spectacle kicked off with a headlining set from glam rock superstars Def Leppard, who made their triumphant return to the island for the first time since 1993. Supported by Canadian rock staples Haywire, Honeymoon Suite and Sam Roberts Band, Def Leppard uncorked a scintillating 18-track set of timeless rock anthems like “Rocket”, “Love Bites”, “Photograph” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me” before a legitimate sell-out crowd.
Not even storm clouds and sticky summer humidity could suppress Saturday’s country showcase, headlined by multi-platinum-selling artist Blake Shelton. Shelton dished out his unique brand of covers from the likes of Michael Buble, Alabama, George Jones and Post Malone, treating the packed crowd to two dozen songs, including his staple, “God’s Country.” Fellow artists on the day included Dean Brody, Mackenzie Porter and Justin Fancy.
Not to be outdone, Shelton’s spouse and fellow multi-platinum superstar, Gwen Stefani, rocked the park on Sunday with special guests Alessia Cara, Lights and Rich Tanner. The longtime vocalist for ska rock royalty No Doubt threw down an energetic set including radio hits “Hollaback Girl”, “What You Waiting For?”, “Cool” and 90s rock staples “Just a Girl”, “Spiderwebs” and “Don’t Speak.”
Following a well-earned one-day reprieve, Churchill Park Music Festival closed out with Las Vegas rockers The Killers on Tuesday, July 29. Before a sold out crowd braving the uncertainty of Regatta Roulette, the charttoppers played hit after hit, kicking off their electric set with number one single “Mr. Brightside”, before treating the crowd with an array of radio staples including “All These Things That I’ve Done” “Somebody Told Me” and “When You Were Young.” The Beaches, Matt Mays and Nick Earle and The Restless Hearts provided support.
With massive crowds across four days and overwhelming positive fan and critical reception for the music and experience, expect the Churchill Park experience to grow in 2026. Who are your wishlist bands for next year? Let us know at editorial@downhomelife.com
