George Street: Where Nightlife Comes Alive

In Newfoundland, a “time” is traditionally known as a party or social event where you’ll find entertainment, dancing, a gathering of friends, and good food and drink. Basically it’s a “good time.” That’s exactly what you’re guaranteed to find at the George Street Entertainment District of St. John’s, Newfoundland! Known as the “biggest little street in North America,” this is where nightlife lives in St. John’s.

George Street boasts more bars per square foot than any other city in North America, with twenty-two bars within two small blocks. As you walk down the historic downtown of St. John’s, you’ll experience Newfoundland’s unique and vibrant culture as you walk the cobblestone streets, take in the old-style architecture and experience the lively Irish music that is at the heart of our heritage. Live music is particularly easy to find here with most bars featuring live bands throughout the week! Whether you want to try out traditional Newfoundland music, or your style is country, rock, blues, dance or almost anything in between, there’s a place for you.

If sampling a piece of Newfoundland culture is what you’re after, be sure to stop in to O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub, which features plenty of live music with a traditional pub feel. Tuesday nights at O’Reilly’s are famous for their “Open Mic Nights” where anyone can showcase their talent. Or visit Bridie Molloy’s Pub and Eatery for a taste of Irish-Newfoundland tradition, where you’ll find live local talent throughout the week, a delicious menu and cozy surroundings.

If you’re looking to dance the night away, stop into the Martini Bar, Dusk Ultralounge or Konfusion, which are just a few fun spots to kick up your heels! Club One is another great live-music dance bar not to be missed. This always-popular club features different acts every night of the week. The Sundance Bar and Grill is another impressive spot to check out. The Sundance is the oldest landmark on George Street and has the biggest and most popular deck to be found in St. John’s on any warm summer day or night.

You’ll also find great food on George Street. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza and a pint brewed in-house at the beautiful and historic Yellowbelly Brewery. Just a little further up the street, you’ll find tasty pub fare at Green Sleeves Pub, not to mention live entertainment seven nights a week! Further along, you’ll find famous fish and chips at Kelly’s Pub. And if you’re still hungry after a night at the bars, you can enjoy a local favourite – fries, dressing and gravy at the chip wagons.

On your first visit to “the rock,” being screeched- in is a must! A screech-in is our rite-of-passage and your way to become an honourary Newfoundlander. Christian’s Pub has the best screech-in around, Wednesday to Sunday at 11:15 p.m. We can’t give away all the details, but it includes a shot of our famous Screech Rum, and proper articulation of our unique Newfoundland dialect. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget and a great addition to your visit to St. John’s.

Famous events not to be missed are the annual Canada Day celebrations, the George Street Festival (end of July/beginning of August) and the George Street Mardi Gras on Halloween weekend. These events feature live music each night, including big names on George Street’s very own outdoor stage.

George Street is synonymous with good times, and no visit to this city is complete without an excursion to this famous locale. So next time you’re in town, grab your friends and meet up with the locals on George Street. You just might meet some new friends, who’ll show you how to have a proper St. John’s “time.”

HDR photography by Rodney Miller, to see more of his extraordinary work please visit www.ghancock.ca.