Good morning, Saint John! Of course sports can get a little heated… but you pickleballers are intense. A Florida couple just turned a country club match into a full-blown paddle-powered brawl after someone stepped into “the kitchen,” with punches thrown, paddles swinging and paramedics pulling up 🏓.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
In 30 Years You Could Be Living North 🏘️
The Art In The Box 🎨
Swing Into The Weekend 💃
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Join the Conversation! 🗣️
Connect with our engaged community. Advertise with us and let your business shine!
NEWS NOTES
🏗️ North end just got a 25-year game plan
Saint John’s planning advisory committee has approved a long-term strategy aimed at adding more housing, businesses and green space to one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Council votes in March.
Lansdowne Plaza could also evolve into more of an events space with markets, festivals and a transit hub.
📦 What’s in the Box
You know it’s a good night when the main selling point is mystery.
Here’s how it works. More than 50 local professional artists donate original pieces. Guests can put their name in for a chance to purchase one of the mystery boxes for $125. If your name is drawn, you commit. Whatever’s inside is yours.
Proceeds support exhibition payments for artists and youth programming at the arts centre.
🥌 World Men’s Curling Tickets Drop Today
How’s your double touch tap on your phone?
Ticket packages for the 2027 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship at TD Station go on sale this morning.
Saint John hosts the world March 26 to April 4, 2027, including the debut of the new 18-team format. Full-event packages run $408 to $444. Weekend and weekday bundles start at $48. Single-draw tickets won’t land until 2027.
If you want first crack at seats, this is it.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️
Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WEEKEND PREVIEW
THURSDAY
Feelin’ Lucky Spelling Bee | February 26
The Porch, 370 Main Street in Hampton, hosts a luck-themed spelling bee on Thursday, February 26. Participants compete using Scrabble tiles in a fast-paced monthly challenge inspired by the stretch between Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. The two-hour public event invites word lovers to test their speed and spelling for bragging rights.
FRIDAY
Black History Month 2026 Youth Talent Show | February 27
PRUDE Inc. is handing the mic to the next generation for a Friday night celebration of creativity and Black excellence. The Youth Talent Show brings singing, dancing, spoken word, music and more to the NB Museum facilities at 1 Market Square from 5-7pm. It’s part of their Black History Month programming and all about spotlighting young voices and big talent. Come cheer them on and feel the energy. Register in advance if you’d like to take part.
The Rose Ball Swing Dance | February 27
Kent Theatre welcomes Saint John Swing Dance for The Rose Ball on Friday, February 27 with a 7:30pm drop-in lesson followed by social dancing from 8-10pm. This pay-what-you-can fundraiser invites dancers Uptown for a rose-inspired evening celebrating community and the love of swing.
Port City Power vs Tri-City Tide | February 27
Rothesay Netherwood School hosts Port City Power as they take on the Tri-City Tide on Friday, February 27 at 7pm. The home game features youth, adult and courtside ticket options for fans looking to catch fast-paced basketball and a spirited Saint John versus Moncton matchup inside the RNS gym.
SATURDAY
Out of the Northwest Passage Presentation | February 28
Kingston Parish Hall, 3946 Route 845, hosts a free presentation on Saturday, February 28 at 10am exploring a fictionalized journey through the Arctic and Greenland. The public morning talk traces decades of northern travel and concludes with refreshments for attendees in Kingston.
Coldest Night of the Year Walk | February 28
Market Square hosts the Coldest Night of the Year Walk on Saturday, February 28 from 5-7:30pm. Participants can choose a 2k or 5k route to raise funds supporting Outflow Ministry and local homelessness initiatives, gathering beforehand to receive fundraising toques before heading out across the city.
Reveen The Impossiblist | February 28
SJ Trade & Convention Centre, 1 Market Square, hosts Reveen The Impossiblist on Saturday, February 28 at 8pm. The long-running Canadian magic and hypnosis show promises large-scale illusions and audience participation in a family entertainment spectacle in Uptown Saint John.
Stars & S’mores | February 28
Brundage Point Road in Grand Bay-Westfield hosts Stars & S’mores on Saturday, February 28, weather permitting. Families can gather for stargazing with the Saint John Astronomy Club and roast marshmallows over an open fire at this free Westfield & District Recreation Association community event.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY
📸 Vintage SJ | 📍 King Square
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:07am | 🌇 6:07pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 00:21 AM(Thu 26 February) | 1.81 m(5.94 ft) |
High Tide | 6:36 AM(Thu 26 February) | 7.39 m(24.25 ft) |
Low Tide | 1:05 PM(Thu 26 February) | 1.51 m(4.95 ft) |
High Tide | 7:21 PM(Thu 26 February) | 6.89 m(22.61 ft) |
Your Spot Awaits!
Ready to reach more Saint John locals? Our baseline ads are the perfect fit! Delivered alongside each day's news, events, and community highlights, your message has a prime seat. Find out how you can grab this space and get in front of the city!*
*indicates sponsored content
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone most likely to serve a nasty nelson on the court 😤.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher