Good morning, Saint John! The Habs blew it last night, but at least we’ve got an excuse to rock burgers for lunch because today is International Burger Day.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
A taxing week in NB 💸
A seat everyone is talking about 🪑
Hoppy weekend in Saint John 🍺
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
📉 Property tax reform finally lands
The province unveiled proposed property tax reforms Wednesday aimed at stopping municipalities from automatically cashing in when property assessments spike. Starting in 2027, local tax rates would automatically adjust downward when assessments jump unless councils publicly vote to raise them.
Rising house values alone shouldn’t send your tax bill into another dimension.
The province also plans to redesign tax bills to better show where the money’s going, extend the appeal window from 21 to 30 days, and give municipalities more flexibility with commercial and industrial tax rates.
🚒 Fire crews heading into Rockwood
Rockwood Park hikers might notice a few more helmets and hoses in the woods over the next couple weeks.
The park stays open, but there may be minor disruptions around the trail while crews train. The city’s asking people to keep clear of active training areas and give firefighters and equipment lots of space.
💬 YOUR OPINION, PLEASE!
Today is International Burger Day, which means it’s time for an extremely important local debate.
If you could only eat burgers from ONE Saint John-area spot for the next year… who gets your loyalty?
Where is the best everyday burger in Saint John?
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🧘Archstone is opening its doors Thursday night
Archstone Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre is celebrating 10 years in Rothesay with a community open house Thursday night featuring interactive demos, wellness stations, giveaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at the services offered inside the clinic.
The evening also includes refreshments, raffles, clinic tours, and a free menopause workshop running throughout the event.
The open house runs 5-8pm Thursday at Rothesay Town Hall.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WEEKEND PREVIEW
THURSDAY
58th New Brunswick Export Awards | May 28
One of New Brunswick’s biggest business nights returns to the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre as exporters from across the province gather to celebrate innovation, growth, and global success stories. The evening includes a networking reception at 5:30pm followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:30pm. Expect a room full of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and companies helping put New Brunswick products and ideas on the world stage.
FRIDAY
Local & Live Opening Showcase | May 29
AREA 506’s Local & Live series returns for the season with an open-mic-style kickoff on the waterfront. Hosted by Zack Ingles, the free showcase at the Container Village invites local musicians to take the stage and officially launch another summer of live music in Uptown Saint John. Runs Friday evening at 85 Water Street.
A Black Tie Affair 2026 | May 29
Sequins, suits, live music, and a little Uptown glam. Amara’s annual Black Tie Affair takes over the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre with performances from Theresa Malenfant & The Instigators, Asia & NuGruv, and Frank James. The 19+ event starts at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm, and proceeds from the 50/50 support Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John.
Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele | May 29
One Tree Hill fans are about to become extremely annoying in the best possible way. Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele bring their North American tour to Haven Music Hall for a night that blends nostalgia, singer-songwriter vibes, and probably at least a few people emotionally singing every word. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.
WordSpring 2026 & NB Book Awards | May 29-31
Writers, readers, aspiring authors, and notebook hoarders unite. WordSpring returns for a weekend of workshops, open mic events, publishing sessions, and literary celebrations, including the 11th annual NB Book Awards at Lily Lake Pavilion. Most public events are free, and this year’s guest speaker is comedian and author James Mullinger.
SATURDAY
Port City Beer Run | May 30
This is either a race with beer at the end or a beer festival disguised as cardio. Either way, runners will hit Harbour Passage before finishing at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal for a brew fest featuring New Brunswick beer, cider, wine, and spirits producers. The 10K starts at 10:40am, the 5K at 11am, and the post-run reward system looks strong.
Rainbow Park Community Garden Revitalization | May 30-31
Volunteers are gathering in Saint John’s South End to rebuild garden plots, improve the watering system, clean up the space, and prep Rainbow Park Community Garden for the growing season. No gardening experience is needed, just a willingness to help out and maybe get a little dirty. Runs 10am-2pm both days.
Stuff a Cruiser Food Drive | May 30
The RCMP will be parked outside Foodland in Grand Bay-Westfield Saturday with one goal: fill a police cruiser with donations for the local food bank. The community food drive runs 10am-2pm, with everyone who donates entered into a draw for a summer-themed prize basket donated by Home Hardware and The Medicine Shoppe. Basically, a good excuse to clear out the pantry and feel productive before the weekend fully disappears.
Waterfront Concert Series Ria Mae | May 30
AREA 506’s Waterfront Concert Series gets rolling with East Coast pop favourite Ria Mae taking over the waterfront Saturday night. Expect a packed crowd, harbour views, and the annual moment where everyone collectively realizes summer event season has officially arrived.
Starts With An Earthquake R.E.M. Tribute Night | May 30
Five and Dime hosts a night dedicated to the music of R.E.M. as Fredericton tribute band Starts With An Earthquake rolls through with everything from the deep cuts to the singalong classics. Expect plenty of longtime fans loudly proving they still remember every word to Losing My Religion.
Spirito Strings In The Fields of Spring | May 30
Students from Spirito Strings will take the stage at Stone Church for their year-end recital featuring junior and senior performances throughout the evening. Admission is pay-what-you-can, with proceeds supporting the Sean Spencley Memorial Music Scholarship.
SUNDAY
Rothesay Community Fest | May 31
Touch-a-trucks, inflatable obstacle courses, farm animals, BBQ, giant bubbles, sports demos, lawn games, and a massive bottle drive are all part of this community fundraiser supporting the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex. The event runs 11am-3pm at the Rothesay Arena and Rothesay High School properties, with activities moving indoors if the weather turns ugly.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:42am | 🌇 9:01pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 4:38 AM(Thu 28 May) | 1.34 m(4.4 ft) |
High Tide | 10:47 AM(Thu 28 May) | 7.24 m(23.75 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:57 PM(Thu 28 May) | 1.62 m(5.32 ft) |
High Tide | 11:03 PM(Thu 28 May) | 7.6 m(24.94 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone never eats burgers, because as weird as it is…we know they exist and want them to read SJ Today too 🍔.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher