🏖️ Baywash - Bayshore edition

Good morning, Saint John! A Dutch museum covered its floor with 390 kilograms of peanut butter. Officials called it art but at least one kid called it lunch!

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Students shore up Bayshore 🌊

Harbour View High School students are taking out the trash Saturday morning. Thankfully, no one is being expelled.

The school’s Climate Action Group is inviting the community to clean up Bayshore Beach for Global Coastal Cleanup Day. Teacher, Brianne Durant says the Bay of Fundy is “a defining staple of Saint John’s environmental landscape,” while the beach sits practically in the backyard of many students.

The group has promoted sustainability since 2019 through thrift shops, tree planting and holiday markets. Student and Co-president Mason said even something as small as cleaning up can contribute to something bigger.

“Environmental responsibility feels so much more realistic and attainable when we take action through means like this,” Mason said.

There’s no registration required. Just drop by September 19 from 10–11:30 AM. Supplies are provided, but gloves and garbage pickers are welcome.

Freddy is officially full of it 🚰

Fredericton has been named home to the best-tasting tap water in North America, which is either impressive or a sign we’re running out of things to rank.

A panel of professionally trained “flavour profilers” picked the capital over 31 other regional winners, judging each on taste, aroma and consistency. Fredericton’s winning pour comes from groundwater naturally filtered through the downtown aquifer before being treated and sent to taps.

No word on what was wrong with Saint John’s entry…maybe we forgot to swirl it first.

King Street hits the hydrant brakes 🚧

King Street traffic will be squeezed Uptown today while crews repair a fire hydrant.

The eastbound lane between Germain and Charlotte streets will be closed to through traffic from 8:30 AM–5:30 PM, with detours in place. Sidewalks, businesses and property access will remain open, so your timmy’s run is safe. You’ll just need to approach it strategically.

The work is expected to take one day, assuming the hydrant cooperates.

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Weekend Preview

THURSDAY

Mom & Me Strength Series | September 17
Moms can build strength without arranging a babysitter during a six-class series beginning Thursday at 9:30am at 11 Fashion Drive. Babies stay close while participants move, connect and take the class at their own pace.

Artisans in the Atrium | September 17
More than 20 local vendors fill the Market Square Atrium with handcrafted goods, artwork and specialty products Thursday from 9am-4pm. Admission is free, although getting out without buying anything may be the real challenge.

Women in Business NB Meet & Greet | September 17
Women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs can make new business connections during a bilingual networking gathering Thursday at 2:30pm in Kingston. The afternoon is presented by Women in Business New Brunswick.

FRIDAY

Uptown Food Shop Hop | September 18
Grab a free passport at the City Market Friday from 3-6pm and eat your way through more than 10 multicultural grocers and international food vendors across Uptown. Collect stamps and recipe cards along the way, then enter a completed passport for a chance to win an International Ingredient Basket. The Food Shop Hop is free, with vendors from outside Uptown popping up inside the market.

East Coast Emo Night | September 18
It was never just a phase, and apparently neither was the eyeliner. East Coast Emo Night brings DJs and a night of angsty ’90s and 2000s favourites to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village Friday from 7-11pm. Tickets start at $20.

Youth Beading Workshop | September 18
Indigenous artist Michelle La Forme leads a free beading workshop for ages 15 to 30 Friday from 3-9pm at PRUDE Inc. Participants will make a keychain while learning about meaningful symbols connected to Truth and Reconciliation. Registration is required and space is limited to 12.

SATURDAY

Kent Pallet Build | September 19
Four-person teams get four hours and four wooden pallets to build just about anything Saturday beginning at 10am at KENT on Consumers Drive. The third annual competition raises money for a new breast ultrasound at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with KENT gift cards awaiting the judges’ three favourite creations.

Hampton’s Flashback Festival | September 19
Hampton winds back the clock Saturday with its first Flashback Festival from 12-11pm at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House. The free daytime fun includes lumberjack competitions, family activities and a country-makers market before a $40 pig roast from 6-8pm and a 19+ Eras Dance from 8-11pm. Dance-only tickets are $10.

The Art Room | September 19
Young artists ages six to eight can try different materials and techniques during a new arts program beginning Saturday at 10:30am at the Saint John Arts Centre. It’s designed for kids who enjoy creating and want to build their skills, confidence and a few new friendships.

Bobby’s Hospice Memorial Walk | September 19
Families and friends can remember loved ones while supporting Bobby’s Hospice during its Annual Memorial Walk Saturday beginning at 10am at Rockwood Park’s A-Frame Picnic Site. Registration is followed by opening ceremonies at 11am, the walk at 11:20am and a barbecue after everyone returns. Participants can collect pledges in support of the compassionate end-of-life care provided by Bobby’s Hospice.

AFL Atlantic Finals | September 19
AFL Atlantic crowns its 2026 champion Saturday at the Saint John Trojans Rugby Club, starting with the Saint John Bulldogs against a combined Sydney-Cornwall side at 12:30pm. The undefeated Halifax Dockers face the Dartmouth Devils in the 2:30pm final, while the barbecue serves up an Aussie sausage sizzle and the bar stays open all afternoon. Admission is free.

Waterfront Concert Series - Signal Hill | September 19
Signal Hill returns to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village Saturday at 7pm after selling the place out last year. The East Coast favourites are getting another crack at the waterfront, with general admission and VIP tickets available. Anyone who missed the first one has been politely warned not to make the same mistake twice.

SUNDAY

Intro to Linocut Printmaking | September 20
Artist Natt Cann introduces students to designing, carving and printing their own linoleum-block creations during a four-week course beginning Sunday at the Saint John Arts Centre. Beginners and experienced printmakers are welcome, all supplies are included and sessions are offered at 10am and 2pm.

Onam Mahotsavam 2026 | September 20
The Saint John Malayalee Association celebrates Onam Sunday from 3-6pm at Saint John High School with a live Indian music concert and cultural performances. Concert-only tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, with proceeds supporting L’Arche Saint John.

🎟️ Looking for something else? Browse all of this week’s local events.

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📸 Glenn Vanderkloet | 📍 Ihtoli-maqahamok

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher