🌤️ Familiar names and summer plans

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Good morning, Saint John! Good Morning Saint John, It’s National Poetry in Your Pocket Day, so here’s what you’ve got: A little news in your pocket, Before the day tries to knock it!

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

A better bathroom isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it works for you.

Bath Craft helps homeowners create bathrooms that are easier to move through, more comfortable to use, and designed with real life in mind. Walk-in tubs, tub cuts, and low-step access options can make a big difference, especially for those thinking about long-term comfort at home.

Enjoy a space that feels more secure, more usable, and still clean and modern.

👏 A good night for good people

A handful of familiar names were called up at the Trade and Convention Centre Tuesday night, as the City handed out its 2025 Civic Awards. These are the folks and groups doing the kind of work that doesn’t always come with a spotlight, but definitely deserves one.

Citizen and Organization of the Year honours went to Anne Driscoll, Bernard Cormier, the Dickie Crossman Memorial Foundation, and Top Corner Hockey, while Council Commendations recognized the Carleton Community Centre, Johanne and Ivan McCullough, the Saint John Learning Exchange, and Terre Hunter.

⚓ Shanty Festival drops its summer lineup

The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival is starting to gear up for summer, with the full 2026 lineup and schedule now out ahead of ticket sales later this week.

The festival marks five years this summer and is stacking a mix of returning favourites and new acts, with names like Heather Rankin, the Yarmouth Shantymen, and the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective on the bill.

The weekend in St. Martins is packed with workshops, storytelling, food events, and the kind of coastal quirks that make this one stand out.

Early bird tickets go on sale April 30, and if the Spring Tide edition in SJ last month was any sign, this’ll be a screamin’ good time. 

🌙 Night Market lineup taking shape

The Saint John City Market is now taking vendor applications for its 2026 Night Market series, with four dates lined up from June through September.

They’re looking for the full mix. Food, handmade goods, performers, and anything a little different that fits the vibe. Nights run 5–9pm, with themes like a summer kickoff, Uptown bites and beats, and a harvest finale to close things out.

Spots run $40 per night, or $25 if you commit to all four. Rain dates roll to the following week, because of course they do.

If you make something worth sharing, this is one of those ‘come be part of the city's summer’ situation! 

🚧 Manchester Ave shut for a day

NB Southern Railway is closing the road tomorrow (Thursday, April 30) from 7am to 7am Friday to work on the rail bridge overhead. No cars, no foot traffic, just a full stop while crews handle track upgrades. Detour runs via Gault Road, and there’ll be people and signs pointing you the right way. It’s a short closure, but probably just long enough to throw off your morning muscle memory.

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The YMCA offers more than most people realize. Fitness classes, a full gym, swimming, and space for sports and recreation, all under one roof.

You can join now and pay later, so you can start now without the upfront cost.

Try a class, test out the fitness floor, or drop into an open gym. It’s an easy way to find what fits your routine.

The staff are there to support you, and financial assistance is available to help keep things accessible.

If it’s been on your list, this might be the time. Find your community at the YMCA.

Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Seniors Health and Wellness Fair | May 2
Grand Bay-Westfield’s Age-Friendly Committee and Church of the Resurrection are hosting a Seniors Health and Wellness Fair Saturday from 11am-2pm at 20 Macdonald Ave. The free event highlights programs and services that support quality of life for seniors.

International Line Dance Flashmob | May 2
Market Square Atrium joins a global dance party Saturday from 2-3pm as five local line dance groups take part in the International Line Dance Flashmob. People can watch, join in or quietly admire the footwork from a safe distance.

May Day Tea | May 2
The PSAC Saint John Regional Women’s Committee is hosting a May Day Tea Saturday at 2pm at Lily Lake Pavilion. The theme is “A woman’s place is in her union,” with PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa as keynote speaker and proceeds going to Hestia House.

Peter Salmon Art Club Photo Contest | May 15 to 17
The Peter Salmon Art Club’s 2nd Annual Photo Contest, Show and Sale runs May 15-17 in St. Martins, with categories for kids, recreational photographers and professionals. The show includes landscape and seascape themes, prizes and a People’s Choice Award.

Pixel.wav 1.5 Mega-Vania | June 5
Pixel.wav is bringing Mega-Vania to Haven Music Hall on June 5 at 7pm, pairing live music with full runs of Mega Man 2 and Super Castlevania IV. A five-piece band plays the soundtracks while Moncton speedrunner Allain Arsenault takes on the games live.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. This is an easy one! Hit reply with your best guess and we’re reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!

🌅 6:12am | 🌇 8:30pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

SJ Today Candidate Q&A
The mayoral election is May 11th and advance polls open this weekend. Be sure to check out our Candidate Q&A here. It’s updated with responses as the come in from candidates across the entire Saint John Region.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, remember that roses are red and violets are blue, the time you share this email….is long over due 🌹.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher