Good morning, Saint John! There’s a 28-foot dog sitting on a warehouse in New York right now… and the whole city’s a little nervous about it. Not because he’s going anywhere, but because the building under him might. Stay, Nipper, Stay!
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Heave ho down to St. Martins this summer 🌊
Tote bags and toe taps 🪩
Speak up, shape what’s next 🗺️
🎂 Happy Birthday to Nicole Vair celebrating on Saturday!
Have a fantastic weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
⚓ Shanty Festival drops its summer lineup
The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival has pulled anchor on plans for summer, with the full 2026 lineup and schedule now out ahead of ticket sales later this week.
The weekend in St. Martins is packed with workshops, storytelling, food events, and of course the sea shanties that have helped this event continue to grow.
Early bird tickets are officially on sale, and if the Spring Tide edition in SJ in March was any sign, this’ll be a hollerin’ good time.
🌍 New survey wants to hear from newcomers
Saint John is looking for a clearer picture of how things are going for people who’ve moved here.
A new immigrant survey is now open through June 7, run by the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership, asking newcomers about their experiences living, working, and settling in the region. That includes international students, temporary workers, refugees, and families building a life here.
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and is available in multiple languages, with options to do it online, by phone, or on paper. Participants can also enter to win one of five $50 Walmart gift cards.
The results will be used to guide local programs and services, and help shape how the region supports and plans for a growing newcomer population.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - Violet festival is this weekend!
Tuesday - It’s blueberry season…McKay’s is open!
Wednesday - City Market looking for vendors for special Night Markets
Thursday - Redefined Plus fitness studio coming to Rothesay
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
Some additional candidates have provided answers to our questions. Be sure to learn more about who is running in your community.
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND
SATURDAY
Trinity Spring Yard Sale | May 2
An 8:30am-12:30pm yard sale at Trinity Church on Charlotte Street with a mix of household finds, small treasures, and maybe even that little thing you never knew you needed! Rain or Shine!
Lume Fitness Pop-Up Workout | May 2
A 9am free class in the Market Square Atrium offering a first look at Lume ahead of its official opening. Expect a 40-45 minute full-body session with a mix of low-impact and HIIT, plus a proper warm-up and cool down. No sign-up needed, just show up a few minutes early with a mat, water, and sneakers, and you’re in.
Totes and Tunes at City Market | May 2
A midday stop at the City Market gets a creative twist from 12-3pm with a free paint-your-own tote bag setup, supplies included while they last. At the same time, Joe Hooley and Magnus Labillois handle live music, giving you something to listen to while you wander, shop, or get a little artistic between stalls.
3rd Annual Violet Festival | May 2
The Saint John Horticultural Association is bringing the Violet Festival back to the Saint John Public Gardens Saturday from 11am-5pm. Expect flowers, local vendors, food, drinks and live music, plus a chance to grab something for Mom before Mother’s Day sneaks up.
SUNDAY
Music Makers Market | May 3
The ASD-S String Program is hosting its first Music Makers Market Sunday from 11am-3pm in the Market Square Atrium. Expect student craft vendors, refreshments and performances from senior and intermediate string orchestras and small ensembles.
The Candy Killer Live Reading | May 3
An 11am live reading at the Saint John Free Public Library during Fog City ComicCon, where Backyard History shares the story of an 1880s poisoner targeting local clergy with tainted candy. It’s based on real events, told with a bit of storytelling flair, and free to attend if you’re curious about one of the city’s stranger chapters.Got an Event to Share?
MONDAY
Carleton Community Clean-Up & BBQ | May 4
A 4-6pm neighbourhood clean-up starting at the volleyball courts, with tools on hand and the Green Machine helping tackle the heavier stuff. Pitch in for a couple hours, then stick around for a BBQ after. Easy way to get outside, help out, and catch up with neighbours.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 On Wednesday, we showed you a neon sign and asked where it was. It’s hanging in the side window at OZE Restaurant on Union Street, and Justin L. was the only one who got it right. If you haven’t been, they make a mean steak sub, but the real move right now is the Humongous 8 Inch Burger(it is Burger Week after all), but maybe bring a friend to help you lift it.
We love seeing your local photos, so be sure to tag us when you post them on Instagram.
SIDE NOTES
🌅 6:12am | 🌇 8:30pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 00:12 AM(Fri 01 May) | 7.77 m(25.49 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:29 AM(Fri 01 May) | 1.07 m(3.51 ft) |
High Tide | 12:37 PM(Fri 01 May) | 7.46 m(24.48 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:44 PM(Fri 01 May) | 1.44 m(4.72 ft) |
📅 Today in history
Back in 1917, New Brunswick hit the brakes on booze. Prohibition kicked in on May 1, making it illegal to sell alcohol across the province… unless it was for “medicinal, scientific, sacramental, or mechanical” reasons. That version of dry living stuck around for about 10 years.
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone with a well-behaved pooch 🐕.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher