🔥🧊 Hot Oil, Cold Wallet

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Good morning, Saint John! Fall’s creeping in: splash pads shuttered, my feed clogged with Timmy’s Thanksgiving sandwich(🙄), and darkness by 8:30. Can someone tell me why we have to do this every year? 😩🍂

Here’s what’s going on this morning:

• Fill ‘er Up or Pay Up ⛽

• From Couch to Kickass 🏋️‍♀️

• Hocus Pocus, Puppy Focus 🎩

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🔥 Heating oil gets pricier Friday

If you’ve been procrastinating on filling the tank, this is your last call before prices jump. Starting Friday, heating oil in New Brunswick will cost an extra 9 cents a litre (plus tax), the biggest one-week bump since last fall. Why? Fewer people are using oil these days, heat pumps have taken over, and suppliers say they need the boost just to stay afloat. So, dig deep now, or pay even more later.

🎆 Fireworks in September

Canada Day in… September? Sure, why not. After a summer of rain, fire bans, and scheduling chaos, the big red-and-white bang we’ve been waiting for is finally happening…on Saturday, September 27 at 9pm down at the Lower Cove Loop. Call it a farewell-to-summer party, call it delayed patriotism, call it whatever you like…just don’t call it cancelled(‘magin). Bring a sweater, because nothing says “Canada Day” like watching fireworks in fall. If you’re headed to Sip n’ Savour that night, what better way to cap off a fantastic evening uptown?!

💪 Y Helps Locals Move Better

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick  is proving exercise isn’t just for athletes. Their 12-week Healthy Mobility Program helps people with limited mobility from chronic illness or injuries regain strength, balance, and confidence. Small classes four times a year at the Regional Y on Churchill Blvd. are led by certified exercise pros. Participants can self-refer or get a doctor’s referral, and are grouped by ability.

Early grad Rita Clark calls it a “prescription for a lifetime” after she saw better blood pressure, improved mobility, and renewed independence while participating. Fun, social, and life-changing, this program turns exercise into a real health upgrade.

🚢 Norwegian Getaway rolls in with 4,000 visitors

Saint John is set for a busy Thursday as the Norwegian Getaway docks at MPCT, bringing up to 4,000 visitors to town. If only they’d come with hard hats instead of luggage, maybe Harbour Bridge would actually be finished by now. Regardless, it’ll be a fun day to be uptown chatting with tourists and reminding them how awesome the port city is. 

🦭 Sea Dogs face the heat

Before lacing up for their home opener this Friday, the Saint John Sea Dogs traded hockey gear for fire gear at KV Fire HQ. The players ran drills, worked the hoses, and got a taste of firefighter life, all part of a little team-building. Pretty safe to say they passed with flying (blue) colours.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW

TODAY

Big Brothers Big Sisters Day BBQ | September 18
Celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month with a tasty BBQ at the Germain Street entrance of the City Market! From 11:30am to 1pm (or until the hot dogs run out), enjoy a donation-based bite while supporting a great cause. Thanks to Lawton’s and the Delta Marriott Saint John for helping make this community event possible. Good food, good vibes, and giving back all in one spot!

Le Chien-Show Brings Magic and Mischief | September 18
Saint John kids (and parents) are in for a treat with magician Yvan Beauregard and his Magie-Chiens. This isn’t your average “watch quietly” magic show—little ones get in on the tricks, laughs, and surprises. With a playful mix of humor, mischief, and interactive magic, there’s something for all ages. The show takes place at 67 Ragged Point Rd, so bring the whole crew for a magical afternoon.

Nature Saint John Speaker Series | September 18
Join Nature Saint John at the Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre from 7-8:30pm for an evening of nature talk and discovery. This month, Ben Whalen, Project Manager of the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee, will share how the committee cares for rivers, streams, and lakes flowing into the Kennebecasis River. The event is free and open to all—perfect for nature lovers wanting to learn and connect.

Log Cabin in the Valley Quilt Show | September 18-20
The Kennebecasis Valley Quilt Guild is back with a week of colour, creativity, and cozy vibes. Stop by the Island View Lion’s Club in Quispamsis to check out judged quilts, browse the Artist & Merchant Market, try your luck with the raffle quilt, and explore the Christmas Corner. The show kicks off with a gala on Wednesday, 7-9pm, then continues Thursday and Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm. Daily admission $5, or grab a 3-day pass for $10.

FRIDAY

Uptown Food Shop Hop | September 19
Take your taste buds on a world tour without leaving Saint John! Explore over 10 multicultural stores across Uptown and the City Market, meet local shop owners, and pick up global ingredients and recipe cards. Grab a free map and passport at the City Market, get stamps as you visit each stop, and enter to win an international ingredient basket. The fun runs 4-7pm, and it’s completely free.

Sea Dogs Opening Weekend | September 19–20
The pups are back on the ice, and they’re throwing a party to kick things off. Friday starts with live music, games, autographs, and free hot dogs on the Boardwalk from 4:30-6pm before the Dogs hit TD Station at 7pm against Cape Breton, rally towels flying. Saturday keeps the fun rolling with a ball hockey tourney, giveaways, and another tilt with the Eagles that night. Tickets available now.

Nikki Payne & Matt Wright | September 19
Two of Canada’s sharpest comedians share the stage for an evening of laughs at Imperial Theatre. Nikki Payne, a two-time Canadian Comedy Award winner, mixes honesty, family tales, and bathroom renovation obsessions into her stand-up. Matt Wright, JUNO-nominated and a CBC veteran, delivers clever, relatable humour. Both promise unforgettable sets full of wit, insight, and bad words…get ready for a night of non-stop comedy!

Frightful Fridays with David Goss | September 19
Take a 2K evening ramble through Uptown Saint John and explore the city’s ghostly side with storyteller David Goss. Walks run 8-9:30pm, so bring comfy shoes, a flashlight, and gear for cool or wet conditions. If the weather turns damp, an indoor version uses Market Square, the pedway, and Brunswick Square. Pre-registration and payment are required by the Wednesday before each walk spooky fun guaranteed! Additional walks scheduled October 3 & 17.

SATURDAY

Pennfield Ridge Memorial Service | September 20
The annual Pennfield Ridge Memorial Service honors 70 aviators linked to the Pennfield Ridge air base who lost their lives during Second World War training. The service begins at 11 a.m. at the 2024 RCAF 100 Air Force Memorial, across from the Pennfield Fire Hall. Light refreshments will follow at the Lions Club next door. The public is invited to attend and pay tribute to these fallen airmen.

International Culture Fest in the Valley | September 20
The International Culture Fest is heading to Quispamsis! From 12-4pm at the Arts & Culture Park, enjoy music and dance from around the world, explore interactive cultural booths, sample global flavours, and try family-friendly activities like arts, crafts, and traditional games. Connect with neighbours, learn about different cultures, and celebrate community spirit. Fun, food, and cultural discovery await…everyone’s invited!

Saint John City Market | September 20
Saturday’s back at the Market with all the local charm you can handle! From 11am–2pm, The Blue Pelican is hosting a FREE pumpkin stuffie workshop for the crafty (or curious). Stick around for live tunes from Tyler Jordan, 1–3pm, and browse pop-up vendors throughout the day. Fresh, fun, and full of Saint John energy — the Market’s the place to be, 7:30am–5pm at 47 Charlotte St.

SUNDAY

5K Pursuit – Run for a Cause | September 21
Lace up for a good cause with the Saint John Police at Rockwood Park! The family-friendly 5K Pursuit lets you run, walk, or stroll along a scenic loop from Lily Lake Pavilion to Fisher Lakes Beach. A minimum $10 donation gets you in, with all proceeds supporting the 2025 Holiday in a Box campaign. Start time is 10am…fun, fresh air, and giving back all rolled into one.

Battle of Britain Commemoration | September 21
Saint John marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a public ceremony starting at 10 a.m. at the Cenotaph in King’s Square. The 20-minute service will honor the eight New Brunswick pilots who fought, including Duncan Hewitt, the first Canadian killed in the battle. The ceremony continues at Trinity Church, Charlotte Street, at 10:30 a.m., with light refreshments afterward. The public is welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Queen’s Square Swing Dance | September 21
Dust off your dancing shoes and head to the Queen’s Square Farmers Market for some free swing! From 12 noon to 2 pm, the open-air event welcomes dancers of all levels to enjoy live music, community vibes, and plenty of spins and steps. Whether you’re a seasoned swinger or just looking to try something new, it’s a fun way to soak up the market energy and enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon.

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SIDE NOTES

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Stage) | 9pm

FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | dolores - Live Music | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | The Artificially Hip (Tragically Hip Tribute) | 8pm
Imperial Theatre | James Barker Band | 7:30pm
The Porch | Dillon Ryan | 7pm

SATURDAY
AREA 506 Village Stage | Signal Hill | 7pm
Saint John Public Library | Saint John String Quartet (Pirate-Themed Concert) | 2pm
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | The Artificially Hip (Outdoor Show) | 8pm
Kennebecasis Legion | Whitewater Band | 8:30pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Sam Hudson Band | 7pm

SUNDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s already had something pumpkin spice…🎃

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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