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Good morning, Saint John! Summer in Atlantic Canada means beach days, lobster rolls...and apparently 700-pound great white sharks. Don't worry, Bella is hanging out in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which is a bit further away than Dominion Park, thankfully.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Some cravings are worth listening to. If you've been thinking about ribs this week, you're not alone. Or maybe it's a stacked burger, smoked brisket or a basket of wings calling your name instead.

Whatever you're in the mood for, Montana's will turn an ordinary weeknight into a great supper. Grab the family, meet up with friends or claim a booth for yourself. Either way, you can leave the cooking to someone else and focus on the important part...do you have enough napkins?

Proudly locally owned and operated, Montana's Saint John is open daily at 11am.

🛍️ Who wants to go yard salin'?

Saturday morning treasure hunts just got a little easier. The City has launched a new interactive Yard Sale Map where you can browse upcoming sales across Saint John and even plot out your own bargain-hunting route before you leave the driveway.

Hosting a sale instead? You can add yours through a simple online form (just make sure it's submitted by noon the Friday before), and it'll appear on the official map once approved. Whether you're hunting for a $5 coffee table you'll never actually refinish or finally clearing out the garage, it should make yard sale season a little easier for everyone.

🏖️ Fisher Lakes hits pause

If Fisher Lakes was on your summer plans, you'll need a backup. Swimming is temporarily off limits after routine water testing found elevated bacteria levels, and the City has closed the beach until further notice.

Rockwood Park itself is still very much open. You can still hit the trails, enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or claim your favourite shady spot...just keep your toes (and everything else) out of the water until Public Health gives the all clear. 

🌙 Moonlight music announcement

Canadian musician k-os is returning to Saint John as the newest addition to this year's Moonlight Bazaar lineup. Best known for songs like Crabbuckit, Man I Used to Be and Sunday Morning, he'll perform during the annual Uptown festival on Saturday, July 18. The event runs from 4pm to midnight and features live music, food, artists and local vendors.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Weekly Market | July 9
The Brundage Point Weekly Market brings vendors, food, crafts, preserves, baking, produce and live music to Grand Bay-Westfield. It runs at 4 Ferry Road, which means you can call it errands if you come home with vegetables and a snack.

St. Luke’s Strawberry Festival | July 9
St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Gondola Point hosts its annual drive-through Strawberry Festival at 12 Quispamsis Road. Tickets are $20 and include roast pork, baked potato, veggies, roll, applesauce and strawberry shortcake. Call Terry at 847-7609 before this one sells out.

Concert in the Common featuring Jarrett Gautreau | July 9
Jarrett Gautreau plays the Rothesay Common as Concert in the Common continues for the summer. Bring a blanket or chair and make a proper evening walk out of it. Rain location is Wells Community Centre, because even summer concerts need a Plan B around here.

Movies in the Park: GOAT | July 9
Quispamsis screens GOAT at the Arts & Culture Park at dusk, around 9:15pm, with free admission and complimentary popcorn. Bring lawn chairs and maybe a hoodie, because outdoor movie season always sounds warmer than it feels by the credits.

FRIDAY

Hospice BBQ | July 10
Bobby’s Hospice hosts its summer Friday BBQ at 385 Dufferin Row, with $8 meals including a hamburger, hot dog, chips and water. It’s a quick lunch with a good cause attached, supporting patient care at Hospice Greater Saint John.

Ribfest 506 | July 10-11
Ribfest 506 fires up the TD Station outdoor lot with award-winning ribs, midway rides, family fun and live music all weekend. Friday's lineup features Southern Comfort, a Billy Joel tribute and That Zepp Band, while Saturday brings The Town Cats, Reg Gallant and Anna Thibodeau, an Elton John tribute and Revival, celebrating the music of CCR. Admission is $5, with free entry for kids 12 and under.

AREA 506 LOUD | July 10-11
AREA 506 LOUD takes over the Waterfront Container Village with two nights of punk, rock and metal. Friday features Silverstein, Hard Charger, Johnny Deathwish and Elevate The Virus, while Saturday brings Gob, Iron Giant, The Monoxides and Doctor Mother Father. East Coast Emo Night follows both shows, and all ages are welcome with a ticket.

SATURDAY

Kingston Farmers Market | July 11
The Kingston Farmers Market is back on the peninsula with more than 80 vendors offering made-in-N.B. goods, produce, meats, crafts, food and more. It’s one of those Saturday morning outings where “just looking” can turn into a very full tote bag.

Atlantic Entertainment Expo | July 11 & 12
Atlantic Entertainment Expo takes over the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre with gaming, cosplay, panels, vendors, VR, LEGO displays, Pokémon fun, Star Wars characters and special guests including Hedy Burress and Sandy Carruthers. Kids 13 and under can attend free with a paying adult.

Top Deck Takeover: VBYX Rhythm Lift | July 11
VBYX brings a 45-minute full-body resistance workout to AREA 506’s Top Deck. Rhythm Lift uses dumbbells and beat-based movements, which means you get the harbour view, the playlist and the sweat all in one tidy little package.

Black Voice: Speak. Heal. Rise. | July 11
Speak. Heal. Rise. is a restorative support gathering for Black community members who have experienced emotional, psychological, physical or spiritual distress. The gathering takes place at 191 Churchill Boulevard, offering a dedicated space for reflection, support and community care.

Passport to Parks: Dominion Park | July 11
Passport to Parks lands at Dominion Park with swimming, face painting, yard games, kayaking and canoeing, Pandemonium Steel Band and more. The free event is part of Saint John’s summer park series and offers free transportation from different points around the city! Rain date Sunday if the weather doesn’t cooperate. 

Superstars of Wrestling Bash on the Boardwalk | July 11
Live pro wrestling hits the waterfront at Market Square with former WWE Superstar Al Snow joining the Superstars of Wrestling crew. Yes, Saint John is getting body slams by the harbour.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers Market | July 12
The Queen Square Farmers Market returns with produce, flowers, eggs, cheese, local meats and food vendors from around the world. It runs rain or shine, which feels like a challenge Saint John accepts every single Sunday.

Can You Sing Auditions | July 12
Can You Sing holds Saint John auditions at Imperial Theatre for performers hoping to land a spot on the Imperial stage next March. Auditions are open to all ages, but singers must apply through the registration form before showing up.

Stop the Clock: Immersive Piano Experience | July 12
Live piano meets large-scale nature projections in this immersive performance at 20 Peel Plaza. If you’re looking for a quieter way to wrap the weekend, this one offers something a little different.

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

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher