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🏙️ Drums, drama & dread
It's a jam-packed weekend!
SJ Today
October 24, 2025
In partnership with:
Good morning Saint John! Full disclosure: we got a little carried away rewatching George Springer’s home run this week and accidentally said the Jays were playing the Mariners in yesterday’s issue. The best part of a slip-up like that is realizing how much you’re paying attention, so thanks for catching it. TD Station is still hosting a free watch party for Games 1 & 2 starting tonight against the Dodgers ⚾️.
Here’s what else is on deck today:
Pay boost and perks for nurses 🩹
Are there too many trucks uptown? 🚚
Powwow back at TD Station 🥁
Have a fantastic weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
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NEWS NOTES
🏥 Nurses Score a Win
More than 9,000 New Brunswick nurses just got a new collective agreement, including a 12.5 per cent pay boost over four years, retroactive to January 2024. Weekend, evening, and night shift premiums also went up, so those overnight coffee runs are officially worth it.
The deal also sets up a working group to tackle staffing and nurse-to-patient ratios, aiming to make the day-to-day grind a bit less grindy. Premier Susan Holt called it a thank you for nurses keeping the province running.
🚛 Trucks in the Way or Just Along for the Ride
Saint John is asking residents to weigh in on how much space big rigs should get on Central Peninsula streets. The City’s MoveSJ plan, which looks at everything from parking to transit to sidewalks, wants your thoughts on whether heavy trucks are hogging too much room.
Options on the table include shrinking truck sizes, limiting delivery hours, or rethinking loading zones. City Hall wants everyone’s two cents, from residents to businesses, to anyone who has ever been cut off by a 53-foot trailer on Germain or Prince William street. Take the survey online or grab a paper copy at City Hall. The survey closes November 12.
⛽️Half the Gas Stations in N.B. Are Cutting Corners
More than half of the gas stations inspected in New Brunswick this year broke provincial rules. The Environment Department has checked 91 stations since April and found 47 not playing by the book, mostly minor stuff like missing licences, unregistered tanks, or mislabelled equipment.
The inspections follow a big Irving Oil spill in Woodstock last December. Minister Gilles LePage calls it “alarming” and says regulators are watching closely.
🎬 Guaranteed Paycheques. Guaranteed Opinions.
Basic Income is back in the Saint John conversation. The Human Development Council and Kaleidoscope Social Impact are hosting a free screening of A Human Picture, a short documentary that follows four Ontarians who received a basic income during a pilot project and watched major parts of their lives stabilize and shift.
After the film, the room opens for a facilitated discussion about poverty, equity, and whether this kind of policy could reset the playing field here. Free to attend but seats are limited. Tuesday Nov. 4, 2–3:30pm at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - Fall Fest runs this week in Grand Bay
Tuesday - Dollar Tree opening out east November 13
Wednesday - YMCA is hosting a will & legacy planning session
Thursday - Sofia Recovery Centre hosting breakfast this morning
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
What we’re doing this weekend
If costumes and candy are on your list, we already did the homework. Tuesday’s issue has the full local Halloween lineup - right here 🎃.
Grand Bay-Westfield Fall Fest | October 24-26
Grand Bay-Westfield Fall Fest continues with plenty to see and do. On October 24, catch the Southern Sting Hockey home game at 8pm. Saturday, October 25, brings Witches and Warlocks on the Water starting at 9am, a Legion breakfast 9-11am, a drive-thru flu clinic 9am-noon, a food drive 10am-3pm, Fire-Rescue Open House 11am-1pm, and a local business showcase with a petting zoo and live music with Vince Dixon 11:30am-1pm. Cap the day with free live music at Cask & Kettle from 7-9pm. Sunday, October 26, wraps up with a free Halloween Costume Skate 11:45am-12:45pm and Trivia Night at Cask & Kettle at 6pm.
Saint John Fall Gallery Hop | October 24, 2025
Take a stroll through uptown Saint John and enjoy a night of art, community, and extended gallery hours. On Friday, October 24 from 4-7pm, select galleries stay open later, some even until midnight, showcasing everything from contemporary pieces to handcrafted works. Walk from Cobalt Gallery to Mitote Gallery and beyond, and soak up creativity in every corner of the city. All galleries are within easy walking distance.
Rockwood Haunted Campground | October 24-26
Rockwood Park Campground transforms into a spine-tingling experience as horrors crawl from the earth starting at 7pm. Shadows twist, screams echo, and every step pulls you deeper into the haunted trails. Watch from 5:30–6:30pm if you’re cautious, or brave the full experience. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door—advance purchase is recommended, as spaces are limited. All proceeds support the Saint John Horticultural Association.
Blue Jays World Series Watch Party | October 24 & 25
TD Station is hosting a free watch party as the Blue Jays take on the L.A. Dodgers in Games 1 and 2. Doors open at 8:15pm, with the games starting at 9pm on concourse TVs and the big video board. Enjoy $3 hot dogs and chances to win prizes, including FMX World Tour tickets Friday and a Sea Dogs suite Saturday. Free admission and parking.
Menahqesk Traditional Wabanaki Powwow | October 25
The drums are back at TD Station as Saint John welcomes the Menahqesk Traditional Wabanaki Powwow for a full day of dancing, singing, and a Powwow Market starting at 10am. Grand Entry kicks off at noon with the Eastern Eagle Singers leading visiting drum groups, and four youth head dancers being honoured for their leadership. Everyone’s welcome and admission is free.
Rocky Horror Retro Screening | October 25
Imperial Theatre is rolling out the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at 7pm, so come enjoy the movie, music, dancing, yelling, and all the glorious weirdness Brad and Janet stumble into on screen. Prop bags are available for $10 if you want to throw things and play along. Tickets are $15 for a full night of interactive chaos, nostalgia, and Time Warp energy.
2025 Model Train Show | October 25
Who here loves trains?! Fans of all ages can explore modular layouts, popular scales, and even a Lego setup at the Quispamsis Lions Club from 9am-3pm. Vendors will have new and used model trains, rail cars, and accessories. Admission is $7, with kids under 12 free. A fun, hands-on day for hobbyists and families alike…all aboard the Swayze Express for a miniature railway adventure!
Hot Bottled Poetry Radio Auditions | October 25
Local poets who want to get their work on the air can audition for the Hot Bottled Poetry show on 107.3 FM. Tryouts happen at 1pm in Room 1 of the Saint John Public Library. There’s no fee to audition and anyone hoping to be featured is welcome to step up and read.
Pet Meet and Greet | October 25
Pet Corral in Quispamsis is inviting animal lovers in for a hands-on meet and greet from 12-2pm at 26 Pettingill Road. Curious about what it’s like to own a bearded dragon, hold a gecko, or finally pet a hedgehog? This is your shot. Some animals will even be up for adoption. Gift bags, freebies, and on-site pet experts make it a low-pressure way to explore life with a critter.
*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 snapped a pic of these dogs jamming somewhere in the region. You can check them out in the window at Backstreet Records on Germain Street. Shout out to Glen V. and Eddy D. for recognizing them!
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 3:41 AM(Thu 14 November) | 0.75 m(2.46 ft) |
High Tide | 9:48 AM(Thu 14 November) | 8.31 m(27.27 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:09 PM(Thu 14 November) | 0.43 m(1.41 ft) |
High Tide | 10:19 PM(Thu 14 November) | 8.04 m(26.38 ft) |
Friday night lights for two Saint John teams
The AAA high school football playoffs kick off Friday with both Saint John squads in the mix. The Saint John High Greyhounds host the Fredericton High Black Kats at UNBSJ’s Canada Games Stadium at 7pm, while St. Mac’s heads to Fredericton to face Leo Hayes at 7pm.
*indicates sponsored content
🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Dolores - Live Music | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Wayne Hansen | 7pm (no cover)
Imperial Theatre | Symphony NB — Cosmic Adventure | 7:30pm
Wasted Day Brewing | East Coast Emo Night | 8:30-11:30pm
SATURDAY
Haven Music Hall | Butcher, Death As It Shook You, Pnoom, Last Words | Doors 8pm, Show 9pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Lily Alexander | 7pm (no cover)
Moosehead Taproom | Snacktime Supervisors | 7pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Joel Miller Trio | 7pm
SUNDAY
East Coast Pub | PartyLine | 1:30-4:30pm
Fusion East Taproom | Fran Scott Karaoke | 7pm
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that’ll be attempting the 999 challenge tonight 🌭.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher