Good morning Saint John! Superstitions aside, there’s something oddly romantic about Friday the 13th bumping right into Valentine’s Day. One day says beware, the next says buy flowers. Either way, it'll cost you 💐 !
Hope you enjoy the long weekend…we will too! Talk with you Tuesday!
Here’s what else is happening:
Ixnay on the Xnay 🚫
Your plans for the Phoenix 🎭
Family Day picks worth leaving house 🛷
Have a fantastic long weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
📱 Quispamsis logs off X
Quispamsis has officially broken up with X. The town announced it’s ending use of the platform formerly known as Twitter, closing that chapter of municipal social media history. It’s not goodbye to internet updates, just ta-ta to trolls and 280 character limits. Residents can still find updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, where town notices will continue as usual.
👀 Saint John has plans for the Phoenix
Yesterday we asked what the Phoenix Theatre should become and Saint John did not disappoint. Turns out a 175-year-old former church-dinner-theatre-organ-palace inspires very strong opinions.
A few of our favourite replies, all in five words or less:
Sarah M: Cat shelter cat cafe
Dave L: Indoor mini golf cathedral
Tanya R: Wedding venue with pipe organ
Mike P: Live music and comedy hall
Jess K: Vintage market and food hall
Rob C: Haunted theatre year round
Ashley T: Boutique cinema and cocktail bar
Susan G: Makers market and workshop hub
Paul H: Affordable artist studios and venue
Faith L: How about dinner theatre?!
Honestly, several of these feel like things we’d line up for. If the future owner is reading this, the city has spoken. We’re expecting cat lattes, mini golf, and at least one haunted organ show.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - Congrats to the Faces of Fusion winners
Tuesday - Local film What We Dreamed of Then
Wednesday - Hatch+Parley among heritage winners
Thursday - Phoenix Dinner Theatre for sale
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
What we’re doing this weekend
Lots happening this weekend between Valentine’s and Family Day, and honestly the calendar did you no favours if you’re trying to plan it all. Whether you’re chasing date night, chasing kids or just something to do outside the house, this one’s packed. Here are our top picks to celebrate the long weekend, including a round of Family Day fun.
FRIDAY
Galentine’s Bingo Bash | February 13
A music bingo night built around pop anthems, throwbacks and big sing-alongs lands at Woodchucks. Doors open 7pm with games at 8pm, using an easy phone-based format and prizes rolling all night, including a final big game payoff. It’s pitched as a love letter to friendship and fun, perfect for besties, dates or anyone chasing a loud, feel-good night out. Tickets start at $26.
Galentine’s Dance Party at Foghorn | February 13
Foghorn Brewing is throwing a throwback dance party packed with 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits spun by DJ Master Mix Vic. It’s a neon-leaning, high-energy Galentine’s celebration open to everyone who wants to dance. Expect retro vibes, big sing-along moments, and a full dance floor. Runs 7–11pm.
SATURDAY
Chocolate & Flower Workshop | February 14
The City Market hosts a Valentine’s workshop where visitors can try chocolate-making or craft a hand-made bouquet. It’s designed as a casual drop-in activity for couples or solo guests looking to do something creative. Runs 10am–12pm in the market solarium.
Just Like Heaven Valentine’s Matinee | February 14
An afternoon dive into 80s new wave, post-punk and goth with Dillon Ryan and friends playing live at Five & Dime. It’s a Valentine’s edition matinee, which means dancing before dinner and a crowd that understands dramatic synths and eyeliner. $10 at the door, 2-4pm at 40 Grannan Street.
SUNDAY
Healing Voices Benefit Concert | February 15
Healing Voices presents a community choral concert supporting the Cancer Support Centre. All proceeds go directly to the charity, and the performance showcases weeks of open, no-audition rehearsals welcoming singers of all backgrounds. The concert begins 3pm at St. Mark’s United Church.
FAMILY DAY
Free Public Skate at Charles Gorman Arena | February 16
Another free ice option for anyone looking to stretch their legs and burn off long weekend energy. Public skate runs 2:15-3:45pm at 80 University Avenue, with Tiny Tot and Senior skates operating as usual. Check playsj.ca for the latest arena schedule before heading out.
Celebrate Family Day in Grand Bay-Westfield | February 16
A proper winter party with live music, scavenger hunts, sliding, snowshoeing, games and marshmallows over the fire. Hot chocolate is flowing, Cask & Kettle is running specials, and there’s even a prize raffle supporting NB Social Pediatrics. It’s part outdoor play, part community hangout, and fully free. 11am-1pm at Westfield Golf & Country Club.
Family Day in Quispamsis | February 16
Helmet on, skates tied, afternoon sorted. The qplex is hosting a free public skate with prizes, an all-day U11 hockey tournament, games, snacks, and winter activities across the property. Weather cooperating means outdoor skating too. A busy, energetic Family Day hub for kids who don’t like sitting still. 2-4:30pm at the qplex and Arts & Culture Park.
Sea Dogs Next Gen Weekend | February 14-16
The Sea Dogs turn Family Day weekend into a kid takeover. Saturday’s game features young fans running the show behind the scenes, Sunday brings free community skating and on-ice fun, and Monday caps it off with a 3pm Family Day matchup at TD Station. Hockey, noise, and a full arena experience kids won’t forget.
Family Day Free Play at Heroes’ Beacon | February 16
Hundreds of tabletop games, zero pressure, open play all day. Bring friends, bring the kids, or show up and jump into whatever’s on the table. It’s a relaxed indoor option if you want family time without snow pants. Runs throughout the day at Heroes’ Beacon on Charlotte Street.
Free Skate at the Summit Centre | February 16
Simple and classic. A free public skate with room to roam and burn off energy. Bring skates, bring a helmet, and drop in. 1:30-2:30pm and 2:45-3:45pm at the Summit Centre.
*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? 📸
📍 Wednesday’s edition of SJ Today was brought to you by the letter E. We asked if you knew where it lived and… no one got it right. Guesses ranged from the Loyalist burial grounds to the old Telegraph-Journal HQ, but the mystery E actually sits on the Kane’s Corner retaining wall on Loch Lomond Drive. Better luck next week!
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:28am | 🌇 5:48pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:29 AM(Fri 13 February) | 2.34 m(7.68 ft) |
High Tide | 8:40 AM(Fri 13 February) | 6.89 m(22.61 ft) |
Low Tide | 3:05 PM(Fri 13 February) | 1.95 m(6.4 ft) |
High Tide | 9:14 PM(Fri 13 February) | 6.59 m(21.62 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone you choo-choo choose to 🚂 💝.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher