👀 New Spot at City Market!

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Good morning Saint John! Everyone is talking about Trudeau and Katy Perry spotted on a “date” in Montreal…finally, a couple chaotic enough to knock the Coldplay kiss cam cheaters off their throne. 👑

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• Local Fringe and some from away 🎟️

• Sunday night’s gonna be a banger 🎇

• New restaurant coming to city market 🍽️

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
🪩 Get Ready to Celebrate Saint John West Days

Saint John West Days is your chance to get out, connect, and celebrate the heart of the Westside. Four days of good vibes, great food, and family-friendly fun that brings the community together.

From lively dance parties to lucky bingo nights, community ball games and seaside lawn bowling to a family day packed with llamas, BBQs, and bouncy castles, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re catching up with friends or making new ones, this is the perfect way to enjoy summer on the Westside.

Keep an eye on Saint John West Days’ Facebook for updates and grab some merch to show your community pride.

Four days you won’t want to miss.

NEWS NOTES

🎭 Fundy Fringe returns with a bang and plenty of local flavour

Saint John’s own Fundy Fringe Festival is back August 19-23, ready to shake up the arts scene with bold, boundary-pushing theatre. This year’s lineup features hometown talent like Wayne Hansen’s Wonderful World of Wayne, the thrilling detective tale The Case of the Deadly Alibi from B Team Productions, and the moving Hits & Mrs. by ACT III Productions. Local favourites InterAction School of Performing Arts and Clown #9 also bring fresh stories to the stage.

But it’s not just homegrown…expect some interesting performances from as far away as New York City (A Guide to Collecting Antique Maps), Vancouver (Multi-Vs and Eat It Anyway), and St. John’s, NL (Tomilola: The Musical). New event director Jesse McRae promises a festival packed with creativity and surprises. Don’t miss the Big Tease preview on August 18 at BMO Studio Theatre, then dive into five days of live theatre magic.

Get tickets and full details at fundyfringefestival.com before they sell out.

🏡 First Green Zone opens on Egbert Street

This Friday, Saint John flips the “welcome” sign on its brand-new Neighbourly Homes community on Egbert Street, the city’s first-ever Green Zone for folks needing a fresh start. The community features cozy, heated mini-homes arranged around shared courtyards, with on-site staff and real support, all wrapped in a safe, respectful space.

Mayor Donna Noade Reardon said, “Everyone deserves a warm bed and a locked door.” This isn’t just a building; it’s a solid step toward ending homelessness in our city, backed by $3.5 million from the feds and province. The next stop? Thorne Avenue, gearing up to open this fall.

Saint John’s Housing for All Strategy continues to roll out initiatives like this one to address homelessness. For more details, visit Shape Your City Saint John.

🎆 Fireworks take two 

Missed the boom on Canada Day? Saint John’s making it up to us in style. A full fireworks display is set to light up the harbour Sunday night at 9:45pm over Lower Cove. Yep, just as the Arkells are scheduled to crank it up at Area506…so, expect big sound and even bigger sparks, onstage and in the sky. This is your NB Day weekend encore. Rain date’s Monday, same time, same place.

💬 YOUR OPINION, PLEASE! 

🚢 Ferry Good News

Starting this Friday (Aug. 1), fares on the Fundy Rose are getting sliced in half. That means a one-way ride from Saint John to Digby drops from $128 to $64 for your car, and passenger fares sink from $53 to $26.50. The discount also applies to commercial traffic, making this the cheapest Bay of Fundy float in recent memory. Basically: your seafood road trip excuse just vanished.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

🍤 Pub Down Under Crew Sets Sail Again

The folks behind the Pub Down Under are resurfacing in the old Billy’s Seafood spot…this time as Market Street Kitchen. Set to open this fall, the new spot promises a mixed menu with brunch buffets, seafood, and Raul Rolemberg’s famous Pad Thai. They’re steering clear of the pub vibe, but the energy? Still very much on deck.

SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️

Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are some events submitted by readers like you…got something you want to share? Reach out to with your events and story ideas any time!

TONIGHT

Creative Writing Club Kickoff | July 30
Writers of all ages and skill levels are invited to gather at the Lighthouse River Centre in Hampton for the first meeting of the summer creative writing club. It’s a casual, welcoming space to share ideas, get inspired, and put pen to paper. Runs 6-8pm.

Pound Fitness in the Park | July 30
Grab your yoga mat and get ready to sweat it out with Pound Fitness at the Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park. This free workout blends drumming and dance for a high-energy evening session. Active transportation is encouraged, and the fun kicks off at 6:30pm…weather permitting.

THURSDAY

Summer Reading Club at Rockwood | July 31
The Saint John Free Public Library is popping up at Rockwood Park with stories, songs, games, and all kinds of summer fun. Catch the action outside the Interpretation Centre starting at 10:30am,  part of their biweekly reading club series. Great for kids, but open to all.

Rededication of Bronze Shoes at Tin Can Beach | July 31
Saint John honors its Irish immigrant history with the rededication of the Bronze Shoes monument at Tin Can Beach, overlooking Partridge Island where hundreds passed during the Potato Famine. The ceremony begins at 12:30pm, followed by a light reception at O’Leary’s on Princess St. All are welcome to attend.

Concert in the Common: Ethan Ash | July 31
British singer-songwriter Ethan Ash brings his soul-infused folk pop to Rothesay Common for a free outdoor concert at 7pm. Pack a blanket or chair, swing by on your evening stroll, and catch some smooth summer tunes. Parking’s at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church across the street.

Soapbox Speaker Series with Jo-Anne Mowery | July 31
Strive Saint John hosts entrepreneur and HR pro Jo-Anne Mowery for a talk on why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in today’s business climate. The event takes place at Fusion East 4:30-6pm, with insights geared toward leaders across all industries.

FRIDAY

Weekly Summer BBQ at Bobby’s Hospice | August 1
It’s burgers, music, and community vibes every Friday at Bobby’s Hospice. For $8 you’ll get a burger, hot dog, chips, and water plus a backyard hangout or drive-thru option. Live local music, 50/50 draws, and raffles keep things lively. Starts at 11:30am at 385 Dufferin Row and wraps at 1pm.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*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 ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you recognize this punk, hit reply and give your best guess to where he’s located!

Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today! If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves spending money uptown…we’re hitting 2,000 subs today, and both #2,000 and whoever referred them are getting a gift card. 💥

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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_{Web cover photo courtesy of Envision SJ media hub.}