🍷 Pour some weekend on me

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Good morning Saint John! First official weekend of fall! If you’re not out leaf-peepin’, you’re probably raking them up. Either way—enjoy the weekend! 🍁

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Council’s got expensive taste 💸

• Clicks hotter than your coffee ☕

• Saint John’s newest burger crush 😍

Happy Friday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

📝 Council’s 2026 wish list is in

Forget Santa, councillors are writing their lists to the Finance Committee. At Monday’s meeting, the big-ticket dreams included better sidewalks and plowing, upgraded playgrounds, stronger bylaw enforcement, and, brace yourself…traffic cameras that would ding red-light runners with $200 tickets. Also in the mix: new buses, pool upgrades for the 2029 Canada Games, a new fire ladder truck, and flood-proofing Courtenay Bay Causeway. The $63M capital budget will be finalized later this fall...right about the time the big man comes to town. ($)

📖 Fog Lit brings stories off the page

Saint John’s annual literary festival is back and it’s not just dusty readings in tweed jackets. Fog Lit is mixing things up this weekend with everything from kid-friendly story time and crafts at the library to a crash course on how to actually publish that half-finished novel lurking on your laptop. There are poetry nights, fiction readings, and even a Sunday mashup where writer-filmmaker Benjamin Dugdale blends verse with film at the Imperial. The festival is a chance to celebrate storytelling in all its forms and give local readers a chance to meet the folks behind the books. Events run through Sunday at venues across uptown.

☀️ Mapping Saint John’s hot spots

Saint John is turning up the heat…literally. After last week’s urban heat mapping session at the Nick Nicolle Centre, the city is back for round two today(Friday, September 26), 2-4pm at the Harbourfront Extension (rain plan: Market Square Theatre). This one features Elder Chris Brooks leading a drumming-for-connection session while residents share where the city feels most like a frying pan. Snacks included, because talking hot spots is always better with cool treats.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Vote for Chavah Lindsay’s design at Cashmere Collection’25
Tuesday - Tickets for Shinning Horizons gala available now
Wednesday - National Theatre Live begins with Inter Alia Oct 14
Thursday - Local throwback pics part of new history book

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LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY

🍔 Foggy City is smashing lunch uptown

When was the last time you grabbed a burger for lunch at Brunswick Square? I finally did yesterday, now that Foggy City Takeout has opened in the food court. I went with the double smash burger and it did not disappoint…nicely seasoned patties, melty cheese, and grilled onions that landed somewhere between a familiar diner and the burgers my mom used to make. While waiting, I got chatting with a few regulars who say it’s become a new favorite among office workers throughout the pedway. Apparently, the hot dogs are amazing, which puts them at the top of my list for the next visit…it’s rare that the glizzy isn’t my first choice. A staff member from City Hall said she’s been there a few times and that the poutine is “to die for, everyone says it.”

Jason Gomke, who opened Foggy City alongside Sweets & Souvenirs upstairs, is aiming to offer fast, affordable lunch options for students, office workers, and anyone craving a satisfying bite. Upstairs, you’ll find 16 flavors of hard ice cream, fresh muffins, apple turnovers, and Saint John-made souvenirs. Back down in the food court, they also offer seafood, nachos, and donairs that I'm looking forward to trying.

They’re hours: Level 1 Takeout 11am–6pm, Level 2 Sweets & Sandwiches 9:30am–6pm

Celebrations this weekend:

🎂 Backstreet hits 45, still spins strong

Saint John’s OG record shop is throwing a party this Saturday for 45 years of Backstreet Records and one year under the TAZ Records banner. Expect deep discounts (45% off select vinyl, no tax on used), cake, and a chance to salute founder Gordie Tufts…the man who put half this city’s record collections together. Drop by, dig through, and enjoy another day in the shop.

🥂 TUCK turns Lucky 13

Meanwhile, TUCK Studio is raising a glass this weekend for its 13th birthday. Swing by Friday or Saturday for prosecco, cupcakes, and a bunch of lucky surprises: 13 door prizes, a $13 sale section, scratch-and-save discounts up to 30%, and the 13th shopper each day could snag their entire purchase free (up to $1300!). Plus, $1300 is being donated to Romero House, thanks to loyal customers.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

Fog Lit Festival | September 26–28
Saint John’s literary fest is quietly taking over uptown this weekend. From Douglas Walbourne-Gough reading poetry at the Arts Centre Friday evening, to Jennifer McGrath leading a Saturday morning kids’ story-and-craft session at the library, to Jaime Burnet and Jeremy Gilmer sharing fiction and nonfiction, and ending Sunday with Benjamin Dugdale’s poetry-and-film mashup at the Imperial, there’s something for every book lover looking for a weekend adventure in words.

Moosehead 158th Birthday | September 26
Moosehead Taproom is celebrating 158 years with live music, food trucks, patio games, and a Freddy photobooth. The Last Call plays 7:30–9pm and The Martin Boys take over 9:30–11pm. Drinks are by token only, available at the event or in advance. The party runs 7pm–midnight, 19+ with ID, promising an evening full of fun, music, and Moosehead cheers.

SATURDAY

Trojans Rugby Grand Opening | September 27
The Saint John Trojans are cutting the ribbon on their brand-new home turf at 476 Sandy Point Road…and they’re doing it in style. Expect rugby action, alumni games, lawn games, a kids’ zone, and a BBQ hosted by Pork City Smokers. Festivities kick off at 11am and roll through the evening, with ceremonies at 4:30pm. Kid-friendly until 8pm, then it’s party time. Paint it blue!

UCOF Fall Fashion Festival | September 27
Celebrate culture, creativity, and style at Saint John’s UCOF Fall Fashion Festival, themed Falling Into Identity – Layers of Us. The Saint John event is scheduled for September 27 at Kent Theatre. Enjoy vibrant runway shows, youth performances, music, and art that explore heritage, migration, and personal stories through fashion. Cheer on your favourite designers at the Viewer’s Choice Awards, connect with local artists, and support initiatives empowering immigrant and BIPOC communities. A colourful, inspiring night for fashion fans of all ages.

Oktoberfest at Picaroons | September 28
Raise a stein and celebrate Bavarian style at The General Store! From special limited brews to 1L souvenir steins, this Oktoberfest has it all. Dress in dirndls or lederhosen for the Best Dressed Contest, test your strength in the Stein Holding Competition, and enjoy Water Pong and festive vibes. Be sure to share their FB event for a chance to win your stein! BYOS…(Bring your own Schnitzel!)

Sip & Savour | September 27
Sample from 20+ local beer, wine, and spirit vendors at Sip & Savour, with plenty of non-alcoholic options too. Enjoy raffles, silent and live auctions, and a lively, relaxed evening starting at 7:30pm. General admission is $75 for two hours of tastings, while VIP tickets at $150 include early access, a table for 8, charcuterie, exclusive tastings, and a $75 tax receipt. Every ticket supports Rocmaura residents.

SUNDAY

Saint John Voices | September 28
Share your words or just enjoy the talent at Write Cup Cafe from 6:30–8:30pm. Sign-ups start at 6pm for 7-minute readings of short stories, poetry, book excerpts, and more. Featured reader Fred Grass will take the stage, and all ages are welcome. No cover, lots of supportive vibes, and a great way to hear local voices.

A Serenade for Strings | September 28
Saint John’s newest chamber orchestra, Symphonette by the Sea – sur mer, teams up with the ASD-South Senior String Orchestra for an evening of Mozart, Respighi, and Wiren at Saint John High School, 7pm. Conducted by Hok Kwan and Ali Leonard, this community-powered concert welcomes all ages…general admission $15, under 16 $5, under 12 free.

Queen’s Square Farmers Market | September 28
Get out and enjoy Queen’s Square Farmers Market while you still can! With live music, good company, and plenty of amazing food and vendors, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday with family and friends. There are three more chances to catch this open-air fun before the finale on Thanksgiving weekend. But there is of course the bonus Fine Artist Fest on October 18…more on that soon!

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we shared a close-up of an old nautical-looking light fixture and asked where it might be. Turns out you know your vessel lights! The fixture is on the Gondola Point Ferry, though honestly it could have been any boat around here. Shout out to Arliss W., Cody A., Bill G., and Edgar D. for guessing a ferry to the peninsula, but only Kris T. nailed the exact one…lucky guess, we’re sure!

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

👋 Did you know? 

September is Deaf Awareness Month and Saint John is home to the New Brunswick Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, an agency serving more than 600 clients and their families across the province. They run everything from ASL classes to youth programs and even a new mental health service offered in ASL.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone whose pouring an extra large coffee this morning ☕

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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