🌅 Proof the sun is setting on summer?

Good morning, Saint John! It’s National Cheeseburger Day, so here are three local burgers worth getting your hands on: Big D’s, Union House and any of the specials at Churchill’s Pub. Yes, there are more. We only have so many words. Send us your fav local burger by hitting reply.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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L’Arche honours two longtime friends 💛

The Sisters of Charity have been helping Saint Johners since before Canada was technically Canada. On Wednesday night, that very long streak earned some recognition.

L’Arche Saint John presented its 2026 Spirit of L’Arche Award to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, whose roots in the city stretch back more than 170 years. Their connection to L’Arche goes back to its earliest days, including a Sister serving on the organization’s original board.

Also honoured was Brandon Lanteigne, who has spent 13 years as a casual assistant at McKim House while maintaining a full-time career. He’s even used vacation days to attend L’Arche gatherings. 

The awards were presented at L’Arche Saint John’s annual Building Community fundraising dinner. L’Arche brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together through shared homes, programs and relationships built around inclusion and belonging.

Hockey season hits the ice 🏒

Hockey season is here, and Saint John has a couple of teams worth keeping an eye on.

The Sea Dogs drop the puck on their QMJHL season Friday in St. John’s with a 24-player roster led by captain Olivier Groulx and featuring Buffalo Sabres prospect Samuel Meloche and Quispamsis native Jesse Dunlap. The home opener comes September 25 against the Moncton Wildcats at TD Station.

The new Saint John Flames are warming up for their first senior men’s season at the Lord Beaverbrook Rink, too. Fans can get their first look Saturday from 7:30–8:30 p.m. at an open practice, with a non-perishable food item getting you through the door.

Summer gets the drain 🩱

Welp, if hockey announcements and early sunsets weren’t enough, here’s a wet little sign that summer is packing its bags.

Saint John’s splash pads are shutting down for the season Sunday, September 20, meaning there are only a few days left for one final soaking before we start complaining about how early it gets dark.

The taps are turning off at Market Place West, Rainbow Park, Flemming Court and Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space.

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Monday - City info session on east side community services
Tuesday - Local you should know: Creator Erin Jeffrey
Wednesday - GNB announces Youth in Manufacturing program
Thursday - HVHS students hosting Bayshore clean up this weekend

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What we’re doing this weekend

Uptown Food Shop Hop | September 18
Grab a free passport at the City Market Friday from 3-6pm and eat your way through more than 10 multicultural grocers and international food vendors across Uptown. Collect stamps and recipe cards along the way, then enter a completed passport for a chance to win an International Ingredient Basket. The Food Shop Hop is free, with vendors from outside Uptown popping up inside the market.

East Coast Emo Night | September 18
It was never just a phase, and apparently neither was the eyeliner. East Coast Emo Night brings DJs and a night of angsty ’90s and 2000s favourites to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village Friday from 7-11pm. Tickets start at $20.

Bayshore Beach Cleanup | September 19
Join Harbour View High School’s Climate Action Group for Global Coastal Cleanup Day. Supplies are provided, but you’re welcome to bring gloves or a garbage picker.

Hampton’s Flashback Festival | September 19
Hampton winds back the clock Saturday with its first Flashback Festival from 12-11pm at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House. The free daytime fun includes lumberjack competitions, family activities and a country-makers market before a $40 pig roast from 6-8pm and a 19+ Eras Dance from 8-11pm. Dance-only tickets are $10.

The Art Room | September 19
Young artists ages six to eight can try different materials and techniques during a new arts program beginning Saturday at 10:30am at the Saint John Arts Centre. It’s designed for kids who enjoy creating and want to build their skills, confidence and a few new friendships.

AFL Atlantic Finals | September 19
AFL Atlantic crowns its 2026 champion Saturday at the Saint John Trojans Rugby Club, starting with the Saint John Bulldogs against a combined Sydney-Cornwall side at 12:30pm. The undefeated Halifax Dockers face the Dartmouth Devils in the 2:30pm final, while the barbecue serves up an Aussie sausage sizzle and the bar stays open all afternoon. Admission is free.

Waterfront Concert Series - Signal Hill | September 19
Signal Hill returns to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village Saturday at 7pm after selling the place out last year. The East Coast favourites are getting another crack at the waterfront, with general admission and VIP tickets available. Anyone who missed the first one has been politely warned not to make the same mistake twice.

Onam Mahotsavam 2026 | September 20
The Saint John Malayalee Association celebrates Onam Sunday from 3-6pm at Saint John High School with a live Indian music concert and cultural performances. Concert-only tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, with proceeds supporting L’Arche Saint John.

🎪 More events than we can fit in one newsletter…find them here!

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📍 On Wednesday we snapped this pic of a life preserver which clearly showed we were near water but it could have been anywhere. This particular one hangs on the railings of the floating walkway in Rothesay. Shout out to Vera B., Terry H., Cody A., Marla M., Laura S., and Edgar D., for getting it right!

Got a great local pic on your camera roll? Hit reply and send it our way, we’d love to share it here!

🌅 7:06am | 🌇 7:29pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves a good burger every now and then 🍔!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher