📅 School Calendar Just Dropped

Good Morning Saint John! On this day back in 1915, a local legend named James McKelvie was rocking 114 years and swore the Bay of Fundy air was his secret. So basically, if you want to live forever, just keep breathing deep and maybe don’t move too far from the water. Science? Maybe. Saint John magic? Definitely.

Here’s what’s fresh this morning:

• Backstage pass to a facelift 🛠️

• PD days mean more parents planning 😩

• Fire! Acrobats! Controlled chaos! 🔥

Stay salty today!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🎭 Dramatic Renovation of Sydney Street Courthouse

Saint John’s most dramatic transformation isn’t happening onstage…it’s happening to one. The long-empty Sydney Street Courthouse, a sandstone beauty with nearly 200 years of history (and one major fire under its belt), is finally getting the overhaul it’s needed for years.

Crews are now repairing the crumbling rear wall, damaged by decades of water, frost, and good old-fashioned neglect.

It’s the first real move in turning the courthouse into The Courthouse Stage, the future home of the Atlantic Repertory Company (ARC) and a major new anchor for uptown’s theatre and events scene.

If all goes to plan, the wall gets reinforced before winter, with an official groundbreaking set for fall. After sitting empty since 2013, this building’s next act is finally underway, and this time, it comes with lights, seating, and far fewer leaks.

Check out the full plans here.

📝 New school calendar 8 schools add PD Days

Get your fridge magnets ready: the 2025–26 school calendar is here. First day is Sept. 2, last day is June 19, and March Break lands March 2-6. Most schools will see 11 PD days, which already gets parents grumbling. But wait…there’s more.

Eight local schools are part of a new pilot program adding a second PD day every month. That brings their total PD days to 17, mostly on Fridays. The province says this will boost literacy, test scores, and teacher retention. Families might not be thrilled, but the Education Minister promises a predictable Friday schedule to ease the chaos.

Affected schools include all four Saint John high schools plus several in KV and the Valley.

🎪 Buskers Return to the Boardwalk

The city’s about to get loud, weird, and wildly entertaining, Buskers on the Boardwalk returns August 7–11. Uptown will be crawling with acrobats, fire breathers, escape artists, and a whole lot of “how the hell did they do that?” moments.

Hopefully they’ll be taking full advantage of all the cool new performances spaces along the recent Harbour Passage extension. 

It’s free, it’s family-friendly, and it’s the one time street performers are the main event. Stay tuned for the full lineup and get ready to gawk.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
It’s another big weekend in Saint John. Boxcar is kicking things up a notch on Water Street, and there’s plenty more happening around the region to fill your days and nights.

TODAY

Sam Salmon & The Grand Manan Bandits | July 24
Country music, fresh air, and small-town charm. Sam Salmon & The Grand Manan Bandits (a gritty spinoff of Motherhood with guitarist Keith Hallett) hit the Rothesay Common Stage at 7pm for a free outdoor show. Bring a chair or a blanket, maybe even the dog, and enjoy the evening. Parking’s at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, just down the road.

Nikki Payne & Friends Comedy Night | July 24
Hampton Brewing is about to get hilarious. Comedy legend Nikki Payne headlines a one-night-only showcase featuring grads from her comedy classes (2016–2019), with new material, fresh faces, and plenty of punchlines. Hosted by John Skov-Nielsen, plus tunes from DJ Adam Analog. Doors at 7pm, laughs start at 7:30. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door…grab one before they’re gone.

IHW Wrestling Permanent Waves | July 24
Get ready for some ringside action at St. Martins 4 Season Complex. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7pm. Catch heavy hitters like IHW Heavyweight Champion Kris Charters and more battling it out live. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 16 and under—grab yours at the door and bring the family for a night of thrills and spills.

FRIDAY

Movie Night: Paddington in Peru | July 25
Everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear is back! Grab your lawn chair and head to the Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park for a free outdoor screening of Paddington in Peru, complete with complimentary popcorn. It all kicks off at 7pm. If it rains, the fun moves inside to the McCluskey Brothers Conference Centre at the qplex. Cozy, cute, and completely free.

Halloween in July at Five & Dime | July 25
Spooky season’s making a sweaty comeback. Five & Dime is throwing a costume-fuelled summer bash with DJ J-DEMI on the decks, creepy cocktails, and zero cover. Show up in your finest haunted beachwear (watermelon witch? popsicle pirate?) and dance your flip-flops off from 10pm ‘til close. It’s weird, it’s wild, it’s Halloween in July because October’s too far away.

SATURDAY

Boxcar Country Festival – Day 1 | Saturday, July 26
Country music is taking over the Container Village and the big stage at Pugsley Wharf this weekend—and Saturday’s headliner Tenille Townes is leading the charge. You probably know her breakout hit Somebody’s Daughter, but locals may want to cue up Jersey on the Wall…a haunting ballad inspired by a Grand Manan tragedy, with the video filmed right there on the island.

Other artists include Jojo Mason and rising star Anna Graves, kicking off a stacked weekend of live music! But that’s not all…expect cowboy karaoke, lasso contests, whisky and BBQ tastings, and a second stage packed with demos, dancing, and smoky surprises.

🎟️ Weekend passes and day tickets still available.

Bobby’s Hospice Summer Market | July 26
A massive market for a good cause. With 160+ tables of local vendors, raffles, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw, there’s plenty to browse and maybe win. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting patient care at Bobby’s Hospice. It’s happening 9am–3pm at Exhibition Park, and yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds.

Community BBQ at Dominion Park | July 26
Free burgers, balloon animals, and beachy vibes? Count us in. Hillcrest is hosting a free community BBQ at Dominion Park from 12–3pm, with hotdogs, chips, pop, face painting, and even freezies to beat the heat. It’s all first-come, first-served, so don’t wander in too late. Optional donations welcome, but mostly, just bring your appetite and enjoy the sunshine. Rain date’s August 2.

Civil War Reenactment at Fort La Tour | July 26
Drills, pirates, and wooden muskets…oh my. Reenactors from the 20th Maine Co. I will pop up at Fort La Tour from 12:30–6pm, teaching Civil War drills and marching basics to kids and curious adults alike. There’s also a skit at 1pm featuring the arrest of a Confederate pirate (yes, really). Park at the grey washroom building on Long Wharf and walk in.

Build Your Own Bouquet | July 26
Feeling floral? Head to Lancaster Florist on the West Side for a hands-on bouquet-building bash. Pick your stems, mix your greens, and craft a custom arrangement with help from the pros. Whether it’s a date night, girls’ night, or just you and your inner flower child, it’s a blooming good time. No experience needed, just show up and get creative.

SUNDAY

Boxcar Country Festival – Day 2 | Sunday, July 27
Sunday turns up the volume with country star Tim Hicks, Canadian rock-blues icons Big Sugar, and country-pop firecracker Robyn Ottolini. There’s more BBQ on the grill, more whisky to sip, and second stage action rolling all day. Don’t miss the lasso finals, and maybe bring a dance partner.

🎟️ Single-day tickets still up for grabs.

Queen Square Farmers’ Market | July 27
Need a reset before Day 2 of Boxcar? Swing by Queen Square between 9am and 2pm for a cold Lemonaid, a killer breakfast sandwich, or a Haitian plate before heading back to the waterfront. It's the perfect pre-festival recharge…good eats, local vendors, and a little time in the grass. Or just stock up on eggs, veggies and flowers for the week.

St. Martins Farmers Market | July 27
Stop by the 4 Season Complex from 11:30am to 3pm for fresh sourdough breads, jams and jellies, handcrafted jewelry, and Newfoundland-made dog treats. You’ll also find coffee and muffins, crocheted animals, and unique wooden crafts to browse. Rain is expected after 2pm, so come early and support your local vendors!

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with the best gift-giver you know! 💝

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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