🧹Something unusual coming to UNBSJ

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Good morning Saint John! Suppose we’ll call today the Big Dig Out of 2026. If we’re going to be sliding anyway, we might as well park the cars and hit the hills with our crazy carpets instead 🛷.

Here’s what’s under the snow this morning:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

The Saint John Region is shaped by the people who call it home, including those who have chosen to build a new life here. Our Region, Our Home shares real stories of newcomers who are helping to strengthen our communities – like Nilton.

Nilton came to the Saint John Region with big ideas and found support here to bring them to life. Today, he co-owns an architecture firm, mentors other entrepreneurs, and captures the beauty of the region through photography.

🧹 Quadball Lands in Saint John

Saint John will experience a new sport in 2027, and it’s not your typical Saturday at the rink.

Quadball Canada has chosen UNB Saint John as the East Coast host for its 2027 Eastern Regionals, bringing teams from across the region here to compete for a shot at nationals.

Originally known as Quidditch and inspired by the Harry Potter series, quadball has evolved into its own fully independent sport. Think rugby meets dodgeball meets tag. Three hoops at each end. Multiple balls in play. Full contact. Fully co-ed. Fast and surprisingly intense.

If you need proof, watch this short clip and it’ll click:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xUS2xi6Wccw

Organizers are also hoping to spark new university teams locally.

🖼️ Third Shift opens 2026 call

Third Shift is officially seeking proposals for its 2026 festival, returning August 14–16 across Saint John.

This year’s theme is “Channels,” inviting artists to explore ideas around connection, communication and the ways we move through physical and digital spaces. Installations, performances, screenings and interactive projects are all encouraged.

The deadline to apply is March 8 at 11:59pm. Info sessions are happening this month for anyone who wants to test an idea first. Selected artists receive exhibition fees, installation support and materials funding.

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

Saint John is Canada’s most Irish city, so celebrating St. Patrick’s Day uptown is basically responsible citizenship.

Join SJ Today for the Leprechaun Leap, a coordinated St. Paddy’s adventure across 17 uptown venues. Live local music added this year, themed specials and a full day of green, all while raising funds for surgical excellence initiatives at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Tokens can be used for non-alcoholic drinks or food at select locations, and there’s no requirement to hit every stop. This isn’t a pub crawl. It’s a choose-your-own Irish adventure.

And because you’re part of this community, SJ Today readers get a little something extra.

Use promo code SJTODAY10 at checkout!

Theatre Talk Tuesday 🎭

Freaky Film Fellowship Presents Koyaanisqatsi | February 24
Haven Music Hall, 201 Union Street, hosts the Freaky Film Fellowship on Tuesday, February 24 with a screening of Koyaanisqatsi. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 8pm for this 19+ winter series curated by Jamie Greening. Attendees can enjoy happy hour beer and work toward perks for attending multiple screenings as part of this ongoing Saint John film club.

The Very Big Show Magic + Comedy | February 27
Imperial Theatre hosts The Very Big Show on Friday, February 27 at 8pm, featuring magician Wes Barker and comedian Simon King. This 16+ performance blends large-scale magic and stand-up comedy for a high-energy night at the Uptown venue, with multiple ticket tiers available.

Golden Girls The Laughs Continue | February 28
Imperial Theatre presents Golden Girls The Laughs Continue on Saturday, February 28 at 2pm and 7:30pm. This 18+ stage comedy revisits the iconic characters in an adult-themed theatrical production, returning to Saint John after a previous sold-out run.

Dave Gunning | February 28, 2026
Dave Gunning takes the stage at the BMO Studio Theatre, 112 Princess Street, at 7:30pm as part of the Live @ The BMO Music Series. The award-winning Nova Scotian folk artist brings 14 albums, sharp storytelling and a little perfectly timed humour to one night of songs rooted in real life. Tickets are $42.50 regular or $37.50 for subscribers, online or 506-652-7582 ext 236.

Coming Soon

Matilda the Musical | March 13-14, 2026
InterAction’s Advanced Performance Company opens Matilda at Harbour View High School at 7pm (doors 6:30pm), bringing Roald Dahl’s brave, brilliant heroine to life with big songs, bold choreography and a little well-earned mischief. Directed by Catherine Gray. Tickets are on sale now online.

The Play That Goes Wrong | March 18–21, 2026
The laughs land hard at Imperial Theatre when this award-winning backstage disaster comedy runs March 18-21 at 7:30pm, with a 2pm matinee added March 21. Directed by Drew Murdock and written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, the show follows a troupe where everything that can go wrong absolutely does. Tickets are $55 regular, $50 senior and $30 student, online or through the box office at 1-800-323-7469.

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

📸 Frank Loomer | 📍 Kingston Peninsula

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🌅 7:10am | 🌇 6:04pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Today in History
February 24, 1965: New Brunswick’s provincial flag was officially proclaimed.The design is drawn directly from the Coat of Arms granted in 1868, including the golden lion of England and the sailing ship that nods to the province’s shipbuilding history. More than a century later, it is still the flag flying over the province today.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’d be happy if this was our last snowfall of the season ❄️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher