🍻 So it's basically summer now, right?

Good morning, Saint John! Canada could soon be heading to Eurovision, meaning the country that gave the world Céline Dion, Anne Murray, and Stompin’ Tom Connors may finally get a shot at Europe’s biggest glitter-covered musical showdown.

We’ll be taking Victoria Day off ourselves, so there’s no issue Monday, but we’ll be back in your inbox Tuesday morning!

Here’s what’s going on today!

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚧 Saint John Rolls Out $45M Construction Season

Construction season is officially back in Saint John, with the city outlining roughly $45 million worth of infrastructure work planned for 2026.

Major projects include upgrades on Charlotte Street, reconstruction work on Sydney and Canterbury streets, improvements at the Millidgeville Wastewater Treatment Facility, and resurfacing work on roads including Loch Lomond Road, Seely Street, Thorne Avenue, and Bleury Street.

The work also includes new sidewalks and curbs in several neighbourhoods as crews tackle about 31 lane kilometres of paving this season.

Yes, there will be detours, delays, and at least one moment where your usual shortcut betrays you. Residents can follow ongoing work through the City’s online Capital Projects Map.

✈️ Rising Fuel Costs Disrupt Saint John Flights

Higher jet fuel prices are starting to hit flights in New Brunswick, including seven cancelled Air Canada flights between Saint John and Toronto this month.

Airport CEO Court Edeburn says the changes came together much quicker than airlines normally adjust schedules, though Air Canada says the cancellations may also be tied to aircraft availability and operational issues, not strictly fuel prices.

The disruptions come as airlines across the country deal with soaring fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East. WestJet has already reduced some Moncton-Calgary flights, while PAL Airlines has cut a pair of Newfoundland routes out of Moncton.

The good news for Saint John travellers is the airport says Porter and PasCan are both adding flights elsewhere in the schedule.

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WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

No Jokes Barred | May 15
Wasted Day Brewing hosts the latest edition of No Jokes Barred Friday night, bringing a stacked lineup of New Brunswick comics to Water Street for an uncensored stand-up show. Doors open at 8pm with the show starting at 8:30pm, followed by the return of “Overtime,” where audience members and aspiring comics can throw their name in the bucket for a shot at three minutes on stage.

SATURDAY

Air Guitar Canada East Coast Qualifier | May 16
The Container Village stage at AREA 506 hosts the Air Guitar Canada East Coast qualifier Saturday night, where competitors will channel full rockstar energy, dramatic solos, and absolutely elite fake guitar skills in front of a live crowd. The winner moves on in the national competition, but honestly, the real prize is getting to act like a guitar god for a few glorious minutes.

Saturday at the City Market | May 16
The Saint John City Market keeps things busy Saturday with live music from Amy Sharpe from 12-3pm, bringing a mix of jazz, R&B, and pop inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday to the market floor while shoppers browse local vendors. Earlier in the day, Blue Pelican Bath & Body hosts a free drop-in “Feed the Bees” craft activity from 11am-2pm, where visitors can decorate handcrafted bee drinking sticks for gardens and potted plants while supplies last.

Saint John Touch a Truck 2026 | May 16
For kids, this is basically the Super Bowl of saying “woah.” Touch a Truck returns Saturday at McAllister Place with giant rigs, emergency vehicles, heavy equipment, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and plenty of opportunities to honk something loud enough to wake up East Saint John. The event supports First Steps Housing Project and runs 10am-3pm.

SUNDAY

Bedding Drive  | May 17
The Quispamsis Lions Club continues its bedding drive for Sleep in Heavenly Peace during Sunday bingo night this weekend from 4:30-10pm at 9 Market Street in Quispamsis. Organizers are collecting new pillows, blankets, and twin bedding to help the volunteer-run charity complete bed deliveries for children in need across the region.

MONDAY

Alpines Home Opener | May 18
Victoria Day afternoon means baseball at Memorial Field, where the Royals take on the Alpines Monday starting at 1pm. Adults get in for $8, kids are free, and there really isn’t a better way to mark the unofficial kick-off to summer than getting to the ball park!

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⚾ On Wednesday, we shared this shot of the scoreboard at Memorial Field on the west side, home of the Saint John Alpines and just in time for the team’s holiday Monday home opener against the Fredericton Royals at 1pm. Big shout out to Jayne J., Rick F., Brad J., Sarah C., Sacha L., Kelly M., Rob M., and Paula E. for knocking this one out of the park.

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🌅 5:54am | 🌇 8:47pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who never misses the chance to perform their karaoke number 🎤.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher