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👻 This week's local haunts
SJ Today
October 21, 2025
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Good morning Saint John! For the first time in 32 years the Blue Jays are headed to the World Series, all thanks to a 7th inning Springer Dinger! Tickets for the Fall Classic go on sale this morning at 11am our time…who’s going?! ⚾
Here’s what else is up this morning:
Canada Games hunts a head honcho 🏆
East-side dollar store wars 💸
Halloween haunts are unleashed 🕷️
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
🎬 Rocky Horror Takes Over Imperial
Saint John, it’s time to do the Time Warp! This Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 PM, Imperial Theatre throws open its doors for a Retro Film screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show, just in time for Halloween. Follow Brad and Janet as they stumble into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s mansion, meet a houseful of wild characters, and witness the birth of the infamous Rocky.
Want the full experience? Grab a prop bag for $10 with confetti, toilet paper, rubber gloves, and more to participate in all the on-screen chaos. Tickets are $15 and come with a night of music, dancing, and interactive fun. Come for the cult classic, stay for the madness, and prepare to yell, throw, and party like it’s 1975.
NEWS NOTES
🏃♂️ CEO hunt for Canada Games kicks off
The 2029 Canada Summer Games might still feel like forever away, but the hiring is already getting serious as the Host Society begins the CEO search. The Chapman Group is tasked with finding a big-energy boss who can wrangle budgets, partners, volunteers, and two host cities (hi, that’s us and Moncton) into a national-scale sports spectacle. The job is basically a marathon…running Canada’s largest amateur multi-sport event into Saint John and beyond in 2029. Applications are open.
🛒 Dollar Tree joins the east-side dollar parade
Bargain hunters, your moment is nigh. Dollar Tree Canada has confirmed it is opening a new Saint John location at 90 Consumers Drive with a planned launch date of Nov. 13, subject to change. It will be the fifth dollar store in the east Saint John shopping district, joining an already crowded field of cheap and cheerful. The chain is rolling out new Maritime locations this fall and Saint John made the cut.
🏛 Legislature back in session today
MLAs file back to their desks today as the fall sitting opens and Premier Susan Holt says it is time to move from set-up to show-it mode. Expect a stack of bills, starting with one to give the Chief Medical Officer of Health more independence plus more reform than last fall. Holt also admitted the budget will not land in the black this year but argued the province still has to spend to keep health care, housing and affordability from buckling. A throne speech lands tomorrow with two first-term MLAs tapped to get the formalities moving.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL COUNCIL MEETING
⚖️ Quispamsis Council Meeting | October 21, 6pm
Tax share pressures — A councillor has raised concerns about how regional costs are being pushed onto local taxpayers.
Flooding complaints — Model Farm Road residents have written council about drainage issues impacting their properties.
Rezoning at 213 Hampton Road — A proposal is on the table to convert two parcels from commercial to an integrated development zone.
Regional budgets — Joint Finance Committee minutes on shared budgets and cost-sharing will be reviewed.
Police oversight — Council will receive the September Kennebecasis Regional Police board minutes and financials.
The meeting takes place in the Council Chambers at Town Hall at 6pm. Attend in person or watch via livestream.
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Put your business in the hands of your neighbors. Advertise with us and watch your audience grow!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
🎃 Local Haunts Preview
From playful frights to full-on chills, here’s your guide to the Halloween fun and spooky thrills happening around Saint John this week.
Rockwood Park Haunted Campground IV | October 22-26
Dare to wander the Haunted Campground at Rockwood Park, with low-scare walks from 5:30-6:30pm and high-scare adventures after 7pm. Free parking makes it easy to explore, but beware…the later strolls are not for the faint of heart. A spooky, seasonal experience perfect for thrill-seekers looking to embrace the Halloween spirit.
Howl-O-Ween Hysteria | October 24-25
BGC Greater Saint John invites brave souls to two spooky trails: Castaway Chaos for kids 11 and under with gentle frights, and the Trail of Terror for teens and adults seeking full-throttle scares. Both trails are accessible and all proceeds support local community programs. Tickets are $20, advance only—choose your night and timeslot, then see if you can survive the horrors!
Dark in the Park | October 24
Kick off Halloween at Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park with spooky stories by David Goss, a costume parade, and selfie-ready creatures. Recommended for ages 7+, this free event encourages kids to dress up, enjoy prizes, and soak in the spooky fun. Rain cancels.
The Boo Ball | October 24
Kent Theatre hosts a ghoulish swing dance night, complete with a free intro lesson at 7:30pm, costume contest, and special performance. Social dance runs 8-10pm with an After(life) Party to follow. Costumes encouraged, pay-what-you-can fundraiser.
Witches and Warlocks on the Water | October 25
Westfield Beach hosts a spooky kayak adventure at 9am for witches and warlocks of all ages. Dress in your best magical attire and bring a towel and blanket for after. Donations of non-perishable food support the Grand Bay Food Bank; kayak rentals available.
Pop Up Community Market - Halloween Edition | October 25, 10:30am
Celebrate Halloween with local crafts, tasty treats, and spooky fun at Q-Plex. Costumes encouraged for this festive market where neighbors connect, shop local, and show off their Halloween spirit.
Halloween Hounds Parade | October 25
Foodland Grand Bay welcomes costumed dogs and decorated carts prowling the sidewalks for a festive pet parade.
Great Pumpkin Pet Party | October 25
Saint John City Market invites pets and owners to dress up for contests, prizes, and hot drinks starting at noon. Rain date November 1. Donations support SPCA; everyone welcome—even if you don’t have a pet.
Zombie Walk | October 25, 3:30-4:30pm
Shuffle from Loyalist Burial Ground to Area 506 Container Village for a community zombie walk. Costumes encouraged, donations for Romero House appreciated, goody bags for kids while supplies last.
Haunted Chapel Flats Kids Dance Party | October 25, 6:30-9pm
Bains Corner hosts a costume dance party with DJ Skellix. Family-friendly, free, non-perishable food donation appreciated, weather permitting.
Boo-Lesque Cabaret | October 25, 9:30-11:30pm
Haven Music Hall presents a spooky cabaret with scares, comedy, and performances by local artists. Tickets $15 advance, $20 door. Dress up for a night of oddities and fun.
Dia de los Muertos | October 25, 6-11pm
Celebrate art, culture, and community while honoring those who came before us in a festive Mexican tradition, bringing color and spirit to the city.
🍫 Trunk or Treat Events
Cornerstone Indoor Halloween Event | October 25, 1-3pm
Families are welcome at 100 Waterloo Street to trick-or-treat through rooms at the church, enjoy hot chocolate and coffee, and collect candy in a safe, festive environment.
Calvary Temple Trunk or Treat | October 25, 3-4pm
Kids 12 and under join parents at 83 Sydney Street for candy, costumes, and decorations. Bring a bag, enjoy a safe, fun-filled hour. Rain or shine.
Action Cheer Trunk or Treat | October 25, 4pm
Parkway Mall parking lot hosts free trunk-or-treat fun for kids and grandkids with decorated trunks and treats. First-come, first-served until supplies last.
NVRLFT Trunk or Treat | October 25, 6-8pm
129 McAllister Drive invites kids for trick-or-treating around decorated trunks. Entry is a $1 or canned food donation.
KV Oasis Trunk or Treat | October 26, 4-6pm
221 Hampton Road hosts a family-friendly trunk-or-treat to support KV Oasis. Enjoy decorated trunks, treats, balloon animals, a photo booth, and 50/50 fundraiser. Optional donations welcome.
Did we miss something spooky?
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 00:18 AM(Tue 21 October) | 7.4 m(24.28 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:27 AM(Tue 21 October) | 1.39 m(4.56 ft) |
High Tide | 12:32 PM(Tue 21 October) | 7.58 m(24.87 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:47 PM(Tue 21 October) | 1.18 m(3.87 ft) |
Confidence Starts Here
At InterAction, every child gets a chance to shine on real stages, in real productions, surrounded by a supportive community. Building confidence, belonging, and joy for kids aged 4 to 18. Still time to register for fall programs.*
*indicates sponsored content
🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
TUESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Everybody’s Party | 7pm
THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Bar Stage) | 9pm
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone booking a flight to Toronto this morning 🏟️.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher