🍜 Traffic crawls, noodles call

Good morning, Saint John! Hickory dickory dock, here’s to a city that rocks…it’s Mother Goose Day and while I don’t always rhyme…you can count on the best local info every single time. 🤦

Here’s what’s happening today:

• Main Street slowdown starts Monday 🚗

• Raman joint coming to Germain 📍

• Burger Week Bucket List winner! 🍔

Happy Thursday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🦺 Main Street makeover kicks off Monday

If you thought the Harbour Bridge lane shuffle was a treat, just wait until Main Street joins the fun. Starting Monday, May 5, traffic between Union and Chesley will be squeezed down to one lane each way for a full 16 weeks…yep, 24/7. It’s all part of the city’s glow-up plan for Main Street, with new bike lanes, better crosswalks, smarter lights, and safer intersections. Pedestrians can still strut the sidewalks. Westsiders heading uptown this summer? Might be quicker to pack a lunch and walk Harbour Passage.

Despite the temporary headache, this is a solid upgrade that’ll pay off in a smoother, safer, and smarter Main Street. Check out some of the original plans and renderings here.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

🍜 The Umami Kid is coming to Germain Street

The team behind The Bubbly Cup is trading boba for broth with plans to open a brand new Japanese ramen and bento shop called The Umami Kid at 26 Germain, the former home of VEGolution. Owners Eunice Gabdyssamet and her husband Sanat aren’t new to this…Eunice used to manage a Japanese restaurant and knows her way around a bowl of noodles. Renovations kick off soon, with a July debut in their sights and a special theme that promises something Saint John hasn’t seen before. Summer 2025 will be slurp season!

🦸‍♀️ Free Comics and Cake? Say Less.

Hero’s Beacon is throwing its favourite party of the year this weekend, and yes, there will be free comics, cake, popcorn, sales, and raffles — basically everything but the Bat-Signal.

It’s all part of Free Comic Book Day, happening at 25 Charlotte Street in Uptown Saint John. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual reader, or just really into free snacks, this is your moment to shine (or at least snack and browse).

PARTNERSHIP
💥 BURGER WEEK BUCKET LIST WINNER!

🎉 We Have a Winner!
And the winner of our $100 Uptown gift card is… Evelyn Steunenberg! Evelyn’s top burger picks were:

• 🍑 Princess Peach at Cask & Kettle

• 🧀 Brie Burger from Britt’s

• 🚗 Baby You Can Chive My Car from Big Tide

A huge thank you to everyone who entered! It was awesome to see all your burger picks, you’ve certainly encouraged me to broaden my horizons for the rest of the week!

Here’s a quick look at some of the top choices from SJ Today readers:

• Smashed Taco Burger at Abuelita’s

• Princess Peach at Cask

• Brie Burger from Britt’s

• Bistro Bacon Mac at East Coast Bistro

• Thai Pork Burger at Thandi

Uptown Burger Week continues through Sunday, so there’s still time to tackle your own burger bucket list!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
Get ready to kick off your weekend with a bang…from artsy vibes to alpacas, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're geeking out at Fog City Comic Con or soaking up the spring sunshine at the Violet Festival, we got lots going on this weekend!

TODAY

First Thursday at Wasted Day Brewing | May 1
Kick off the month with Fusion Saint John at Wasted Day Brewing from 5-7pm on Thursday, May 1. It’s a casual, no-RSVP-needed event perfect for meeting new people and enjoying some great conversation. Drop by on your own or bring friends for as little or as long as you like. Accessibility: there are a couple of steps at the entrance, but a ramp can be provided upon request. Gender-neutral bathrooms are available inside

FRIDAY

Frozen Jr. by RNS Performing Arts | May 2-3
Catch the magic of Frozen Jr. at Rothesay Netherwood School with three performances on May 2nd and 3rd. Join Anna, Elsa, and the gang for a heartwarming tale of sisterhood, adventure, and magic. Performances are on Friday, May 2nd at 7:30pm, Saturday, May 3rd at 2pm (feel free to dress up in your most magical costumes for the matinee!), and Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 for students/children, $15 for adults. 

Oakdrive, Butcher, and Loveover at Haven Music Hall | May 1
Get ready for an all-ages show at Haven Music Hall on Thursday, May 1st. Catch Oakdrive, Butcher, and Loveover with doors opening at 8pm and the music starting at 9pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Don’t miss this night of great live music in Saint John!

Live Jazz at Trinity Galleries | May 2
Spend your Friday night with Karine, Jorian Hapeman, Chad Ball, and Garry Hansen for an evening of smooth live vocal jazz. It’s all happening May 2 from 7-9pm at Trinity Galleries, 128 Germain Street. Space is limited, so call 506-634-1611 to reserve your spot.

SATURDAY

Birding at the Rez with Hank | May 3
Early birds, this one’s for you. Join Nature Saint John from 8–11am at the Little River Reservoir for a guided birding walk with Hank Scarth. It’s an easy 3.5 km loop on gravel trails with chances to spot warblers, thrushes, waterfowl, and more. Free to join (donations welcome), but registration is required in case plans shift. Bring binoculars…or borrow a pair on site!

South End Community Clean-Up & BBQ | May 3
Get your hands dirty for a good cause! Join P.U.L.S.E. Inc. from 11am–1pm for a South End neighbourhood clean-up. Meet at 157 Duke St, grab some gloves and trash bags (feel free to bring your own gear), and help tidy up the area from Princess to Mecklenburg. Afterward, enjoy a BBQ and celebrate your hard work with the community.

Turkey Hunting Basics | May 3
Thinking about trying turkey hunting or just want to sharpen your skills? Head to the Welsford Fire Hall from 2-4pm for a beginner-friendly workshop hosted by CWTF – St. John River Spurs. You’ll get the lowdown on gear, techniques, and safety. Space is limited, so message the hosts or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Saint John AJ’s Alpines Fundraising Auction | May 3
Support the Saint John Alpines at their fundraising auction on May 3rd at 6:30pm, hosted at Fairville Shooters. It’s a chance to help out the senior men’s baseball team while scoring some cool items. Whether you’re an Alpines fan or just love supporting local sports, this event’s for you. Get ready for the season - the Alpines’ home opener is May 19th at Memorial Field!

SUNDAY

Asian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony | May 4
Kick off Asian Heritage Month with a colourful afternoon of music, dance, fashion, and tradition at the Kent Theatre. From 2–4pm, the spotlight’s on cultures from across Asia, all brought together in one vibrant celebration of community and connection. It’s free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Hosted by the Asian Heritage Society of NB, Saint John chapter.

Renforth Artisan Spring Market | May 4
Local makers, cozy vibes, and a good excuse to treat yourself,  the Renforth Artisan Spring Market is back at the Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay from 10am-4pm. Expect handmade goods, friendly faces, and a chance to support the KV Food Bank with a cash donation if you can. Admission is free.

Hampton Rainbow Family Meet-Up | May 4
Join Chroma NB from 2–3:30pm at the Hampton Community Library for a volunteer-led Rainbow Family Meet-Up. It’s a safe, supportive space for rainbow families to connect, share experiences, and build community. This month’s event will also include spring cleaning kits for the Hampton Food Basket. Everyone’s welcome, so bring your family and make some new connections!

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

🥃 On this day in NB history…

May 1, 1917: Prohibition kicks in across New Brunswick, banning the sale of liquor…unless, of course, you needed it for "medicinal, scientific, sacramental, or mechanical purposes." That’s right, if you had a sore throat, a prayer group, or maybe a squeaky wagon wheel, you might have had a shot at a stiff drink. The dry days lasted a full decade… though let’s be honest, some “medicine cabinets” were likely a little too well-stocked.

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who appreciates a good rhyme… or at least forgives a bad one. 😄

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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