⚽️ Where are you watching?

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Good morning, Saint John! Two sisters, their dog and a lighthouse sounds like the start of a great Maritime vacation. In Michigan, it apparently ended with Bigfoot. Around here, we'd settle for a whale….maybe a shark.

Here’s what’s floating up this morning:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

How many spirit samples can you fit into a $30 ticket?

AREA 506 Proof takes place at the Container Village on June 26 with local distilleries, premium spirit partners, live music, snack stations, 0% cocktail features, tattoos and a special VIP guided tasting experience.

Pick up your tasting glass at the gate, stroll from station to station sampling new releases and old favourites, then circle back for another round of the ones you loved.

At $30, it's one of the best tasting deals you'll find this summer.

🍺 Beer Babes are coming to town

The women behind some of Saint John's favourite craft beers have brewed up something a little different this summer.

On Saturday, Picaroons General Store will host the Maritime debut of Babe Brew 78, a collaboration with Beer Babes Family, a Canada-U.S. charitable organization that supports women in the beer industry through networking, mentorship and business grants.

The beer was brewed by women from Picaroons, Bigtide Brewing and Pigeon Brewing, who came together to develop the recipe and bring the collaboration to life.

"We're the first brewery in the Maritimes to participate in the Babe Brew program," said Amy Barrett-Kay, manager of Picaroons General Store.

This year's brew is a Passionfruit Pale Ale, combining bright tropical fruit flavours with an easy-drinking summer profile. A portion of Babe Brew sales helps fund grants for women working in the beer industry who are looking to grow their businesses. Past recipients have used the funding for everything from fermenters and keg washers to canning line upgrades.

Amy said the collaboration was a chance to connect local women working in craft beer with a larger community that stretches across Canada and the United States.

"We're proud to help bring this initiative to Atlantic Canada and hope it inspires even more participation in the years ahead," she said.

The release party runs Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Picaroons General Store, with Beer Babes Family leaders Roxy Brossoit and Rachel Benkowski making their first official Maritime visit. Beer lovers can sample the beer, meet some of the women behind it and learn more about a program helping support women in the brewing industry across North America.

⚽️ Where to watch the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup kicks off today, with 48 countries competing across Canada, the United States and Mexico over the next six weeks. While Saint John won't be hosting any matches, local soccer fans won't have to look far to find a crowd.

Whether you're chasing giant screens, Team Canada energy or a room full of people dressed for Scotland's latest emotional rollercoaster, here are a few places where the tournament is already taking shape around town.

📺 Team "I Need Every Screen"

Rocky's Sports Bar plans to show every World Cup match with sound across more than 55 TVs and its giant video wall. If your idea of a good viewing experience involves keeping tabs on three matches at once while debating an offside call, this might be your home base for the next month.

🇨🇦 Team Canada

AREA 506 will be showing Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday at The Docks, along with all Canada matches throughout the tournament. They'll also be putting other marquee World Cup games on the giant screen, so soccer fans may want to keep an eye on AREA 506's social channels for the full viewing schedule. Expect game-day specials, Canada Soccer swag giveaways and plenty of red and white on the waterfront.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Team Scotland

The Saint Andrew's Society has adopted Wasted Day Brewing as its World Cup headquarters, with watch parties planned for Scotland's June 19 match against Morocco and June 24 match against Brazil. Expect Scottish-themed outfits, food, prizes and enough optimism to believe this might finally be Scotland's year.

🍺 Team Wings & Beer

Both St. Louis Bar & Grill locations plan to show World Cup matches throughout the tournament, with roughly a dozen big screens at each location, Michelob specials and giveaway swag. This is the section for fans who believe every sporting event is improved by wings and a cold beer.

Know another spot hosting World Cup watch parties? Hit reply to send us a note and we'll keep tabs on where Saint John is gathering throughout the tournament.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | June 11
Fundy Sea Shanty Night returns Thursday at 7pm at O’Leary’s Pub on Princess Street. The free, 90-minute evening is all about singing sea shanties and sharing the stories behind them, which feels extremely Saint John in the best possible way. No admission fee, no fancy barrier to entry, just voices, history and probably someone who knows every word.

ECSQ Plays Guitar Quintets with Adam Cicchillitti | June 11
Elm City String Quartet closes its season Thursday at 7:30pm at the Saint John Arts Centre with guest guitarist Adam Cicchillitti. The Juno-nominated musician joins the quartet for an evening of guitar quintets, chamber music and serious musical chops. Advance ticket sales close at noon Thursday, but tickets are expected to be available at the door.

FRIDAY

GenNext Golf Tournament | June 12
GenNext’s second annual golf tournament hits Rockwood Park Golf Course Friday from 10am-5pm in support of youth programs in Saint John. Teams are $600 and the day includes golf, games, prizes, a 50/50 draw and a meal from Britt’s. It’s a workday on the course, which is still technically networking if anyone asks.

Mandala Mirror Night at Baratie | June 12
Henna Station by Munira hosts an adults-only mandala mirror painting night Friday from 6-8pm at Baratie Restaurant at Reversing Falls. The $50 evening includes all art supplies, a mandala mirror to take home, one complimentary drink and 15% off food orders. Basically, it’s dinner-adjacent crafting with a view and something better than a fridge magnet at the end.

SATURDAY

Women Try Taekwondo | June 13
She is Active NB and Saint John Taekwondo are offering a free intro session for women Saturday from 10am-noon at Saint John Taekwondo on Rothesay Avenue. The morning is open to self-identified women 18+, with no experience needed and adaptations available by ability. Wear athletic clothes, bring water and prepare to go barefoot like the floor just made it official.

Grand Bay-Westfield Tennis BBQ | June 13
The Westfield & District Recreation Association is serving up a free intro to tennis Saturday from 11am-1pm at the courts at Inglewood and Pamdenec in Grand Bay-Westfield. Families are welcome, rackets and balls will be available, and a coach will be on hand for anyone who has not picked up a racket since the last time their knees made good decisions.

Barrio Fiesta | June 13
The Filipino Association of New Brunswick Saint John Chapter brings Barrio Fiesta to AREA 506 on Saturday with an afternoon and evening celebrating Filipino culture, food, music and community. The free daytime festivities run from 2-5pm and feature traditional games, singing and dance performances, Zumba and family-friendly activities. Then at 7pm, the celebration shifts into Battle of the Bands, a ticketed showcase of live music and crowd energy that keeps the party going well into the evening. Whether you're stopping by for the cultural festivities or staying for the music, it's shaping up to be one of the waterfront's liveliest Saturdays of the summer.

Celtic Roots Dance Academy Showcase | June 13
Celtic Roots Dance Academy takes over St. Mark’s United Church on the west side Saturday for an afternoon of step, Irish and Highland dance. Doors open at 1pm and the show starts at 1:30pm, with students and instructors performing traditional and contemporary choreography. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Super Mario Rave | June 13
Dia Monde and friends are turning Haven Music Hall into the Mushroom Kingdom Saturday night for Super Mario Rave. Doors open at 9:30pm and the show starts at 10pm, with pop-up performances from Dia Monde, Veohla, Vie, Justin Toodeep and Rhonda Odyssey. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and costumes are very much part of the assignment.

SUNDAY

ALS Walk Strong Saint John | June 14
ALS Walk Strong returns to Market Square Sunday, with registration at 10am and the walk starting at 11am along Harbour Passage. The community fundraiser supports equipment and services that help people living with ALS stay safe, comfortable and independent at home. Friends, families, coworkers and solo walkers are all welcome, with every step helping the cause move forward.

Hampton Ladies Triathlon | June 14
The Hampton Ladies Triathlon returns Sunday, welcoming participants of all abilities to take part solo or as part of a team. The event is built around strength, determination and community, which is a nicer way of saying there will be swimming, biking, running and possibly some very well-earned snacks afterward. Registration and full event details are available online.

Alison Dawn Voice & Music Junior Piano Recital | June 14
Alison Dawn Voice & Music brings young musicians to the Saint John Arts Centre Sunday for a junior piano recital, with multiple student performances happening throughout the day. The listed morning recital runs from 10:45-11:45am and celebrates the work of local students and performers. Expect proud families, nervous smiles and at least one kid who absolutely nails it.

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📸 Prince Thomas | 📍 Saint John Harbour

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone whose ready to take a bite of of summer in New Brunswick 🦈!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher