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🌡️ Where's the hottest spot in SJ?
SJ Today
August 28, 2025
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Good morning, Saint John! The Ex is in full swing! Reminds me of going to the fair and losing all my money on the Zipper and the ring toss back when it was still the Bill Lynch Show. We loved it so much my brother even wrote a book about those old Maritime carnivals…including a few stories from right here in Saint John. It’s an incredible Maritime story, and very different from today’s fair experience…🎡
Here’s what’s spinning around town this morning:
SJ is hotter than ya think 🌡️
You’re mostly on board with capital budget plans 🚌
Long weekend, here’s what’s going on 🎉
Don’t eat before the scrambler!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🌳 Hot City, Cool Plan
Turns out Saint John isn’t just fog and fleece sweaters anymore…our summers are heating up, and the City wants to know where you’re really feeling it. A new urban heat mapping project is tracking which neighbourhoods cook the most, from sunbaked bus stops to concrete-heavy streets. Data loggers, drones, and your feedback will help decide where shade trees, cooling spots, or other fixes are needed.
Want to weigh in? Three community sessions are coming up:
Sept. 15, 11:30am–1:30pm | Nick Nicolle Community Centre
Sept. 26, 2–4pm | Harbourfront Extension (rain: Market Square Theatre)
Oct. 7, 7–8:30pm | Virtual on Zoom
Or hit the survey at Shape Your City Saint John.
🎤 GBW Council Opens Mic
Grand Bay-Westfield is handing the mic to local organizations on September 15. At 7pm in the Community Centrum, groups get ten minutes each to tell Council what’s up in their corner of the world and maybe influence the 2026 budget while they’re at it. Want to speak? Get your request in by noon, September 10, either online or at the Town Office.
🚢 Norwegian Getaway in Port
The Norwegian Getaway docks at the Marco Polo today, 6am–4pm, carrying about 4,000 visitors. Think of it as 4,000 ways to ask ‘ya’ll figure out a way to bottle up the fog?’
💬 The Results: City’s $63M Wishlist
We asked what you think about Saint John’s $63-million capital budget plan…everything from new buses to a Harbour Passage extension. Turns out, most of you are (mostly) on board.
Here’s how it shook out:
👍 Yes, looks like a decent mix — 57%
🤔 Mostly good, but a few priorities are off — 32%
👎 Nope, I’d spend it differently — 11%
And the comments told the story:
“The plans are improving life in Saint John for a variety of residents. Infrastructure is important in making a city livable.”
“Always glad to see money being spent on the bus system.”
“Roundabouts are almost as much a waste of money as bike lanes… use that money to clean up the city, do something with the homeless, and more policing needed!!!!”
“The roundabout at Airport Arterial / Loch Lomond Rd is questionable.”
“Maybe a bit more focus on small green spaces and planting trees.”
“Ensure that the property tax rate is not increased.”
“Need more to tackle homelessness.”
Thanks to everyone who voted…and don’t worry, we’ve got more polls coming to keep the conversation going.
*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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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
LONG WEEKEND PREVIEW!
Saint John Ex | Continues til’ August 31
Chow Down Corner is serving up carnival eats, the midway is buzzing with rides, and local performers keep the stages busy all weekend. There’s no admission fee, and it’s bracelet day every day, so kids (and kids-at-heart) can ride ‘til they drop. Thursday brings Bluey, Blippi, Minions, and more; Friday features Elsa, Moana, and Paw Patrol; Saturday is for Sonic, Mario, Mickey, and Marvel heroes.
TODAY
August Business Mixer | August 28
Strive Saint John invites you to Fusion East for an evening of insight and connection. Soapbox Speaker Lauren Willows, a Certified Financial Planner, will share how to live your legacy today, building security, caring for loved ones, and leaving a mark while you’re still around. Join host Robert McGuire from 4:30-6pm for conversation, networking, and tips to empower your financial journey.
Summer’s Last Laughs | August 28
Hampton Brewing Co. is sending summer off with laughs! Four of the funniest local comedians take the stage for an outdoor evening of hilarity. John Skov-Nielsen brings eight years of comedy chops and cat-dad charm, Katelin Dean is the rising star who started stand-up at 40, Austin Hill has hosted his own monthly show since 2018, and Taylor Lakeport keeps the night rolling with her teen-brained, cake-loving comedy. 6:30pm.
Saint John Night Market | August 28
Saint John’s Night Market is back for one last August evening of eats, treats, and local flair! Try Woodchucks Axe Throwing, grab tasty bites from Casa Latina and Eonna’s Fusion, pick up a candle from Cali Girl Candles, score keepsakes from NB Fun Souvenirs, or indulge at Sweet Vanilla. All the usual vendors will be inside too. Come for the food, crafts, and fun from 5-9pm along South Market Street.
FRIDAY
STEM Storytime | August 29
Little scientists, get ready! Indigo (East Point) is hosting a fun STEM Storytime at 11am, full of science-themed stories and hands-on experiments. Play “Will It Sink or Float?” to explore liquid density, try the magic rainbow milk experiment, and see what happens when soap meets milk. Plus, enter to win a super cool science experiment book and take a little extra learning home.
Saint John Seaglass Festival | Aug 29-30
Celebrate the sparkle of the Maritimes at Market Square with two full days of sea glass art, live entertainment, raffles, contests, kids’ activities, and workshops. Perfect for families, art lovers, or anyone who wants a bit of seaside magic without leaving the city!
KV Music Fest | August 29
Rothesay rocks on Friday with KV Music Fest’s main event! Catch The Sheepdogs, Sass Jordan, Haywire, and The Fabulously Rich light up the stage for a night of unforgettable music. Getting there is easy with ANBL Safe Ride bus service. Grab your tickets, stay in the loop for set times and behind-the-scenes peeks, and get ready for a Friday full of riffs, vocals, and good vibes.
SATURDAY
Yip Cider Cornhole Tournament | August 30
Grab a partner and head to Yip Cider for their first-ever Cornhole Tournament! Teams of two compete for awesome prizes while enjoying drinks, games, and good times starting at 2pm. Entry includes two 12oz draft ciders, plus a Long Bay Brewery tap takeover. Whether you’re in it to win or just for fun, it’s a perfect afternoon of cider, friendly competition, and laughs at 3015 Route 845.
NORTH PRO Harbour Echo | August 30
Wrestling returns to AREA 506 with NORTH PRO’s Harbour Echo! Expect high-flying action, dramatic showdowns, and a full evening of entertainment from 7-10:30pm. Grab general admission or go VIP for extra matches and balcony access. With drinks, food, and downtown vibes, it’s a night of wrestling and fun you won’t want to miss.
The Blues Ball | August 30
The crown jewel of the Saint John Swing Out weekend takes over 110 Water St with live blues from Catherine Kennedy & band. Kick things off with an intro dance lesson at 7pm, no partner or experience needed, then stay for a cozy night of music, movement, and connection. Tickets are $25, with drinks flowing and the dance floor waiting until 10pm.
SUNDAY
Queen’s Square Swing Dance | August 31
Step into some open-air fun at Queen’s Square Farmers Market with swing dancing from 12-2pm! Part of Saint John Swing Out, this free event welcomes everyone to twirl, kick, and groove amid the market’s lively atmosphere. Dress in food-inspired market duds, bring friends, and enjoy a sunny Sunday of music, movement, and good vibes in the heart of Saint John.
Symphony of Support | August 31
Spend a refined Sunday afternoon at the Peter Salmon Art Centre with High Tea, treats, and live classical music from violinist Atis Bankas, Peter DeSotto, and more. All donations support the Lakewood Headstart Organization, so you can enjoy elegance while giving back. Join the event from 4-5:30pm at 304 Main Street, Saint Martins, for a graceful mix of music, tea, and community spirit.
MONDAY
Yoga at the Lake | September 1
Stretch it out lakeside with a free, all-levels yoga session at Rockwood Park’s Interpretation Centre. If the weather’s nice, class moves outdoors so you can salute the sun with an actual view of it. Just bring a mat (and maybe a blanket or blocks if you’ve got them) and enjoy an hour of mindful movement led by volunteer instructors. Class starts at 6pm.
*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 | 3:45 AM(Thu 28 August) | 7.16 m(23.49 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:56 AM(Thu 28 August) | 1.58 m(5.18 ft) |
High Tide | 4:05 PM(Thu 28 August) | 7.26 m(23.82 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:20 PM(Thu 28 August) | 1.6 m(5.26 ft) |
Your Spot Awaits!
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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
THURSDAY
Rothesay Common Stage | Sorcha’s Gunn | 7pm
Vito’s KV, Rothesay | Joan Kennedy Trio | 7pm-9pm
Saint John Night Market (City Market) | Port City Junk | 5pm-9pm
Five & Dime | Alpacas and Adam Washburn | 9pm
FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Birthday Open Mic | 7pm
Trinity Galleries | Jazz Night ft. Karine | 7pm-9pm
The Porch, Hampton | Jacob Chevarie | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Twenty Fingers | 10:30pm
Wasted Day | DJ Thunder Muzzle & Meorkat |
SATURDAY
O’Leary’s | Twenty Fingers | 10:30pm
Wasted Day | Led Zeppelin Tribute |
SUNDAY
O’Leary’s | Austin Eatman | 9pm-Midnight
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows their way around the midway. 🎢
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher