🧘 Yoga, Yarns, and... Clown School?

Good afternoon St. John’s, This is St. John’s Living - the local newsletter that’s as Canadian as maple syrup.

In this week’s St. John’s Living:

• George Street Festival is alive 😺

• NL Folk Festival is not 😿

• Canada Day fireworks cancelled 🎆

Let’s get into it…

Digest

😺 40th Annual George Street Festival Line-Up Being Announced

After an excruciating wait that left many people wondering if this year’s festival was even going ahead, the line-up for the 40th annual George Street Festival will be announced tomorrow at noon. Who do you think is coming to town? Is it Blue Rodeo? We bet it’s Blue Rodeo.

😿 The End of the Folk Festival Era

As a result of many things, the final nail in the NL Folk Festival’s coffin was driven when they lost their ArtsNL funding. We hope that the festival finds a way to come back in the future in a smaller, more intimate (and cost-efficient) way, but in the meantime, if you want to soak in one last festival, get out to Bannerman Park July 11-13. Sing the Ode with extra gusto for what could’ve been.

🎆 No Fireworks, But You Can Still See Celtic Connection

While the annual Canada Day fireworks at Quidi Vidi Lake have been cancelled due to the current fire risk, the free concert at the bandstand featuring Celtic Connection is going ahead at 8pm.

Local Business

• Baked and Loaded - a new food truck selling loaded baked potatoes - is now open on George Street, across from Jungle Jim’s.

What’s Happening This Week

Wednesday

🎟️ It’s the first Wednesday of the month so that means Free Admission to The Rooms from 5pm-9pm. DYK: youth 17 & under can visit free all summer with the Canada Strong pass.

🎤 Were you a theatre kid in school? Still have a love for show tunes? Drop by Theatre Hill Cafe for some musical theatre karaoke tonight.

🧘 Get a little stretch and flow on the go with the Lieutenant Governor with free yoga on the lawn of Government House led by The Yoga Room.

Thursday

🛍️ Saltwater Under the Stars returns for its 5th summer! Every second Thursday in July and August enjoy a magical outdoor night market featuring 60+ local vendors under the evening sky.

🍸 Happy Hour on the Hill returns to the Rock Deck at the Johnson Geo Centre. Come enjoy live music, fun food, and a signature drink with friends, all while taking in the beauty of Signal Hill (and don’t forget a donation for the campus food bank!).

📽️ Celebrate the launch of Films on the Go with a free screening of seven bold, emotional, and funny short films - plus a pre-show reception with complimentary snacks - at the LSPU Hall.

🎭 Have you ever heard of Reader’s Theatre? Bring a story to life by reading from scripts with no need for costumes or props; instead, the emphasis is on delivering the script with expression. It fosters collaboration, builds confidence, and is a lot of fun! Try it out at Marjorie Mews Library today. 

Friday

✍️ Creative Journaling Workshop for Girls (12–16) -  you’re invited to a magical Creative Journaling Workshop, where vintage papers, fairy lights, and inspiring materials set the stage for hands-on fun, self-expression, and connection!

🏳️‍🌈 Kick off Pride Week in style at Slay John’s, a high-energy drag party at Theatre Hill featuring fierce performances by Fashionista Jones, Mia Moore, Lavender Blonde, and Fifi Fofum.

Saturday

🛍️ Don't miss the ultimate summer shopping party. Market at the Marina brings dozens of vendors, live vibes, and seaside fun to the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club as CBS’s biggest market of the year!

🎪 Experience the richness of Ukrainian culture at Ukrainian Village at Quidi Vidi Lake with hands-on crafts, festive traditions, live music, and hearty homemade food like borsch and varenyky!

🚗 Swing by the 28th Annual Hickman Car & Bike Show and take part in a day of live music, tattoos, superheroes, food, merch, and prizes!

🎶 Free concert at Bannerman Park - enjoy the three-piece harmonies and fun East Coast tunes of Kitchinparti.

Sunday

🏅 Celebrate the legacy of sport at the free opening reception for From ‘77 to ’25: A Journey Through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Canada Games, a new exhibition at The Rooms showcasing the stories, memories, and impact of the Games through the eyes of athletes and volunteers.

🛍️ Join the SJFM Women-Owned Business Market, featuring crafts, art, and food by women, gender-diverse, and non-conforming vendors, with free admission, all-ages welcome, and inclusive facilities.

👽 Suit up for Avalon Expo this weekend - a celebration of all things geek with cosplay, gaming, retro tech, tons of vendors, and sci-fi fun for all ages!

Monday

🍿 Reel Downtown: Captain America: Brave New World. Bring your camp chair and some popcorn down to Water Street and enjoy a movie under the stars starting at dusk.

🧶 The Folk Arts Society presents Songs & Yarns with Larry Foley at Erin’s Pub. Bring your WIPs and enjoy a few tunes and a pint.

🤡 Get ready to giggle: twelve freshly trained clowns from Clown College take the LSPU Hall stage in a riotous night of red noses, ridiculousness, and rapid-fire laughs - where if they can’t make you laugh every 15 seconds, they’re out!

🍺 Tuesday

Celebrate with High & Lonesome at the Folk’d Up Beer Launch at the Quidi Vidi Brewery tap room.

🎶 Tap your toes or sing along as Fergus O’Byrne brings Newfoundland’s rich musical history to life in a lively performance at The Rooms’ Spotlight on Music.

Municipal News

City Council Meeting

On the agenda for tomorrow’s Regular Council meeting:

• NIMBYism…for a family medical practice?

• See full agenda

The meeting is at 3pm, 4th floor City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading St. John’s Living today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s playing The Tragically Hip on a Bluetooth speaker by the bbq today.