Week of October 30-November 5, 2024

Good morning, St. John’s. This is St. John’s Living —the newsletter that’s as satisfying as crossing the last item off your to-do list.

In this week’s St. John’s Living:

• Election Night 🗳️

• Tax-free downtown shopping 🛍️

• Tombolo Multicultural Festival 💃

• Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday ⏰

Let’s get into it…

Digest

Elections, elections, everywhere

Election night is looming… sure there’s the one south of the border but there’s one closer to home. Five candidates are vying to represent their city in the upcoming by-election for Ward 3 councillor on Nov. 5. If you live in Ward 3, October 30th is the deadline to get your ballot in the mail. If you miss that deadline you can also drop off your ballot on the first floor of the Village Mall on November 5th, until 8pm.

If you’re not sure which ward you live in, you can use the city’s Ward Look Up tool. 

Of course there, that other election happening on November 5th as well. If you can’t bear to watch home alone, you can head out to a couple of viewing parties. Persistence Theatre is hosting a Goodbye Glass Ceiling celebration at the Majestic Theatre. There will be some chats, some music, a few themed mocktails/cocktails from the Theatre Hill Bar, plus a program that will include regular check-ins on the early poll returns…

Over at Bannerman Brewing you can join the Morrison Scholarship for a US Election Watching fundraiser in support of civic education. Grab a pint and host Tim Powers and a panel of political and election experts with live, relevant analysis of the results as they come in.

🛍Shop Tax-Free Downtown

Stock up on your holiday gifts and surprises this Saturday at the annual Downtown St. John’s Tax-Free Day. With over 70 shops on Duckworth St and Water St taking part you’re sure to find the perfect gift for someone on your list.

Strolling the downtown streets is an opportunity to skip the hassle of shipping, find one-of-a-kind gifts you won't see at the mall or online, and directly support the small businesses that make our city special. From handcrafted goods to unique finds, there’s something for everyone.

Parking downtown is easier than you think, with hundreds of metered spots (free on weekends!) and convenient parking garages available. Make a day of it—after your shopping, stay downtown and enjoy dinner at one of our fantastic local restaurants.

Tombolo Multicultural Festival

The Tombolo Multicultural Festival is a weekend of celebration, diversity, and connection through music, food, art, and culture! Kicking off with the Multicultural Community Market and Variety Concert on Friday, November 1, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the St. John’s Farmers' Market. The event will feature vibrant performances, unique artisanal goods, and delicious multicultural foods, all showcasing the rich cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The festivities continue on Saturday, November 2, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s, with hands-on Multicultural Heritage Workshops. Learn, connect, and immerse yourself in various cultural traditions through engaging, interactive sessions.

This festival is free and open to everyone! So bring your family, friends, and neighbours to celebrate the diversity that makes Newfoundland and Labrador so unique.

Daylight Saving Time Ends ⏰

Don’t forget to change your clocks this Sunday when Daylight Saving Time ends and we go back to Newfoundland Standard Time. I don’t know about you but I’m not ready for sunset at 4:40pm. 😭

What’s Happening

🎶🎃 “This is Halloween, this is Halloween.” 🎃🎶

Wednesday

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back! Get dressed up, bring your props, and have a blast. St. John's Pride will be donating all of the proceeds from these screenings to local 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health supports to honour the memory of Reign Michaels (Né Johnathan Nichol).

Thursday

🎃 How many trick-or-treaters did you get?

Friday

Give your Halloween creation another evening of glory and bring your pumpkin to Bannerman Park for the annual Pumpkin Walk from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Free hot chocolate, DJ, and more!

A night of musical tributes: start your evening off at The Black Sheep with a tribute to Kris Kristofferson followed up by chasing down a dream with Tom Petty Night at The Rock House.

Saturday

🎤Craving a sing-a-long but Rocky Horror isn’t your cup of tea? The Sound of Music will be on the big screen with subtitles so everyone can join in. No need to cut up your curtains…but costumes are always enjoyed.

The Country Craft Fair at Lester’s Farm is your one-stop shop for all things local! Filled with over 70 vendors, the greenhouses will be overflowing with local goods, crafts, and talent. We know that you'll find something to love for someone or, better yet, yourself!

🥅The St. John’s Senior Caps take on the Outer Cove Marines at the Mary Brown’s Center with face-off at 7:00pm.

Sunday

🎼Just take those old records off the shelf… and bring them to the annual Record Fair happening from 10am-4pm. There will be 50+ tables of vinyl, cassettes, CDs, accessories, and more.

🧶Always wanted to learn how to make a granny square blanket like Nan used to do? Wool Trends is hosting a couple of drop-in, beginner-friendly classes where you can learn the secrets of the granny square. It’s BYO yarn and needles but if you don’t have any, they have a store full of options.

Monday

Feeling trivial? Pop into Trinity Pub at 7:30pm for 6 rounds of trivia fun with no entry fee. You could even win a free bucket of Molson beer.

Tuesday

Enjoy a tune? Take pleasure in the fibre arts? Combine the two with Songs & Yarns by the Folk Arts Society. From 6:30pm-9:00pm bring your latest WIP to Slainte for a good ole knitters’ night out.

Municipal News

⚖️City Council Meeting

On the agenda for today’s City Council meeting:

• Moving the 2025 Regatta holiday

• Saint Pierre filming in Shea Heights

• Megan Pottle named to the BSC Steering Committee

• See full agenda

The meeting is at 3 PM 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 went to a costume party this weekend.