Welcome to another exciting week in Saint John! Whether you’re looking to experience one of Atlantic Canada’s biggest music festivals, celebrate New Brunswick Day, enjoy some fantastic local food and drinks, or sing your heart out, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for things to do in Saint John from July 30 to August 6, 2026. For a full list of events, be sure to visit our events page.

Featured Event: AREA 506 Festival

AREA 506 Festival (July 30 – August 2)

Saint John’s biggest summer celebration returns to the waterfront for four incredible days of live music, local culture, food, and community over the New Brunswick Day long weekend. Taking place beside the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village at 85 Water Street, this year’s festival features an outstanding lineup including The Dead South and Kathleen Edwards on Thursday, Soul Asylum, Crash Test Dummies, and Marcy Playground on Friday, Marianas Trench, Wheatus, and Valley on Saturday, and The Glorious Sons, Wolf Parade, and The Dirty Nil on Sunday. Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy local vendors, artisans, food, drinks, and the vibrant atmosphere that has made AREA 506 a New Brunswick Day weekend tradition. Get festival details and tickets here.

New Brunswick Day Weekend Kickoff (Live Music & Celebrations)

Saint John Sign Lighting – New Brunswick Day

The City sign will be lit up in red, white, yellow, and blue for the New Brunswick Day long weekend starting July 31. Don’t miss this colorful display! Get more info here.

MIX Live Music and Cocktails Friday

Head over to MIX Resto | Bar on July 31 for a vibrant Friday night gathering featuring live performances from talented local musicians paired with an exclusive cocktail and bites menu. Get more info here.

LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY’S

Cozy up by the outdoor firepit or snuggle inside at Trinity Galleries on July 31 for some fantastic live jazz. Get more info here.

Slowcoaster and Friends

Catch them live at Wasted Day Brewing on Water St. on July 31. Get more info here.

Food & Drink Specials (Happy Hours & Tasty Bites)

Happy Hour & Southern Chicken Wednesday @ Britt’s

Enjoy Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 3:30-5 PM with great deals on draught and wine. Plus, don’t miss Southern Chicken Wednesday on August 5—buy a three-piece Southern Chicken and get a 16oz Moosehead Draught! Get more info here.

The Saturday Bakery

A weekly pop-up event at East Coast Bistro on August 1 featuring a monthly menu of traditional French croissants, nostalgic sweets, and sourdough. Get more info here.

Beer Bread’s 5,6,7,10 Thursdays with Live Music

Enjoy all-day and all-night Happy Hour with live music on August 6 at Beer Bread. Get more info here.

National IPA Day

Celebrate National IPA Day on August 6 at Wasted Day Brewing. Get more info here.

Interactive Fun (Karaoke, Trivia & Open Mics)

Early Karaoke at R-Bar

Why wait until late night? Join R-Bar for Saturday Early Karaoke on August 1 and Early Sunday Karaoke on August 2, both starting at 5 PM. Saturday info | Sunday info.

Trivia Tuesdays at Sumac & Thyme

Think you’ve got what it takes? Join Trivia Night on August 4. Come solo or bring a team! Get more info here.

Open Mic Night & Sarahtonein at O’Leary’s Pub

Catch Open Mic Night hosted by Brent Mason and Aaron Gunn on August 5 at Saint John’s oldest Irish pub. Then, don’t miss Sarahtonein taking the stage with raw vocals and infectious energy on August 6. Open Mic info | Sarahtonein info.