What makes summer in Uptown Saint John so special? It’s the way a simple stroll can turn into a full day of discovery. One minute you’re grabbing iced coffee, and the next you’re wandering through local shops, snapping mural selfies, or dancing to live music near the harbour.
That’s the energy local content creator Katie @kates.creative.kitchen captured in her Uptown Summer Bucket List on Instagram. She shared her favourite ways to soak up the season; sunny patios, cozy cafés, family moments, and friends-day-out fun, all right here in our walkable, vibrant core.
Your response online? Incredible! Over a hundred locals joined the conversation, sharing their own Uptown summer must-dos in the comments. So, we decided to keep the momentum going by turning all of that energy into one big, community-powered bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a date night idea, a rainy day escape, or a way to explore with your kids, there’s something here for you.
Ready to discover what summer looks like Uptown? Let’s go!
Family Fun
From splashing at the splash pad to ice cream afternoons, Uptown is full of ways for families to spend time together, explore, and make the most of a sunny (or even foggy) day.
![Splash time at Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space [ee-doe-lee MAH-qwah-HA-muck]](https://uptownsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Family-Fun.png)
Katie’s picks:
- Go for family pizza night at Beer Bread
- Ice cream at Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream
- Splash time at Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space [ee-doe-lee MAH-qwah-HA-muck]
- Do a selfie mural scavenger hunt through Uptown’s colourful streets
From the Community:
Families shared hopes for ice cream outings, market picnics, and summer memory-making together. A few parents mentioned taking their little ones to Delish or walking Harbour Passage after lunch at the City Market. “We love exploring Saint John,” one comment read, and it shows.
Girls’ Day (or Night) Out
Uptown makes the perfect backdrop for an easygoing hang with your besties, whether you’re out for coffee, browsing boutiques, or ending the day with a sweet treat.
Katie’s picks:
- Brunch tower from Lebanon the Go
- Girls’ night out at The Country Club
- Shop like a tourist at Uptown’s cutest boutiques
- Macarons from Wild Flour Sweets & Treats
- Bestie photos on The Bubbly Cup patio
- Grab a flavoured canned iced coffee from Java Moose and walk around Uptown
From the Community:
Plenty of people were planning their own girls’ day Uptown, from bubble tea at The Bubbly Cup to sweet treats and shopping at spots like In Pursuit, Lordon, and Feel Good. “We should plan an Uptown adventure day!” one person said, and we couldn’t agree more.
Picnic & Patio Picks
Nothing says summer in Uptown like a great meal enjoyed in the open air. Whether you’re at a sunny table, lounging in the park, or picking up a picnic-ready bite from the City Market, food tastes better outside.
Katie’s picks:
- Pick up a poke bowl from The Wild Carrot and picnic in King’s Square
- Pomodori’s pizza and salad on a sunny patio
- Marci’s Salads and a BeBe lunch on their cute patio
- Curate your picnic with finds from the Saint John City Market
From the Community:
Locals shared their picnic dreams too, from patio beers at Picaroons to waterside sunsets. One person summed it up best: “So many options!”
Rainy Day Recharges
Not every summer day is bright and sunny, but Uptown is still full of magic when it’s misty or drizzly. These picks are perfect for cozying up, slowing down, and enjoying the charm of indoor spaces.
Katie’s picks:
- Rainy day café date at Catapult
- A solo reset at Refresh Wellness Studio
- Jump from the tower at the Aquatic Centre
- Go church hopping to find the most beautiful historic buildings
From the Community:
Readers recommended cozy stops like Feel Good for tea, Charlotte Street Bakery for pastries, or browsing local galleries and picking out a handmade pottery mug. The City Market was a favourite for foggy-day wandering with a warm drink in hand.
Events, Music & Community Vibes
There’s always something happening Uptown: pop-ups, dancing, and live music that bring the streets to life.
Katie’s picks:
- Enjoy Jazz and swing dancing on Tuesday nights at The Boardwalk
- Hit up the monthly Thursday Night Market for local eats and treats
- Catch a live music set outside and soak up the community vibe
- Lemongrass patio dinner and listen to tunes
From the Community:
People mentioned checking out new restaurants, planning a staycation-style babymoon, and simply soaking up the summer energy that flows through the city.“I’d love to spend the day having fun in SJ,” one wrote. Same.
Date Night Ideas
Looking for something fun and a little different to do with your favourite person? Uptown’s got you covered.
Katie’s picks:
- Axe throwing at Woodchucks
- Read your favourite book on the Harbour Passage waterfront
- Share late-night apps at Cask & Kettle
- Dinner at Thandi’s
From the Community:
A few shared hopes for romantic evenings, like trying a new restaurant, playing a board game from Hero’s Beacon, or just walking hand-in-hand through the city after dinner. Uptown sets the scene for moments both big and small.
Your Turn, What’s on Your Uptown List?
Uptown Saint John is more than a backdrop, it’s the heartbeat of the city in summer. With nearly everything within walking distance, it’s easy to turn one plan into a spontaneous afternoon of treats, sights, and local love.
Big thanks again to Katie for sparking this summer bucket list and to everyone who chimed in with their own ideas. Whether you’re planning a picnic in King’s Square, trying your first axe-throwing date, or just wandering until you find your next favourite spot, this is your invitation to experience Uptown your way.
Did we miss your favourite? Tag us @UptownSJ and let us know what’s on your list.
We’re always happy to see you here.
Happy To See You Here
The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a not-for-profit that supports over 500 businesses located within a defined Uptown boundary. Membership is automatic and is based on location as seen on our map linked below. With 82% of our Uptown businesses independently owned, supporting local here means backing real people and a thriving community. Ready to explore?