Saint John Night Market Will Feature Craft Beer Garden And The Hypochondriacs
SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Night Market is closing the month with a “bang” with a craft beer garden and free show by the Hypochondriacs Thursday evening, says market manager Andrew MacDonald.
“We’re boosting the sound in at the top of the street. We’re bringing more lights in,” he said. “We’re stretching out the bar space and making more room for the rest of the brewers. [We’re] showcasing craft brewers from across the province….it should be a real party.”
The city’s night market, which has been taking place every Thursday evening since late spring on South Market Street outside the City Market, has grown to include 25-30 food and craft vendors and drawn crowds of 1,500-2000 on most nights.
MacDonald says they’ve also tried to add some non-traditional elements to the market, including a stall featuring haircuts by the Quality Block Barbershop.
“I’ve sat there a couple of times and it might be the best seat in the house,” he said. “When people walk by, when you’re on the stool getting your hair cut, people smile. It’s something they’re not expecting to see.”
Picaroons has also served beer there all summer, and the brewer with a taproom and store on Canterbury Street is organizing the beer garden featuring as many as seven local craft brewers and Yip Cider.
MacDonald says the Picaroons stall has been a signature feature of the night market so they’re happy to open things up to include other local New Brunswick craft brewers.
“We were able to get a license that allowed people to walk around the entire space with their beer,” he said. “The whole space is the beer garden but we’re also allowed to have it all ages which is unique as well when you consider what it’s like at most outdoor events.”
MacDonald is excited to feature a free show by the Hypochondriacs, a popular Fredericton band that describes their own sound as “Memphis rockabilly … undercoated with the saccharine sounds of ’50s doo-wop.”
The Hypochondriacs spent the summer touring the Maritimes doing shows and festivals, including one at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival earlier this month.
“When we have full bands there it changes the whole atmosphere and feel of the market,” said MacDonald.
The night market, which operates from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., will close for the season October 17.
RELATED: The Saint John City Market Is Going To Host A Weekly Outdoor Night Market