St John's LIP July 2026 Newsletter

The St. John’s Local Immigration Partnership is a broad-based partnership designed to support the well-being and participation of newcomers in all aspects of life in the city, as well as to strengthen the city’s ability to integrate newcomer needs into municipal planning processes. The St. John’s LIP is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

 

City Of St. John's Updates

 

Music @ Concert Series

Music @ is a free summer concert series running from July to September, featuring performances at Harbourside Park, Bannerman Park, and Bowring Park.


Several musical styles are featured including folk, rock, pop, traditional and country. Each concert opens with a talented youth performer from our partner, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.


These performances help to showcase the remarkable and diverse musical talent on offer in St. John's

 

Downtown Pedestrian Mall

The City of St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall (DPM) returns for the 2026 season. Water Street transforms into a lively, people-first space filled with patio dining, local shopping, and downtown energy!


Date: June 25 to September 7, 2026

Time: Noon to 10 p.m. daily

Location: Water Street (Adelaide Street to Prescott Street)

 

Canada Day Festivities

Annually the City of St. John's celebrates Canada Day on July 1. All Canada Day events are accessible, and all activities are free of charge.


From sunrise to sunset, on Canada Day there's something for everyone! With support from the Government of Canada, the City of St. John's and event partners will highlight many of the reasons we are proud to call Canada Home.

 
 

Partner and Community: News and Updates

 

Bloom Workplace Communication Circles – One time

Date & Day: July 4th/ Saturday 

Time: 11:00AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Online / Virtual (Link will be sent upon registration)


Bloom Workplace Communication Circles is a supportive virtual program designed to help newcomers build confidence, professional English skills, and cultural awareness for the Canadian workplace. Led by Inanc Kurtuldu, sessions build practical workplace communication skills.

 

Bloom Signal Hill Sunset Hike

Date & Day: July 11th / Saturday 

Time: 6:30PM – 9:30 PM

Location: O'Brien's Park & Memorial – Hike up to Signal Hill (Difficulty: Moderate - uphill)

 

Bloom United in Music  

Date & Day: July 18th / Saturday

Time: 7:00PM – 9:00 PM

Location: 7 Ricketts Rd St. John's, NL


Bloom United in Music is a monthly intimate concert series celebrating local and

international artists through music, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Each performance offers a welcoming space to enjoy live music, learn and connect with the community.

 

Bloom x Pride Parade & BBQ in the Park

Date & Day: July 19th/  Sunday

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Bannerman Park St. John's, NL


Join Bloom for the St. John’s Pride Parade and later the community gathering at Bannerman Park as we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

 
 

Newcomer Roadmap to Success

Ready to build your future in Newfoundland and Labrador? Join us at the Torbay Public Library for Newcomer Roadmap to Success! Learn about settlement supports, career resources, and library programs - plus meet other newcomers and enjoy a fun bookmark‑making activity.


July 15, 2026, 4–6 p.m.

Torbay Public Library


Free and open to all newcomers.

Building Stronger Communities: Applications Open for Grants to Youth Organizations

The program provides funding to not-for-profit youth-serving organizations operating in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program supports innovative projects that create opportunities for skill development, mentorship and social inclusion for youth between the ages of 12 and 29.


Deadline: Friday, July 10.

 

St. John's Jerk Fest

Join us for a full day of Caribbean culture in the heart of downtown. St. John's! Jerk Fest brings together the best of food, music, and community - all in one place.


What to expect:

Food vendors serving authentic Jamaican cuisine

Live entertainment - singers, DJs & more

Artisans showcasing Jamaican goods and crafts

Children's activities for the whole family

Entry $10. Food and goods available for purchase on-site.


St. John's Jerk Fest 2026

Hosted by JCANL

George Street, St. John's

August 8, 2026

12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

 

Drag Me To The Mall

Quadrangle NL and Avalon Mall present Drag Me to the Mall — a throwback drag show happening Saturday, July 4th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Lululemon Court.


Hosted by Eda Kumquat and featuring performances by Gravy, Divine Diamond, and Whoda Thunket, this show is sure to be lively, nostalgic, and pure entertainment.


The event is entirely free to the public, and donations to Quadrangle NL, the only charitable organization built to support and bring together 2SLGBTQIA+ people and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, are welcome.

 

Reel Downtown - Outdoor Movie Series

Reel Downtown is a free outdoor movie series in downtown St. John’s. The event takes place every Monday night in July. It invites residents and visitors to enjoy films in the heart of the city.


Each week, a movie is shown outdoors on historic Water Street. Guests can bring a chair or blanket and relax while watching a film under the summer sky.


In addition, the event creates a lively and welcoming downtown atmosphere. Many visitors arrive early to explore nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops before the movie begins.


Reel Downtown is organized by the Downtown St. John’s Business Commission. As a result, it has become one of the most popular free summer events in the city.


Location

Solomon’s Lane Parking Lot, Water Street East.

156 Water St, St. John's, NL A1C 1A9

 

YWCA: L.E.A.D Program

From July 20-24, we are offering LEAD, our annual summer leadership program for young women and gender diverse youth, ages 15-18.


Participants build confidence and advocacy skills, learn about anti-racism and cultural diversity, and connect with an exciting lineup of local guest presenters.


This program is free, and includes daily lunches and snacks, transportation support, and a certificate!

 

Pathway To Diversity National Art Exhibition

City in Colour Urban Consultancy Cooperative and Expertise Hub Cooperative are pleased to invite you to the opening of the Pathway to Diversity National Art Exhibition in St. John’s, a project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Canada’s 1976 Immigration Act.


Opening Event

Date: August 13, 2026

Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Location: City of St. John's. City Hall – 10 New Gower St., 4th floor, Foran Greene Room


Exhibition

Dates: August 12 to 23, 2026

Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (weekdays)

Location: St. John’s City Hall

 
 

Submit Your Events and Get Involved

Do you have an upcoming event the community should know about? Would

you like us to highlight a successful program or initiative? Get in touch.


The St. John’s LIP also has many opportunities for you to get involved.


Contact immigration@stjohns.ca for more information or to get involved.