A little local love to start October
Friday, October 2, 2026 · Your community roundup for October 2–8
A good weekend does not have to take you far from home. This week, St. John’s has stories to share and rubber ducks to cheer for, the Avalon has local makers to discover, and Clarenville has a family night worth putting on the calendar. We’re also checking in with an animal charity in Spaniard’s Bay and catching up with a familiar musical favourite. Pick something that suits you, bring someone along, and enjoy a little of what our communities do so well: getting together, having fun and helping one another.
First, a choice to make on the Coast!
Would you take a guaranteed prize or try your luck at something bigger? $5K or Getaway with Pipers 
is on Coast 101.1 weekdays at 7:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 12:50 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Listen for the game details and your chance to play.
And while you’re working, we’re keeping our No Repeat Workday promise from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The Coast $1,000 No Repeat Workday is supported by Dunne Financial Group. Visit Coast1011.com for what’s happening on the station and listen for contest instructions.
Tonight: settle in for a good yarn
The St. John’s Storytelling Festival brings Tales from Near & Afar to the LSPU Hall tonight, Friday, October 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. Ruth Kirkpatrick hosts Karen Carroll, Christine Hennebury and Dennis Flynn for an evening of storytelling.
Saturday offers more ways to join in, including Homespun at the LSPU Hall from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring local storytellers. Prefer an afternoon outside? Down the Garden Path: A Story Walk takes place at the MUN Botanical Garden on Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. Garden admission applies. Find the festival schedule and ticket links here.
Sunday’s forecast: a river full of rubber ducks
Here’s a cheerful reason to gather riverside. Quidi Vidi Brewery presents the 38th Annual Rennie’s River Duck Race on Sunday, October 4, with the duck drop at noon. The race starts at Stephen Herder Bridge in St. John’s, with riverside viewing along Rennie’s Mill Road between Carpasian Road and Portugal Cove Road.
The fundraiser supports the Quidi Vidi/Rennie’s River Development Foundation. The organizer says proceeds help enhance programs and experiences at the Fluvarium and Lilypad Childcare Center. It’s local business support meeting a much-loved community tradition. See the Fluvarium’s event page for participation details.
A Sunday outing on the Avalon
The Fall Market at Salmonier Nature Park’s Wildlife Discovery Centre runs Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, and the listing promises more than 25 vendors, with preserves, crafts, knitted goods and seasonal treats to browse.
Animal-themed face painting is listed at $10, with those proceeds donated to the park. It’s a chance to meet local makers and find something made close to home. The park is on Salmonier Line, Route 90. Read the details shared through Coast’s Community Matters before heading out.
Support Health Care in the Trinity-Conception Placentia’s 37th Annual Telethon on Sunday
Clarenville: a family evening with a twist
There’s comedy, puppetry and a little audience participation coming to the Clarenville Events Centre Theatre, 15 Blackmore Avenue. Michael Harrison in Ventastic: Reimagining Ventriloquism takes the stage Tuesday, October 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The venue is presenting the family show in partnership with Clarenville 75. Its posted prices are $10 for youth, $20 for adults and $50 for a family of four, including HST and surcharges; online purchases carry an additional fee. For ticket options and availability, visit the official show page.
Local charity spotlight: SPCA Baccalieu Trail
This week’s spotlight is on SPCA Baccalieu Trail, with its shelter at 46 Gullies Road in Spaniard’s Bay. There are practical ways to help its work with animals, even if adopting is not on your calendar.
The organization accepts volunteer applications and lists everyday supplies such as paper towels, laundry detergent and litter among its needs. You can also direct recycling proceeds to the SPCA through participating Green Depots in Carbonear, Blaketown and Bay Roberts. Planning a workplace or community fundraiser? Contact the organization first to coordinate it.
Explore its volunteer information and ways to donate. For shelter enquiries, call 709-596-7722.
Small acts, bigger community support
The Janeway Foundation’s calendar lists the Sobeys Family of Support campaign through Sunday, October 4. It’s another example of businesses making space for community giving. Check the foundation’s campaign calendar for its current activities.
Save the date: RBC Race for the Kids follows on Saturday, October 10, at Bowring Park in St. John’s. The Janeway Foundation describes a 5K timed race and a 2K family fun run, with registrations supporting children’s mental health programs in the province. Find registration information here.
Entertainment check-in: happy birthday, Sting
Sting turns 75, October 2, and his calendar is still busy. His official site lists Sting 3.0 shows in Vancouver on October 5 and 6, bringing a familiar international artist back to Canadian stages this week.
Across the Atlantic, his musical The Last Ship finishes its announced London run on October 3. From The Police to solo records and theatre, that’s quite a musical journey. Which Sting or Police song would you put at the top of your favourites? Visit his official site for the latest news.
Have some good local news to share? Send your charity or registered nonprofit event details to onair@coast1011.com. Include the date, time, location and how people can take part. Keep an eye on Community Matters for more notices from our neighbours. Have a great week, and take Coast 101.1 along for the ride!