🦫 A toast to Sherbrooke’s new cider farm (and your weekend plans)

Hey there, Townshippers

Fall keeps finding new ways to impress us — and this week, it’s cider season’s turn in the spotlight. Between crisp orchard air, late-night festivals, and a packed weekend lineup, there’s plenty brewing across the Townships (literally and figuratively).

We’ll start with a toast to Sherbrooke’s brand-new cider farm, swing through markets, concerts, and events that remind us how alive this place feels in October. Grab your mug, the good stuff’s just below. 🍂

There’s a new scent of apples and fermentation on Lennoxville’s Moulton Hill Road. Ferme Cidricole Moulton Hill, Sherbrooke’s first officially recognized cider farm, opened its doors just last week and it’s already drawing visitors eager to taste a fresh, local expression of the Eastern Townships.

This small, family-run project blends tradition and experimentation with a deep respect for the land. From mixed fermentations and oak barrel aging to low-intervention techniques, every bottle reflects both modern craft methods and the patient rhythm of orchard life. “We wanted to create something rooted in the region but open to discovery,” the founders explain on their Facebook page.

Set in the middle of Sherbrooke’s forested slopes, the farm joins a growing network of Eastern Townships cideries celebrating a new era for Quebec cider. Visitors can already stop by the property to enjoy tastings, picnics among the trees, and the simple pleasure of seeing how apples turn to golden cider — right where they were grown. The atmosphere feels relaxed, homegrown, and distinctly local.

Beyond the bottles, Moulton Hill represents a quiet shift toward small-scale, sustainable production in Sherbrooke. The farm supports nearby growers, invites collaboration, and adds a vibrant new stop to the region’s growing cider route. Each pour connects community, craft, and the land itself.

If you’re looking for a new local outing this fall, head up Moulton Hill before the last leaves drop. You’ll find good cider, warm people, and the exciting beginning of a story that’s just starting to ferment — right here in Lennoxville. Visit their website 👉 Ferme Moulton Hill

😂 Comedy Club Lac-Brome Show — Thu, Oct 23, 8 PM— Lac-Brome (Knowlton): Local stand-up comics take the stage in a cozy village setting — expect a more intimate vibe than big city venues, with witty jokes rooted in regional flavour. Perfect for a relaxed, laughter-filled night out in a charming backdrop. Details 👉 theatrelacbrome.net

🍬 Halloween — Enquête Sucrée et Porté Disparu! — Thu - Sun — Sherbrooke: A family-friendly investigation game where kids and grown-ups join forces to solve a missing-mystery while collecting sweet treats. Part indoor, part outdoor, so dress for the weather and bring a bag for the loot. Lots of laughter and light frights make this perfect for mixed ages. Details 👉 mns2.ca

🎶 Orchestre à Vents de Sherbrooke — 30th Anniversary Season Launch — Sun, Oct 26, 3 PM — Centennial Theatre, Lennoxville: Under the direction of François Bernier, the Orchestre à vents de Sherbrooke celebrates three decades of music-making with an inspiring season-opening concert. The program blends classical masterworks, beloved film scores, and contemporary pieces for winds, spotlighting talented local soloists. Expect rich, cinematic sound and a joyful atmosphere that marks a festive return to live performance. Details 👉 ovsherbrooke.com

💃 Les Nuits FAUNE — Sat, Oct 25, 7 PM–Midnight — Le St-John, Bromont: Following the success of the summer Festival FAUNE, this new late-night edition transforms Le St-John into a vibrant dance floor. Expect upbeat House and Disco DJ sets, immersive lighting, and a festive crowd celebrating local nightlife in style. This 18+ event promises top-tier sound and an intimate club atmosphere. Details 👉 lestjohn.com

🎶 Concert Bénéfice au profit de la Société Alzheimer Rive-Sud et Brome-Missisquoi — Fri, 7 PM — Lac-Brome (Knowlton): A benefit concert featuring regional musicians, proceeds supporting Alzheimer’s research and care. A meaningful evening of live music, community spirit and giving back, dress smart-casual and maybe bring a little extra to support the cause.  Details 👉 theatrelacbrome.net

💧 Persistent Dry Spell Lowers Eastern Townships Water Levels: Environment officials report unusually low lake and river levels around Memphrémagog due to limited rainfall this fall. Some municipalities have extended voluntary water-use restrictions, though drinking-water reserves remain stable. Experts emphasize conservation until steady rain returns. Simple measures like shortening showers and delaying lawn watering help protect regional sources. Source 👉 Radio-Canada

🏒 LHJMQ All-Stars Shine Before 100+ Scouts: The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s top prospects put on a show at the Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet in Sherbrooke on Monday night. Over a hundred professional scouts attended to assess emerging talent from across the league. Local fans saw several Phoenix players stand out in front of a high-energy crowd. Source 👉 La Tribune

🚶 Community Walk Raises Awareness on Homelessness in Sherbrooke: Around a hundred residents joined the “Marche pour l’itinérance” downtown last Friday, organized by local shelters and outreach groups. Participants walked a three-kilometre route sharing stories and solidarity with those living without stable housing. Such events promote empathy, volunteerism, and concrete ways residents can help, such as donating warm gear or supporting drop-in centres as winter approaches. Source 👉 Radio-Canada

🥗 UdeS Expands Responsible Food Purchasing Initiative: The Université de Sherbrooke is deepening its sustainable procurement strategy through its “Alimentation responsable” program. The initiative prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients for campus food services and collaborates with regional producers. Students and staff can now enjoy meals with a smaller environmental footprint while supporting nearby farms and reducing food waste.  Source 👉 Université de Sherbrooke

🧸 New Workplace Daycares Coming to Sherbrooke: Two new early childhood centres (CPEs) will soon open directly within major workplaces in Sherbrooke thanks to a partnership between employers and the City. Each centre will welcome 80 children, prioritizing families employed nearby. This approach tackles the ongoing shortage of daycare spaces while helping parents stay close to their children during the workday Source 👉 Radio-Canada

Looking for a home with space, flexibility, and easy living? This one fits the bill: three bedrooms, two baths, and a large 21,000+ sq ft lot that gives you privacy and room to roam.

Inside you’ll find warm, welcoming living spaces and modern updates that make it move-in ready. Outside, the expansive yard invites gardening, play, or simply enjoying the quiet.

Perfect for families, work-from-home setups, or anyone who wants more room without going too far from the Townships’ heart.

👉 View the full listing here

Two Truths and a Lie: Townships Edition

Can you spot the fake?

🎢 Bromont’s ski resort once operated a summer roller coaster that ran down the mountain.

🦋 The Townships are home to Québec’s largest butterfly sanctuary.

🎬 A scene from The X-Files was filmed in downtown Sherbrooke.

Hit reply and let us know, we’ll share the lie next week.

That’s a wrap on another full week in the Townships — from new cideries to local music and everything in between.

If something here sparks a weekend plan, let us know what you’re checking out. And as always, if you snap a great fall photo, send it our way — we love seeing the Townships through your eyes.

See you next week for more good stories, good deals, and good neighbours. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫