🦫 Apples, colours & concerts — your Townships week ahead

Hey there, Townshippers

The air’s turning crisp, baskets are filling fast, and yes, pie season has officially landed. Orchards are buzzing with families, bakeries are sliding trays out of the oven, and the Townships feel like they’ve shifted into full harvest mode. Add in festivities, art walks, and good eats, and you’ve got plenty of ways to make the most of this stretch of September.

Let’s get right into it.👇

The gravel crunches underfoot as families spill out of cars, baskets in hand, faces turned toward rows of dwarf trees (little legs friendly) heavy with Cortland and McIntosh. At Verger Le Gros Pierre in Compton, the U-pick lanes start early and end with the perfume of pies drifting from the bakery.

Staff guide first-timers to the right rows and point out which varieties are peaking this week. The orchard’s pitch is simple: make it easy, keep it local, and turn harvest into hospitality. On site you’ll find tractor rides, an interpretation trail, a playground, and that famous pastry counter, details that have made Gros Pierre a family magnet across the Townships. Eastern Townships Tourism’s listing backs that up: more than 10,000 trees, pick-your-own, and baked-on-site treats.

Inside the farm shop, shelves lean into regional abundance: frozen apple pies (including mixed-fruit twists), crisps and galettes, and jugs of juice pressed on site, no sugar, no preservatives, just apples (and sometimes strawberries or raspberries) from around here. If you’re stocking the fridge, start with their fresh juices; if you’re stocking the freezer, grab a pie to bake at home.

Gros Pierre is also entwined with the region’s food culture beyond the orchard. Each fall, you’ll meet them at Compton’s harvest weekend, Les Comptonales, where local producers set up side by side and thousands of neighbors make their annual rounds. It’s a snapshot of how small farms here collaborate, sell directly, and keep dollars circulating. Check out their market profile and you’ll see the throughline: planting, welcoming, and serving, from tree to tart.

If you’re planning your own apple day, Tourism Eastern Townships keeps an updated roundup of U-pick farms across the region—from cidery-forward operations to quiet family plots. However you slice it, harvest season is about more than fruit; it’s about the people who grow it and the bakers who slide one more pie into the oven so there’s still something warm when you arrive.

🍽️ Les Folies gourmandes — Fri–Sun, Sept 26–28 — Place du Marché, Granby: Fall food fest with BBQ bites from around the world, chef demos, and ~40 local producers to sample and shop. Family-friendly stalls make it easy to graze, linger, and discover new terroir favorites. Mostly outdoors—pack a layer and expect crowds at peak lunch hours. Great option if you’re hosting out-of-town guests. Details 👉 lesfoliesgourmandes.com

🏔️ Owl’s Head in Colours — Sat–Sun, Sept 27–28 — Owl’s Head, Potton: Four themed fall-festival weekends kick off with sweeping Memphrémagog views, a local artisan market, games, live music, and family extras. Hikers can roam Missisquoi Nord–maintained trails (free access), and the detachable quad chairlift is slated to run for summit laps (weather permitting). Dogs on leash are welcome. Expect light lineups for the lift mid-afternoon; mornings are calmer. Details 👉 owlshead.com

🎨 Circuit des arts de Coaticook — Sat–Sun, Sept 27–28, 10 AM–5 PM — Coaticook (5 venues): Self-guided hop between the Pavillon des arts, Musée Beaulne, Hop Station microbrewery, the library and more for exhibits and meet-the-artist moments. It’s part of Journées de la culture, so expect hands-on vibes. Easy to pair with a cone or a pint nearby. Short walks between stops; dress for the weather. Details 👉 easterntownships.org

🎻 Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke — “Variations romantiques” — Sat, Sept 27, 7:30 PM — Salle Maurice-O’Bready, Sherbrooke: The OSS launches its season with a warm, listener-friendly program: Brahms’s Haydn Variations, Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations spotlighting cellist Leland Ko, and Elgar’s Enigma. Expect big, lyrical melodies and that satisfying “orchestral glow” in one of the Townships’ best rooms. First-timers will find this an easy entry point; regulars get three classics in one night. Details 👉 ossherbrooke.com

🥕 Marché de la Gare — Marché public estival — Sat, Sept 27, 9 AM–3 PM — Marché de la Gare, Sherbrooke: Peak-harvest Saturday with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat bites from local producers: easy, low-cost, and super family-friendly. The plaza is lively but strollable, with indoor merchants for coffee or a treat between stalls. Details 👉 marchedelagare.com

🛠️ MacPherson Pier tower rebuild resumes in Magog: Work restarted the week of September 22 and a portion of the pier is temporarily closed for safety while nearby activities continue. The City says the reconstruction will wrap up this fall. On-site signage marks the detour and fenced areas. Plan a few extra minutes if you head to the waterfront. Source 👉 Ville de Magog

🏒 Phoenix Off to a Winning Start + Home Game Ahead: The Sherbrooke Phœnix opened their QMJHL season with a tight 2–1 win over Québec last weekend. The club also teased new in-arena experiences for 2025–26. Next up is a matchup against rivals Drummondville Voltigeurs at the Palais des sports Sep. 26—check the team’s schedule for puck drop and promos. Source 👉 Sherbrooke Phoenix

🤝 Coaticook Backs Youth & Community Projects: In a post-council update (Sept. 22), the MRC reported renewing support for the “Travailleurs de rue et de milieu” program—$20,000 per year for three years. The MRC’s Fonds loisirs helped 40 local families in 2024 with $4,810 in assistance and will streamline application rules for the coming year. The release recaps priorities discussed at the Sept. 17 council meeting. Source 👉 MRC de Coaticook

🏛️ Sherbrooke Offers Artist Grants - Applications Open: The Comité Arts & Culture Jacques-Cartier of Sherbrooke has announced that artist grant applications are once again open, with a deadline of October 31, 2025 at midnight. Local artists or artisan groups can receive financial support for creative projects, boosting the region’s cultural vitality. Visit the CACJC website for grant categories, criteria, and submission forms. Source 👉 Comité Arts & Culture Jacques-Cartier

🏊 Townshipper Swims for Cancer Research at Lac Fraser: Local Townshipper Martine Labbé joined the Défi Nage-don, swimming 10 km this August in memory of her brother François, who passed away from cancer in March. Training at Lac Fraser in Mont-Orford Park, she has already raised upwards of $700 toward her $1,000 goal, contributing to the national campaign’s $435,560 (of $475,000) total. Click here to support Martine. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

Looking for a home that blends space, character, and flexibility? This East Farnham property checks all three boxes. With 8 bedrooms, a full bath, and a powder room, it’s ready to welcome a big family, multi-generational living, or even a creative live-work setup.

The exterior’s Italian stone façade gives it timeless curb appeal, while the inside offers generous rooms and natural light. Outside, the property sits on a 30,000+ sq ft lot, offering plenty of privacy and potential for gardens, play space, or outdoor projects. Add in three large garages and you’ve got storage for vehicles, hobbies, or even a workshop.

👉 View the full listing here

🗺️ Guess the Spot

We’re testing your Townships know-how. Here’s a cropped snapshot of a local landmark, do you recognize it?

👉 Hit reply with your best guess. We’ll reveal the answer (and give a shout-out to anyone who nails it) in next week’s issue.

That’s a wrap on this week’s highlights, but the Townships never really slow down — there’s always another trail to explore, another event to stumble into, or another local gem waiting to be discovered. Thanks for taking a few minutes with us; we love being your weekly companion.

Until next Thursday, keep making the most of our corner of Quebec, and don’t forget — we’re only ever an email away if you’ve got a tip, photo, or story worth sharing. 🥳

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫