🦫 From pig barn to playhouse: a Townships story worth telling

Hey there, Townshippers

We’re back with another Thursday catch-up — and what a lineup this week. From a pig barn turned playhouse to lantern-lit festivals and fall colours creeping into the hills, the Townships are buzzing with stories worth sharing. It’s part history, part celebration, and all about the people and places that make this region feel alive.

Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening around us. 👇

On a quiet country road in Sainte‑Catherine‑de‑Hatley, a weathered barn with white clapboard siding and a humble sign has welcomed thousands of theatre‑goers for nearly six decades. The Piggery Theatre, once an actual pigsty, stands today as Quebec’s oldest professional English‑language summer theatre—a story of generosity, creativity, and enduring community spirit.

The theatre’s unlikely journey began in 1964, when Arthur Russell Virgin donated his former pig barn to the Townships Playhouse Guild. What might have been forgotten as a relic of farm life became, through volunteer effort and local vision, a stage for comedy, drama, and music. A year later, in August 1965, the Piggery opened its doors to audiences, kicking off what would become a cherished summer tradition. More historical facts 👉 Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia

Over the decades, the Piggery became more than just a playhouse. It sprouted a restaurant, an art gallery named in honour of volunteer leader Emily LeBaron, and even hosted fundraising auctions and children’s drama camps. Each addition spoke to the theatre’s roots in volunteerism and its drive to nurture culture in the Eastern Townships (Quebec Vacances).

By the 1990s, as English‑language institutions across the region dwindled, the Piggery endured—standing proudly as the last major cultural institution of its kind in the area. Its rustic beams and intimate stage have since introduced generations of Townshippers and visitors to local talent, laughter, and applause, ensuring the pig barn’s second life remains far more glamorous than its first.

Today, the Piggery Theatre continues to be a place where heritage and art intersect. More than a venue, it’s a reminder of what can happen when a community gathers to reimagine the ordinary—and in doing so, creates something extraordinary. Find out more on the theatre’s website 👉 piggerytheatre.com

🏮 Festival Rivières de Lumières — Fri–Sat, Sep 12–13 — Place Kassiwi, Sherbrooke: Wander along a magical illuminated path dotted with mesmerizing lantern installations and surprise performance art. Then, explore a bustling night market filled with local artisans offering handmade treasures and unique finds . Expect a warm, community-minded experience that’s equal parts art performance, festival, and secret garden stroll. Details 👉 petiteslanternes.org

🍂 Flambée des couleurs — Fri–Sun, Sep 12–14 — Mont-Orford region: Celebrate fall’s grand entrance with this beloved Eastern Townships tradition . Over the first of five spectacular weekend runs, enjoy scenic gondola or hiking rides to five stunning lookouts, including an altitude circuit that’ll steal your breath (for all the right reasons) . Whether you’re a trail-lover, a photography hobbyist, or just craving fall’s fiery leaf palette, this one’s a must-see. Details 👉 montorford.com

🍺 Grande Coulée: Festival de bière — Fri–Sun, Sep 12–14 — Mont-Orford: Set against the mountain’s early-transforming fall foliage, Grande Coulée turns the slopes into a cozy microbrew village . Sample an impressive lineup from local favorites like Dunham, Robin Bière Naturelle, Memphré, as well as farther-flung talents like Naufrageur and L’Entêté . Take a bien-measured pause between pints to ride the ski lift for sweeping autumn views, sip in hand.  Details 👉 grandecoulee.com

👨‍🎨 La Grande Virée Artistique — Fri–Sun, Sep 12–14 — Sherbrooke: This free, self-guided art pilgrimage invites you into artists’ creative worlds across galleries and studio spaces throughout Sherbrooke . You’ll wander into painter studios, sculpture ateliers, and artisan workshops—maybe even chat with the makers themselves, if you catch them in the flow of creation .  Details 👉 easterntownships.org

🌠 L’Estriade by Night — Sat, Sep 13 — Granby: Ready for a ride that’s equal parts sparkle and pedal power? L’Estriade by Night comes with glowing surprise: three illuminated cycling routes—7, 10 km, and even a daring 21 km Yamaska option . Set out under the stars with helmet and lights, then cruise through immersive light installations and themed stations aligned with the “Tales and Legends” motif . It’s sporty, whimsical, and unapologetically fun. Details 👉 estriadelanuit.ca

🎨 Townships Young Voices 2026 Opens for Entries: The annual arts and writing competition for people ages 11–29 in the Eastern Townships is now open. There are $3,000 in prizes available across categories like art, photography, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Submissions are welcomed through upcoming deadlines—this is a great chance for local youth to share their creativity! Source 👉 Townships Sun

🍽 New Generation of Local Artisans and Boutiques on the Rise: A seasonal road-trip guide highlights that the Eastern Townships are increasingly home to newer generations of breweries, coffee roasters, winemakers, confectioners, and curated boutiques. These fresh, artisanal ventures are opening along scenic routes, offering farm-to-table products and unique shopping experiences. Source 👉 The Main

🚴 Cycling Route Booklet from Tourism Eastern Townships: Tourism Eastern Townships offers a comprehensive guide of cycling routes across the region, suitable for all ability levels. The booklet—available online and likely at local visitor centres—covers scenic trails across villages, countryside, and waterfront. Source 👉 Outdoor Adventure Sampler

⛰ Major Lift Upgrade at Mont Sutton Slated for 2026–27: Mont Sutton announced an $8 million investment in a new SkyTrac quad chairlift—the first of its kind in Canada—set to debut in the 2026–27 ski season. The high-capacity lift will enhance access for families and beginners and includes RFID gates, additional beginner carpets, and upgraded snowmaking. Construction begins spring 2026. Source 👉 Mont Sutton (Website)

🎥 Mélanie Charbonneau’s Out Standing Premieres at TIFF: Townships filmmaker Mélanie Charbonneau brings a powerful local connection to the Toronto International Film Festival’s Discovery section: her new feature film Out Standing receives its world premiere on September 9, 2025. Based on the memoir of Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, the film portrays her resilience against institutional sexism within the armed forces. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

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We’ve all got our late-summer rituals — the food, the drink, and the soundtrack that set the mood just right. Think of it as your ultimate Townships combo.

Build your perfect mix:

Reply with your trio (bonus points if it’s local — cider, cheese curds, and a Québ pop classic, anyone?). We’ll feature the most creative combo in next week’s issue. 👀

That’s a wrap for this week, but there’s always more around the corner — new events, hidden gems, and good news we can’t wait to share. Thanks for reading and being part of this growing little ritual with us. Got a favourite trail, terrace, or story we should feature? Hit reply and let us know.

Until next Thursday, enjoy the festivals, the colours, and the last golden stretch of summer. 🌅

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫