🦫 Still hungry for summer? We’ve got you covered

Hey there, Townshippers 👋

Feels like September is sneaking up on us, but the Townships are still in full summer swing. From new food halls and fairs to art festivals and concerts, there’s no shortage of ways to keep your calendar full. Think of this as your weekly catch-up: the good news, the can’t-miss events, and a few local highlights worth knowing before the weekend.

Let’s get into it. 👇

In Rock Forest, a long-empty corner at 4372 boul. Bourque now hums with the clatter of trays and the smell of charcoal and spice. The new Boulevard Bouffe—a first-for-Estrie food-hall–style space—opened in mid-June and settled quickly into a neighborhood routine: lunch crowds, family dinners, and late-evening snack runs under one shared ceiling. The complex seats about 145 people, a scale co-owner Mickael Laplante says was designed to feel lively but not hectic.

Instead of a single kitchen, Boulevard Bouffe is a quartet of counters with distinct personalities. Holy Burgers bangs out smash burgers and crinkle fries; Spicebros brings fast-casual Indian bowls and naan wraps; Emilia leans Portuguese—grilled chicken, poutines, and natas; and Coq Royal does crisp, hand-battered fried chicken. Early social posts from the team spotlight the line-up and encourage folks to try a little of everything—a choose-your-own-meal for families and mixed friend groups.

The opening followed months of delays common to new builds, but by June 12, 2025 the doors were finally open. In a local radio interview that morning, Laplante described a progressive roll-out—four restaurants operating with more to come—framed by a simple promise: get the basics right and earn regulars. A small creamery has been floated as a next addition, a nod to summer strolls and post-soccer treats. 👉 Find out more on 107.7 Estrie (website)

Three months in, the pitch seems to fit the neighborhood: quick lunches for workers, easy weeknight dinners for families, and a spot where teens can grab burgers and hangout. If you go, start with the address above and pick your craving, and Boulevard Bouffe’s socials are the best place for fresh updates. 👉 Boulevard Bouffe Instagram

🍸 Cocktail-Bénéfice: Sciences, Environnement & Société — Thu, Sept 4, 5:30 PM — Musée de la nature et des sciences, Sherbrooke: This benefit cocktail, hosted by Nord Quantique, features two powerhouse speakers—Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor of Canada, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, former minister and ex-director of the museum. Expect gourmet bites, a vibrant crowd, and thoughtful conversation—all for a good cause: funding the museum’s new permanent exhibit. Details 👉 Sherbrooke Museum of Natural Sciences

📖 Les Correspondances d’Eastman — Thu–Sun, Sept 4–7 — Eastman: Four dreamy days of literature under the theme Desire. Wander between outdoor readings, writing workshops, youth activities, author Q&As, and intimate “Grandes Entrevues.” This lit fest transforms the village of Eastman into a haven for book lovers and curious minds. Sip coffee under a tent, share thoughts with your favorite author, or just soak in the words and mountain air. Details 👉 Les Correspondances (website)

🏡 Rendez-vous d'Howard — Fri–Sun, Sept 5–7 — Parc du Domaine-Howard, Sherbrooke: Heritage, art, and nature all in one lush historic park. Tour the stately Maison Bleue, Victorian greenhouse, and 3D floral mosaics that make this site feel like a living museum. It’s a chance to connect with Sherbrooke’s past while celebrating its creative present. Details 👉 Rendez-vous d’Howard

🎶 School, Supertramp Memories — Sat, Sept 6, 8 PM — Granada Theatre: If you loved The Logical Song or Breakfast in America, this one’s for you. “School” is Québec’s ultimate Supertramp tribute, featuring elite musicians who’ve backed legends like Céline Dion and Marie-Mai. Known for theatrical flair and spot-on renditions, they’ve sold out big venues across the province. Details 👉 Eastern Townships (website)

🚴 Carottes & Garnotte — Sun, Sept 7, 9 AM — Ulverton: This 60km gravel cycling event blends scenic backroads with foodie stops: start with a fresh coffee, then pedal to a sea buckthorn farm for a guided tour, followed by a farm-to-table lunch with local cheeses and a cocktail featuring Quebec gin. Non-alcoholic options available too. Gravel fans, bring your appetite and sense of adventure. Details 👉 Tourisme Val-Saint-Francois

🏃 Local runners shine at the Défi des collines: On Saturday in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, Alexandre Fortin (1:49) and Lucie Battaglia (2:22) won the signature 30 km of the Défi des collines trail/road race. Podiums were also set across 15 km, 11 km, and 5.5 km categories, with strong participation from across the Townships. Organizers highlighted brisk times and a festive finish-line vibe. Source 👉 Le Reflet du Lac

🗣️ Bromont adopts its first Public Participation Policy: At its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, Bromont council approved a new policy establishing how residents can take part in shaping municipal projects. The policy stems from the 2023–2033 strategic plan and work by an ad hoc committee. It sets a framework for tools and processes residents will see more often in coming consultations. Source 👉 Ville de Bromont

🏞️ Mont-Orford switches to fall mode at the beaches: Sépaq notes that as of Tuesday, September 2, lifeguard supervision at Lac-Stukely and Lac-Fraser has ended for the season. Fall hours kick in for on-site services and boat rentals, with weekday hours generally 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and longer on weekends through mid-October (check each sector’s page before you go). It’s still a prime time for paddling and hikes as colours arrive. Source 👉 SEPAQ

🌊 Magog kicks off upgrades at Plage des Cantons: The City started a multi-part improvement project on Tuesday, September 2, at the lakeside Plage des Cantons sector. Plans include a brand-new play area, replacing a paved roundabout with grass and new trees, plus renovating and enlarging the service building and washroom block. Work is underway now at the site on the shore of Lake Memphremagog. Source 👉 Ville de Magog

🛠️ Sherbrooke starts Saint-Élie wastewater plant upgrade: The City announced modernization work at the Saint-Élie wastewater treatment station began September 2 and will run for about eight months. The project is designed to bring the facility up to current standards and is part of ongoing reliability and environmental investments in the network. The City will post updates through its news feed. Source 👉 Ville de Sherbrooke

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September in the Townships has its own magic — cooler mornings, golden light, and just enough warmth to squeeze in a few more adventures before fall takes over. Everyone’s got their idea of the perfect way to spend a day this time of year.

So tell us: what’s your ideal September vibe? 🌞

Reply and let us know — we’ll share the most popular pick next week. 👀

🏔️ Answer to last week’s 2 truths & a lie: Mont-Orford is the tallest mountain in southern Quebec. ❌ Mont Gosford, near the Maine border, is taller at 1,193 m.

Thanks for sticking with us through another packed week in the Townships.

From new flavors on Bourque to fairs, festivals, and even a few big wins in the news. We’re glad you’re here, and even gladder you’re part of this little Thursday ritual with us. Got a favorite event, a local story, or even just a photo of your week? Hit reply — we’d love to share it in an upcoming edition.

Until next Thursday, enjoy every bit of late-summer energy out there. 🌞✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫