🦫 Townships in full swing — your week, sorted

Good morning, Townshippers. Summer’s still in full swing — patios are packed, lake days are golden, and every trail feels like it’s showing off.

This week’s serving up buzzing festivals, can’t-miss experiences, and just enough adventure to make you wish August would slow down.

Clear your schedule (or at least make room for the good stuff) — here’s some of this week’s best in the Eastern Townships. 👇

If there’s one event that turns Sherbrooke into a global village, it’s the Festival des Traditions du Monde — and it’s back Aug. 13–17 for five days of music, dance, food, and culture from every corner of the planet.

Picture this: nine indoor and outdoor stages buzzing with over 100 shows and activities, from the pulse of African drumming to graceful Irish reels, fiery Latin dance troupes, and soulful folk performances from right here in the Townships. Wander through colourful pavilions — each a world of its own — where music, drinks, and dancing keep the energy high from day to night.

Foodies! 🍕 bring your appetite. With 20+ international food stalls, you could start your afternoon with pad thai, take a detour for Moroccan tagine, and end with a Québec classic poutine — all without ever leaving the festival grounds. Between bites, explore artisan booths showcasing handmade goods and souvenirs.

The FTMS isn’t just entertainment — it’s a celebration of connection. It draws thousands of visitors and puts Sherbrooke’s cultural diversity front and centre. Families can enjoy kid-friendly workshops, games, and performances, while night owls can stick around for evening concerts under the summer sky. Whether you come for the music, the food, or just the atmosphere, you’ll leave with your feet tapping and your heart full. 🌎 Find out more and get your tickets on the FTMS website.

🎶 Festival International de la Chanson de Granby (Aug. 14–24) Ten days of the biggest francophone song competition in the Americas. Outdoor shows, emerging artists, industry pros, and a vibrant community vibe. Celebrate la chanson with passion and energy — it’s one of the Townships’ most iconic cultural gatherings. Tickets

🎡 Cookshire Fair (Aug. 14–17) Classic agricultural fair energy — from tractor pulls and horse shows to carnival rides and local food. Whether you’re going for nostalgia or just the thrill of the midway, Cookshire delivers rural charm with a big dose of fun. Details

🐴 Bromont CCI & Coupe des Nations (Aug. 15–17) The only North American stop for FEI’s official Nations Cup in eventing. Watch world-class riders compete in show jumping, dressage, and the heart-pounding cross-country race — a true test of power and precision. Details

🎧 FAUNE Festival (Aug. 16) Sunny house beats, good eats, and good vibes at Vieux Bromont’s public square. It’s all-ages and completely free — just bring your dancing shoes and stay hydrated! Details

🎥 Knowlton Film Festival (Aug. 19–24) Docs, dramas, animations — more than 30 films screened in the stunning Théâtre de Lac-Brome and under the stars. Expect screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and a true cinephile’s atmosphere. Details

👩‍🎨 Sherbrooke Digital Visionary Lights Up The World: This summer, Baku’s evocative digital portraits — hyperrealistic faces, hands, and bodies floating on white backgrounds — have taken over 750 digital billboards across Belgium. Other European countries have recently followed suit, and you can now admire Baku’s art in Finland, Spain, and Italy, to name a few. Read more

🚴 MS Mountain Challenge for MS Research: On Aug. 16 at Mont Sutton, riders of all levels can tackle 10, 20, or 30 km on mountain bike or hike trails to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Canada. The day ends with music, food, prizes, and a festive atmosphere. In 2024, the event raised $155,000 — surpassing its $100,000 goal and setting the bar high for 2025. Read more

🏒 Local Hockey Star Joins Team Canada Roster: Sherbrooke-native Rosalie Tremblay has been named to Team Canada’s U-18 Women’s National Team for a three-game series against the U.S. in Lake Placid (Aug. 13-16). The selection caps off an impressive season for Tremblay, giving her the chance to represent the Eastern Townships on the international stage. Read more

🍷 Townships Winemakers Launch Exotic Pawpaw Wine: Val Caudalies Vineyard & Cider has crafted its first batch of locally grown pawpaw fruit wine — a bold, tropical-flavored take on regional winemaking. This innovative release highlights the producers’ creative spirit and adds a new dimension to our local wine scene. Read more

Check out this newly listed home in Bromont, combining modern comfort with a serene forest backdrop. The property features cathedral ceilings, a sleek open-concept kitchen, three bedrooms, and abundant natural light. Located just minutes from downtown and with direct access to local trails, it’s ideal for those seeking both tranquility and convenience. See the listing

With this week’s heat wave turning the Townships into a sauna, we’ve all got our go-to ways to cool down. We want to know…

How do you beat the heat? 🌊

Lake swim? Ice cream? Netflix & A/C? Hit reply and tell us your favourite cool-down hack. We might just feature it next week. 😎

That’s it for this week’s round-up from the Townships. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us — we hope you found something to mark on your calendar. 🗓️

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend and help us keep the local love going, because life in the Townships is too good to miss a beat.

See you next week,

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫