Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on May 8, 2025
Summer in the Eastern Townships means much more than discovering amazing landscapes! Our region is also defined by its cultural effervescence experienced outdoors, following the beat of festivals that vibrate throughout the territory. Whether you’re into classical music, new emerging sounds, performing arts, outdoor shows or festive settings to enjoy with the entire family, you’re sure to find an event to suit your preferences.
From concerts under the stars to grandiose fireworks by way of dazzling artistic presentations or moments of pure contemplation in the heart of nature, here are 5 major festivals that you absolutely must add to your season’s outing calendar. Get ready to rock your summer!
From July 10 to July 13, 2025
For its 20th edition, ShazamFest promises 4 highly colourful days breaking the boundaries of the ordinary! Circus acts, freak shows, burlesque performances and even wrestling are featured in an extravagant musical program celebrating diversity in all its forms. At the juncture of the artistic, intergenerational and multicultural fields, this not-to-be-missed summer festival welcomes all those who wish to explore culture from a very different perspective. What’s new this year? A free shuttle service departing from Montréal and from Sherbrooke, the Les Gourmands du Shazam itinerary, including visits to farmers’ markets and providing tastings, the Invisible Circus, and a whole panoply of events as surprising as they are captivating.
Suggested Activity: For an outing that is both fascinating and quite original, head to Compton to discover the Économusée La Forge d’Ilmarinen. The tour along with the workshops offered here will have you learn more about the delicate and very meticulous art of ironwork and clockmaking.
Where to Stay? Did you know that camping is possible on the ShazamFest site? But if you’re looking for a more comfortable option, then the new Hôtel Coaticook is the ideal option! Located at the entrance of the Parc de la Gorge, it’s the perfect base camp for exploring the region’s attractions.
July 15 to July 20, 2025
A true emblematic event in the region, the Fête du Lac des Nations transforms Sherbrooke’s Parc Jacques-Cartier into one beating heart by entertaining visitors with a program offering more than 50 musical performances. Showcasing highly renowned artists such as Charlotte Cardin, Papa Roach, Alessia Cara, or Souldia… Indeed, an impressive list of performers will reveal their latest endeavours on the stage of 3 venues. For an extra touch of magic, grandiose fireworks will light up the sky every night, and drone presentations are sure to add a spectacular dimension to the festival. Are you planning to come with children? You can expect hours of fun and laughter when you visit the largest amusement park in the Townships right here.
Suggested Activities: Explore Sherbrooke’s rich history with Radcliff, a new audio-immersive experience transporting you to the gorge of the Magog River and the Winter Prison. Download the application on your cellphone, put on your headsets - available at the Sherbrooke Tourism Office - and enjoy a guided interpretation of these intriguing tales.
Where to Stay? Whether it’s for a vacation, a relaxing getaway, or for a business meeting, the entirely renovated Hôtel Delta Sherbrooke Conference Centre by Marriott meets the highest standards of quality and amenities. The establishment is located only a couple of kilometres from downtown Sherbrooke, which makes it the ideal place to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
August 7 to August 9, 2025
Whether you’re a fan of emerging musical talents or a loyal supporter of Québec’s top performing artists, you’ll enjoy this special event under the star-filled skies of Lac-Mégantic. Developed and based on mindful values, the Festival Colline celebrates togetherness and respect for the environment in a family-friendly, communal setting. For its 5th anniversary, the event features a whole range of new activities. The Expériences Colline will have you discover the region’s great outdoor spaces. The Colline Workshops will offer you the opportunity to try your hand at embroidery and ceramics. Finally, a temporary campground has been set up so you can enjoy a well-deserved rest. Please note, the activities will unfold during the Perseid meteor shower, in the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, on Mount Mégantic… A not-to-be-missed moment!
Suggested Activity: Escape the August heat by heading to the gold, sandy beach of the Station Touristique de la Baie-des-sables, just a few minutes from the festival grounds. Need to get moving? Rent a kayak, a canoe or a paddleboard to explore the vastness of Lake Mégantic and its mountain panoramas.
Where to Stay? For a touch of novelty with an exceptional view of the lake, reserve a room at La Captainerie, a new Lac-Mégantic accommodation. Would you like to save some money without needing to compromise? Set your tent on one of the many campsites or enjoy a ready-to-camp unit at Camping Aventure Mégantic.
June 11 to August 16, 2025
This summer, immerse yourself inside this special musical experience in the heart of the Parc National du Mont-Orford. Canada’s first classical music festival proposes a highly refined program with at least ten professional concerts, about forty free performances by the Académie Orford Musique students, plus some truly fascinating exhibitions. Between these fine-tuned performances and amazing discoveries, the event also features magical venues such as the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises.
It’s a breath of culture and beauty for both art and nature lovers or enthusiasts.
Suggested Activity: Head on board Les Croisières L’Air du Lac to discover the captivating shores of Lake Memphremagog. Comfortably seated on board a 12-guest pontoon, you’ll enjoy such packages as “La route du monstre” or their “Happy-Hour” program and feel you’ve really taken a vacation.
Where to Stay? Espace 4 Saisons is the perfect option for those who’d like to lodge near the Orford Musique venue, while still being able to take advantage of the many other activities available in the region. As a bonus, here, the mezzanine spaces and the pool area offer amazing views looking out onto Mount Orford!
August 7, 14 and 21, 2025
The Festival International de la Chanson de Granby (FIGG) will be stopping in Bromont on the first three Thursdays of August for a series of free concerts presented at La Place Publique du Vieux-Bromont! Indeed, quite promising! This year, come and immerse yourself in Vernada’s country bluegrass melodies, Calamine’s hip-hop energy and Michel Robichaud’s touching folksongs. Bromont, being the gateway to the Eastern Townships, vibrates throughout the summer with a wide range of festive events. Musical performances, Humour evenings, art exhibitions, sports competitions and culinary delights are all on the program! Discover a dynamic town where each day offers a new opportunity to celebrate the moment. You don’t want to miss out? Simply check their calendar … we’re expecting a season brimming with discoveries!
Suggested Activity: Stroll down the streets of the Vieux-Bromont sector and explore its heritage charm as well as several original boutiques; savour a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on one of the many terraces found here. You’re a history buff? Follow the Heritage Circuit through the BaladoDécouverte (in French) podcasts, and discover the secrets of the town’s Loyalist past.
Where to Stay? Hôtel Château-Bromont, with its indoor and outdoor pools is the ideal choice for families or for couples hoping to unwind thanks to the hotel’s Amerispa.
Arts, culture and heritage
11 Festivals for a Totally Musical Summer in the Townships
