Best Things to Do in the Eastern Townships in August

August always seems to fly by. One minute you're planning summer, and the next you're wondering where it went. Luckily, there's still plenty of time to soak up long sunny days, lively festivals, refreshing lakes, and memorable weekends in the Eastern Townships.

Whether you're visiting for a day or planning one last summer escape, here's how to make the most of August. We’re just a quick drive from Montreal and northern New England—so hop in the car and let the adventure begin!

Foodie Events and Local Markets

Did someone say fresh local flavours? Wander a farmers' market, chat with local producers, pick up picnic supplies, or stop by one of the region's many food events.

August Foodie Highlights

• August 1 – Bouffe ton Centro, Sherbrooke – Sample delicious local cuisine while enjoying live entertainment in a festive downtown atmosphere.
• Through August 19 – Street Food Wednesdays, Mont-Orford – Discover some of the region's best food trucks in a beautiful mountain setting.

Public Markets Worth Visiting

• Every Friday – Public Market in Mégantic
• Every Saturday – Racine Locavore Market
• Every Sunday – Magog Public Market
• Every Sunday – Old Bromont Public Market

Find even more public markets in the Eastern Townships.

Outdoor Adventures and Sporting Events

What’s your idea of the perfect August afternoon? Cheering on athletes, pushing your own limits, or simply unwinding by the water? Good news: it’s all on offer this month in the Eastern Townships. Pick your pace and enjoy the ride!

Top Outdoor Adventures and Sporting Events This August

• July 29–August 2 – International Bromont (BI) Bromont – Watch world-class equestrian competition while enjoying shopping, family activities, food vendors, and a vibrant international atmosphere.
• August 1–6 – Grand Tour 2026, Across the Eastern Townships – Join or cheer cyclists as they take on one of Quebec’s premier multi-day cycling events while exploring some of the region’s most scenic roads.
• August 8 & 22 – Yoga at the Summit: Rendez-vous du Pinacle Baldwin Mills – Stretch, unwind, and enjoy an outdoor yoga session with breathtaking mountain views.
• August 15 – Gran Fondo Lac-Mégantic, Lac-Mégantic – Join or cheer on cyclists tackling spectacular routes around one of Quebec's most beautiful lakes.
• August 23 – Piopolis Triathlon, Piopolis – Experience the excitement of race day whether you're taking part yourself or cheering on athletes as they swim, cycle, and run through a stunning lakeside setting.

Prefer a Slower Pace?

• Discover the best places to paddleboard in the Eastern Townships
• Try these refreshing ideas to cool off in the Eastern Townships
• Visit beautiful lakes throughout the region
• Find the perfect marina
• Camp beside the water

Turn your day trip into a weekend adventure with these sports and outdoor activities packages.

Music Festivals and Agricultural Fairs

August has a way of making you want to linger. Spend the day exploring festivals, music, local traditions, and cultural celebrations, then stay a little longer for live performances, warm summer evenings, and unforgettable memories.

August Festival & Fairs Highlights

• August 6–8 – FestiMusik Stanstead – Enjoy three days of live music in an intimate small-town setting featuring local and emerging artists.
• August 6–9 – Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival – Celebrate traditional fiddle music with concerts, workshops, dances, and talented musicians from near and far.
• August 6–9 – North Hatley Jazz Festival – Relax by the lake while enjoying world-class jazz performances in one of the Eastern Townships' most picturesque villages.
• August 12–16 – Sherbrooke Festival des traditions du monde – Experience music, dance, cuisine, and traditions from cultures around the globe during one of Quebec's largest multicultural festivals.
• August 13–23 – Granby International Song Festival – Discover tomorrow's musical stars as talented singers compete and perform throughout the city.
• August 20–22 – Sherbrooke Contemporary Dance Festival – Experience innovative performances, outdoor shows, and contemporary dance by acclaimed artists.
• August 27–30 – Ayer's Cliff Fair – Enjoy agricultural competitions, livestock shows, midway rides, family activities, and classic country fair traditions.
• Every Friday – Les Shows du Centro, Coaticook – End your week with free outdoor concerts and a lively downtown atmosphere all summer long.

Browse the complete calendar of Eastern Townships summer events.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage

Between beach days and festivals, save time for some artistic discoveries. August is packed with film, poetry, visual arts, archaeology, and creative experiences for visitors of every age.

August Arts & Culture Highlights

• August 13–16 – Festival Circuit-Court, Lac-Mégantic & the Mégantic Region – Meet local artisans, watch live craft demonstrations, tour workshops, and discover the region's rich tradition of fine craftsmanship.
• August 18–23 – Knowlton Film Festival, Knowlton – Watch acclaimed films, meet filmmakers, and celebrate cinema in the heart of the picturesque village of Knowlton.
• August 28–30 – Bromont en Art Symposium, Bromont – Meet talented artists, watch them create live, and browse hundreds of original works at the largest gathering of visual artists in Québec.
• August 29 – Family Ceramic Decorating Workshop, Centre d'art Rozynski, Way's Mills – Get creative together during a hands-on ceramic painting workshop that's fun for all ages.
• Throughout August – Archaeology Month, Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science – Unearth the region's past through fascinating exhibits, activities, and archaeological discoveries.

Explore even more Eastern Townships cultural and heritage experiences.

Tailor-Made Getaway Ideas Based on Specific Interests

Why rush home when you can slow down and discover another side of the Eastern Townships? Stay for the entire weekend or for a whole week. Get started with these tailor-made getaway ideas designed around your interests.

• Passionate about art, culture, and history?
• Looking for great food?
• Travelling with kids?

Keep the experience going with an overnight stay at Auberge Le Sunshine in Stanstead.

Visit Before Summer Slips Away!

August is full of opportunities to make a few more unforgettable summer memories.

If you discover a favourite festival, hidden beach, local market, or scenic village during your visit, we'd love to see it. Share your adventures with us on social media, and don't forget to come back next month as we welcome the first colours and flavours of autumn in the Eastern Townships.