Events & Festivals in Sherbrooke

A lively winter festival celebrating the season with outdoor activities. Expect snow sculpting competitions, ice slides, dog sledding, skating, live music, and warming stations with hot chocolate. It's a family-friendly event that embraces the Quebec winter.

One of the largest and most prestigious pee-wee hockey tournaments in the world, attracting young teams from across North America and Europe. A week-long celebration of sport, featuring intense competition and future NHL stars.

An acclaimed international film festival showcasing documentaries, features, and short films from over 30 countries. Includes screenings, meetings with filmmakers, workshops, and special thematic nights, fostering cultural dialogue through cinema.

An urban take on the traditional Quebec sugar shack. Enjoy a classic maple syrup-laden meal (pea soup, oreilles de crisse, maple taffy) right in the city centre, often accompanied by live folk music.

A major book fair and literary festival featuring Quebec authors. Includes book signings, readings, panel discussions, workshops for aspiring writers, and a huge sale of new and used books.

The historic train station transforms into a active public market every Saturday. Features local farmers, artisanal food producers, bakers, cheesemakers, and craft vendors. A cornerstone of the local food scene.

A major world cultures festival featuring music, dance, crafts, and food from across the globe. Multiple outdoor stages, an international craft market, workshops, and a grand parade create a dynamic, multicultural atmosphere in the city.

Sherbrooke's celebration of Quebec's national holiday. Features a large, free outdoor concert with popular Quebec artists, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Magog River.

A delicious celebration of Maritime lobster, flown in fresh for the event. Multiple local restaurants create special lobster-centric menus, and a large outdoor lobster dinner is often the highlight, complete with all the fixings.

A bilingual celebration of Canada's birthday. Family-oriented activities, multicultural performances, cake, and citizenship ceremonies. A more low-key but festive atmosphere compared to the Fête Nationale.

A major free outdoor music festival held along the Magog River. Showcases a diverse lineup of emerging and established artists from Quebec and beyond, across multiple genres including rock, pop, folk, and world music.

A major cycling event for all levels, including a Grand Fondo race that attracts elite and amateur cyclists. Routes tour the scenic Eastern Townships, finishing in downtown Sherbrooke with a festive atmosphere.

A dynamic festival dedicated to world rhythms, from African drumming to Latin jazz and Celtic folk. Features concerts, participatory drum circles, dance workshops, and street performances.

An authentic roots music festival focusing on blues, folk, and Americana. Held in an intimate park setting, it features local and touring artists, creating a relaxed, community-oriented vibe perfect for music lovers.

A classic agricultural fair with a carnival atmosphere. Includes livestock competitions, equestrian shows, local produce exhibits, demolition derbies, midway rides, games, and live entertainment.

A province-wide weekend where cultural institutions open their doors for free. In Sherbrooke, expect open studios, behind-the-scenes museum tours, workshops, concerts, and interactive art installations across the city.

An intimate festival celebrating the guitar in all its forms—flamenco, classical, jazz, blues, and world music. Features renowned international and Canadian guitarists in concert and masterclass settings.

A lively celebration of German culture with a Quebec twist. Enjoy traditional German beer, food (pretzels, sausages), live oompah bands, folk dancing, and family activities in a large, festively decorated tent.

The city's premier Christmas market, transforming a downtown square into a festive village. Features local artisans selling handicrafts, decorations, and gourmet food products, alongside mulled wine, carolers, and holiday lights.

Sherbrooke's official Santa Claus Parade, marking the start of the holiday season. Floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and, of course, Santa himself wind through the downtown streets, delighting children of all ages.

An all-night arts festival where galleries, museums, and unconventional spaces stay open late with free, immersive programming. Expect video projections, interactive installations, pop-up performances, and nocturnal explorations of the city.

The traditional Catholic Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, celebrated in Sherbrooke's beautiful historic cathedrals. Features choirs, carols, candlelight, and a solemn, festive service to mark the birth of Christ.