Sunday, June 21, is the first official day of summer. The summer solstice is an astronomical event caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to the planet’s orbit around the sun. From the equinox (March 20) to the winter solstice (June 21), the Northern Hemisphere—which includes Canada—is closer to the sun’s warm rays than at any other time of the year.
In rural areas, where we live in harmony with nature—a connection that has been somewhat lost in the city—the summer solstice is an opportunity to mark the changing seasons and appreciate the beauty and sense of community at a lovely market.
In the village of Knowlton Lac-Brome, the Leporello art studio is organizing an art market for the summer solstice on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Knowlton Lac-Brome, Eastern Townships
When you arrive in Knowlton, you’re not sure if you’ve stepped into a Quebec version of Twin Peaks… Small stone churches, Victorian houses, and a little waterfall lined with massive, ancient boulders.
In fact, it’s one of two villages in the Townships that inspired mystery novelist Louise Penny to create the village at the heart of her stories: Three Pines. She was born in Knowlton and still draws inspiration from it. You can grab a coffee at Café Three Pines—located beneath Knowlton’s beautiful bookstore— which was launched by Louise Penny and friends and inspired by the “Bistro” in her books.
Where? Café Three Pines, below the Lac Brome Bookstore, at 45 Chemin Lakeside, Knowlton
She was also inspired by the village of North Hatley, where you can visit the J.B. LeBaron general store, which appears in the book *Révélation Brutale* from Louise Penny’s mystery series.
We also recommend, while you’re in Knowlton;
- …to go for a stroll along the Lac Brome Trail, which runs along the lake to the beach for 11.5 km and can be explored on foot or by bike in the summer
- …to go eat a Caesar salad with fries at the Auberge Knowlton
- to bring back some local wine and duck rillettes from La Pantry
The SOLSTICE Market
The market will showcase the work of numerous artists who have completed residencies at the Leporello Studio, in addition to creations by local artisans and artists. The list of exhibitors is here;
@annejulie_dudemaine
@arsenault_co
@latelier_em
@audrey.lruel
@jeraume
@Kazakmtl
@les_jardins_de_la_renarde
@plantefauve
@miloanddexter
@moultonhill_fermecidricole
@pompon.design
@sel_saint_laurent
@tripleb.mtl
@vignoblelardennais
Practical Information – SOLSTICE Art Market
Where? Leporello Art Studio, 39 Victoria Street, Knowlton
When? Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How? Free admission
