Sparks Street

05/29/2026

The weekend is here, and so is your excuse to spend the day downtown 🍖🔥

Ribfest is in full swing on Sparks Street with award-winning BBQ, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of reasons to stick around after your first rack of ribs.

Planning your visit? Check out our recent blog for ideas on where to eat, shop, sip, and explore before or after the festival: https://www.hellodowntown.ca/blog/ribfest-itinerary-blog/

📍 Sparks Street
🎟️ Free admission
🍖 BBQ all weekend long

05/28/2026

Day one of Ribfest absolutely crushed 🔥🍖

Downtown came hungry, the smokers stayed busy, and we’re back at it again today. If you’re working downtown, this is your excuse to step away from the desk and grab some BBQ on Sparks Street. Lunch break, afternoon pick-me-up, post-work dinner… we’ve got you covered.

Round up your coworkers and come see what all the smoke is about.

📍 Sparks Street
⏰ Serving up BBQ all day long

05/28/2026

Between Ribfest bites, patio drinks, and downtown exploring, National Burger Day gives you even more delicious reasons to spend the day in the core 🍔

From classic pub-style stacks to gourmet bites, downtown has a burger for every mood. Whether you’re loyal to the simple cheeseburger or chasing something a little more elevated, there are plenty of spots worth adding to your downtown food crawl.

Find your next burger stop at:
• D'Arcy McGee's - 44 Sparks Street
• 3 Brasseurs - 240 Sparks Street
• Smash Daddy - 84 O'Connor Street
• Bier Markt - 156 Sparks Street
• Brixton's British Pub - 210 Sparks Street
• The Office Resto Pub - 202 Sparks Street
• Cocotte Bistro - 123 Metcalfe Street
• Riviera - 62 Sparks Street
• Rabbit Hole - 208 Sparks Street
• The Caeser Co. - 189 Lyon Street
• The Royal Oak - 180 Kent Street

05/27/2026

During Ribfest, participating Sparks Street patios are welcoming festival visitors to grab a seat and enjoy their BBQ eats with the minimum purchase of a drink.

So instead of balancing your plate standing up, you can grab your ribs, chicken, or pulled pork from the festival, order a drink, and settle in on a patio right in the heart of the action.

Participating patios:
🍻The Commons - 187 Sparks Street
🍻Ottawa Bike Cafe - 79 Sparks Street
🍻Rabbit Hole - 208 Sparks Street
🍻The Office Resto Pub - 202 Sparks Street
🍻3 Brasseurs - 240 Sparks Street
🍻Brixton’s British Pub - 210 Sparks Street
🍻Pomonas - 191 Sparks Street

Because everything tastes better on a patio with a cold drink.

05/27/2026

‘Twas the hour before Ribfest and all through Sparks Street,⁠
the vendors were cooking up something to eat 🍖⁠
⁠
The smokers were rolling, the patios packed,⁠
with music, cold drinks, and the crowds coming back 🔥☀️⁠
⁠
Ribfest officially kicks off TODAY⁠
See you downtown for five days of BBQ the downtown way⁠
⁠

05/26/2026

Ribfest hits Sparks Street tomorrow.

For five days, Sparks Street fills with smoky BBQ, patio crowds, cold drinks, sweet treats, and the kind of summer energy you only get downtown.

If you’re planning a visit, we’ve put together a downtown Ribfest guide to help you make the most of it, including:
• where to pair your BBQ with a Sparks Street patio seat
• sweet treats and cold drink stops nearby
• family-friendly attractions and downtown experiences
• ideas for turning your visit into a full day in the core

Ribfest runs May 27-31
11 AM - 10 PM daily
11 AM - 8 PM Sunday

Read the blog and plan your Ribfest day downtown: https://www.hellodowntown.ca/blog/ribfest-itinerary-blog/

05/25/2026

International Wine Day is the perfect excuse to explore Downtown Ottawa one glass at a time. From cozy pubs to elevated dining spots, there’s definitely no shortage of places to enjoy a great glass (or bottle) of wine downtown 🥂

Celebrate with a stop at:
🍷 Darcy McGee’s (44 Sparks Street)
🍷 Rabbit Hole (208 Sparks Street) - featuring half-priced bottles of wine after 5pm on Mondays
🍷 Riviera (62 Sparks Street)
🍷 Prova (101 Lyon Street)
🍷 The Royal Oak (180 Kent Street)
🍷 Bier Markt (156 Sparks Street)

Whether you’re planning date night, after-work drinks, or a long catch-up with friends, downtown has the perfect pour waiting for you.

05/21/2026

Tamarack Race Weekend is almost here, bringing thousands of runners and supporters right through the heart of downtown Ottawa. From morning coffees and energizing snacks to post-run patio drinks and celebratory brews, downtown is part of every step of the weekend 🏃☕🍻

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere in the core, there’s no better place to be. Fuel up before the start line, then stick around after the finish to explore the cafés, patios, restaurants, and drink spots just steps away.

📍Link in bio for our full directory of cafés, restaurants, and shops near the finish line.

05/20/2026

Get ready, Ottawa! One of the city’s most beloved food festivals is back 🍖🔥⁠
⁠
The original Ottawa Ribfest returns to Sparks Street from May 27-31 for five sizzling days of award-winning ribs, mouth-watering BBQ, and community fun.⁠
⁠
Ottawa Ribfest draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and this year promises to be even better. Come experience the best in local and national BBQ talent as rib trucks compete for your tastebuds’ approval!⁠
⁠
Whether you’re a BBQ fan or just here for the good vibes, Ribfest is your ticket to a delicious downtown adventure.⁠
⁠
Why You Should Attend:
🔥 Award-winning BBQ ribs & eats you don’t want to miss
🔥 Patio sips on Sparks Street all weekend long
🔥 Pre-summer downtown tradition in the heart of Ottawa
⁠
This signature event is proudly sponsored by the Canadian Pork Council, underscoring the continued support of Canadian agriculture and food producers.⁠
⁠
📍 Sparks Street
🗓 May 27-31
⁠

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

Shake up your monthly plans 🍸✨

Cocotte Bistro is launching a new monthly cocktail workshop series, inviting guests into their world for an evening of creativity, flavour, and French-inspired charm.

Hosted in the cozy Metcalfe Living Room, each workshop is led by their talented team and includes hands-on cocktail making, tastings, and signature drinks crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

🥂 What to expect:
• Two cocktails to make + taste
• An interactive and lively atmosphere
• The perfect night out with friends or coworkers

Whether you love timeless classics or discovering new flavours, this experience is your excuse to sip à la française. ✨

📍First workshop on May 28th, book your spot: https://www.opentable.ca/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1256926&restref=1256926&experienceId=719886&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared