Drinks, Dine & Dance: Festive Wednesdays Bring Old Hull to Life

Drazen Seslija and Jude Osmond

Summer promises to be lively in downtown Gatineau with the return of the “Buvette, dinette & steppettes” (Drinks, Dine & Dance) evenings at Place Laval. Organized in collaboration with the City of Gatineau and Vision Centre-Ville, this event, now in its third year, is a festive gathering in the heart of Old Hull to be held every Wednesday this summer.

The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, May 27, is a summer festival-ish activity for people of all ages, where friends and families can enjoy the local music scene and some delicious food and drinks.

Music, local cuisine, dancing, and much more

The concept features a mix of music, local cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere. Each week, guest DJs, local restaurateurs, and local microbreweries gather in the public square to offer a relaxed outdoor experience to residents and visitors alike. The goal is to showcase local businesses and restaurants while bringing life to the downtown area during the summer season.

There were various food options available at the May 27 event, including delicious shrimp, Japadogs, stir-fry, and other cuisines.

For Philippe Deschamps, executive director of Vision Centre-Ville de Gatineau, the event features a rich lineup that builds on the momentum of previous editions while introducing new elements. “We have 15 different restaurants and 15 different DJs,” he explained. “This is our third edition, so it really is a continuation of what we’ve been doing. One of the new features is that we’re also trying to introduce festive lunchtimes, but it’s really a continuation of a variety of activities, such as yoga, dance, Saturday nights, shows with the Cultural Embassy that are making a comeback, and much more. We’re really working together – the City of Gatineau, the Cultural Embassy, Apéro-Hull, and many other partners – to offer the public the best experience possible. They’re all pitching in to provide a beautiful, dynamic, and diverse program. It’s truly designed for everyone – kids and adults, all ages – and everyone is always welcome!”

The next edition of the Buvette, dinette & steppettes is on Wednesday, June 3, at Place Laval, with an intense barbecue and multiple DJs taking the scene as people get together for a nice evening at Place Laval!

Family enjoying their time at the Buvette, dinette & steppettes event while listening to the live music on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: Jude Osmond

Philippe Deschamps, executive director of Vision Centre-Ville de Gatineau and Julien Boivin Provost, the host of the event Apéro-Hull, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: Jude Osmond