•  Ferme Juniper Farm has fresh field strawberries and Haskaps (they kind of look like stretched out blueberries) fresh in the farm store on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Or you can order online.
•  Whiprsnapr has released Doin’ Time, the latest in the Rockn’n’Hops NEIPA Series Volume 5. Doin’ Time uses Nectaron hops from New Zealand, which give the beer intense notes of tropical fruit.
•  The owner of the former Holland’s Bake and Shake in Hintonburg has surfaced in Saint John, NB. Michael Holland has opened a craft beer and pizza joint called Beer Bread. Our loss, the Picture Province’s gain.
•  Another excuse for a road trip: the Wilno Tavern, in Wilno (2.5 hours west of Ottawa – it’s the place with all the vampires, remember), has been serving pints since 1899 and, for the first time in 40 years, has a new owner. The Wilno is having a transition party on Sunday to both welcome the new owner and give a sudsy send off to the old.
•  Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa graduate Sanaz Homa has opened Tartelette Bakery & Café, featuring artisan pastries and tarts, in Greystone Village, Old Ottawa East. The interior looks almost as tasty as the tarts.
•  Peter Hum at the Ottawa Citizen not only has a beef with the beef at Ratatouille Bistro but also with the lobster poutine, mushrooms on toast, and the tuna tartare. He was happier when he came back for brunch. Unexpectedly, Ratatouille does not serve Ratatouille.
•  Ottawa Tourism has a highlights page to remind all of some fantastic food festivals coming up this summer: The Great Afro-Caribbean BBQ, Ottawa Lebanese Festival, Carivibe Ottawa Caribbean Carnival, Halal Ribfest, Ottawa Greek Fest, Palestinian Festival Ottawa, and The Chef’s Table.
•  Just a reminder that our Ottawa-Gatineau Craft Beer Brewery Map is at your service 24/7.

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Today

•  Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (June 21 through 25) opens today at Mādahòkì Farm, Canada’s only Indigenous Agri-tourism destination and working farm. This year’s lineup includes a Pow Wow, competitions in drumming and dancing, and creative workshops, some of which require advance registration. 4420 West Hunt Club Road.

•  Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council  present a collection of exhibits at the Indigenous Peoples Space (100 Wellington St. W)

• This week’s Welli-Wednesday at Pat McLeod Community Stage (Parkdale Park) welcomes Jake Demarsh and Jazz From Everywhere.

• The Art Bank looks back at its first 50 years of existence with a new exhibition featuring 24 recent acquisitions that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. Until May 2024 the Âjagemô exhibition hall, 150 Elgin Street, P.O. Box 1047.
•  Ottawa Markets presents The Summer Solstice Fashion Show at 55 ByWard Market Square (William Street Pedestrian Way), featuring clothing and accessories by Indigenous Makers and Indigenous-owned brands.
•  Ottawa Fringe Festival continues, with shows playing every night until Sunday (June 25). Tonight’s shows.
•  Starting today, you'll find a farmer’s market popping up in the parking lot of Red Apron on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Discover organic produce from Roots and Shoots Farm. 4:30pm to 6:30pm 410 Gladstone Ave.

Tomorrow

•  Down in Metcalfe, Ontario, there’s live music in Victoria Park every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This week singer songwriter John Allaire - who was once declared “The next Canadian music legend” by (sadly, now defunct) Penguin Eggs magazine - will play tunes from his impressive catalogue.
•  Free Ottawa Jazz Festival Homegrown Series continues with songwriter Circle at LIVE on Elgin. 220 Elgin St, starting at 8:00pm.
•  Chef Joe Thottungal and Anne DesBrisay talk about writing their second cookbook, My Thali: A Simple Indian Kitchen. Free, but registration is required. Perfect Books, 258 Elgin St.
•  Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival returns to Mooney’s Bay Park today through Sunday, bringing competing teams from around the world to the Rideau River, and free concerts to the stage each evening. Juno award winners Dear Rouge open the concert series tonight. Beer sponsor Beyond the Pale brings the suds while a strong lineup up food vendors will take care of hunger pangs.
•  Ottawa Fringe Festival continues, with shows playing every night until Sunday (June 25). Tonight’s lineup.

Friday

•  Art House will be celebrating the arrival of summer nights with DJ in the Driveway, starting at 6:30pm. While you enjoy cocktails on the patio, DJ Osita will be playing UK garage and house music. 
•  Art House is also presenting the weekly free Music in the Park performances at Dundonald Park (which is right beside the venue). Kenny Hayes is this week’s performer. Somerset and Lyon streets, beginning at 6:30pm.
•  With not one but two live bands plus DJ Remi Royale, House of TARG’s 80’s Dance Party will be lit. Tease your hair, grab a slick of frosty lipgloss, and be there. 9:00pm at 1077 Bank St.
• Ottawa Fringe Festival continues, with shows playing every night until Sunday (June 25). Tonight’s shows.

Just Announced / Now Booking

•  Tickets to Eddie Izzard at the NAC are available on presale until June 23 at 9:00am. Use the code BEES1
•  You can still buy tickets to this Saturday's Barn Warming at Ottawa Farm Fresh that we told you about in May. The Barn, which houses the farm store, was restored from a dilapidated state in partnership with the NCC, but that funding only stretched so far. When you buy a ticket to the event on June 24 you’re contributing to the electricity, flooring, and other internal work and fittings. The day will include Contra Dancing, delicious sausages and kebabs, and a tour of the barn. $25 (or free for CSA members). Ottawa Farm Fresh 2811 Ransayville Road, Gloucester.
•  If you participated in this year’s Italian Week Ottawa, the organizers would love your feedback.