June Food Festivals (And Other Notable Culinary Events)

Alden & Harlow. / Photo by Kristin Teig.

Boston Bonbon Pop-Up at Downeast Cider

Scarf down some French macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) and enjoy some New England cider at this pairing pop-up. Admission into Downeast is free, though Boston Bonbon expects to sell out of macarons. Consider pre-ordering a half-dozen batch of the shop’s macarons online, including flavors like s’mores and Earl Grey, to guarantee you get a taste.

Saturday, June 11, 2-6 p.m.; Downeast Cider, 200 Terminal St., Charlestown, 857-301-8881, Eventbrite.

Chef’s Studio with Barry Maiden at Tavern Road

Hungry Mother may be gone, but chef Barry Maiden isn’t. The James Beard award-winning chef is joining Tavern Road chef Louis DiBiccari on a menu of modern, rustic ‪‎French‬ cuisine, as part of the restaurant’s Chefs Studio series. Only 12 tickets remain at the time of publication, so act fast if you want a taste of what Maiden has been up to. And if you can’t make it, pencil in next month’s dinner now: Dave Bazirgan of San Fransisco’s Dirty Habit is the guest chef on July 1.

Monday, June 13, 7-10 p.m., $65; Tavern Road, 343 Congress St., Fort Point, 617-790-0808, Eventbrite.

Taste of Somerville in Davis Square

Here’s an easy way to try tastes of Somerville’s best restaurants and breweries: Tasting Counter, Bantam Cider, Kirkland Tap & Trotter, Winter Hill Brewing Company, the forthcoming Fat Hen, and 60-plus more are congregating in Davis Square. The outdoor food fest features live music, and a portion of this year’s sales will go toward the Somerville Community Agency Network. (Note: The event was rescheduled from Wednesday, June 8, due to forecasted rain.)

Wednesday, June 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; 50 Holland St., Davis Square, Somerville, tasteofsomerville.org.

30th Birthday Bash at Harpoon Brewery

Break out your neon spandex and hair metal T-shirts: Harpoon Brewery is turning 30 this month, and to celebrate, CEO Dan Kenary and co. are hosting an ’80s-themed bash and costume contest at its Seaport brewery. Harpoon is also releasing a limited batch of throwback six-pack of its original ale to commemorate the date. Admission includes two drinks and a gift bag.

Wednesday, June 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m., $20; Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall, 306 Northern Ave., Seaport, 617-456-2322, harpoonbrewery.com.

One Kendall Square Block Party

Get (re)acquainted with One Kendall Square restaurants like the Blue Room, which is aiming to reopen this month after a fire in August 2015, the forthcoming Mamaleh’s Deli and Smoke Shop, State Park, Cambridge Brewing Company, and more, as they set up shop outdoors for a one-day block party. Enjoy a few lawn games and live bands while taking in the local fare of the happening ’hood.

Thursday, June 16, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; One Kendall Square, Cambridge, kendallsq.org.

Southern Hip-Hop Brunch at Alden & Harlow

Chef Michael Scelfo and his team will be cooking up Southern classics, like fried chicken, cheddar waffles, and smoked grits, to a soundtrack of your favorite Dirty South anthems, courtesy of DJ Ryan Brown.

June 18, 10:30 a.m-2:30 p.m.; Alden & Harlow, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-864-2100, aldenharlow.com.

Oyster Party and Shucking Competition at Bantam Cider

Sip some cider and watch pros from B&G Oysters and Island Creek Oyster Bar shuck it out in a friendly competition—and enjoy the spoils. The cider company will also make a donation to the winning oyster house’s charity of choice, so you’re slurping for a good cause. Tickets come complete with 12 or 18 oysters, plus a free drink.

Monday, June 20, 7-9:30 p.m, $45-$55; Bantam Cider, 40 Merriam St., Somerville, 617-299-8600, Facebook.

Caribbean Feast at the Sinclair

To kick off the Sinclair’s patio party series (coincidentally, one of the nicest spots ones around), chef Keenan Langlois will be serving a three-course Caribbean menu with dishes like fried plantains, Cuban sliders, Jerk chicken, and rum-soaked pineapple. Every course is paired with Privateer Rum-based cocktails, including one with a collaborative spirit by the distillery and the restaurant.

Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m., $55; The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge, 617-547-5200, sinclaircambridge.com.

Sunday Slam with Eventide Oyster at Commonwealth

Eventide Oyster Co., Portland, Maine’s James Beard-nominated raw bar, is bringing its buttered lobster rolls to Commonwealth as part of the Cambridge restaurant’s Sunday Slam brunch pop-up series . If you can’t make it this time, Eventide returns July 10, July 31, and August 14, and other restaurants are stopping by—and checking out the expanded outdoor space—all summer long.

Sunday, June 26, price and hours to be announced, 11 Broad Canal Way, Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-945-7030, commonwealthcambridge.com.

Rex Beer Release Party at Formaggio Kitchen Annex

Formaggio is marking the release of Rex, a Belgian blonde ale, at its Annex Kitchen with a number of food and cheese pairings, like brats and Belgian gouda. This beer was originally commissioned by cheese purveyor Frederic Van Tricht to pair exclusively with cheese, and this will be the first time it’s available in the U.S. for purchase. If you’ve been skeptical about pairing cheese with anything other than wine, now’s the perfect time to branch out.

Tuesday, June 28, 6-8:30 p.m., $25; Formaggio Kitchen Annex, 67 Smith Pl. #13A, Cambridge, 617-354-7112, formaggiokitchen.com.