Though I consider myself more of a sophisticated drinker than a sophisticated dresser; the Ottawa Wine and Food Show has always been an annual excuse to see if my vest still fits, make vest puns and to test my “How to Tie a Tie” bookmark. The event has now expanded to offer a springtime event: Eat, Drink, Spring! This 2016 edition will be the third time this event has taken place, but it will be the first time in its new location at Ottawa City Hall.

The show is on (lucky!) Friday the 13th 4PM-10PM and Saturday the 14th 12PM-10PM. Your $20 admission ticket will gain you entry, a sampling glass (don’t drop it) and access to numerous demos on BBQ, wine sampling, gardening seminars and live entertainment (full schedule here). Attendees can vote in the The Battle of the BBQ to determine the best tastes for Summer, all while supporting The Ottawa Mission.

As with previous shows, this is a cash-only event and drink tickets will be needed to purchase from vendors. ATMs will be available on-site, but no one wants to wait in line for one of those. There will be over 100 wines to sample, artisanal spirits, seasonal cocktails and, where you can find me, craft beer including Mill Street, Nita Beer and Whitewater Brewing Co. In the event of uncooperative weather there is 10,000 square feet of tenting and heaters. The event isn’t dry, but the attendees will be.

The dress code for the show is “patio chic” which I assume involves some type of wide brimmed hat or Parisian scarf…? As I noted earlier, my expertise is really more beer-focused, so I’d recommend consulting with their fashion experts for style points. But if you’re looking for a patio beer that pairs perfectly with sun and warm weather: I’d recommend Whitewater Brewing’s Farmer’s Daughter blonde ale, or, if available, their super refreshing melon version.