Strathmore is bringing back one of its most recognizable summer traditions, with a full lineup now set for the return of its free outdoor concert series.

Strathmore will once again host “Live from the Lawn” this July at the Gudelsky Gazebo Stage, featuring a mix of family-friendly performances and the return of its companion series, “Cool Concerts for Kids,” which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

The Wednesday night lineup kicks off July 1 at 7:30pm and runs through mid-August, bringing a range of genres to the outdoor stage. Performers this year include Strutman Lane, Maruja Limón, Striking Matches, Damn Tall Buildings, Shayna Steele, and the annual UkeFest Finale.

On Thursdays at 7pm, the “Cool Concerts for Kids” series shifts the focus to younger audiences with interactive performances designed around music and movement. This year’s lineup includes Larry & Joe, Wendy & DB, and Big Bang Boom.

A special weekend performance is also scheduled for Saturday, August 1 at 7:30pm, featuring Marcella Simien, whose work blends soul, blues, jazz, and American roots influences.

All concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, or picnics, though food and drinks will also be available for purchase on site, including options from Strathmore’s BBQ tent and a Ben & Jerry’s truck. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

In the event of rain, performances will move indoors to the Music Center at Strathmore with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers recommend RSVPing in advance to receive updates and reminders.

The series continues to emphasize accessibility and community gathering, offering a consistent midweek option for live music throughout the summer.

More than two years after first being announced, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill appears to be moving closer to opening in Olney.

Back in January 2024, plans were revealed for Mezeh to take over 18129 Town Center Dr in the Fair Hill Shopping Center. After a prolonged period with little visible activity beyond signage, momentum has recently picked up. This week, the location received a delivery of furniture and equipment, with much of the interior construction now appearing to be complete. While an official opening date has not been announced, the latest progress suggests the restaurant could debut in the coming months.

The timeline stands in contrast to nearby Chopt, which was announced around the same time and opened more than a year ago next door. Mezeh is taking over the former Olney Winery space within the center.

The fast-casual concept offers a build-your-own approach, featuring rice and salad bowls, wraps, and a wide variety of sauces and toppings. Founded in Annapolis in 2013, Mezeh has expanded across the region, with existing Montgomery County locations in Aspen Hill, Gaithersburg, and Germantown, along with dozens more along the East Coast.

Another location is also in the pipeline, with Mezeh planned for 10619 Connecticut Ave as part of the upcoming Crossroads at Kensington development.

Panera Bread at 18141 Town Center in Olney appears to be nearing a permanent closure, with multiple signs pointing to the end of operations in the coming weeks.

Over the last couple weeks, several employees have shared that the location is expected to close in late May or early June. Today, an employee shared that he believes the store will close at the end of May. Communication from corporate has been notably absent, with outreach going unanswered.

There has been movement behind the scenes for several months. The space has been listed as “available” in leasing materials since at least last summer, suggesting plans to backfill the location have been in motion for some time. More recently, that status shifted to “negotiating,” signaling that a new tenant may already be in the works.

Speculation about what could replace Panera has been circulating locally, with First Watch emerging as the most frequently mentioned possibility. However, no official announcement has been made, and the future tenant remains unconfirmed.

A new grassroots concept aimed at filling a long-standing gap in Olney is beginning to take shape, with plans for a mobile bookstore that could eventually grow into a permanent community space.

Olney resident Jessica is behind “Next Chapter Collective,” an independent bookstore concept that will operate out of a converted van or mini-bus, bringing books directly to where the community gathers. The mobile shop is expected to pop up at farmers markets, school events, block parties, and other local gatherings, offering a curated selection of books for children, teens, and adults.

In addition to selling books, the concept is designed to function as a rolling community hub, with plans for storytimes, book clubs, and neighborhood-focused events. The approach allows the business to build a following and test demand without the immediate overhead of a traditional storefront.

The idea comes as Olney continues to see growth in food and retail options, but remains without a dedicated independent bookstore. Next Chapter Collective aims to fill that void while creating a more community-driven experience than traditional retail.

To help fund the project, a Kickstarter campaign is set to launch on May 5, with proceeds going toward purchasing and converting the vehicle. A pre-launch page is already live as the project begins building early support.

While the mobile bookstore is the initial focus, the long-term goal is to establish a brick-and-mortar location that combines an indie bookstore with a café, offering a permanent gathering space for readers and residents alike.

If successful, Next Chapter Collective would mark a rare addition to the area’s local business landscape, blending retail, events, and community engagement into a single concept designed specifically for Olney.