Free kids’ lunches, Day of Play, a book fair, $2.7M grants, skatepark jams, cider cocktails, and more.
June 27, 2025
Happy Friday, Vancouver. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Vancouver Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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Free lunches 🍽️
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Day of Play 🛝
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A $2.7M boost 💰️
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Mental health supports slashed: Vancouver Public Schools will lose its grant funding for secondary-school mental health services at the end of 2025 due to federal cuts, leaving students to rely on community supports that are already stretched thin — read the full story.
Summer meals now underway: Free weekday lunches for kids 18 and younger are being served at over 20 Clark County schools, community centers, and apartments through August 8 — find your closest site.
City secures $2.7M boost: At its June 17 meeting, the City Council accepted two grants totaling $2.7 million to expand HART’s outreach and fund a commercial-grade kitchen for the upcoming Bridge Shelter — read the full story.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
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WA State Patrol using cell phone data
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Skate jams + community resources at Swift Skatepark
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Pokémon-themed fun takes over Esther Short
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Ceremony blends tea rituals and Reiki healing
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Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, Final Draft Taphouse turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—Chandelier Bakery is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, Pour Choices Pub hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Bolt action: Hunting for bold florals, buttery satins, or that perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece? Fiddlesticks Quilt Shop stocks bolts of fabric so good you’ll actually look forward to hemming, quilting, or just petting every. single. yard.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
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📆 Vancouver happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
💇♀️ Hot Hair Tools Swap @ Kindred | Friday (6/27) at 10 am – Ready to break up with your curling iron? Trade it for something hotter at this free swap with Halo Designs. Whether you’re looking to swap or just explore, it’s all about sustainable glam and community cheer.
⚽ 2025 Clash at the Border Presented by Hampton Inn @ Columbia Premier Football Club | Friday (6/27) at 12 pm – This massive weekend tournament draws top soccer talent from across the U.S. and Canada for epic matchups on both sides of the Columbia. Expect serious footwork, fierce competition, and a sea of team colors.
🛹 360Grindz Summer Opener & Thrive2Survive Resource Event @ Swift Skatepark | Friday (6/27) at 1 pm – Skate jams, community vibes, and tons of free resources all collide at this action-packed afternoon. Raffles, prizes, food vendors, and local skate gear make this a no-brainer for anyone looking to kick off summer right.
This weekend
📚 Summer Kickoff Book Fair @ Vintage Books | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Swing by for a low-key book hunt with everything from picture books to graphic novels. There’ll be freebies, prizes, and cute school supplies that totally count as “summer reading motivation.”
🌈 Harper’s Playground Day of Play @ Marshall Park | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Celebrate inclusive play at this joyful, all-ages community bash. Expect music from DJ EZ Mix, local food carts, games, park activities, and over two dozen vendors. It’s all free, all fun, and all about building a world where everyone can play.
🛍️ Uptown Flea Market @ Kindred | Saturday (6/28) at 11 am – Bubbles, chalk art, and 15+ local vendors turn this neighborhood market into a creative hangout. Hosted by Kindred & Calluna Alchemy, it’s the perfect spot to shop small and soak up good vibes.
🚗 Royal Fitment Northwest 6 @ Clark College | Saturday (6/28) at 3 pm – It’s trophies galore at this high-octane car show, where kids’ rides, team challenges, and even tug-of-war make the cut. Two-step battles and model sash-offs round out the surprises. Entry’s free — just bring your best chrome and swagger.
🎨 Acrylic Painting Workshop @ Vancouver VA Campus | Sunday (6/29) at 10:30 am – Roll up your sleeves and explore acrylic painting with veteran artist Gage Mace at the Vancouver VA campus. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to brush up your skills, this welcoming workshop is all about expression, technique, and creating something beautiful together.
🎨 Glass Fusing Workshop @ Live Laugh Love Art | Sunday (6/29) at 12:30 pm – Heat up your creativity and dive into molten-glass magic with everything provided—from tools to inspiration and a talented studio host guiding you step by step. Choose to craft a chic 6″ tile or a set of coasters (or upgrade your design!), then sip “Liquid Encouragement” as you fuse your masterpiece. Whether you roll solo or bring the gang, it’s the perfect blend of social vibes and artsy fun.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/27 Final Fridays Live Music ft. Jim Marcotte @ Pepper Bridge Winery – 5 pm
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6/27 Free Concert @ Howard House – 5:30 pm
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6/27 Wind and the Willows Young@Part @ Metropolitan Performing Arts – 6 pm
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6/28 Under the Deku Tree @ Esther Short Park – 9 am
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6/28 DJ EZ Mix @ Marshall Park – 10 am
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6/28 Listener Appreciation Day ft. Dusty Rust @ Outlaw Country Radio – 11 am
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6/28 Good Times & Wine ft. Sparrow Wren @ English Estate Winery – 6 pm
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6/28 Tim Taylor @ Billy Blues Bar and Grill – 9 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Vancouver edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Bryan Fix (John L. Scott Real Estate) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 2003 | 3934 sqft
Grand entrances, sweeping staircases, and floor-to-ceiling windows that practically beg for dramatic entrances—this First Place stunner doesn’t do subtle. Hardwood floors and custom window treatments (yes, even remote-controlled blinds for your inner secret agent) keep things both posh and practical, while the kitchen’s telescoping downdraft cooktop is basically an appliance magic trick.
Out back, a wrought iron fence, gazebo, and covered patio with privacy shades set the stage for legendary gatherings—or just a quiet moment with the koi. High ceilings, bold millwork, and a split bedroom layout mean everyone gets their own slice of peace, while the recirculating hot water pump ensures nobody ever suffers a cold shower.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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