4th of July shenanigans, a car show, kitten crisis, massive green spaces grant, and more.
July 04, 2025
Happy Fourth of July, 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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4th of July 🎆
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Picnic potluck 🧺
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Beach clean up 🗑️
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Kitten crisis hits Vancouver: With over 315 kittens currently in care and more arriving daily, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington is urgently calling for foster families to help ease the summer surge — learn how you can pitch in.
Arts ed in limbo: Arts for Learning Northwest abruptly paused programming last month after financial troubles and a leadership shakeup, leaving school districts and dozens of teaching artists scrambling ahead of fall — see what’s at stake.
$6.25 million for green spaces: Metro just awarded major parks and nature grants to 12 projects across greater Portland, backing everything from wetland restoration in Aloha to a cultural garden in Chinatown — see the full list of recipients.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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WA forest health survey results are in
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New plan to protect wildlife on the road
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Join the third annual poker run
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Swap market & reusable bags for free
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Waterfront Blues Fest fireworks tonight
🫶 We got your back
Crunch time: When your stomach starts growling for something crispy, herby, and downright irresistible, Falahi Bro’s whips up golden falafel that’ll have you reaching for extra tahini—and maybe a second pita—faster than you can say “chickpea bliss.”
Frankly fantastical franks: When you need a quick bite that packs a punch, Diggity Dawgs is the reigning champ of mustard, relish, and risk-it-all topping combos. Think loaded chili-cheese dogs with a dash of sriracha and pickled jalapeños—because sometimes comfort food needs a kick.
Tune in, power up: When you need a PC that churns through renders like a boss, keyboards that feel like an extension of your fingertips, or speakers that make your playlists thump, Pacific Northwest Computers is the secret weapon for every tech obsession.
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right now.
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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
🎆 Ridgefield 4th of July Celebration @ Davis Park & Downtown Ridgefield | Friday (7/4) starting at 7:30 am – Kick off Independence Day with a free 2.5-mile Fun Run (check-in at 7:30 am, run at 8), followed by Zumba in the Park at 9 am. At 10:15 am, kids and pets decked out in red, white, and blue march in the Pre-Parade, then the main parade rolls at 11 am through downtown Ridgefield. Stay for an all-day festival of food and craft vendors, children’s activities, a pie-eating contest at 2:30 pm, and live stage entertainment.
🃏 3rd Annual 4th Of July Poker Run @ Angel’s Donuts & Ice Cream Van Mall | Friday (7/4) at 8:30 am – Ready to hit the open road and maybe your lucky hand? This laid-back cruise welcomes cars, trucks, motorcycles—heck, even your neighbor’s golf cart. A $10 buy-in gets you multiple hands, half the pot goes to two winners, and the rest fuels Northwest Battle Buddies. Roll out at Angel’s Donuts and finish by 2 pm just in time for fireworks and backyard burgers.
🚲 Westridge Kid’s Bike Parade @ Camas, WA | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Deck out your wheels (or wagon, scooter, or feet) in red, white, and blue and roll from the Fisher Basin Park entrance down Westridge Boulevard. Parade kicks off sharp at 11 am, then stick around for free popsicles and cheers from neighbors lining the route. Don’t want to ride? Head to the boulevard to cheer on our pint-sized patriots and soak up community spirit.
🧺 4th of July Neighborhood Picnic @ Immanuel Lutheran Church | Friday (7/4) at 5:30 pm – Fireworks? Nope. Alcohol? Uh-uh. Good old-fashioned potluck? You betcha. Bring a dish or just your appetite to Immanuel Lutheran’s Summer Parking Lot Potluck for lawn games, watermelon, and neighborly chitchat. Kids, grandparents, even the dog (on a leash!) are welcome to join the picnic frenzy. Let’s kick off Independence Day with plates full of food and hearts full of community.
This weekend
🏐 3rd Annual RC4’s Tournament @ Leroy Haagen Park | Saturday (7/5) at 8 am – Calling all grass-volleyball gladiators: RC4’s 3rd annual grass tournament is back! Rally your crew (2 men, 2 women per squad), choose your division, and lock in your spot by posting in the event with your teammates’ names and paying via Venmo or CashApp. Gear up for pool play and double-elimination madness, with acai bowls on deck to keep you fueled.
🏖️ Marine Park Beach Cleanup @ Marine Park | Saturday (7/5) at 9 am – Roll up your sleeves and join Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center for a post-July 4th shoreline spruce-up. All tools and buckets provided—just bring good vibes and a sun hat.
📚 Adult LGBTQ Book Group @ Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary | Saturday (7/5) at 4 pm – Curl up with fellow bookworms for a lively hybrid meetup, sip on Dandelion’s signature tea blends, and dive into July’s pick with spirited discussion. Whether in-person or online, all viewpoints and hot takes are welcome.
🎨 Mosaic Art Workshop @ Live Laugh Love Art | Saturday (7/5) at 4 pm – Unleash your inner artisan in this two-hour session—pick your wooden base, arrange vibrant glass tiles, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No prior experience needed; just bring your creativity and a sense of adventure.
🚗 The 3rd annual Put that on the Pack Car Show @ Pregame Sports Bar & Grill | Sunday (7/6) at 9 am – Get ready to roll deep with classic rides and custom beasts at Pregame Sports Bar & Grill—no pre-registration, just show up, drop your ten bucks (cash preferred), and flex your wheels. DJs Dirty Harry & Charlie Blu will spin the tunes, while Wizeguy360, Kidd Fresh, West Craven, Smurf Luciano, and more bring live heat to the show. Whether you rock four wheels, two wheels, or even a PowerWheel, there’s a spot for you—move-in at 9 am and let the engines roar from 11–4 pm.
🧘♀️ Yoga and a Pint @ Loowit Brewing Company | Sunday (7/6) at 10 am – Flow through sun salutations and then reward yourself with a frosty pint—talk about starting Sunday right. Maurya leads an all-levels class for just $25, which covers your yoga session plus that first beer on tap. Stick around for lunch (10% off your tab) and maybe another brew—only 20 spots available, so grab yours before they’re gone!
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/4 First Friday Unplugged @ LiveWell Camas – 5 pm
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7/4 First Friday Art Walk @ Downtown Vancouver – 5pm
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7/4 4th of July Neighborhood Picnic @ Immanuel Lutheran Church – 5:30 pm
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7/4 Live Music Friday’s @ AC Lounge – 6 pm
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7/4 Jonas Greene & The Dark Show @ Ronald Records – 6 pm
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7/6 Wizeguy360 and more @ Pregame Sports Bar – 11 am
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7/6 Live DJ @ Thirsty Sasquatch – 3 pm
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7/6 Tracy McFarland @ The Soul Ascension Studio – 7:30 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.
Listed by: Russ Patterson (West Realty Group, LLC)
This brand new PNW stunner has vaulted great-room ceilings with a modern fireplace, while 13-foot eaves and oversized windows shower everything in sunshine. A chef’s dream KitchenAid arsenal features double ovens, quartz island, pantry stash. And custom cabinetry plus statement fixtures make storage the new showpiece.
The main-floor primary retreat flaunts a freestanding tub, custom-tiled shower and double-sink sanctuary next to a walk-in closet fit for a boutique. Outdoors, a covered patio gears up for BBQs, landscaping and sprinklers keep the yard tidy, and AC plus a 2-10 warranty handle the drama.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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