Smaller but still mighty: Over the Fourth of July weekend, a condensed two-day Waterfront Blues Festival with just one main stage and a side stage drew longtime blues lovers and new fans alike to Tom McCall Waterfront Park — find out why it still rocked.
Pickleball recycling pilot: Ridwell has teamed with Jumbo’s Pickleball in Portland and Beaverton to collect worn-out balls at courts through July 15, turning them into plant pots, piping and more — find out how to recycle your used pickleballs.
A kaleidoscope of chamber music: From Soovin Kim’s electrifying Mendelssohn quintet to Fleur Barron’s velvety Mahler Ruckert-Lieder, Chamber Music Northwest’s “Brandenburg All-Stars” concert at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium pulsed with drama, color, and virtuosity — find out how they painted every phrase.
Eastside beach transformation: The Human Access Project is hosting weekly lifeguarded events with DJs and food trucks at Audrey McCall Beach this July and August, aiming to reclaim the riverfront from crime and debris — find out if it succeeds.
Summertime Arboretum Adventures: Hoyt Arboretum’s Pop-Up Nature! runs Thursdays–Saturdays, 9am–12pm, offering hands-on nature searches you can enjoy on the trails or take home, plus free Family Forest Days on July 12 and Aug. 16 — find out what’s in store.
Neurodiverse art takes center stage: North Pole Studio’s “tell ___ ‘hi’ from me” opened July 3 at PSU’s Littman Gallery, showcasing works by 27 artists through Aug. 28 before embarking on a Pacific Northwest tour — check out the exhibition.
Danger at every swimming hole: From Lacamas Regional Park to the Columbia River, Clark County’s technical rescue team is often too far away when swimmers slip beneath the surface — find out how they respond.
Portland’s tastiest new openings: Chef Vince Nguyen’s Berlu Bakery reopens with bánh khoai mì nướng and pandan bánh bò nướng; Black Cat Frozen Custard charms with mystical scoops and a hidden speakeasy coffee lounge; Delta Carts Food Pod debuts five vendors; and Nam Tao Huu brings Thai-style soy milk and Chinese doughnuts to town — find out what’s cooking.
Honor local Senior Heroes: AAADSW is accepting nominations for caregivers, advocates and community champions in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties through Aug. 29 — find out how to nominate.
Portland’s best 4T urban adventure: This 9-mile loop mixes the Portland Aerial Tram, forested trails, a quick MAX ride and a streetcar trip to showcase Council Crest, Washington Park and downtown — find out.
Other Vancouver headlines this week
- Summer jobs transform lives beyond wages
- Portland nonprofit gives homeless youth agency
- Volunteers mapped 102,000 temperatures across Vancouver neighborhoods
- Rose Haven expands free legal advice
- Paul’s diner returns with updated favorites
- Clark County sheriff’s office renews disappearance appeal
