Free events in Vancouver, WA

Esther Short Park comes alive as the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival fills downtown with art, music and community. This free celebration features outdoor stages, local art vendors, a festival art exhibition and activities for families, with creative discoveries around every corner. Experience performances by violinist Pinchas Zukerman, pianist Shelly Berg and cellist Julian Schwarz with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA, led by Maestro Salvador Brotons and Maestro Gerard Schwarz. Presented by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver, the festival showcases the city’s creative spirit and the shared joy of the arts.

Share’s Summer Meals provides free, healthy meals to children and teens during the summer when school is not in session. This site is hosted at Crestline Elementary School. The program is federally funded and state-administered, with the goal of helping kids 18 and under access nutritious meals in low-income areas.

Kids Create is a free drop-in creative program for children ages 5 to 9. Kids can work on hands-on, interactive projects, use their imagination, and practice new artistic skills during the session.

Enjoy a free day of live music at the Washington Park Summer Festival, featuring the Time Sound Big Band. The performance is a jazz big band spotlighting Portland’s Black music history and future. The festival is part of the Summer Free For All program at Portland Parks and Recreation.

A free summertime day of dance at Vancouver Lake focuses on bachata and zouk in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Expect music, social dancing, sunshine and shade, time by the water, and opportunities to connect with the community. Pack your own food, drinks, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a comfortable lake day. There is a parking admission fee at Vancouver Lake, so carpooling is a helpful option. Open to dancers, friends, and community members. Organized by VMAC.

A community gathering on the Grant House lawn welcomes all ages for a relaxed day outdoors. The day features lawn games, face painting, and live entertainment. It is also Washington Museum Day. Providence Academy and Marshall House will be open for free guided tours. Guests may bring snacks or a picnic lunch, and sweet treats will be available on site from Ice Cream Cart Co. and SourPuss Lemonade. Parking is available in public lots along E. Evergreen Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way, with additional parking at the Clark Public Utilities building at the corner of Mill Plain and Fort Vancouver Way.

Enjoy a free three-day festival of arts and music at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, Washington. There will be outdoor stages, local art vendors, a festival art exhibition, and family-friendly activities. The lineup includes performances featuring world-renowned artists Pinchas Zukerman, Shelly Berg, and Julian Schwarz with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA under the direction of Maestro Salvador Brotons and Maestro Gerard Schwarz.

Enjoy a free outdoor summer concert in the park with Slicker. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for a relaxed, family friendly outing filled with music.

Join Early Learners Play to Learn for fun, interactive early literacy activities designed for kids and caregivers. The session includes early literacy tips and hands-on activities to do together, for children ages 0 to 5. Admission is free.

Vancouver Station Food Carts hosts a lively trivia night with Last Call Trivia. There is no cost to participate, and everyone is welcome. Form a team of any size or play on your own. Gift cards are awarded to the top three teams. Enjoy dinner and drinks from the food carts and the taphouse while you compete.

A new business networking group in Vancouver brings professionals together to grow their businesses, build community relationships, and improve networking skills. There is one spot available for each type of business. Visitors may attend two times for free.

Discover the support available in your community at a resource fair featuring partners who can assist people of all ages. Learn about education options, employment assistance, health services, and more. Light refreshments will be offered while supplies last. Co-sponsored by WorkSource.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) test and interview in an ongoing class designed to build knowledge and confidence. Instruction and study materials are provided free of charge, offered in partnership with Goodwill Industries. Sessions are held weekly, and walk-ins are welcome. Prepárese para el proceso de ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos con un curso continuo enfocado en el examen y la entrevista. La instrucción y los materiales de estudio se ofrecen sin costo, en colaboración con Goodwill Industries. Las sesiones se realizan cada semana y se aceptan asistentes sin cita.

Teens ages 13–19 are invited to Teen Hangout at the Vancouver Community Library for a couple hours of fun with friends. The time is for games, crafts, and conversation about favorite topics. Snacks are provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library, and the event is free.