Happy Tuesday, 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 week ahead:

• Free gaming 🎮
• Health clinic 🩺
• Birdwatching tips 🐦
• Things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

📰 In the news

Bigger gas station on deck: Costco plans to swap its on-site pumps for a massive 40-pump gas station across the street from its central Vancouver warehouse — get the full scoop.

New housing on 136th: A 36-unit apartment building and a retail or office space are in the works for a key corner in east Vancouver — see what’s planned.

Sewing shops step up: With Joann now officially closed, local fabric stores in Clark County are seeing a spike in customers, though quilters will find more options than clothing makers — see where to shop now.

The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.

Highlights this week

• Washington ranks high for travel
• Explore unique finds & deals at Wild Fern
• Network with professionals at Feral Public House
• Free checkups offered for unhoused community
• Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment

🫶 We got your back

Scoops of sunshine: Sorridi is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.

Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Corner of Tastes—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.

See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? East Vancouver Eye isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.

Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card, throwback jersey, or commemorative puck to complete your shrine, look no further than Super Sports Cards. From MVP autographs to limited-edition bobbleheads, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🌱 Plant Swap Day – Witchy Tuesday @ Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie | Tuesday (7/1) at 11 am – Bring your favorite cuttings or extra starts for a leafy barter bonanza—no green thumb required to join the fun. Whether you’ve got succulents, herbs, or mystery seedlings, swap ’til you drop and pick up tips from fellow plant parents. Free to attend—just show up with something to trade or come thirsty for plant wisdom!

🛍️ Merchant Highlight @ Wild Fern | Tuesday (7/1) at 11 am – Step inside Wild Fern for surprise savings, extra perks, and a curated gift basket giveaway that’s worth bragging about. Pull a mystery deal at checkout for 5–25% off, and if you’re one of the first 50 early birds, nab a $5 Spend It Local certificate on us. Shop unique PNW finds, support downtown small businesses, and feel good doing it!

🤝 July Networking Event @ Heathen Brewing Feral Public House | Wednesday (7/2) at 5 pm – Gather your business cards, polish your pitch, and head to Heathen Brewing for an evening of laid-back connections over craft brews. Each month shines a spotlight on a new local restaurant and sponsor—July’s lineup is sure to spice up your network. Come support local businesses, swap stories, and make your name known in the community!

🧘 Community Meditation @ Meraki Collective | Wednesday (7/2) at 7 pm – Gather in a donation-based circle for guided meditation and community building. Floor seating by default; chairs available on request. Open to all experience levels—leave centered and connected.

🩺 Pop-up clinic Columbia River Mobil Unit @ Couve Collective | Thursday (7/3) at 12 pm – Need a quick health check or basic wound care? CRMU’s rolling clinic has you covered with compassionate, first-come-first-served care right in the heart of the community. Swing by for respectful, no-questions-asked support—you never know when a friendly hand is all you need.

🎮 Free Play Friday @ Vault 31 Bar | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Kick off your weekend early with free PC and console gaming—just buy a drink or snack and you’re golden. From shooter showdowns to couch-co-op classics, it’s non-stop button-mashing fun until 4 pm, no extra quarters required.

This weekend

🐦 Birdwatching for Beginners @ Cascade Park Community Library | Saturday (7/5) at 11 am – Grab your binoculars and join Master Naturalist Rebecca Lexa to learn ID tricks, feeder tips, and top local spots for avian adventures. Whether you’re a backyard birder or wilderness-bound, this session will have you spotting species in no time.

🛍️ Kid’s Flea Market @ Kazoodles Toys | Saturday (7/5) at 1 pm – Ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur? Grab your gently-loved toys, DIY crafts, or quirky finds and claim your $10 vendor spot (or skip the fee by donating books to our new Little Free Library). With only 14 booths up for grabs, you’ll learn the art of the deal while parents act as your hype crew (and cash managers). Don’t miss this hands-on chance to turn playtime into paytime—sign up now!

🎉 Teen Hangout @ Vancouver Community Library | Saturday (7/5) at 3 pm – Teens, assemble! Drop in for gaming, crafting, and unfiltered banter with your crew. Snacks generously supplied by the Friends of the Library—just bring your best jokes.

🚂 First Sunday Train Day @ Kazoodles Toys | Sunday (7/6) at 1 pm – Choo-choo your way into a nostalgia blitz at Kazoodles Toys’ First Sunday Train Day. All aboard for wooden-track adventures courtesy of Brio—perfect for tinkering toddlers and track-obsessed grown-ups alike. Pull into this hands-on, heartwarming play session from 1–3 pm and let the miniature magic roll.

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 7/1 Open Mic @ Bula Kava House – 7 pm
• 7/2 Music Night @ The Grant House – 5 pm
• 7/2 Christopher Wiotach @ Willful Wine – 5:30 pm
• 7/3 Concert Series @ Vancouver Waterfront Park – 6:30 pm
• 7/4 First Friday Unplugged @ LiveWell Camas – 5 pm
• 7/4 Live Music Friday’s @ AC Lounge – 6 pm
• 7/6 Wizeguy360 and more @ Pregame Sports Bar – 11 am
• 7/6 Live DJ @ Thirsty Sasquatch – 3 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Megan I Anderson (Keller Williams-Premier Prtnrs) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 1989 | 3690 sqft

Five acres of pure horse-approved luxury, where the only thing greener than the pastures is the envy of anyone who spots that solar-heated pool. Hardwood floors lead to a formal dining room that’s just begging for dramatic dinner parties, while the main-level office is ready for serious business or not-so-serious Zoom backgrounds.

Upstairs, the primary suite brings the spa vibes with a sauna, clawfoot tub, and a balcony perfect for judging sunsets or neighbors. Outside, the fun never stops—hot tub, basketball court, fruit trees, and a barn that says, “Yes, horses live better than most people.”