Summer is just around the corner, and things are heating up in Vancouver, Washington. With many festivals and events making a comeback this year, it’s the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) the many activities keeping Clark County busy during the summer season!
LIVE MUSIC
Live music is back this summer! Whether you prefer to sit front row at a big venue or bring your folding chair to a relaxing performance at the park, Vancouver offers a wide variety of entertaining musical events. Enjoy the sounds of Halsey, Creed, Billy Idol, Thomas Rhett, and more at the Cascades Amphitheater. Or rock out to Maren Morris, Scotty McCreery, and Nelly later in the season at ilani’s Cowlitz Ballroom. On Thursdays in July, find a seat on the waterfront and take in the music and views during the weekly Waterfront Park Concert Series. Also, check out the beautiful amphitheater in East Vancouver at the Sunday Sounds Concert Series with an eclectic mix of music. While not live music, find Friday Night Movies in the Parks are also out by the City of Vancouver in August.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
It wouldn’t be summertime in the Couve without the return of some beloved annual events. Stop by 4 Days of Aloha in July with experienced dancers, drummers, and other performers that will make you think you’re on the Islands. Dive into a world of electrifying creativity during the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival. Or find a couple of colorful Pride events this summer during the Pride Block Party in June, and the annual Saturday in the Park Pride in July! Both events are open to all and of all ages.
The Clark County Fair kicks off in August, providing endless excitement for the whole family. Filled with amazing entertainment including rodeos, monster trucks, and concerts by Brothers Osborne, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and Kansas. Plenty of fun you won’t want to miss!
Gather at Esther Short Park for the 25th annual Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival with Grammy award-winning performers like Latin jazz pioneer Arturo Sandoval, alongside premium Northwest sips and food vendors. New this year, Scooped joins the festival line-up with 50 flavors of ice cream to try and a lot of fun to be had!
Explore an array of local festivals in Clark County and find more details about the ones mentioned above in our Summer Festival Line-Up blog.
Special Events In and around Vancouver
Clark County is buzzing with summer excitement with these captivating special events! For adventure seekers, take the North Clark County Scenic Route to Pomeroy Living History Farm during Farm Days—the first weekend of the month through August featuring historic grounds, farm animals, and local artisans.
Head to Esther Short Park in mid-June for the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, an opportunity to get together, enjoy great food, listen to live music, appreciate art, play traditional games, and have fun!
Outside Vancouver, Downtown Camas invites car enthusiasts to the annual Camas Car Show at the end of June, showcasing classic and custom vehicles. In Yacolt, the Bigfoot Fun Run and Rendezvous Days provide a thrilling weekend of racing and community celebration. Experience the excitement of Harvest Days in Battle Ground with classic cars, a parade, a vendor fair, delicious food, and local treasures. But don't stop there, indulge in blueberry heaven at Cedar Creek Grist Mill's Blueberry Pancake Day (plus other sweet events throughout the summer at the Girst Mill).
Find more car shows and cruise-ins on our webpage dedicated to the old-time tradition.
MUST SEE MARKETS
Summer is the best time of year for outdoor markets and there is no shortage in and around Vancouver. Find the nationally recognized Vancouver Farmers Market during the weekends near Esther Short Park. Head out during the week for unique marketplaces like the Salmon Creek Farmers Market, located in North Vancouver, the Camas Farmers Market out east, and much more. Read our full Farmers Market Round-Up for all the details.
The excitement doesn’t stop here, find a host of events and activities on our Events page. From VDA’s First Friday Downtown to Ridgefield Raptors Home Games, there is plenty to keep you busy all summer long!