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 Logic, Nickleback, Snoop Dogg, Jason Aldean, and more at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater. Or rock out to Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo later in the season at ilani’s Cowlitz Ballroom.
On Fridays from July to mid-August, find a seat on the waterfront and take in the music and views during the weekly Waterfront Park Concert Series. Then check out the beautiful new amphitheater in East Vancouver at the Sunday Sounds Concert Series with an eclectic mix of music.
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. Now in its second year, Summer Fest 2023 is a season-long, all-ages, free celebration of community togetherness and history held at Officers Row and the West Barracks at the Fort Vancouver National Site.
Find a couple of colorful Pride events this summer during the Pride Block Party with QYRC & Dandelion Teahouse in June, and the annual Saturday in the Park Pride in July with Vancouver USA Pride! 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 (Trace Adkins, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Blue Öyster Cult, and LOCASH) for plenty of fun you won’t want to miss!
Gather at Esther Short Park for the ultimate celebration of craft beverages at the Craft Beer & Wine Fest in the Pacific Northwest. Experience a three-day event filled with tastings, workshops, live music, and more, featuring over 100 wines, 60 craft brews, and even pet-friendly activities. Then choose from more than 40 Washington breweries alongside a line-up of local food trucks for delicious bites. If wine is more your style, the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival is "...the largest festival of its kind in the Northwest..." (KATU 2) and will not disappoint.
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. Then ready for a sauce-filled weekend with great drink specials, live entertainment, and much more at the ilani BBQ Fest! Or switch it up with Tacos in the Park with live music, beer, mixed drinks, and tequila, you’re sure to have a great time.
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, 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).
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, the La Center Farmers Market, and much more. Read our full Farmers Market Round-Up for all the details.
Kindred Homestead Supply hosts The Downtown Alley Flea Market this summer through September on the second Saturday of each month. With over 30 vendors, support your local community of collectors, makers, movers, and shakers. Join us to dance to live music, blow bubbles and play with chalk!
The excitement doesn’t stop here, find a host of events and activities on our Events page. From VDA’s First Friday Downtown to Movies in the Park, and Ridgefield Raptors Home Games, there is plenty to keep you busy all summer long!