📰 What's Making News

Dick Hannah Dealerships Fuel Vancouver's Back-to-School Supply Drive

If you spotted overflowing donation bins around town this past summer, Dick Hannah Dealerships had a hand in that. The local auto group threw its weight behind the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools' Write from the Start campaign, which collected new school supplies — both physical donations and monetary contributions — for students heading back to class. It's a feel-good reminder that some of Vancouver's biggest businesses show up where it counts. Read more from The Columbian.

Ridgefield Lions Honored for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Partnership

The Ridgefield Lions Club picked up a special award for its ongoing support of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the charity that provides food, clothing, and household essentials to local families in need. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Treasurer Judy Chipman personally presented the recognition to Lions President Stacy Mueller at a recent club meeting. The Lions also welcomed new members — always a good sign for a small-town service organization that punches above its weight. Full story here.

Weekend Prep Sports Roundup: Soccer, Cross Country, Tennis, Softball

Friday and Saturday were packed with high school action across Clark County. The scoreboard covers girls soccer, cross country, slowpitch softball, and boys tennis — so if your kid played, your neighbor's kid played, or you just like keeping tabs on local talent, the full results are in. It's that stretch of the fall season where every match starts to matter for playoff positioning. Check all the scores at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

October Rain Returns After Surprise 80-Degree Week

Those unseasonably warm afternoons are officially behind us. Clark County is settling back into typical October weather — cooler temps, clouds, and the return of rain we all knew was coming. Time to dig out the rain boots. Full forecast from The Columbian

Velvet Acres Pumpkin Patch, Free 5K, Pearson Field: Your Weekend Lineup

A handy roundup of things to do today and tomorrow: the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch at Velvet Acres Gardens (18905 NE 83rd St, $10-$12) has a corn maze, petting zoo, and an apple cannon you can fire yourself. Saturday morning, Salmon Creek parkrun offers a free timed 5K at Klineline Pond at 9 AM. And Pearson Field Education Center (201A E. Reserve St) opens its doors for free on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM with flight simulators. See the full list on Reddit

Why Leaves Turn Red, Gold, Orange — A Clark County Gardener Explains

Local garden columnist Allen tackles the science behind fall foliage just as our maples and sweetgums start their annual show. Spoiler: temperature matters, but it's not the whole story. Read the breakdown

Passport Photos Go Digital — Skip the Drugstore Booth

The U.S. State Department is rolling out digital passport photo submissions, meaning you can snap your own headshot at home instead of hunting for a photo booth or waiting in line at the post office. Worth knowing if your passport is up for renewal. Details here

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, October 11

• BlackPearl Halloween Horse Show – 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Dr. Jack Giesy Arena, Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. This fundraiser supports equine performing arts — spectators get in free! More info
• Floating Pumpkin Patch at Kids Club – 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM sessions at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Pick a pumpkin right from the pool during open swim! One pumpkin per child. $20 includes two adults and one child. More info
• WSU Vancouver Garden Workday – 9:30 AM at the WSU Vancouver student gardens. Help the Environmental Science Club plant native species funded by a Washington Native Plant Society grant. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Our flagship year-round farmers market in the heart of downtown. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze – 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, a pumpkin you can carry home, corn maze admission and nighttime maze access all included with entry ($14–$16). More info
• The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children's Theater – 10:00 AM (also 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM) at The Judy, Portland. Costume parade, interactive storytime, dance party and sing-a-long. Best for ages 4+. Tickets $16. More info
• Game & Puzzle Swap – 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver, Vancouver. Refresh your board game and puzzle collection at this free community swap — no games to bring? No problem, everyone's welcome to browse. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:00 PM) at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Tractor-pulled hayrides past dozens of pumpkin people scenes, farm animals, photo ops and fall treats. $6–$8. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Walton Farms, Camas. Admission ($13) includes corn maze, train ride and one pumpkin of any size. Dogs welcome on leash. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute – 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them into delicious dishes. More info
• Fall Festival at River City Church – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at River City Church, Vancouver. Carnival games, inflatables, food and trunk or treat — rain or shine! Free tickets available. More info
• Recycling 201: Beyond Curbside – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Vancouver First United Methodist Church. Discover local recycling and reuse options for plastic bags, appliances and bulky items. Free; registration required. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals and food carts. $12 on Sundays. More info
• Fall Creative Art Market – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Hazel Dell. The Society of Washington Artists presents original art, greeting cards, scarves, home decor and artisan crafts. Free admission. More info
• 2nd Annual Pepper Palooza at Flat Tack Farm – 11:00 AM at Flat Tack Farm. Hot sauce tasting, pepper roasting, a live hot sauce demo and local producer Pepper Song on site. Free guided farm tour at noon. More info
• Laundry Love – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunshine Laundry and Cleanworks Laundromat, Battle Ground. Saving Grace Church volunteers pay for patrons' washing and drying — even folding if you'd like. Free, no obligation. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm – 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. Over 60 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds on 40+ acres. U-pick field, activities and free parking. No admission fee. More info
• Fall Ball Bash with Lewis River Little League – 12:00 PM at Lewis River Little League Baseball Park, Woodland. Smash-a-Pumpkin home run derby, costume competition, carnival games, food trucks and more. More info
• Guys and Dolls – 2:00 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The classic musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. Tickets from $48.25. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater – 2:00 PM at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. A lightning-fast, 90-minute comedic romp through Bram Stoker's vampire tale. Tickets $28–$30.20. More info
• Teen & Adult Budget Cosplay – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Creative Classroom. Learn affordable costume-making techniques and create your own costume horns to take home. Free. More info
• Swan Lake – 2:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Oregon Ballet Theatre performs Tchaikovsky's hauntingly beautiful classic with live orchestra. Tickets from $75. More info
• The Golem's Gift by Northwest Children's Theater – 2:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A world premiere musical inspired by Jewish folklore — an original fable about a man made of clay determined to repair the world. Ages 8+. $25–$35. More info
• Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket and the Wren – 2:00 PM at Clark College, Vancouver. An all-human circus with aerialists, jugglers and knife throwers weaving a fairy-tale adventure. $27–$98. More info
• VSO-USA Young Artist Competition – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Watch nine of the nation's finest young musicians compete for cash prizes and a chance to perform with the Vancouver Symphony. Free and open to the public. More info
• Autumn Pumpkins Workshop – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Craft ceramic pumpkins using the pinch pot method — no experience needed, family-friendly for ages 5+. $55. More info
• Healthy Kids Run Vancouver Fall 2026 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Pacific Community Park, Vancouver. Age-appropriate dashes and distance races for kids ages 2–14. All abilities welcome. $8–$54. More info
• Paint Night with Artist Sarah Butler at Firehouse Axes – 4:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Create a Halloween masterpiece with step-by-step instruction. $40 includes all supplies. Reservation required — email [email protected]. More info
• Beginning Swing and Foxtrot Fusion – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Vancouver Fitness Studio, 9212 N.W. Highway 99, Vancouver. Lessons followed by social dancing for practice. $15 drop-in or $50 for four weeks. No partner required. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park – 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies – 7:30 PM at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror films with in-car audio, Hollywood-quality monsters and terrifying twists. Tickets from $78.22. More info

Family & Kids

• Vancouver Audubon's Young Birders Club – 8:00 AM at WSU Vancouver Campus. Birders ages 8–18 head out in search of migratory birds and irruptive finches. All levels welcome — binoculars provided! More info

Monday, October 12

• Tiny Toppings Storytime – 11:00 AM at Copper Bell Bookshop, Ridgefield. Bring your little ones for story time — every participant gets a coupon for a free kids ice cream scoop at Eight Cow Creamery with purchase. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome at this weekly gathering. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 can practice reading aloud to Scamp the therapy dog. Sign up for a 15-minute slot at CamasPL.org/TalesWTails. Free. More info
• Bluey's Big Play – The Stage Show – 6:00 PM at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. Join Bluey and Bingo in their first live theatre show — an original story by creator Joe Brumm with new music by composer Joff Bush. Tickets from $38.70. More info
• Furry Friends Online Auction – 6:00 PM (runs through Oct. 18). Bid on items to support Furry Friends cat rescue, or attend the "Butch Catsidy and the Sundance Kit" dinner and live auction on Oct. 17 at Royal Oaks Country Club. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn wet-on-wet blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters with Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art. $35, all supplies included. More info

Tuesday, October 13

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ — instructors tailor movements to each person's ability. No registration required. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center – 10:00 AM. A safe indoor play space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years with clean toys while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Drop off non-perishable food, hygiene items and laundry pods to benefit Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Donation box near the north entrance. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch – 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time with intros and wrap-up discussion — all experience levels welcome. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A weekly gathering for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Puzzle Dash – 6:00 PM. Race the clock to assemble a 500-piece puzzle with your team — winning teams get prizes and everyone keeps their puzzle. Light snacks provided. $34–$43 for 2–4 participants. More info
• Beyond the Scale: Mindful Eating – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at PeaceHealth Specialty Clinic, 2312 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver. Break the cycle of guilt and confusion around eating with Sarah Sterling. $50. Call 360-546-8005 to register. More info

Wednesday, October 14

• Pomeroy Farm Fall Homeschool Day – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Homeschool, co-op and family groups of fewer than 20 students can experience fall on the farm — hayrides through Pumpkin Lane, farm animals, a pumpkin to take home and more. Designed for preschool through 2nd grade. $10. More info
• Teen Book Club – 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 7–12 pick up a free copy of the book, read it, then join a guided discussion — and keep the book! Register at CamasPL.org/TBC. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan – Open House – 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Columbia Assembly Room, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center. Share your input on the future of Ridgefield's parks, trails and recreation. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Waltz from 6–7 PM, salsa from 7–8 PM. No experience needed. $69 for the five-week session. More info
• Bokashi Composting: Ferment Food Scraps for Your Soil Factory – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Inc., Vancouver. Learn how airtight Bokashi bins turn food scraps into compost with minimal odor. Free. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Chapter 4 meets the second Wednesday of each month. Free. More info

Thursday, October 15

• Rooted in Nature: Fall Hiking Series for 65+ Women – 9:00 AM. Adventures Without Limits leads accessible, guided group hikes exploring local Oregon ecosystems. $30 covers both hikes in the series; transportation provided from Forest Grove and Hillsboro. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week class with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles and more. $10–$50. More info
• Clark College Native Plant Center Fall Sale – 12:00 PM at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Stock up on native plants — remember, fall is the best time to plant outdoors! Sale runs Oct. 15–17. More info
• Step Inside Opal & Ivy — Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 8606 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite C, Vancouver. Tour this community-focused luxury salon, enjoy refreshments and enter a raffle. Open since January 2026, Opal & Ivy hosts events centered on health, wellness and supporting local small businesses. More info
• LCNN's Seeds for Education — Seed Sorting & Packing – 4:00 PM at Good Year Farms, 29610 SE 23rd St., Washougal. Help sort and pack seeds to connect local schools with outdoor, hands-on learning resources. More info
• Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age – 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Journalist and media educator T. Andrew Wahl breaks down how to navigate today's information landscape with more confidence and less anxiety. Free. More info
• Open Mic at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM. Jeff Keddie hosts this third-Thursday open mic, broadcast live on KXRW, Vancouver's local independent radio station. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. More info

Friday, October 16

• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Lake. Join the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership for a free, family-friendly canoe paddle aboard 29-foot Big Canoes. Glide past shore birds, look for signs of beaver activity and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem. More info

Saturday, October 17

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee Free Day – 7:00 AM. It's National "Take a Hike" Day! Enjoy free access to Clark County's regional parks and trails — no heavy pack or rugged mountain required. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital – 9:00 AM. The Historic Trust brings back this fan-favorite tour of the 1903-era Post Hospital at Fort Vancouver — step back in time and explore one of Vancouver's most talked-about landmarks. $35. More info
• Ivy Removal at Behrens Woods – 9:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs for a morning of removing invasive plants. Training, gloves, tools, water and snacks provided. Family-friendly and great for teens. More info
• Adaptive Silver Falls State Park Hike – 9:00 AM. Adventures Without Limits leads an inclusive, accessible stroll through scenic Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. Open to people of all abilities. More info
• (Not So) Scary Nature Day at Columbia Springs – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Hands-on science exploring creepy, crawly critters — all ages and backgrounds welcome. More info
• Learning to Prune Deciduous & Evergreen Shrubs – 10:00 AM at 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. Classroom time and outdoor hands-on demos with professional gardener Christofer Robison. More info
• Mini-Basket Weaving Class – 10:00 AM at 29610 SE 23rd St. Erin of Frog & Twig teaches locally harvested fiber basketry techniques — willow, rattan reed, cattail and iris. Take home your handmade basket and the skills to keep weaving. More info
• Trail Trackers Nature Hike with WREC – 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. Learn to identify tracks, scat, feeding marks and more in this beginner-friendly wildlife tracking class. More info
• Bear Creek Riparian Restoration Work Party – 10:00 AM on the North Fork Toutle River. Join LCFEG, Cascade Forest Conservancy and the Mt. St. Helens Institute to plant native vegetation and build Beaver Dam Analog structures. More info
• Autumn Stitching on the Farm – 10:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm. Stitch an 8"x8" autumn landscape with textile artist Nicki Eybel — think sky, river and land in a gorgeous fall palette. More info
• Fall Color Rides on the Chelatchie Railroad – 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride vintage trains through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. Drop-in, hands-on program for kids ages 5–12 exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. Free; youth must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• William Scofield Gallery — Artist Talk with Candace Pratt – 1:30 PM. Join Candace Pratt for a conversation about her work in the exhibition "Accumulation," exploring how past experiences and influences shape what we create. More info

Sunday, October 18

• Photography Hike: Autumn – 10:00 AM at Hummocks Trail #229. Join professional photographer Patrick Aalto and Mt. St. Helens Institute guides for a photography hike among the massive hummocks from the 1980 eruption, with views of the Pumice Plain and volcanic crater. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners – 10:00 AM. Fort Vancouver Regional Library hosts this beginner-friendly workshop on mushroom identification skills and tools. Free. More info

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