📰 What's Making News

Korean Ramen Bar Concept Lands in Downtown Vancouver

Leah Pluard is bringing a taste of Seoul to downtown Vancouver with a new shop inspired by the instant ramen bars she fell in love with while studying at Yonsei University in South Korea. The concept lets guests build custom ramen bowls on specially designed induction cookers — the same communal, social experience found at Korean convenience stores where people grab their noodles and head to the river to eat together. Pluard, a 2025 Seattle University graduate, saw a gap and decided Vancouver was the right place to fill it. It's the kind of creative, only-here concept that makes downtown feel like it's hitting its stride. Read more from The Columbian.

Flex Academy Families Say a Difficult Goodbye

The final days at Vancouver Flex Academy this week carried a weight most end-of-year celebrations don't. Students, parents, and staff gathered to mark the closure of the alternative school, trading the usual cap-and-gown joy for something far more bittersweet. Flex Academy served families looking for a different kind of learning environment within Vancouver Public Schools, and its community clearly felt that loss. For many, the school wasn't just a building — it was the place where their kids finally found their footing. Read more from The Columbian.

Zero State Titles: A First for Clark County High School Sports

For the first time anyone can remember, no Clark County high school team brought home a state championship during the entire 2025-26 school year. The Clark County Today "Study of Sports" podcast, hosted by Paul Valencia, dug into what that means for local athletics as spring sports wrap up. The conversation touches on standout moments from Union, Evergreen, and programs across the county — because a title-less year doesn't mean a talent-less one. It's a fascinating listen for anyone who follows Friday night lights around here. Listen on Clark County Today.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Weekend Lineup: Dog Fair, Book Convention, Live Music Across Clark County

Saturday and Sunday are stacked with options — the Washougal Community Market returns to Reflection Plaza, a dog-themed vendor fair sets up next to Dakota Dog Park, and the Hot & Steamy Book Convention takes over the Hilton Vancouver. Philippine Independence Day festivities head to Vancouver Lake Park, and Brickhouse Bar & Grill hosts a house band vs. staff band showdown. Full calendar here.

Clark County Health Inspections: June 1–6 Results Now Posted

The latest round of restaurant and food-service inspection reports covering June 1–6 is live from Clark County Public Health. Worth a peek before your next dinner reservation. See the full list at The Columbian.

Former KOMO Anchor Mary Nam Joins WSU Board of Regents

Three months after leaving the KOMO news desk, Mary Nam has been appointed to the Washington State University Board of Regents — a role with direct ties to WSU Vancouver. Read more at The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, June 13

• Pollinator Festival Week BioBlitz! – 6:00 AM. Help document Clark County's biodiversity with the Vancouver Bee Project during Pollinator Week. Record observations of pollinators, plants, birds, fungi, and more on iNaturalist. More info
• ROAD TRIP: PCTA Trail Work Project at Benson Plateau – 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for a crosscut logout on the PCT to Benson Plateau. Registration required; max 8 volunteers. Led by Jake Rawdin. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided birding walk at the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Robert brings 17 years of Audubon leadership experience. More info
• Get Outdoors Day! – 8:00 AM. This annual celebration encourages everyone to connect with nature. The U.S. Forest Service often waives day-use fees at national forests. Think fishing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and bird watching. More info
• Mount Adams Trail Jamboree and Campout – 8:30 AM. Spend a day (or the whole weekend!) doing trail stewardship near Trapper Creek with Washington Trails Association. Campout includes s'mores and great company. Families welcome. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at 8th & Esther St., next to Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round farmers market with local vendors. More info
• DogPaw Community Vendor Event – 9:00 AM–2:00 PM at Pacific Community Park (Dakota Memorial Dog Park), 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Browse 40+ local vendors featuring nonprofits, dog rescues, pet products, raffles, and giveaways. Bring your pups! Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Old City Cemetery – Early Tour – 9:00 AM at Old City Cemetery. Explore Vancouver's history on a walking tour of the cemetery established in 1867, featuring stories of pioneering families like the Hiddens and Sparks. $10 (free for CCHM members with RSVP). More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Bilingual hands-on STEAM program for ages 3–5 and their families, exploring early engineering concepts. More info
• Neighborhood Parking Lot Sale – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd. Find clothing, books, glassware, household items, toys, and more. More info
• Second Saturday at Jane Weber Arboretum – 9:00 AM at Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, 9215 SE Evergreen Highway. Volunteer work party to sheet-mulch recently cleared areas. Refreshments provided. Free. More info
• Volunteer Workday with the Camas Ivy League – 9:00 AM. Help the City of Camas remove invasive ivy climbing back up trees. Meet at NW 10th Ave. and NW Ivy Drive. Tools and supplies provided. More info
• Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM. Enjoy a 10-mile kayak paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek Ridgefield. Explore winding waterways and spot wildlife on this full-day tour. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at 9612 NW Lower River Rd. Join Clark County Public Works for a litter pickup at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Wear closed-toe shoes; tools provided. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Hands-on STEAM aviation education with flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free admission, all ages. More info
• Founders Coffee and Mercantile Dude Market – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Inaugural market featuring live music, food, and gifts for guys. Free admission. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic farm with WSU Extension Master Gardener docents. Learn about the property's history and role in horticulture education. More info
• Summer Reading Kickoff at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Pick up a gameboard to track your reading all summer. Stampers for the first 200 kids and first 50 teens and adults. Free, no registration required. More info
• USFWS Workshop: Window Bird Collisions & Human Intervention – 10:00 AM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Learn about why window panes are hazardous for migrating birds and how you can help at home. Hands-on workshop at the new Community Nature Center. More info
• Uptown Neighborhood Cleanup – 10:00 AM. Meet at Kindred, 2213 Main St., Vancouver, to pick up trash in the Uptown neighborhood. Gloves, picker-uppers, and buckets provided. More info
• 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Water Safety Day – 10:00 AM in Washougal. Free, family-friendly event focused on water safety, part of the City of Washougal's Parks Passport Program summer series. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Spark your imagination and build STEM skills using LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Spanish Storytime – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bilingual storytime with stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. Free, no registration required. More info
• Blueprint Gala and Music Festival – 11:00 AM–7:00 PM. A day of entertainment, music, food, and fun. Pay-what-you-want admission (yes, free works!). More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Wander Clark County: Old City Cemetery – Late Tour – 11:00 AM at Old City Cemetery, Vancouver. Same wonderful walking tour, second time slot. $10 (free for CCHM members with RSVP). More info
• Adult Nature Identification Walk at Steigerwald NWR – 11:00 AM at 35001 Lewis and Clark Highway. Join naturalist Rebecca Lexa for a guided walk to identify local plants and animals. Free, hosted by Fort Vancouver Regional Library. More info
• ilani BBQ Fest – 12:00 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. Featuring Food Network BBQ Brawl stars Kyle Bryner, Brad Leighninger, and Tyler Anderson, plus 150+ craft beverages, cooking demos, and savory bites. $44–$99. More info
• Get Outdoors Day Movie Matinee: The Little Things That Run the World – 1:00–3:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free screening of a pollinator documentary spotlighting bees, butterflies, and birds. Registration required. More info
• Artist Talk with Emily J. Pratt – 1:00–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Pratt shares her process of transforming weathered materials into two-dimensional art. View her exhibit "Topographic Passages" in the Second Story Gallery through June 27. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch – 1:00 PM at Golden City Chinese Restaurant, 6204 NE Highway 99, Vancouver. Contact 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Vancouver Movement Collective Presents: East of the Sun & West of the Moon – 2:00 PM. An original choreographic work by Artistic Director Chloe Mason, telling a fairy tale of bravery and adventure through dance. More info
• The OBT Collection – 2:00 PM at Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Oregon Ballet Theatre's season finale featuring bold West Coast choreography. $65.50–$98.50. More info
• Denim-Inspired Jean Jacket Card Make & Take – 2:00–4:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create trendy denim-inspired cards with layering stencils and embellishments. $2, register in advance. More info
• Vancouver Games and Music Festival – 2:00–9:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Enjoy performances from Beat Rush Big Band and Under the Deku Tree, play new video games, cosplay, and comedy with Carl Wolfson. $35. More info
• Artist Talk: The Joy of Letting Go – 2:00–3:00 PM at Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St. Allan Oliver and Kimberlee Wixom discuss their exhibit and creative process. Free. More info
• Slough Celebration 2026 – 2:00 PM at 1880 NE Elrod Dr., Portland. Free afternoon of summer fun hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, with food, music, paddling, birdwatching, yard games, and raffle prizes. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL – 3:00 PM. Monthly community gathering to talk dirt — discuss the best gardening techniques and strategies for our region. Free. More info
• Higher Ground Dance Studio Presents: Legends – 6:00–8:30 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. End-of-year recital featuring legendary music from David Bowie, Dionne Warwick, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and more. $18–$22. More info
• River Songs: A House Concert – 6:30–8:30 PM at a private riverside condo on the Columbia waterfront. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral musicians perform water-themed art songs by Schubert, Fauré, Vaughan Williams, and more. $70, includes wine, hors d'oeuvres, and sunset views. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM at 9212 NE Highway 99, Suite 110, Hazel Dell. 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Live performances from local artists on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Clark College Concert Choir and Chamber Choir Spring Concert – 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Featuring the world premiere of James Pick's "Let Us Awake." Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk. Free admission. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel. $32. More info
• 90's Pop Stars Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Channel your inner Britney, NSYNC, or Spice Girls at this themed karaoke night celebrating Tosha Bryant's 40th birthday. More info

Sunday, June 14

• Vancouver Arts and Music Festival: Call for Artists! – Local and regional artists and makers are invited to apply for the Visual Arts & Creative Makers Marketplace at the upcoming Vancouver Arts & Music Festival. Emerging artists encouraged. More info
• Birding Hike with Vancouver Audubon Society – 7:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore this urban oasis during nesting season — look for Savannah Sparrows and Lazuli Buntings. All welcome. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp – 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com. More info
• Ridgefield Learn-to-Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle through the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Practice skills with an experienced guide. More info
• Two Rivers Heritage Museum Plant Sale – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 1 Durgan St., Washougal. Locally grown plants and many native varieties. Proceeds benefit the Camas-Washougal Historical Society. More info
• Flag Day Celebration at the O.O. Howard House – 12:00–4:00 PM at 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Hosted by The Historic Trust with performances by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra brass quintet and Navy Band Northwest, plus arts and crafts and living history characters. Free handheld flags for the first 500 guests. More info
• Volunteer for Impact Camas-Washougal Summer Food Drive – 12:00 PM at Parker's Landing Historical Park, Port of Camas-Washougal. Help pack 200 food boxes for local families. Includes a free BBQ lunch and live music by the Camas-Washougal Community Orchestra. More info
• Flag Day Ceremony at Vancouver Elks Lodge – 1:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. A patriotic ceremony reflecting on the history and symbolism of the American flag, with readings, music, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 2:00–3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Celebrate the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. All ages. Free. More info
• Clark College Concert Band Spring Concert – 3:00 PM at Skyview High School, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Featuring Holst's Second Suite in F, percussion ensembles, and principal horn Fiona Rice. Directed by Dr. Doug Harris. Free admission. More info
• Jazz, Wine, and Canines – 3:00 PM at the historic Grant House, Vancouver. Gourmet buffet, wine experience, and jazz — dogs welcome! Benefits Southwest Washington Humane Society. $200. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio – 3:30–5:30 PM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Learn pinch pot and coil techniques to create a lidded fruit jar. Ages 8+. $75. More info
• The Birth Book Launch with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln – 4:15–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Portland-based OB-GYN and author presents her guide to demystifying labor and delivery, followed by a signing and meet-and-greet. $33.60 (includes book). More info
• Silver Star Mountain Hike with Mazamas – 5:30 PM. Hike up Silver Star Mountain via Ed's Trail and Indian Pits — expect possible wildflowers, volcano views, a scramble, and a rock arch. More info

Monday, June 15

• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00–11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on activities and early literacy tips for ages 0–5 and their grown-ups. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – Kicks off today and runs through Aug. 14. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30–11:00 AM at Crown Park, 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. Bring a blanket and enjoy outdoor storytime with the Camas Public Library. All ages. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Zone! Catch matches on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Learn line dances for fun and exercise — any shoes welcome. Free. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting – 2:00–3:30 PM at the Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th St. Visitors and non-members welcome. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Summer Lecture Series: Feline Behavior – 5:30–7:30 PM at Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Story Explorers at Camas Public Library – 6:30–7:30 PM. Book discussion group for 2nd–3rd graders and their adults. This month's read: "Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker" by Shelley Johannes. Registration required. Free. More info
• Monday Night Trivia at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Gather your smartest friends for trivia night with great food and drinks. Can you dethrone last week's champs, Goon Sauce? More info

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