📰 What's Making News

Main Street Block Party Celebrates Long-Awaited Reopening Tonight

If you've been watching the Main Street construction saga from your car window for what feels like forever, tonight's your payoff. The Main Street Promise Reopening Celebration runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 1000 block of Main Street — free and open to everyone. Expect a stage, community tables, and that rare feeling of walking down a street you've only been detouring around. This is one of those "mark the moment" evenings for downtown Vancouver. Get the details here.

Ridgefield's Mackenzie Baker Won't Let Barriers Keep Her From the Workforce

Mackenzie Baker of Ridgefield is on a job hunt — and she's convinced her resume isn't the problem. Baker, who has dwarfism, believes her size has kept employers from giving her a fair shot, despite her determination and eagerness to work. "I'm the type of person that loves working," she told The Columbian. Her story is a compelling look at what it means to navigate the Clark County job market when the obstacles aren't on your resume. Read her full story here.

Quiltfest Turns 50, Flying Creek Circus Rolls In, Oktoberfest Hits ilani

The Clark County Quilters are throwing a golden anniversary party — the 50th annual Quiltfest Northwest runs Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds in Ridgefield. That's not your only option for a big weekend outing: the Flying Creek Circus and Oktoberfest at ilani are also on the calendar. Whether you lean toward handmade quilts, acrobatics, or a cold stein, Clark County has something worth leaving the house for. See the full roundup here.

Thursday Night Lights: Fort Vancouver Hosts Stevenson at Kiggins Bowl

The local prep sports slate is packed tonight, headlined by Stevenson visiting Fort Vancouver at 7 p.m. under the lights at Kiggins Bowl. Volleyball fans have plenty of options too — Battle Ground heads to Skyview, Camas travels to Union, and Hudson's Bay visits Washougal, all at 7 p.m. It's one of those midweek evenings where you can't drive through Clark County without passing a packed parking lot at a high school gym. Check the full scoreboard and schedule here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

I-5 Rose Quarter Bottleneck? Gone as of Last Night

Portland's long-running I-5 Rose Quarter construction project wrapped up and all lanes reopened the evening of October 7. If your southbound commute has felt like a hostage negotiation for months, this morning's drive should feel noticeably smoother — but check conditions before you head out as drivers are still adjusting to the new lane configuration.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, October 8

• On the Road Tour: Putting the Garden to Bed — WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners lead a bus tour visiting Master Gardener Marcia Sparling's 37-acre LaCenter farm, Battle Ground Blooms cut flower farm, lunch at the Margarita Factory, and more. 8:00 AM / 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver / $40 — More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored to every ability level from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. 8:30 AM / Various locations around Clark County — More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — Wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkins (one free with admission!), corn maze, and more fall fun on the farm. 10:00 AM / Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver / $14–$16 — More info
• Quiltfest Northwest Golden Jubilee — The Clark County Quilters celebrate 50 years with the Pacific Northwest's largest indoor quilt show, featuring 500+ quilts, the Cherrywood Challenge Exhibit, a vendor mall, and door prizes. Runs Oct. 8–10. 10:00 AM / Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield / $10 — More info
• Marshall House Tours — Tour this stunning Queen Anne home named for General George C. Marshall, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. 10:00 AM / Marshall House, Vancouver / Free — More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players at the Vancouver Bridge Club, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. 10:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver / $10–$50 — More info
• Volunteer Park Clean Up at Klineline Pond — Grab your close-toed shoes and join a litter pick-up at Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Regional Park. Rain or shine, 10:00 AM to noon. 10:00 AM / Salmon Creek Regional Greenway Park — More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts at Velvet Acres Gardens. 11:00 AM / Velvet Acres Gardens, 18905 N.E. 83rd St., Vancouver / $10–$12 — More info
• Dine the Couve — Now in its 11th year, this month-long culinary event lets you sample Clark County restaurants, brewpubs, and tasting rooms with three dishes for $35 or $50. Grab the free Dine the Couve Pass to browse menus and earn points. 11:00 AM / Locations around Clark County / $35–$50 — More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — A family-sized pumpkin patch on 40+ acres in Woodland with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, plus a u-pick field, activities, and free parking. No admission fee. 12:00 PM / Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland — More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — Corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin of any size included with admission. Dogs welcome on leash. 3:00 PM–5:00 PM / Walton Farms, Camas / $13 — More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — Spark your imagination and build STEM skills using LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. 3:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library / Free — More info
• Teen Bad Art — A hilariously fun art program where perfection is NOT allowed. Make your worst art, talk about your process, and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Ages 13–19. 4:00 PM / Ridgefield Community Library / Free — More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. 4:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library / Free — More info
• Take Learning Outside: Birds as a Window to Science — Educators can earn free STEM clock hours while getting hands-on experience with binoculars and field guides, led by Vancouver Audubon's Cameraderie Youth Program. 4:30 PM — More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — Monthly gathering with dinner included. 6:00 PM / Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver / Free — More info
• Attracting Worms to Your Garden — Learn how to bring these wiggly garden helpers to your soil beds at this free Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop. No registration required. 6:00 PM — More info
• The Mazamas: 133 Years of Adventure, Science and Culture — Matthew Brock, Mazama Library & Historical Collections Manager, takes you through the rich history of the Pacific Northwest's premier mountaineering organization. 6:30 PM — More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. 7:00 PM / Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver / Free — More info
• Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket and the Wren — An all-human circus featuring aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers, and storytelling through acrobatics. Performances run Oct. 8–12. 7:00 PM / Clark College, Vancouver / $27–$98 — More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Genevieve DeGuzman — Poet and author of Karaoke at the End of the World headlines this open mic night. 7:00 PM / Art at the Cave Gallery, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver / $5 suggested donation — More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors — Magenta Theater presents a 90-minute bloodcurdlingly hilarious send-up of the literary classic, with five actors playing over a dozen roles. 7:30 PM / Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver / $30.20 — More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — Drive-in horror movies with Hollywood-quality makeup, in-car audio, and terrifying twists. 7:30 PM / Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield / $78.22+ — More info

Friday, October 9

• Couve to Columbia Relay Walk/Run — Touchmark at Fairway Village residents and team members dressed in pink relay 10 miles to the Vancouver Waterfront, celebrating Active Aging Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds support the Pink Lemonade Project. 8:30 AM / Starts at Touchmark at Fairway Village, Vancouver — More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat — Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning, quilting, or any stitchery project to this fiber arts social circle. Ages 13+. 10:00 AM / La Center Community Library / Free — More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — Indoor play for ages 9 months to 6 years with safe, clean toys while parents socialize. 10:00 AM / Firstenburg Community Center / $7–$9 — More info
• Game & Puzzle Swap — Refresh your board game and puzzle collection at this free community swap at Kindred Vancouver. Nothing to bring? No problem — everyone is welcome to browse. 10:00 AM / Kindred Vancouver, Vancouver — More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time — A guided walk on Plas Newydd Farm to observe migratory birds, native plants, and the rhythms of the land. 10:00 AM / Ridgefield — More info
• Gardner School Book Swap — Bring gently used books, puzzles, and games to trade. This year also features a chili cook-off and cornbread competition. 11:00 AM / Free — More info
• Home Starts Here Luncheon — Tour the NW Furniture Bank's new facility, hear transformation stories, and enjoy food from Bleu Door Bakery. Funds support families rebuilding their lives. 11:30 AM / NW Furniture Bank, Vancouver / $75 — More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60 and older, served noon to 1:00 PM, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. 12:00 PM / Calvary Chapel Vancouver / Free — More info
• Fall Creative Art Market — Original art, greeting cards, scarves, home decor, and artisan crafts from the Society of Washington Artists. Runs Oct. 9–11. 12:00 PM / First Congregational United Church of Christ, Vancouver / Free admission — More info
• NAMI Art Group — Weekly art group hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Washington. 1:00 PM / NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver / Free — More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — A musical screening on the big screen at the Kiggins Theatre, held the second Friday of every month. 1:00 PM / Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver / $10 — More info
• Hood River Valley Harvest Festival (Road Trip) — Head to the Gorge for three days of farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, local food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities against stunning fall colors. 1:00 PM / Hood River, OR — More info
• Girls on the Rock — An all-girls climbing event for ages 6–13 offering a fun, supportive environment to build confidence and try something new. No experience or equipment needed. 5:00 PM / $19–$24 — More info
• Pumpkin Lane After Dark — An evening hayride down scarecrow-adorned Pumpkin Lane, pumpkin patch roaming, a beverage token, s'mores, and BBQ from Mosscrowe BBQ. 5:30 PM / Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt / $40 — More info
• Live Music: Owen Kortz at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — Live music in the tasting room with vineyard views. All ages welcome, no cover, no reservation needed. 5:30 PM / 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery, Ridgefield / Free — More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — Bring your projects (or your unfinished scraps for others!) to Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary's cozy fiber arts night. 5:30 PM / Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver / Free — More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — Try dragon boat paddling for free! Ages 14+ welcome, no experience needed. 5:30 PM / Ridgefield — More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — Navigate the corn maze after dark with in-car audio, spooky lighting, and food and drinks for sale. 6:00 PM / Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver / $7.50–$9.50 — More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — Modern Christian music performed on acoustic instruments, held the second Friday of each month. 6:30 PM / St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver / Free (donations encouraged) — More info
• Fiddlin' & Folktales — Enspire Arts presents lively fiddling by Seth Moran and heartfelt storytelling by Will Hornyak inside the cozy Covington House Historic Cabin. 7:00 PM / Covington Historical House, Vancouver / $12–$20 — More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — Guides from the Clark County Historical Museum lead you through downtown Vancouver's spookiest tales. Friday and Saturday nights throughout October. 7:00 PM / Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver / $15–$20 — More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5- to 2-hour tour of haunted goings-on at the Vancouver Barracks, from its 1849 founding through 2011. 7:00 PM / The Grant House, Vancouver / $17–$22 — More info
• Guys and Dolls — The classic musical comedy opens at the Winningstad Theatre in Portland. 7:30 PM / Winningstad Theatre, Portland / $48.25 — More info
• The Women of Lockerbie — Love Street Playhouse in Woodland presents this poetic drama about the triumph of love over hate, directed by Melissa Bareford. 7:30 PM / Love Street Playhouse, Woodland / $26 — More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class — No partner or special clothing needed (soft-soled shoes recommended). First class is free. 7:30 PM / Columbia Dance Center, Vancouver / $8 — More info
• Live Music: Robby Mayer at Pour Choices Pub — Robby Mayer makes his Pour Choices debut. 7:30 PM / Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver — More info

Saturday, October 10

• ilani Oktoberfest 2026 — Hundreds of German, international, and craft beers plus Bavarian cuisine, live music, contests, and games. ilani, Ridgefield — More info
• BlackPearl Halloween Horse Show — A fundraiser supporting equine performing arts, running Oct. 10–11. Spectators are free. 6:30 AM / Dr. Jack Giesy Arena, Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield — More info
• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — No Discover Pass needed! Celebrate World Mental Health Day by exploring Washington's beautiful state parks at no cost. 7:00 AM — More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — The flagship market at Esther Short Park, running since 1990. 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / 8th & Esther St., Vancouver — More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective — Kids ages 3–5 and their families build, test, design, and improve through playful STEM challenges at OMSI. 9:00 AM / OMSI, Portland — More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run — A free weekly 5K at Klineline Pond open to all ages and abilities. Walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Dogs welcome. First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. 9:00 AM / Klineline Pond, Vancouver / Free — More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. 9:15 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver / Free — More info
• Water Center Backyard Habitat Garden Cleanup — Help keep the Water Resources Education Center's gardens in shape with weeding, trimming, and blackberry removal. Tools and gloves provided. Registration required. 9:30 AM — More info
• Walk with a Doc — A free monthly walk featuring a short health topic from a healthcare provider, then an hour of walking and conversation. All paces welcome. 9:30 AM — More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — Free STEAM education through aviation, including flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver / Free — More info
• The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children's Theater — Costume parade, interactive storytime, dance party, sing-along, and Halloween treats. Ages 4+. 10:00 AM / The Judy, Portland / $16 — More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — Hayride down the scarecrow-adorned Pumpkin Lane, pumpkin picking, farm animals, kids activities, and photo ops. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM / Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt / $6–$8 — More info
• NatureScaping Perennial, Bulb & Seed Swap — The 10th annual swap with WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners. Bring plants to divide or trade and pick up new ideas for your garden. 10:00 AM / Wildlife Botanical Gardens, 11000 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie — More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park — Help remove ivy and spread mulch. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly and great for teens. 10:00 AM — More info
• Wild Edibles: Native & Non — Learn about edible native and introduced plants already in your yard, ethical harvest practices, and preparation techniques with the Backyard Habitat Certification Program at Good Year Farms. 10:00 AM / Washougal — More info
• Classic Cocktail Sessions & Book Signing at The Elbow Room — James Beard Award-winning bartender Toby Maloney leads a cocktail class (2–4 PM), followed by happy hour and a book signing with acclaimed bartender-author Jim Meehan (4–6 PM). Books available via White Oak Books. 2:00 PM — More info
• Second Saturday Jazz: Lukas Gienapp & Max LaCour — Piano and bass duo playing traditional jazz, fusion, and originals. Tony's wood-fired pizzas made on-site. 6:00 PM — More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — Let your inner entertainer shine. 8:30 PM / Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver — More info

Sunday, October 11

• Vancouver Audubon's Young Birders Club — Youth ages 8–18 head to the WSU-Vancouver Campus to search for migratory birds and irruptive finches. Binoculars available to borrow. All skill levels welcome. 8:00 AM — More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them into delicious dishes. Expect to get your shoes and hands dirty. 10:00 AM / Pine Creek Information Station — More info

Wednesday, October 14

• Ridgefield Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan — Open House Workshop — Help shape the future of Ridgefield's parks, trails, and recreation. Share your feedback at this community open house. 4:30–6:30 PM / Columbia Assembly Room, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center — More info

Thursday, October 15

• Rooted in Nature: Fall Hiking Series for 65+ Women (Road Trip) — Adventures Without Limits hosts two accessible, guided group hikes exploring local Oregon ecosystems. You set the pace! $30 covers both hikes. 9:00 AM / Oregon — More info
• Clark College Native Plant Center Fall Sale — Fall is the best time to plant! Browse native plants grown by Clark College students. Runs Oct. 15–17. 12:00 PM / Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way — More info
• Step Inside Opal & Ivy — Ribbon cutting for this community-focused luxury salon where independent stylists collaborate. Tour the space, enjoy refreshments, and enter a raffle. 4:00 PM / 8606 E Mill Plain Blvd Suite C, Vancouver — More info
• Seeds for Education — Seed Sorting & Packing Event — Join the Lower Columbia Nature Network at Good Year Farms to sort and pack seeds that connect schools with hands-on outdoor learning. 4:00 PM / Good Year Farms, Washougal — More info
• Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age — Journalist and media educator T. Andrew Wahl breaks down how our information landscape got so overwhelming and offers practical strategies for reclaiming your attention. 6:00 PM / Red Cross Building, Vancouver / Free — More info
• Open Mic at Dovetail Cellars — Jeff Keddie hosts a dedicated and supportive lineup of songwriters, broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. 6:00 PM / Dovetail Cellars — More info

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