📰 What's Making News

Hyas Point Waterfront Opens Doors to First Washougal Residents

Washougal's long-anticipated Hyas Point waterfront development is crossing a major milestone — the first residents are about to move in. The mixed-use project along the Columbia River has been years in the making, designed as a live-work-play community that blends housing, commerce, and recreation on the waterfront. It's one of the most ambitious developments in East County history, and seeing actual neighbors settle in marks the moment the vision becomes real. If you've been watching this one take shape from across the river or on weekend drives through Washougal, now's the time to pay closer attention. Full story from The Columbian.

Ridgefield's James Kugler Turns His Yard Into a Halloween Masterpiece

James Kugler of Ridgefield has been going all-out for Halloween since he was a kid trick-or-treating past elaborately decorated houses — and now he's the one captivating the neighborhood. He and his wife have spent years building unique, handcrafted holiday displays at their home, turning their property into a destination for families across Clark County. It's exactly the kind of creative, over-the-top community spirit that makes a neighborhood memorable. With just a few days left before the big night, their yard is worth the drive. See the scene at The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Daphne Hanes Earns Athlete of the Week Honors

Volleyball standout Daphne Hanes of Ridgefield High School has been named The Columbian's Week 6 high school athlete of the week, sponsored by Killer Burger. Hanes pulled in 215 of 451 votes cast, earning the top spot in a competitive weekly poll. It's a well-deserved nod for a player making an impact during the fall season. Congratulations to Daphne and the entire Spudders volleyball program. Read more at The Columbian.

Your Midweek Plans, Sorted: Craft Night, Comedy, Wonder Prom

Looking for something fun before the weekend hits? A handy roundup of Vancouver events this week includes Craft Night at the Liberty Theater, Comedy Night at Twigs Bistro, and the intriguingly named Wonder Prom at Dovetail Cellars. Monday brings a free run club at Foot Traffic and Chicks & Giggles comedy at Donnell's, while Tuesday features Shut Up and Write at The ARTS Centered — perfect for anyone working on that novel or just craving creative community. See the full list on Reddit.

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⚡ Quick Bites

It's a quiet Tuesday in the 'Couv — enjoy the calm and we'll be back with more local happenings soon.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, October 27

• Scary Story Walk at Camas Public Library — Celebrate the winners of the Scary Story contest by strolling downtown Camas, where each participating business features a winning story in its front window. Free. More info
• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day — In honor of Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, entrance fees are waived at federal public lands across the U.S. A perfect excuse to explore. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, and nighttime maze access all included with admission. $14–$16. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor space for kids to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, and hygiene items. More info
• Christine Cohen presents "Alienation of Affection: Divorce in the U.S." — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Clark County Genealogical Society, Vancouver. Learn how divorce records can unlock genealogy clues. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, and food carts. $10. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM in Woodland. A 40+-acre pumpkin patch with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Free admission and parking; u-pick available. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at La Center Community Library — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. Ages 5–9 can build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Wildwood at OMSI — 4:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. LAIKA's handcrafted epic fantasy film about a girl's quest through a forbidden forest full of enchanted creatures. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create characters and play Dungeons & Dragons. Free. More info
• College and Career Fair — 5:00 PM–7:00 PM at Prairie High School, Vancouver. Learn about apprenticeships, trade schools, military branches, and colleges, plus a financial aid presentation. Free and open to all students and families. More info
• Movie and Craft Nights at Vancouver Mall — 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. Family-friendly Halloween movies, crafts, and free snacks. Free for Vancouver Mall newsletter subscribers. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Writers of all levels gather for dedicated writing time and discussion. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning adult Spanish speakers. Free, no registration required. More info
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting — 6:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Speaker Bill Woods will discuss the fishing season, local rivers, and seals. Open to the public. Free. More info
• A Women's Circle on Perimenopause and Menopause — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Naturopathic physician Kellie Moore presents on menopause, muscle loss, and joint pain. Free. More info
• Science on Tap — K9 Conservationists: Dogs Helping Wolf Research — 7:00 PM in Portland. Learn how conservation dogs are helping biologists study wolves on Alaska's Pleasant Island. More info

Wednesday, October 28

• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free, reservation required. More info
• Wednesday Wanders @ the WREC — 10:00 AM. A guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland. Great for families with kids ages 6+ and adult nature lovers. More info
• Tentacle Tribe Hip Hop at Clark College — 2:00 PM at Clark College's Archer Gallery, Vancouver. Montreal's Tentacle Tribe blends breaking, hip hop, and contemporary dance in a free lecture and demonstration. More info
• Pumpkin Party at Boo Bash — 2:30 PM–5:30 PM on NE Cedar Street in downtown Camas. Face painting, balloon art, carnival games, treats, and activities for kids of all ages. Free. More info
• Boo Bash 2026 in Camas — 3:00 PM–5:00 PM in downtown Camas. Trick-or-treating at local businesses, a Spooky Season Market, and costumes galore. Rain or shine. Free. More info
• The Great Pumpkin Reveal — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Come see the winning pumpkin creations from this year's contest, on display outside during Boo Bash. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 3:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 5–12 can design, build, and problem-solve through surprise challenges. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab at Washougal Community Library — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Pokémon Club — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn and play the Pokémon Trading Card Game in a casual, inclusive setting. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room: Haunted Pizzeria — 5:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Can you survive your first night as a security guard and escape the pizzeria? Free. More info
• Pokémon Trade Night — 5:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Hang out and trade with the local TCG community. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine. 21+. Free. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. An open mic where every voice is heard — read aloud your original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. All ages. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Online Spanish Conversation Classes — 6:00 PM–7:00 PM via Zoom with Andrea's Spanish School. Practice speaking with a native speaker in a small group. $25. More info
• Backyard Composting Workshop — 6:00 PM. Learn about hot and cold composting methods from Clark County Composter Recyclers. Free. More info
• Healthy Relationship with Food — 6:30 PM–7:30 PM at PeaceHealth Specialty Clinic, Vancouver. Sarah Sterling explores how dieting, upbringing, and emotions shape our relationships with food. $50. More info
• Craft Night at the Theatre — 7:00 PM at Camas Liberty Theatre. Bring a craft project and enjoy working on it during a showing of Mama Mia! Concessions available. $10. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with in-car audio, Hollywood-quality monsters, and terrifying twists. Tickets from $78.22. More info

Thursday, October 29

• Vancouver Audubon Society Road Trip: Wahkiakum County — 6:20 AM, meet at Salmon Creek Park & Ride. Carpool to Puget Island and Julia Butler Hansen NWR to view migrating birds. Registration required via email. More info
• Rooted in Nature: Fall Hiking Series for 65+ Women — 9:00 AM. A guided, accessible group hike on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Oregon. $30 covers both hikes in the series, with transportation provided. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour the stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall lived from 1936–1938, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Merry Go Round Resale Consignment Event — 10:00 AM–9:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Shop sweaters, coats, boots, baby clothing, toys, books, home decor, and more. More info
• Building Lasting Impact — Lessons from Nature Everywhere Communities — 10:00 AM. A virtual Children & Nature Network workshop featuring community leaders transforming how cities prioritize nature for children and families. More info
• Park Hill Cemetery Tree Planting — 10:00 AM. Join Vancouver's Urban Forestry Department for a morning of planting new trees. Halloween costumes welcome! Family-friendly, tools and refreshments provided. RSVP required. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Instruction by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker for beginning and intermediate players. $10–$50. More info
• Dine the Couve — 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, enjoy three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and tasting rooms throughout the month. More info
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly — 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at Minnehaha Church of Christ, Vancouver. Supportive weekly meetings for weight management. Free. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 3:00 PM–5:00 PM in Camas. Corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin included with $13 admission. Seniors 55+ pay $11. Dogs welcome on leash. More info
• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Grand Opening — 4:00 PM ribbon cutting at 210 NE 192nd Avenue, Vancouver. Personalized pet grooming, gourmet treats, pet food, toys, and accessories. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM. Ages 13–19 can play games, craft, and chat. Snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Watch & Make with "The Addams Family" — 5:00 PM–7:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Adults and teens (grades 6–12) craft along while The Addams Family (1991, PG) plays. Registration required. Free. More info
• Boo Bash: A Halloween Costume Play Party — 5:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Indoor play with slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, and balls for kids 3 and under in costume. $14.99. More info
• Brews and Brushes with Ana the Artist — 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at Recluse Brew Works, Washougal. All painting supplies and two beers included. $45. More info
• Not Fade Away: Stories and Songs of Buddy Holly — 6:00 PM at Providence Academy Chapel, Vancouver. Music historian Joel Underwood performs a Buddy Holly tribute concert. Doors open at 5:30 PM. $18. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Halloween Sip & Paint at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Paint, sip, and get into the Halloween spirit with artist Marissa. $35 includes one drink. Space is limited. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM in Washougal with instructor Kat Nichols. All ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, five additional haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, and vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Comedy Night at the Waterfront — 8:00 PM. Stand-up comedy featuring rising stars of Pacific NW comedy. More info

Friday, October 30

• Clearmeadows Park Naturespace Native Garden Planting — 3:00 PM. Help plant 400 native plants to support pollinators and wildlife. Family-friendly, no experience needed. Tools, gloves, and snacks provided. More info

Adults

• Halloween Live Music at Pour Choices Pub: Jon Von Blood and the Trick-or-Treats — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Live music with Slaughter Lobby — come dressed like a monster. 21+. More info

Saturday, October 31

• OMSI Curiosity Kids — Become a Nature Detective — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families explore early science and engineering through hands-on challenges. More info
• Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning Workshop with Vancouver Bee Project — 11:00 AM on Columbia Way. Learn mason bee biology, fall stewardship, and how to clean bee houses to reduce parasites and disease. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Apple Cider Press Day — 1:00 PM in Woodland. Visit the historic water-powered grist mill for cider pressing, fresh-milled flour demonstrations, and good eats. Free. More info

Sunday, November 1

• First of the Month Bird Walk — 8:00 AM at WSU-Vancouver campus. Wildlife scientist Cindy McCormack leads a walk through diverse habitats in search of wintering songbirds and raptors. More info

Tuesday, November 3

• Vancouver Audubon Society: "Conserving the California Condor" with Dr. Hayley Brazier — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Dr. Brazier, Wildlife Conservation Specialist at the Oregon Zoo, presents on condor conservation. Free, all welcome. More info

Wednesday, November 4

• Gardening with Compost Workshop — 6:00 PM. Learn how to use compost to build healthy soil and move toward a fertilizer-free garden. Part of Clark County Composter Recyclers' free fall workshop series. More info

Saturday, November 7

• Esther Short Park Cleanup — 9:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver's Adopt-A-Park program and the Vancouver Downtown Association for litter cleanup and beautification. Family-friendly, tools and snacks provided. More info
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup — 9:30 AM. Help the Water Resources Education Center remove litter from Columbia River beaches. Expect a 2.5-mile walk. Registration required. More info
• Shaffer Stormwater Site Tree Planting — 10:00 AM. Join Vancouver's Urban Forestry Department for a morning of planting new trees. Family-friendly, tools and refreshments provided. RSVP required. More info
• Adaptive Birding Hike — 11:00 AM at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. An inclusive, accessible birding hike with Adventures Without Limits and a USFWS biologist. All ages, all abilities. Free (suggested $10 donation). More info
• Adopt-A-Park: Ellsworth Springs East Native Planting — 1:00 PM. Help plant over 700 native species including edible and medicinal plants in an area cleared of ivy earlier this year. No experience needed. More info

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