Couve Culture Weekender: June 12th - June 15th

It’s Thursday, June 12th in the ‘Couve…

Last weekend I hit up Zoo Brew, sipped on some seriously good beer from local breweries, and got to see the brand-new baby elephant (yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds). This weekend, I’m back to my usual routine—Vancouver Farmers Market run, Kafiex coffee in hand—before heading out to Tillamook for a family camping trip next weekend. Got any favorite beach spots or hidden donut shacks? Send 'em my way.

Oh, and PSA: every single farmers market in Clark County is officially open. Summer mode = activated.

From BBQ fests and Pride block parties to live music and late-night comedy, here’s what’s good this weekend:

Here are 5 picks I’d absolutely circle on your calendar:

  • 🔥 ilani BBQ Fest

  • 🎤 Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder

  • 🖤 Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

  • 🧺 Farmers Market Season Kickoff (Downtown, Ridgefield, Salmon Creek, East Van)

  • 🌈 Vancouver’s Pride Block Party

✈️ Cheap Flights

Dreaming of faraway places (or just a good excuse to ghost your responsibilities for a bit)? I found some airfare gems this week—whether you want to soak up the history of Boston, stroll Madrid’s tapas-lined alleys, or slurp ramen under neon signs in Tokyo.

Oh—and that Madrid fare? It’s the lowest we’ve seen since 2021. ¡Vamos!

PDX - Boston 🍀
From $197, normally $475+
Departing JUL - AUG 2025
Jet Blue
Economy
Nonstop
*Price will last ~2-3 days
sample pricing

PDX - Madrid 💃
From $367, normally $850+
Departing NOV - DEC 2025
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Economy
Layovers
2h0m in Charlotte
3h35m in New York City (return)
*Price will last ~1-2 days
sample pricing

PDX - Tokyo
From $696, normally $1170+
Departing SEP 2025, DEC 2025, JAN - MAR 2026
Air Canada
Economy
Layovers
1h6m in Vancouver
3h50m in Vancouver (return)
*Price will last 2-3 days
sample pricing

💼 TL;DR
Sample pricing = act fast. Most of these will vanish quicker than a TSA-friendly toothpaste. Happy hunting!

The Tape Deck

Say hello to Jacqueline Smith, one of Vancouver’s top realtors and a true gem in the local housing scene. She’s sharp, kind, and knows the neighborhoods like the back of her hand. Proud to call her a friend of the newsletter!

Meet Vancouver Cab Company—the local legends who’ve been keeping the Couve rolling 24/7 with their signature yellow taxis and live, local dispatch. Whether it's a late-night taco run or an early airport dash, they've got you covered.

Meet our friends at Just-In-Time Electrical—the team who installed my EV charger outlet without a hitch. They're fast, friendly, and local pros at all things residential electrical. If you need a trustworthy spark in Vancouver, they’re your go-to.

Our friends at the Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) are on a mission to keep downtown vibrant. From public art and flower baskets to infrastructure upgrades and local events, they’re the behind-the-scenes heroes making downtown Vancouver a place where people want to live, work, and linger longer.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project your working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to over 6,500 friends?

Uptown Flea Market at Kindred
Saturday, June 14 | 11am–4pm | FREE

Calling all treasure hunters, vintage lovers, and local biz supporters—the Uptown Flea Market is back at Kindred! This vibrant community pop-up is packed with handcrafted goods, quirky finds, and all the summer sidewalk vibes you could want. Bonus: if you’re a maker, vendor booths are still available (and booth sharing is welcome!).

🔗 Apply or learn more here

Want to feature an event that is important to your business? Click below to share it with 6,500+ locals looking for something to do.

Vancouver Events

Thursday, June 12th

Thursday, June 12 | East Vancouver Farmers Market | Columbia Tech Center | FREE
🧺 Stock up on local produce and weekend inspiration—this eastside farmers market is basically a fridge-filler with personality.
🔗 More details here

Thursday, June 12 | Salmon Creek Farmers Market | Legacy Hospital | FREE
🌽 A hyper-local market that’s more “know your farmer” than “bulk bin.” Come for the produce, stay for the neighborly vibes.
🔗 Visit the market site

Thursday, June 12 | Ridgefield Raptors Home Game | Ridgefield Outdoor Rec Complex | $8–$23
⚾ Grab your peanuts, cracker jack, and lawn chair—it’s game night in the ‘Field and the Raptors are ready to swing for it.
🔗 View the full game schedule

Thursday, June 12 | Generator | Billy Blues Bar and Grill | FREE
🎸 Debut show alert! Five-part harmonies, tight blues-rock covers, and just the right amount of volume to shake the ribs in your rib dinner.
🔗 Event details on Facebook

Thursday, June 12 | Watch the Waves! Waterfront 5k/8k | Esther Short Park | FREE
👟 Nautical gear is highly encouraged for this sunset run/walk along the waterfront. Post-run party at Heathen seals the deal.
🔗 Join the waterfront run

Thursday, June 12 | Comedy on Tap | Kiggins Theatre | $15
🎭 Laughs on draft! Kiggins hosts stand-up from some of the region’s funniest folks—beer in hand, laughter in gut.
🔗 See who’s on stage

Friday, June 13th

Friday, June 13 | Ridgefield Raptors Home Game | Ridgefield Outdoor Rec Complex | $8–$23
⚾ Friday night lights, but make it wood bats and hometown pride. Cheap tickets, lawn seating, and snack bar hot dogs that slap.
🔗 View the full game schedule

Friday, June 13 | Jukebox Heroes | Billy Blues Bar and Grill | $15
🎤 A Foreigner tribute band bringing you back to the glory days of big hair and power ballads. Expect sax solos and serious vocal flexing.
🔗 Rock out with Jukebox Heroes

Friday, June 13 | Moon Music | Cascade Bar & Grill | FREE
🌕 Psychedelic rock and funky grooves that pair perfectly with Cascade’s strong pours and sticky floors.
🔗 Show info on Facebook

Saturday, June 14th

Saturday, June 14 | Ridgefield Farmers Market | Davis Park | FREE
🧺 Classic small-town market charm, complete with fresh veggies, homemade jams, and someone playing guitar under a tent.
🔗 Check market updates

Saturday, June 14-15 | Vancouver Farmers Market | Downtown Vancouver | FREE
🥕 Where good intentions and fresh radishes collide—stock up, snack, stroll, repeat.
🔗 Explore the vendor list

Saturday, June 14 | Artfully Well - A Self Care Saturday | The ARTS Centered | $100
🧘‍♀️ Yoga, expressive art, sound baths, and a catered Mighty Bowl lunch—like a wellness retreat without leaving Vancouver.
🔗 Register on Eventbrite

Saturday, June 14 | Vancouver's Pride Block Party | Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary | FREE
🌈 60+ vendors, 4,000+ attendees, and endless queer joy packed into downtown’s most fabulous block.
🔗 Full Pride Block Party details

Saturday, June 14 | Juneteenth Freedom Celebration | Esther Short Park | FREE
🎶 Celebrate Black freedom and culture with music, food, local vendors, and community—because history matters and joy is resistance.
🔗 Learn more or volunteer

Saturday, June 14-15 | ilani BBQ Fest | ilani | $20–$44
🍖 Bourbon, brisket, and BBQ pit battles—basically Father’s Day in its final form. 21+ only, but bring your inner dad energy.
🔗 Event schedule and tickets

Saturday, June 14 | Laughgasm Comedy Pride Edition | Underbar | $10
🎤 Arlo Weierhauser headlines this queer comedy showcase in one of the coziest basements in the Couve. Get there early—it sells out.
🔗 Reserve your spot on Eventbrite

Saturday, June 14 | Uptown Flea Market | Kindred | FREE
🛍️ Come thrift, sip, and wander the rows of vintage finds and handmade goods. It’s like Etsy, but you get to touch stuff.
🔗 Browse the vendor schedule

Saturday, June 14 | Yoga & Wine | English Estate Winery | $28/$17
🍷 Flow, breathe, then sip—because some poses are just better with Pinot.
🔗 Book your mat space

Saturday, June 14 | 5k Beer Run | Fortside Brewing | Registration required
🏃 Run, walk, or jog for beer and charity—no chip timer, just good vibes and great ales at the finish line.
🔗 Register here

Saturday, June 14 | John & Margrette Coop Park Mulching | Coop Park | FREE
🌱 Community mulching = free workout + bonus bragging rights. All supplies provided—just bring your can-do attitude.
🔗 Sign up to volunteer

Saturday, June 14 | Passion Cats Single Release Party | Georgie’s Garage & Grill | $5
🎶 Alt-rock, 90s covers, and a brand new single drop. Dirt cheap cover, full-throttle energy.
🔗 Event on Facebook

Saturday, June 14 | The Archives | Cascade Bar & Grill | $5
🎸 Three hours of 80s rock blocks—if you know all the lyrics to “Jessie’s Girl,” this night’s for you.
🔗 Let’s get nostalgic

Saturday, June 14 | Ridgefield Raptors Home Game | Ridgefield Outdoor Rec Complex | $8–$23
⚾ Hit repeat on the home team—because nothing says summer like back-to-back baseball.
🔗 Game info here

Saturday, June 14 | Laughs on Loowit Comedy Showcase | Loowit Brewing | FREE ($5 suggested)
🍻 Monthly comedy night at the brewery—grab a beer and a seat early. This one fills up fast.
🔗 More event details

Sunday, June 15th

Sunday, June 15 | British Invasion Show and Shine | Alderbrook Park | $8–$10
🚗 Mini Coopers and old-school Triumphs take over the park. Your dad will love it. You might too.
🔗 Event page

Sunday, June 15 | Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder | Cascades Amphitheater | $49–$200+
🎸 Come sail away… to Ridgefield, where classic rock legends are still kicking (and shredding).
🔗 Grab your tickets

Sunday, June 15 | Family Pottery Wheel Class | Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery | $35–$75
🎨 Get your hands dirty (literally) in this family-friendly pottery wheel class. BYO Ghost soundtrack.
🔗 Reserve your spot

Sunday, June 15 | Movie Night | Thirsty Sasquatch | FREE
🎬 Sunday night cinema on the patio. Grab a slice, grab a pint, and let the credits roll.
🔗 What’s playing

Sunday, June 15 | THE SUNDAY CURE | Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub | FREE
🤣 Free comedy show featuring legit talent and mature jokes—grab a pint and a seat for this local favorite.
🔗 Event details

Sunday, June 15 | Ridgefield Raptors Home Game | Ridgefield Outdoor Rec Complex | $8–$23
Sunday’s game starts early—1:05pm—so you can baseball and still make dinner.
🔗 Check the schedule

Concert Calendar

MONDAY, Jun 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pierce the Veil | Cascades Amphitheater | From $49 | 🎤 Tickets Here

THURSDAY, Jun 26, 2025 @ 7pm | Halsey | Cascades Amphitheater | From $69 | 💫 Tickets Here

TUESDAY, Jul 22, 2025 @ 7pm | VOLBEAT w/ Halestorm | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | 🤘 Tickets Here

SATURDAY, Aug 9, 2025 @ 8pm | Maren Morris | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $103.85 | 🌟 Tickets Here

WEDNESDAY, Aug 13, 2025 @ 7pm | Creed | Cascades Amphitheater | From $90 | 🤘 Tickets Here

THURSDAY, Aug 14, 2025 @ 6:30pm | Wiz Khalifa - Good Vibes Only Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | From $40.50 | 💨 Tickets Here

SATURDAY, Aug 16, 2025 @ 7pm | Above & Beyond | Cascades Amphitheater | From $56.50 | ✨ Tickets Here

SATURDAY, Aug 16, 2025 @ 8pm | Scotty McCreery | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $74.80 | 🤠 Tickets Here

SUNDAY, Aug 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Cyndi Lauper | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | 🤠 Tickets Here

THURSDAY, Aug 21, 2025 @ 7pm | Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $50 | 🎸 Tickets Here

FRIDAY, Aug 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Parker McCollum | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | 🤠 Tickets Here

SATURDAY, Aug 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pantera | Cascades Amphitheater | From $55 | 🤘 Tickets Here

SUNDAY, Aug 24, 2025 @ 7pm | Nelly | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $186.03 | 🎤 Tickets Here

TUESDAY, Aug 26, 2025 @ 6:30pm | $uicideboy$ - Grey Day Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | From $68.20 | 🖤 Tickets Here

SATURDAY, Aug 30, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Toto + Men At Work + Christopher Cross | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | 🕶 Tickets Here

MONDAY, Sep 1, 2025 @ 7pm | Lil Wayne: Tha Carter VI Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | From $35 | 🎤 Tickets Here

THURSDAY, Sep 4, 2025 @ 7pm | The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World & New Found Glory | Cascades Amphitheater | From $52 | 🤘 Tickets Here

*CANCELLED* THURSDAY, Sep 11, 2025 @ 6pm | Kidz Bop Live | Cascades Amphitheater | From $50 | 👧👦 Tickets Here

FRIDAY, Sep 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Billy Idol & Joan Jett and The Blackhearts | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | 🎸 Tickets Here

FRIDAY, Sep 26, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Thomas Rhett | Cascades Amphitheater | From $47 | 🤠 Tickets Here

WEDNESDAY, Oct 1, 2025 @ 7pm | Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | 🤘 Tickets Here

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See you next week.

That’s the rundown, my friend.

If you’re out and about this weekend, tag @couve_culture in your photos—I love seeing your finds, fits, and farmers market hauls. I’ll be sticking close to home this weekend, but next week I’ll be fireside with the fam somewhere near Tillamook, probably eating my weight in s’mores.

Catch you next Thursday with more local goodness, cheaper flights, and probably a sunburn.

Stay cool out there 🌞
—Jay

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