Couve Culture Weekender: June 5th - June 8th

📅 It’s Thursday, June 5th in the ‘Couve…

This week the house is a little quieter than usual. My wife and daughters have their own plans that don’t include me, so I’m left to my own devices—which, let’s be honest, usually means bouncing around town with a coffee in one hand and a to-do list I’ll probably ignore.

I’ll probably skip the farmers market this week because I like to do it with the family, but First Friday is calling my name, and there’s no way I’m missing the Ridgefield Raptors if I can help it.

Paranormal Cirque II also has me a bit curious—blame it on my love of wild, weird shows (seriously, Absinthe in Vegas ruined me for anything “normal”). If all else fails, you’ll find me at Zoo Brew sampling something dangerously local even if that means having to cross the bridge.

Here are my top five picks for this weekend:

• Sessanta V 2.0: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle

• First Friday (all over downtown)

• Ridgefield’s Big Paddle

• Paranormal Cirque II

• Zoo Brew (the zoo is one of my Portland exceptions)

✈️ Cheap Flights

If the local weather has you side-eyeing your umbrella collection, I’ve got you covered—these flight deals are your ticket out of town. Whether you want big city eats, epic adventures, or neon-lit ramen runs, these fares are the travel equivalent of finding twenty bucks in your pocket. Book fast: these deals vanish quicker than the last macaron at La Provence!

PDX - Chicago 🐂
From $129, normally $315+
Departing AUG - DEC 2025
Southwest Airlines
Economy
Nonstop
*Price will last ~2-3 days
sample pricing

PDX - New Zealand 🌋👁️
From $646, normally $1525+
Departing MAR 2026
Air Canada
Economy
Layovers
3h21m in Vancouver
2h10m in Vancouver (return)
*Price will last ~2-3 days
sample pricing

PDX - Tokyo
From $710, normally $1170+
Departing SEP - DEC 2025, JAN - MAR 2026
Air Canada
Economy
Layovers
1h6m in Vancouver
3h50m in Vancouver (return)
*Price will last 2-3 days
sample pricing

Play around with dates for the best fares, pack light (you know you won’t), and if you book a trip, send me a postcard—or at least a gloating selfie!

The Tape Deck

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project your working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to over 6,000 friends?

First Friday Events

Burnt Bridge Cellars First Friday | Burnt Bridge Cellars | $32
A three-course Spanish feast (hello, chorizo and Manchego!) with art from Sue Clancy and toe-tapping Celtic tunes. Come hungry, stay for the vibes, and leave full of stories. More Info

Tea Cup Fairy Garden Workshop | Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary | Prices vary
Build your own fairy garden in a teacup, then check out Cydnee Olson’s art while your fae friends judge your creativity. BYO miniatures encouraged! More Info

Glass Art Demo with Bryan Jablonski | Firehouse Glass | FREE
Watch Bryan Jablonski turn molten glass into magic from 6–9pm. Art Walk = best excuse to stand around watching fire in public. More Info

Summertime Craft Faire | Love Potion Magickal Marketplace | FREE
Handmade treasures, good vibes, and a sprinkle of magick all weekend. Come meet local artisans, pick up something unique, and test your tarot luck with a reading. More Info

Providence Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony | Providence Academy | FREE
Witness history in the making—groundbreaking ceremony out front at 1:30pm sharp. RSVP, find a good parking spot, and bring your “I was there!” selfie game. More Info

TURNSTILE Indie Release Party | Ronald Records | FREE
Celebrate Turnstile’s new album with a listening party, free posters, giveaways, and the chance to snag exclusive vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. Your Friday night just got way cooler. More Info

Clothing Swap & Coffee Social | Cariño Coffeehouse | FREE
Trade clothes, sip craft coffee, and meet local makers. From permanent jewelry to clay earrings, it’s the ultimate “treat yo’self, refresh your closet” hang. More Info

Local Art Night | Heathen Brewing Feral Pub | FREE
Four artists, one pub: linos, watercolors, oils, and paper art! Sip a pint and pretend you’re cultured—bonus points for pronouncing “apothecary” correctly. More Info

June Gallery Show | PaperCut Society (Radical Hospitality Gallery) | FREE
Meet local paper artists, buy their work, and feel smug knowing every dollar supports the creative folks behind the art. More Info

Artist Reception & Live Music | Pour Choices Pub | FREE
Meet featured artist Jon Henderson (6–7pm), then stick around for live music until 9pm. Original art, honest conversation, and a cold pint—what more could you want? More Info

Hotel Indigo Art Walk & Tastings | The Liquor Cabinet at Hotel Indigo | FREE
Pop-up bar, spirit tastings, and 15+ artists showing off in a fancy hotel. Sip, stroll, and find your new favorite painting or cocktail. More Info

Paint Party & Local Art | Unique Beauty Loft | FREE
Drop in for art and join the public paint party! Even if your talent peaked in kindergarten, you’ll still have a blast with Malee Kenworthy’s creative crew. More Info

Featured Event

Want to feature an event that is important to your business? Click below to share it with 6,000+ locals looking for something to do.

Vancouver Events

Thursday, June 5

Thursday, June 5 | East Vancouver Farmers Market | Columbia Tech Center | FREE
🥕 Your Thursday lunch break just got a lot more delicious. Hit up the East Vancouver Farmers Market for farm-fresh goodies and an excuse to procrastinate real work.
🔗 More Info

Thursday, June 5 | Ridgefield Raptors Home Game | Ridgefield Outdoor Recreational Complex | $8–$23
⚾ Summer nights, wood bats, and a rowdy crowd—yep, Ridgefield Raptors baseball is back! Perfect for anyone who enjoys hot dogs, home runs, and heckling the other team (politely, of course).
🔗 More Info

Thursday, June 5 | Dancehall Days | Billy Blues Bar & Grill | FREE
💃 No cover, no excuses. Bring your questionable dance moves (and your kids till 9pm) to Billy Blues for a night of groovin’ and shakin’.
🔗 More Info

Thursday, June 5 | Sausage Party | A Little Vice | FREE
🌭 Flavorsmyth is back, grilling up a wild mix of Korean, Pastrami, and Texas Red links. Grab a Man in the Van beer and call it dinner—starts at 4pm, goes till they run out (or you do).
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6

Friday, June 6 | Family Fun Night | Salmon Creek Grange | FREE
🎲 Grab your kids (or just your inner child) for games, snacks, and that elusive feeling called “family togetherness.” Board games, snacks, and laughs guaranteed.
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6 | VDA’s First Friday Downtown | Downtown Vancouver USA | FREE
🎨 Art walks, live music, and shops that stay open past your bedtime—First Friday in downtown Vancouver has it all. Perfect for pretending you understand abstract art.
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6 | Sessanta V 2.0: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle | Cascades Amphitheater | $54–$200+
🎸 An epic night of weird, wild, and wonderful rock. Three legendary bands, one stage. Bring earplugs and your most open mind.
🔗 Tickets Here

Friday, June 6 | Fighting Foos | Rock & Brews at ilani | FREE
🤘 A Foo Fighters tribute that pulls no punches—just big riffs and bigger singalongs. Get your rock fix and some fries while you’re at it.
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6 | West Coast Country Superstars & Temple Grandin | Brickhouse Bar and Grill | $5
🤠 Outlaw country and rock ’n’ roll delivered with extra attitude. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM—this band means business.
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6 | 1000 Year Flood | Georgie’s Garage and Grill | $10
🌊 Early evening dinner show—family-friendly, good food, great tunes, and a chance to say you survived the 1,000 Year Flood (at least musically).
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6 – 8 | Paranormal Cirque II | Vancouver Mall | Prices vary
🎪 Acrobats, illusionists, and creatures of the night—this circus is 100% more spooky than your average trip to the mall. Prepare for chills and thrills.
🔗 Tickets Here

Friday, June 6 | Loowit Oles Outpost: Owen Kortz Live | Loowit Oles Outpost | FREE
🎤 Summer nights, cold drinks, and live tunes on the patio—Owen Kortz brings the acoustic good vibes all night long.
🔗 More Info

Friday, June 6-7 | ZooBrew | Oregon Zoo | $60
🍻 50+ breweries and cideries, live music, keeper chats, and the zoo at night. Sorry, this one’s 21+—your inner child will have to stay home while your outer adult has a blast.
🔗 Tickets Here

Saturday, June 7

Sunday, June 7 - 8 | Vancouver Farmers Market | Downtown Vancouver | FREE
🛒 Sunday strolls, fresh produce, food trucks, music, and plenty of people-watching. The market is where Vancouver gathers (and your diet goes to die).
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Annual Open House | Salmon Creek Fire Station 63 | FREE
🚒 It’s fire trucks, hot dogs, and free fun! Swing by the Salmon Creek Station for demos, snacks, and a peek behind the scenes with your local heroes.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Parkersville Day | Parker’s Landing Historical Park | FREE
🏞️ History comes alive! Enjoy live presentations, gold panning, games, and even a barber shop quartet. Your chance to brush up on Washougal’s wild past (with prizes!).
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Lemonade Day & Junior Market | Vancouver Farmers Market | FREE
🍋 Watch Vancouver’s youngest entrepreneurs learn to hustle at this market takeover—adorable lemonade stands and new businesses galore.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Ridgefield’s Big Paddle | Ridgefield Waterfront | FREE
🛶 Paddle Lake River, join the festival, and celebrate the Ridgefield waterfront. Family fun, water adventures, and very good excuses to be outside all day.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Ridgefield Farmers Market | Davis Park | FREE
🌽 Classic farmers market feels: local produce, handmade goods, and all the small-town charm your heart can handle.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 - 8 | June Farm Days: Arts & Crafts | Pomeroy Living History Farm | $3 (6 & up), 5 & under FREE
🐄 Local artists, farm animals, vendors, and a children’s i-Spy activity—yes, please. Old-school farm vibes and new crafts to try.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Tamales Cooking Class | Burnt Bridge Cellars | $113.89
🌽 Become a tamale-making pro with Chef Fabi. You’ll roll, stuff, and leave with a pile of deliciousness and maybe a new life skill.
🔗 Tickets Here

Saturday, June 7 | Vino & Vinyasa | Valo Cellars & Massalto Wine | $20
🧘 Yoga + wine = the kind of math I can get behind. Flow, sip, and leave with that “I definitely earned this” feeling.
🔗 Tickets Here

Saturday, June 7 | Make and Take Infused Oil Workshop | Kindred Vancouver | $30
🌿 DIY your own herbal infused oils for next-level skin care. You’ll leave with a custom blend and all the smugness of someone who makes their own beauty products.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | FREE Kids Workshop – A Hammer with Heart | Parkrose Hardware | FREE
🔨 Kids 12 & under can decorate their very own hammer—tools, supplies, and parental pride provided!
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | The Next Level Band 143 | Georgie’s Garage and Grill | $5
🎶 Georgie’s 4th anniversary party with live music and good vibes—level up your Saturday!
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Tribute Bands: Nevermind & 21 Guns | Billy Blues Bar & Grill | $15
🎸 Two tribute bands, one epic night: Nirvana and Green Day covers till late. Grunge, punk, and nostalgia for days.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Countryside Spring Cleanup | Countryside Park | FREE
🧹 Give back and get your hands dirty at this annual park cleanup—tools, snacks, and all the good karma you can carry.
🔗 More Info

Saturday, June 7 | Adopt-A-Park Event | St Helens Park | FREE
🌳 Beautify St Helens Park! Volunteers needed—gloves, snacks, and a solid workout provided.
🔗 More Info

Sunday, June 8

Sunday, June 8 | Metropolitan Performing Arts: Wizard of Oz | Metropolitan Performing Arts | Prices vary
🦁 A fresh musical take on the Yellow Brick Road, starring Broadway Jr. students. Bring the whole family—flying monkeys not included.
🔗 More Info

Sunday, June 8 | Round Table Pro Wrestling | Georgie’s Garage and Grill | Prices vary
🤼 Five matches, food, drinks, and the kind of body slams that make you question your own life choices. Doors at 4:30pm, bell at 5pm.
🔗 More Info

Sunday, June 8 | Dinner and Jazz at the Grant House | The Grant House (Willful Wine) | $20
🎷 Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live jazz in the garden—cover goes to the musicians, but you get all the vibes.
🔗 More Info

Sunday, June 8 | Pokémon Rocks! Rock Painting Night | Vault 31 | FREE
🪨 Paint a Pokémon rock, sip a drink, and get ready for GoFest! Supplies provided, trade your art or hide it downtown. 21+ only.
🔗 More Info

Concert Calendar

SUNDAY, Jun 15, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | 🎸 Tickets Here

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

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

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 a wrap for this week’s adventures—whether you’re cirque-curious, IPA-fueled, or just in it for the fairy gardens and food trucks. If you catch me out and about, say hi (bonus points if you bring me a macaron from La Provence or anywhere really). And if you discover a hidden gem, let me know! My inbox is always open for event tips, wild stories, or questionable food recommendations.

Stay curious, stay local, and remember: the best weekends are the ones you almost don’t plan at all. See you out there, Couve crew!

Cheers!
Jay Letlow