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- Couve Culture Weekender: May 1st - May 4th
Couve Culture Weekender: May 1st - May 4th
Jay Letlow
May 01, 2025
It’s Thursday, the 1st of May in the Couve.
Well hello there, Vancouver! Can you believe it's already May?
This weekend is looking packed, which is good because we need to squeeze in all the fun before things slow down a bit. You'll definitely catch me doing my usual Saturday routine: hitting up the Vancouver Farmers Market bright and early for all the good stuff, followed immediately by a mandatory caffeine stop at Kafiex Roasters – priorities, people! I'm trying to soak up all the Vancouver goodness before I abandon you all for warmer climes.
Speaking of abandoning you, I'll be out of town living my best life in Cabo from May 13th to the 20th. Don't worry, I'll try my best to cobble together something for the newsletter that week between margarita tastings and pretending to understand Spanish, but let's just say it might be... concise. Consider it a brief vacation for your inbox too. In the meantime, there's plenty happening right here to keep you busy!
Here are my top picks for this weekend:
VDA's First Friday Downtown
Vancouver Farmers Market
Savor SWWA Wine
Boating Season Opening Day Parade
Walk/Run for the Animals
Cheap Flights
This week's deals offer some serious geographic diversity – whether you fancy chasing the midnight sun up in Fairbanks, exploring Iceland's otherworldly landscapes (hot springs, anyone?), or hopping across the pond for some kilts and castles in Glasgow.
And here's the pro tip for those Icelandair flights: they have that amazing stopover program. That means you can hang out in Reykjavik for up to a week on your way to/from Glasgow (or many other EU spots) for no extra airfare! Think of it as a two-for-one deal – a little volcanic spa time before hitting the pubs? So if you're dreaming of a multi-city Euro trip, definitely poke around their site beyond just the Glasgow deal!
PDX - Fairbanks, AK ❄
From $329, normally $650+
Departing May - Aug 2025
Alaska Airlines
Economy Seating
Nonstop
*Price will last ~6-7 days
sample pricing
PDX - Reykjavik, Iceland 🛁
From $440, normally $780+
Departing Sep - Oct 2025
Icelandair
Economy Seating
Nonstop
*Price will last ~4-5 days
sample pricing
PDX – Glasgow, UK 🏌
From $530, normally $950+
Departing Sep - Nov 2025
Icelandair
Economy Seating
Layovers
4h15m in Reykjavik
1h5m in Reykjavik (return)
*Price will last 5-6 days
sample pricing
The Tape Deck
Heads up, taco fiends! If you see the Razo's Tacos booth, maybe while wandering the Farmers Market, do yourself a favor and grab something. They're all about authentic flavor using super fresh ingredients sourced from local farms – you can taste the difference! Legit tacos supporting local, what's not to love?
Need a vintage fix? Our friends at Most Everything Vintage downtown is where it's at. Seriously, it's packed with cool finds – clothes, accessories, home stuff, even vinyl. It's like stepping into a treasure chest curated by someone who really loves old stuff. Perfect for finding that unique piece nobody else has!
Looking for solid pub grub, craft beer, and live music pretty much any night of the week? Brickhouse Bar & Grill downtown is a solid bet. It's got that comfy, family-friendly vibe but still keeps things lively. Catch a local band, shoot some shuffleboard, maybe even try their wings!
Got dull knives, scissors, or garden tools mocking you from the drawer? The Patron Saint of Knives gets it. This local sharpening pro treats every blade, from your fancy chef's knife to Grandma's old shears, with respect – honoring its history while making it "mysteriously sharp." Affordable, expert sharpening!
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project your working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to over 3,000 friends?
First Friday
Eras Vintage Marketplace | 6-9pm | Features a botanical oracle reader, light refreshments, and antique/vintage home goods.
The Difference | 4pm-8pm | Hosts a First Friday Art Walk event with local artists showcasing their work, hosted sips, and shopping. 10% of purchases will be donated to ALS Northwest. Complimentary cocktails are offered.
Burnt Bridge Cellars | $30 (for food) | Features art by Kelly Kelly, food by Chef Emilee Mahan (avocado shrimp ceviche salad, pork stew, flan), and music by guitarist David Rogers (classical, jazz, world music).
Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary | Hosts the first official gallery showing for photographer Cydnee. Her photography will be displayed, and prints will be available for purchase along with tea.
Eras Vintage Marketplace | Features over 30 curated vendor spaces with vintage garden décor and botanical items. Felicia from Primrose Apothecary will offer botanical oracle and tarot readings. Tea from Dandelion Teahouse and treats will be available.
Firehouse Glass | 6-9pm | Features a live glassblowing demonstration of Greg Lueck’s newest series of colorful vessels. A spring sale is also ongoing.
Ronald Records | 5pm-7pm | Hosts a free, all-ages karaoke night.
The Valiant Ballroom | Hosts a Vintage & Antique Flea Market featuring local collectors and creators selling plants, pottery, home goods, clothing, collectibles, jewelry, miniature art, and more.
Aurora Gallery | Showcases work by mixed media artists Beverly Conant and Elizabeth Steinbaugh, and wildlife artist Analyn Anderson.
Heathen Brewing Feral Public House | Features art from three local artists/crafters during the Art Walk.
PaperCut Society (609 Main Street, Suite A) | 4-8pm | Hosts an opening reception for its Radical Hospitality Gallery where attendees can meet the artists. 100% of gallery purchases go directly to the artist.
Pour Choices Pub | 6-7 PM (Reception), 7-9 PM (Music) | Hosts an Artist Reception for May's featured artist, Ben Bullock (sketching/painting), followed by live music.
Food & Drinks
Saturday, May 3 | Savor SWWA Wine | Battle Ground Community Center | $75 ($85 day of)
🍷 Celebrate 200 years of Washington grapes by tasting local wines and foods. Grab tickets before they're gone! Tickets Here
Saturday, May 3 | Cinco de Mayo Tacos and Handmade Tortilla Cooking Class | Class Cooking in Burnt Bridge Cellars | $100
🌮 Learn the secrets to amazing tacos and fresh tortillas from Chef Fabi. You'll leave full and slightly more impressive. Tickets Here
Sunday, May 4 | High Tea | Bleu Door Bakery | $65
☕ Feel fancy with mini sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Pinkies up for this elegant Sunday treat! (Pre-register!) Register Here
Kids & Family
Thursday, May 1 | Sensory Storytime | Vancouver Community Library | FREE
📚 Sensory fun for the little ones, keeping things calm and interactive. Registration needed! Register Here
Saturday, May 3 | Bee Bath Creation | Parkrose Hardware | FREE
🐝 Bring the kids (12 & under) to make a little hydration station for our buzzing buddies. Quick, easy, and helps the pollinators! More Info
Vancouver Events
Get ready for some serious boat-watching this Saturday! The Columbia River Yachting Association is kicking off the official boating season with their massive Opening Day Parade, and lucky for us, it's happening right along the Vancouver Waterfront this year. Starting around 1 pm, expect to see over 100 boats – everything from powerboats to sailboats – all decked out for this year's theme, "Celebrating Opening Day." It’s basically the biggest boat party on the river, and you get front-row seats (for free!).
Want to feature an event that is important to your business? Click below to share it with 3,000+ locals looking for something to do.
Friday, May 2 & Saturday, May 3 | Date Night Pottery Wheel Class | Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery | $195 per couple
🏺 Get your hands dirty with your favorite person and maybe throw down in a friendly pottery challenge. Book ahead, lovebirds! Register Here
Friday, May 2 | Hit Machine | Billy Blues Bar and Grill | $15
🎶 Ready to dance? Hit Machine is playing, so get ready to bust a move (or at least awkwardly shuffle). More Info
Friday, May 2 | Silent Sky | Magenta Theater | FREE
🎭 Check out this play about pioneering women astronomers. Sounds like a smart way to spend Friday night. Tickets Here
Saturday, May 3 | DIY Charcuterie Board Workshop | Heathen Brewing Feral Public House | $85
🪵 Sip some brews and craft your own fancy charcuterie board. No experience needed, just a willingness to sand. Tickets Here
Saturday, May 3 | Secret Spaces 3-House Tour | Officers Row | $25
🗝️ Get a peek inside parts of historic Officers Row houses usually hidden from public view. Unleash your inner history nerd! Tickets Here
Saturday, May 3 | Uptown Flea Market | Kindred | FREE
✨ Browse unique local treasures at this outdoor market. You never know what cool stuff you might find! More Info
Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4 | Vancouver Farmers Market | Downtown Vancouver | FREE
🥕 Grab your reusable bags! Fresh goodies, tasty treats, and maybe even something for your pet await downtown. More Info
Sunday, May 4 | Ceramic Berry Bowls Workshop | Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery | $55
🍓 Get crafty and make your own adorable ceramic bowl, just in time for berry season. Your fruit deserves a fancy home. Register Here
Sports & Outdoors
Friday, May 2 | Garcia vs. Romero Viewing | The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill | FREE
🥊 Catch the Garcia vs. Romero fight. Because watching other people exert energy is way better than doing it yourself, right? More Info
Saturday, May 3 | Walk/Run for the Animals | Vancouver Waterfront | $50
🐾 Get some exercise along the scenic waterfront and help cute animals at the same time. Win-win! Register Here
Saturday, May 3 | Vancouver Volcanoes Home Game | Hudson's Bay High School | $10 GA
🏀 Go Volcanoes! Catch a local pro basketball game – fun, affordable, and indoors. Tickets Here
Saturday, May 3 | Canelo vs. Scull Viewing | The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill | FREE
🥊 More boxing! See Canelo Alvarez and William Scull duke it out. Perfect if Friday's fight wasn't enough action. More Info
Concert Calendar
THURSDAY, May 16, 2025 @ 7pm | Simple Minds | Cascades Amphitheater | From $33 | Tickets Here
THURSDAY, May 23, 2025 @ 7pm | James Taylor & His All-Star Band | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $93 | 🎸 Tickets Here
SATURDAY, May 24, 2025 @ 2:40pm | Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings & Lake Street Dive | Cascades Amphitheater | From $87 | 🤠 Tickets Here
SATURDAY, May 31, 2025 @ 8pm | Ben Schwartz & Friends | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $49 | 🎭 Tickets Here
SATURDAY, May 31, 2025 @ 6:30pm | Hardy | Cascades Amphitheater | From $68 | 🎭 Tickets Here
FRIDAY, Jun 6, 2025 @ 8pm | Sessanta V 2.0: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $56 | 🎵Tickets Here
SUNDAY, Jun 15, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $40 | 🎸 Tickets Here
MONDAY, Jun 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pierce the Veil | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $49 | 🎤 Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Jun 26, 2025 @ 7pm | Halsey | Cascades Amphitheater | From $69 | 💫 Tickets Here
TUESDAY, Jul 22, 2025 @ 7pm | Volbeat, Halestorm & The Ghost Inside | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | 🎤 Tickets Here
WEDNESDAY, Aug 13, 2025 @ 7pm | Creed | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $90 | 🤘 Tickets Here
SUNDAY, Aug 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Cyndi Lauper | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | 🤠 Tickets Here
FRIDAY, Aug 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Parker McCollum | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $44 | 🤠 Tickets Here
SATURDAY, Aug 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pantera | Cascades Amphitheater | From $55 | 🤘 Tickets Here
SATURDAY, Aug 30, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Toto + Men At Work + Christopher Cross | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $31 | 🌧️ 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 | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater | From $47 | 🤠 Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Aug 21, 2025 @ 7pm | Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $50 | 🎸 Tickets Here
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See you next week.
That's all the fun I could dig up for this week, folks! Get out there and enjoy the sunshine (or at least the lack of pouring rain), hit up First Friday, and maybe try something new before I peace out for tacos and tequila next week. Let me know if I missed anything crucial, otherwise, I'll catch you on the flip side – hopefully with a tan and not too much newsletter work left undone! Have a great weekend!
Cheers!
Jay Letlow
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