đ Hola, Couve connoisseurs! Itâs Thursday, May 29thâŚ
âŚAaaaand Iâm back from Cabo with a slight sunburn (Iâm melinated so its not bad) and an overwhelming urge to pet every dog I see. Vacation was great, but nothing beats rolling back into town and seeing all the greenery, the buzzing patios, and an inbox full of âWhatâs happening this weekend?â messages from all of you.
This weekâs lineup is stackedâfrom a Ben Schwartz & Friends show at ilani (go if you like improv, comedy, or having a pulse) to fry bread at Cedar Creek and a latte art throwdown that promises caffeine and chaos. Iâll be doing my usual circuit: hitting the farmers market, grabbing coffee at Kafiex, and snagging belated Motherâs Day flowers for my wife (since we left for Cabo two days after and wanted to enjoy them for more than a day).
Also, shoutout to everyone who voted in last weekâs happy hour pollâLittle Conejo and Brothers Cascadia came out on top! Iâll be reaching out to them this week to see if they want to host our little meetup experiment. And for those keeping score, Iâm still wrangling the final 2-3 restaurants for the Couve Card. Who knew itâd be this hard to give away free advertising? If you know someone in the restaurant biz, send âem my way.
Alsoâbreaking newsâmy daughters picked the first strawberries of the season from our garden and Iâm telling you right now: theyâre better than yours. Sorry, I donât make the rules.
Letâs dive into the weekend, yeah?
Here are my top picks for this weekend:
Ben Schwartz & Friends
Tide and Terroir
Cedar Creek Grist Mill Fry Bread Day
Final Fridays Live Music
Uptown Flea Market
âď¸ Cheap Flights
Wanna know my favorite way to fight off the âis summer almost over?â panic? Booking a trip you canât afford... but kinda can thanks to these ridiculous flight deals. Whether you're chasing Northern Lights, craving Puerto Rican beaches, or just trying to disappear into an Icelandic hot spring, Iâve found the ticket to your mid-year escape hatch.
PDX - Anchorage, AK â
From $327, normally $650+
Departing AUG - NOV 2025
Alaska Airlines
Economy Seating
Nonstop
*Price will last ~5-7 days
sample pricing
PDX - Aguadilla Pueblo, PR đľđˇ
From $389, normally $600+
Departing AUG - OCT 2025
United Airlines
Economy
Layovers
46m in Newark
1h49m in Newark (return)
*Price will last ~3-5 days
sample pricing
PDX - Reykjavik, Iceland đŽđ¸
From $400, normally $780+
Departing AUG - OCT 2025
Icelandair
Economy
Nonstop
*Price will last 5-7 days
sample pricing
The Tape Deck
Say hello to Jacqueline Smith, one of Vancouverâs top realtors and a true gem in the local housing scene. Sheâs sharp, kind, and knows the neighborhoods like the back of her hand. Proud to call her a friend of the newsletter!
Meet Vancouver Cab Companyâthe local legends whoâve 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 Electricalâthe 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, theyâre your go-to.
Our friends at the Vancouverâs Downtown Association (VDA) are on a mission to keep downtown vibrant. From public art and flower baskets to infrastructure upgrades and local events, theyâre 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 5,500 friends?
Vancouver Events
The 2025 iQ Credit Union Chef, Hop & Vine is your passport to an evening of culinary exploration and home inspiration.On Thursday, May 29, from 5 to 9 p.m., attendees will tour a selection of Clark County's newest luxury homes, each hosting local chefs and beverage artisans offering delectable bites and sips. Presented by Standard TV & Appliance, this 21+ event allows guests to set their own pace and route, making for a personalized experience. It's an ideal outing for food enthusiasts, home design aficionados, or anyone looking to enjoy a unique blend of local flavors and architecture. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance.
Want to feature an event that is important to your business? Click below to share it with 5,500+ locals looking for something to do.
Thursday, May 29th
Thursday, May 29 | Split Flipper Tournament | Thirsty Sasquatch | FREE
đŽ One hand. One flipper. One chance to win beer and glory. Itâs like pinball met improv comedy and lost a bet.
đ More Info
Thursday, May 29 | Irrelevant + Vice Collab Release | Vice Beer | FREE
đş Tango and Cash-themed beer drop? Sign me up. This pilsner packs more punch than your average movie night.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30th
Friday, May 30 | Final Fridays Live Music Series | Amavi Cellars & Pepper Bridge Winery | FREE
đś Waterfront wine, acoustic vibes, and sunset selfies youâll pretend were candid. Cheers to the classiest Friday unwind in town.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30 | Homeschool Open House | Pomeroy Living History Farm | $7
đŠâđž History gets hands-on with goat feedings, butter churning, and 1900s chores. Itâs basically a field trip for time travelers.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30 | Prom Night - Under The Sea | Vault 31 Bar | 21+
đ Sea-themed prom with DJs, photo ops, and royalty crowning at 9pm. Warning: sequins and nostalgia levels may be dangerously high.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30 | Shine on Debut | Georgieâs Garage and Grill | $15
đ¸ Classic rock hits all night from Shine On. Bring your teen, your boomer dad, and your inner air guitarist.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30 | Columbia Ridge Winery Fired Up Friday | Columbia Ridge Winery | $15 Reservation
đĽ Pizza buffet, vineyard views, and live tunes from Tiffany Bird. Summer starts hereâand your carb loading is justified.
đ More Info
Friday, May 30 | Hot & Steamy in the PNW â25 | Hilton Vancouver Downtown | Tickets Required
đ Romance book signing with enough steamy vibes to fog your glasses. Meet your fave authors, or just pretend you read.
đ Tickets Here
Friday, May 30 | Weaving with Plastic Bread Bags | Kindred Vancouver | FREE
𧺠Itâs sustainable, itâs crafty, and you might just leave with a very hip coaster. Good for your soul and your table.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31st
May 31 - Jun 1 | Vancouver Farmers Market | Downtown Vancouver | FREE
đ˝ Youâre not really a local until youâve impulse-bought rhubarb and eaten a samosa in the sun.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Ceramic Seashells Workshop | Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery | $65
đ Sculpt some beachy goodness with clay god Frank Eager. Seashells guaranteed. Sandy toes not included.
đ Register Here
Saturday, May 31 | Cedar Creek Grist Mill Fry Bread Day | Cedar Creek Grist Mill | FREE
đ Fry bread made with flour milled on-site. Itâs like eating historyâdelicious, carby history.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Here Comes Summer Weekend Train | Chelatchie Prairie Railroad | $14 - $20
đ All aboard for tunnels, waterfalls, and a little time travel on rails. Dress for adventure (and possible train selfies).
đ Tickets Here
Saturday, May 31 | Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour | Red Cross Building & Post Hospital | $35
đĽ Creepy? A little. Fascinating? Definitely. Explore this never-before-public tour of a WWII-era hospital.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Uptown Flea Market | Kindred | FREE
đď¸ Local treasures, creative vibes, and likely a crystal or two. Go for the flea, stay for the people-watching.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Arnada Park Cleanup | Arnada Park | FREE
đł Two hours of ivy-pulling heroism. Snacks, gloves, and bragging rights provided.
đ Register Here
Saturday, May 31 | Vancouver School of Rock Showcase | Georgieâs Garage and Grill | $15
đ¤ Kids playing Hendrix and punk like their allowance depends on it. Come support the next rock legends (and their parents).
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Jar of Lies | Heavy Metal Brewing | $15
đś Alice In Chains tribute nightâgrunge hair flips encouraged. Itâs dark, itâs loud, itâs beautiful.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Burnt Bridge Creek 10K and Latte Da | Latte Da | FREE
đ 6-ish mile run followed by food and drinks. Basically a socially acceptable way to earn brunch.
đ More Info
Saturday, May 31 | Tide and Terroir | Confluence Estate | $75
𦪠West Coast oysters, sashimi, and wine pairings, all in the great outdoorsâthis is not your average âdinner and a show.â
đ Tickets Here
Saturday, May 31 | Ben Schwartz & Friends | ilani | $49â$89
đ¤ Jean-Ralphio himself is gracing Ridgefield! If youâre into improv, comedy, or the act of laughing, this showâs got your name on it (but like⌠figuratively).
Snag tickets at ilani
Saturday, May 31 | HARDY: Jim Bob World Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | $54â$200+
đ¤ HARDYâs rolling into town with a full-throttle lineup: Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., and McCoy Moore. If you like your country with a side of rock and no volume cap, this oneâs for you.
Tickets via Ticketmaster
Sunday, June 1st
Sunday, June 1 | Latte Art Throwdown | Jebale @ The Portal Cafe | FREE
â Bracket-style latte art battle with raffles, snacks, and caffeine-fueled smack talk. May the best foam win.
đ More Info
Looking Ahead
Friday, June 6-7 | ZooBrew | Oregon Zoo | $60
đť 50+ breweries and cideries, live music, keeper chats, and the zoo at night. Sorry, this oneâs 21+âyour inner child will have to stay home while your outer adult has a blast.
đ Tickets Here
Concert Calendar
FRIDAY, Jun 6, 2025 @ 8pm | Sessanta V 2.0: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle | Cascades Amphitheater | From $53.55 | đ Tickets Here
SUNDAY, Jun 15, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | đ¸ Tickets Here
MONDAY, Jun 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pierce the Veil | Cascades Amphitheater | From $49 | đ¤ Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Jun 26, 2025 @ 7pm | Halsey | Cascades Amphitheater | From $69 | đŤ Tickets Here
TUESDAY, Jul 22, 2025 @ 7pm | VOLBEAT w/ Halestorm | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | đ¤ Tickets Here
SATURDAY, Aug 9, 2025 @ 8pm | Maren Morris | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $103.85 | đ Tickets Here
WEDNESDAY, Aug 13, 2025 @ 7pm | Creed | Cascades Amphitheater | From $90 | đ¤ Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Aug 14, 2025 @ 6:30pm | Wiz Khalifa - Good Vibes Only Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | From $40.50 | đ¨ 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 | đ¤ Tickets Here
SUNDAY, Aug 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Cyndi Lauper | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | đ¤ Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Aug 21, 2025 @ 7pm | Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $50 | đ¸ Tickets Here
FRIDAY, Aug 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Parker McCollum | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | đ¤ Tickets Here
SATURDAY, Aug 23, 2025 @ 7pm | Pantera | Cascades Amphitheater | From $55 | đ¤ Tickets Here
SUNDAY, Aug 24, 2025 @ 7pm | Nelly | Cowlitz Ballroom | From $186.03 | đ¤ Tickets Here
TUESDAY, Aug 26, 2025 @ 6:30pm | $uicideboy$ - Grey Day Tour | Cascades Amphitheater | From $68.20 | đ¤ Tickets Here
SATURDAY, Aug 30, 2025 @ 6:45pm | Toto + Men At Work + Christopher Cross | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | đś Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Sep 4, 2025 @ 7pm | The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World & New Found Glory | Cascades Amphitheater | From $52 | đ¤ Tickets Here
THURSDAY, Sep 11, 2025 @ 6pm | Kidz Bop Live | Cascades Amphitheater | From $50 | đ§đŚ Tickets Here
FRIDAY, Sep 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Billy Idol & Joan Jett and The Blackhearts | Cascades Amphitheater | From $44 | đ¸ Tickets Here
FRIDAY, Sep 26, 2025 @ 7:30pm | Thomas Rhett | Cascades Amphitheater | From $47 | đ¤ Tickets Here
WEDNESDAY, Oct 1, 2025 @ 7pm | Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace | Cascades Amphitheater | From $30 | đ¤ Tickets Here
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See you next week.
Alright friends, thatâs the vibe for this weekendâmusic, markets, mischief, and maybe a margarita or two. If you end up at an event, run into someone from the newsletter fam, or spot me awkwardly juggling iced coffee and a bouquet at the farmers market, say hi. I love hearing what youâre into (and whoâs secretly got the best fries in town).
Got a hot tip, cool event, or wild idea? Hit reply or slide into the DMsâI read every single message, even the weird ones. Especially the weird ones.
Cheers!
Jay Letlow