1. Oh, so hoppy
These hops have had quite the journey. The fifth annual Hopped Cider Fest, from noon to 9 p.m. April 14, features hops that have made the trek from New York, Colorado, Virginia and Vermont. But the festival at Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider — 1813 N.E. Second Ave., Portland — also showcases festival-exclusive local offerings such as Apple Outlaw, Finnriver, Square Mile Cider Co., New West Cider, Cider Riot, Bauman’s Cider, Reveille Ciderworks, Swift Cider, Whitewood Cider Co., Liberty Ciderworks and Hopworks Urban Brewery. Admission is $25, and that includes a commemorative tasting glass and seven tokens each worth a four ounce pour. Extra tokens are $2. 503-567-2221 or Facebook.com/events/603178720016398
2. Game on
There’s nothing boring about board games. That’s why Vancouver’s Second Friday Game Night was started. The idea is to gather folks who are interested in teaching, learning and playing modern and classic board games. The next installment takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. April 13 at City Bible Church Vancouver, 14311 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; free. There are usually new and old board and card games to choose from, and you’re allowed to bring your own game, too. Open to all adults and teens older than 12. Childcare not provided. Pizza, snacks and drinks are provided. Facebook.com/groups/941746532618040
3. Get down
This ain’t no ordinary country shindig. The Country Shindig Concert and Dance is packed with happenings from 6 to 10 p.m. April 13, regardless of whether or not you enjoy dancing. Local favorite Branded Band will play tunes. You can sample food and beverages or buy raffle tickets for prizes such as private wine tastings, gift certificates, gourmet food, wine baskets and more. Proceeds benefit the Battle Ground Veterans Memorial fund. Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground; advance tickets $10, or $15 at the door. ParksFoundation.us/about/country-shindig
4. Political poems
The current political climate has inspired many artists and writers to create. That’s carried over to local writers, such as Gail Alexander, Sossity Chiricuzio, Christopher Luna, Elizabeth Stansberry, Adam Strong and Nathan Tompkins, who will read and discuss their work at Poems and Stories From “Not My President: The Anthology of Dissent” at 6 p.m. April 14 at Angst Gallery, 1015 Main St., Vancouver; free. 360-553-1014 or AngstGallery.com
