Welcome to blanket season! The annual fireworks at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site a couple nights ago marked the opener, as thousands of patriotic people warmed the ground and avoided squashed bottoms and grass stains by layering soft swatches of fabric. Now, the rest of the summer beckons with more opportunities to enjoy free live music and big-screen movies in the open air.
Plus, youth theater outfit Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy will perform a family-friendly, hourlong musical version of “The Three Musketeers” before some of the Friday night movie screenings in Vancouver parks. These shows, featuring local theater students, teachers and other MPAA friends, are at 7 p.m.; show up even earlier to meet the musketeers.
These events are all family-friendly. Bring blankets, low-backed lawn chairs and your own picnic meals (except the Rusty Grape Vineyard, where you must purchase on site). Depending on the venue, there may also be food and drink available for purchase from local vendors.
While the Pacific Northwest is world-famous for its rain, our best-kept secret is our beautiful, comfortable, generally dry summers. But if there is rain, check the event source to make sure it hasn’t been canceled.
SUMMER IN THE PARKS
Movies
Friday movies in Vancouver parks
Pre-movie activities for kids start at 7 p.m. Movies start at dusk.
July 6: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site parade grounds, near 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
July 13: “The Lego Ninjago Movie” at Fisher Basin Park, Southeast 192nd Avenue and First Street. “Three Musketeers” at 7 p.m.
July 20: “Transformers: The Last Knight” in Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Road.
July 27: “Wonder Woman” in Columbia Tech Center Park, Southeast Tech Center Drive at Sequoia Circle. “Three Musketeers” at 7 p.m.
Aug. 3: “Coco” in Evergreen Park, 3500 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
Aug. 10: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” in Marshall Park, 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd. “Three Musketeers” at 7 p.m.
Friday movies in Crown Park
Pre-movie entertainment starts one hour before screen time. Crown Park is at 120 N.E. 17th Ave., Camas.
Aug. 3, 8:45 p.m.: “Zootopia.”
Aug. 10, 8:30 p.m.: “The Incredibles.”
Aug. 17, 8:30 p.m.: “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Aug. 24, 8:15 p.m.: “Despicable Me 3.”
Aug. 31, 8 p.m.: “Coco.”
Friday movies at Rusty Grape Vineyard
Fridays at dusk (around 9 p.m.). Purchase all food and beverages in the tasting room. All ages welcome at 16712 N.E. 219th St., Battle Ground.
July 6: “Independence Day.”
July 13: “La La Land.”
July 20: No movie.
July 27: “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.”
Aug. 3: “Jumanji.”
Aug. 10: “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.”
Aug. 17: “Jaws.”
Aug. 24: “The Burbs.”
Aug. 31: “The Sixth Sense.”
Sept. 7: “Men in Black.”
Sept. 14: “Titanic.”
Music
Six to Sunset concerts
6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in Esther Short Park, West Eighth and Columbia streets. There’ll be a “Pub in the Park” beer and wine garden, with VIP reservations for drinks and a Beaches dinner available by calling 360-567-1085 or emailing director@leadershipclarkcounty.com.
July 12: Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts. Classic rock ’n’ roll.
July 19: Kalimba. Ten-piece funk band pays tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire with horns and harmonies.
July 26: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. On the cusp of its 40th anniversary, Vancouver’s own orchestra brings its big sound to classical classics plus a few surprises.
Aug. 2: Flexor T. Vegas-style country rock band.
Aug. 9: Patrick Lamb. “Saxophonist to the Stars” has played with artists from Smokey Robinson to Alice Cooper. Blues, funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll.
Aug. 16: Hit Machine. Popular Portland cover band.
Noon concerts
Noon Wednesdays in Esther Short Park, West Eighth and Columbia streets.
July 11: Vancouver Pops Orchestra. Community orchestra plays light fare.
July 18: The Pearls. Bluegrass, country, gypsy jazz and Cajun sounds with great harmonies and the spirit of adventure.
July 25: The Juleps. Andrews Sister-style trio singing tight harmonies on jazz, blues and swing-town tunes.
Aug. 1: Skybound Blue. Harmony-driven Americana.
Aug. 8: Mbrascatu. A unique, energetic blend of European folk, psychedelic rock and Italian lyrics.
Aug. 15: One of a Kind Drumline. Direct from King Elementary School, a youth drum corps promoting volunteerism and community involvement.
Sunday Sounds at Columbia Tech Center Park
6 to 8 p.m. Sundays, Southeast Tech Center Drive at Sequoia Circle.
July 8: Hit Factory featuring Patrick Lamb. Blues, funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll.
July 15: Curtis Salgado. Portland soul and blues royalty.
July 22: Prom Date Mixtape. Tribute band recreates 1980s pop and new wave.
July 29: Top Shelf. Party hits from the 1960s through right now.
Aug. 5: Petty Fever. Award-winning tribute band salutes the late, great Heartbreaker.
Aug. 12: Carrie Cunningham. Country songwriter with a powerhouse voice and a great new album, “Let’s Dance.”
Camas Concerts in Crown Park
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at 120 N.E. 17th Ave., Camas.
July 26: My Happy Pill. High-energy funk-pop.
Aug. 2: Soulmates. Soul.
Aug. 9: The Junebugs. Americana-style pop.
Aug. 16: Aaron Meyer. Rock violinist.
