1. Perk up and chill out
We Washingtonians do like to stay fully caffeinated … and there’s nothing better than an icy cold coffee on a hot summer day. Fortunately, the Cold Brew Fest, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3, is here to make all your chilled coffee dreams come true. Cold brew, created by soaking coffee in water for at least 12 hours and then filtering out the grounds, produces a smoother, less acidic coffee beverage. This event showcases local coffee roasters’ cold brew creations. For an admission fee of $20 to $40, attendees can sample them all and vote for their favorite. The event will also feature coffee-related activities, music and food in Esther Short Park, Eighth and Columbia streets in downtown Vancouver. Kids 12 and under are free. www.coldbrewcoffeefest.com
2. Flocking to Camas
Flamingo fans will flock to downtown Camas from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2 for an evening of pink-hued summer fun with Downtown Goes Flamingo. Northeast Fourth Avenue will be filled with flamingo-inspired activities, like Flamingo Plinko, Flamingo Spin ‘n Win, Flamingo Bean Bag Toss, Rubber Flamingo Water Races, Flamingo Ring Toss and Find the Flamingo. Try your hand (or leg, as the case may be) in the “Stand Like a Flamingo” contest. Play the “What’s That Flamingo Saying?” game at every downtown business you visit and earn tickets to win prizes — or wear flamingo-themed attire to earn tickets. There will also be live music, art shows and a family-friendly open mic night at Journey Church from 6 to 8 p.m. downtowncamas.com
3. Hood ornaments to tailfins
Hundreds of spectators will head out to Glenwood Community Church, 12201 N.E. 72nd Ave., Vancouver, to ooh and aah over 200 vintage cars and trucks, on display for the 18th annual King’s Kruz-In. Come any time from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 3 to take a gander at all that polished chrome, those shiny hood ornaments and proud tailfins. The event will also feature a live bluegrass band and drone racing. There’s no entry fee for spectators, but if you’d like to show off your sweet ride, entrants pay $15 and get a free barbecue lunch to boot. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the FISH food pantry in west Vancouver. 360-606-3957 or glenwoodcc.org
4. A lark in the park
Be a kid again in Ridgefield during Play in the Park, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Overlook Park, South Main Avenue and Pioneer Street. Enjoy crafts and backyard games like cornhole and volleyball. At 10 a.m., see an outdoor play, “Arsenic and Cloisonne,” written, directed and performed by local residents. Listen to live summertime music from Whitehead & Munsey, take a guided kayak tour, browse the farmers market and vendors, and stock up on summer reading at the Ridgefield Library’s used book sale. Have a picnic with boxed lunches, snacks and free watermelon slices, or get a root beer float from the Old Liberty Theater. After lunch, “Train Like an Astronaut” as you blast off with easy exercises and field games. www.ridgefieldwa.us
