From Pokémon to Pickles: 5 Themed Events in Vancouver WA & Portland OR This Weekend (June 27–29)

Looking for fun themed events in Vancouver WA and Portland OR this weekend? You’re in for a treat! From cosplay-packed streets and Pokémon-inspired adventures to strawberry shortcake at a historic mill, a massive rose show, a quirky pickle-themed baseball festival, and even a scenic 100K team relay — this weekend is packed with creativity, community, and classic Pacific Northwest summer charm.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a spontaneous date idea, or a unique way to explore the area, this guide highlights the best of what’s happening from June 27–29, 2025 in and around Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Scroll through to find your perfect event — and don’t forget your sunscreen, your sneakers, or your Pokéballs.

⚡ Vancouver’s GoFest 2025

📅 Saturday–Sunday, June 28–29 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Esther Short Park & Downtown Vancouver (301 W 8th St., Vancouver, WA 98660)
🎟️ Admission: Free (ticketed screening available)

About the Event:

Calling all trainers, gamers, and cosplay lovers! Vancouver’s GoFest 2025 is a free, family-friendly Pokémon-themed festival happening in the heart of downtown Vancouver. From live performances and Pokémon GO adventures to crafts, collectibles, and cosplay, this event transforms the city into a vibrant playground of nostalgia and community fun.

What to Expect:

• 5,000 GoFest Packs at check-in with pins, stickers, and passports for prizes

• Passport Adventure with stamps from local shops, parks & landmarks

• Live entertainment featuring Team Rocket game shows & video game music from Under the Deku Tree

• Kids Zone with themed crafts, face painting, rock painting, and more

• Gaming zones with Smash Bros. showdowns and Pokémon TCG demos

• Cosplay parade & photo ops across downtown Vancouver

• Special screening of Detective Pikachu at Kiggins Theatre with cosplay hosts, themed drinks & collectible glassware (ticketed)

Insider Tips:

• Get there early! Pre-registered guests can check in at 8:30 AM for first access to GoFest Packs.

• Don’t miss the vendor village and themed downtown décor — great for photos.

• The Detective Pikachu screening is ticketed and may sell out fast, so reserve in advance if you plan to attend.

• Great event for families, Pokémon GO players, and anyone who loves a bit of pop culture fun!

🌹 Fort Vancouver Rose Society’s 70th Annual Rose Show

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
17402 NE Delfel Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

Celebrate “200 Years of Roses at The Fort” with one of the most anticipated floral showcases in the Pacific Northwest! The 70th Annual Rose Show, hosted by the Fort Vancouver Rose Society, is set to be the largest rose show in Washington State — and it’s free and open to the public. Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply love beautiful blooms, this is a fragrant and unforgettable way to spend a Saturday.

What to Expect:

• Hundreds of juried rose displays featuring hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, miniatures, and more

• Old garden and shrub roses that showcase heritage varieties

• A juried photography section highlighting rose-themed creativity

• Artistic arrangements of both large and miniature roses

• A community of growers and rose lovers sharing tips, history, and inspiration

Insider Tips:

• Bring your camera — the lighting and layout are perfect for rose photography!

• If you’re interested in entering roses or photos in future shows, this is a great place to get insider knowledge.

• The event is indoors, making it a perfect weekend option rain or shine.

• The fairgrounds are spacious — wear comfortable shoes to explore the full exhibit.

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland, WA 98674
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

What’s more summery than fresh strawberries on homemade shortcake? Celebrate the season at Strawberry Shortcake Day hosted by the historic Cedar Creek Grist Mill, one of Washington’s most charming, off-the-beaten-path treasures. This family-friendly tradition serves up whole wheat shortcake made with flour milled right on site, topped with ripe, local strawberries.

What to Expect:

• Fresh shortcake made the old-fashioned way — whole wheat flour, whipped cream & sweet berries

• A visit to a fully operational 1876 grist mill, powered by water

• Great photo ops with rustic bridges, creek views, and wooded trails

• A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for a summer drive

Insider Tips:

• Get there right at 1 PM — the shortcake goes fast and it’s first come, first served!

• Parking is limited and located down a narrow road — carpool if you can.

• While the event is free, donations help keep the Grist Mill running — toss a few dollars in the jar if you can.

• Make it a full outing with a visit to nearby Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens or downtown Woodland.

🥒 Picklefest with the Portland Pickles

📅 Saturday, June 28 | Gates open at 3:30 PM
📍 Walker Stadium – 4727 SE 92nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266
🎟️ Admission: Cost varies (check team website for tickets)

About the Event:

Portland’s quirkiest summer tradition is back! Picklefest is a briny blend of baseball, beer, music, and — of course — pickles. Hosted by the Portland Pickles at Walker Stadium, this beloved Lents neighborhood celebration invites you to grab a brew, catch a game, and get “pickled” with friends in the best possible way. It’s pun-packed, pun-intended, and perfect for a lively Saturday night.

What to Expect:

• A night game with the Portland Pickles baseball team

• Local craft beer on tap from some of Portland’s top breweries

• Pickle-inspired snacks and festival treats

• Live music performances to set the mood

• A lighthearted, high-energy crowd — expect dancing, cheering, and lots of green

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early for the best seating and pre-game music. Gates typically open before 3:30 PM.

• Look for pickle merch — t-shirts, hats, and maybe even inflatable pickles.

• Don’t miss the on-field antics — the Portland Pickles are known for their outrageous in-game entertainment.

• This is a 21+ vibe in many areas due to the beer garden, but it’s still family-friendly overall!

🏃 Lake to Bay: 100K Relay & Ultramarathon

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📍 Start: Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park → Finish: Vancouver Waterfront
🎟️ Admission: Tiered pricing | Early Bird: $90 (team or solo registration)

About the Event:

Looking for a challenge this weekend? Lake to Bay is a one-day, 62.2-mile (100K) relay and ultramarathon experience that winds through the natural beauty and urban charm of Vancouver and Camas, WA. Open to teams of up to 7 runners or solo ultra athletes, this course offers a high-energy mix of scenic trails, downtown vibes, and waterfront finishes.

What to Expect:

• A 100K course divided into 15 segments with 14 team exchanges

• Scenic paths through parks, neighborhoods, and riverside routes

• Urban highlights like downtown Vancouver and the newly revitalized waterfront

• Two aid stations to keep ultrarunners fueled and hydrated

• Start waves begin at 5:00 AM from Frenchman’s Bar and roll out every 30 minutes

Insider Tips:

• Registration is tiered, so early birds save! Sign up ASAP if you’re joining or forming a team.

• While it’s a race, the event also emphasizes community and fun — expect cheering zones and team spirit.

• Plan your gear and drop bags carefully — and don’t forget sunscreen and hydration for summer temps.

• Spectators are welcome at the Vancouver Waterfront finish, so bring friends and family to celebrate the finish line with you!

With everything from strawberry shortcake in the woods to hot-pink pickles and Pikachu-themed parades, there’s no shortage of fun themed events in Vancouver WA and Portland OR this weekend. Whether you’re running the scenic relay course, wandering through rose exhibits, catching a ballgame with a side of brine, or exploring downtown dressed as your favorite Pokémon, this weekend is all about local flavor, summer fun, and unforgettable memories. Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and dive into the Pacific Northwest's most playful and vibrant happenings.

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