5 Things To Do in Vancouver WA This Weekend (March 20–22, 2026): Couve Clover Run, Native Art Market, March Madness
5 Things To Do in Vancouver WA This Weekend (March 20–22, 2026): Couve Clover Run, Native Art Market, March Madness
Spring has officially arrived — and Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon are celebrating in style. This weekend is packed with something for everyone: a nostalgia-fueled pizza party at a beloved Vancouver bar, the 12th annual Couve Clover Run along the stunning Columbia River waterfront, a beautiful Spring Equinox Native Art Market in the heart of downtown Vancouver, a two-day CFA cat show just across the bridge in Portland, and NCAA March Madness basketball at the Moda Center.
Whether you're a longtime local, newly relocated to the Pacific Northwest, or still exploring whether Vancouver WA is the right fit for your family — this weekend is a perfect reminder of why so many people fall in love with this region. There's community, culture, outdoor activity, and world-class events, all within a short drive of each other. And yes, Portland is literally right across the bridge.
From festive neighborhood fun to scenic road races, from Indigenous art and culture to college basketball at its highest level, March 21–22 showcases the vibrant lifestyle that defines living in the greater Vancouver–Portland area. Here's your full weekend guide — curated as always by Cassandra Marks, your trusted local real estate expert and community insider.
TMNT Pizza Party in a Half Shell
Cowabunga, dude! The Thirsty Sasquatch on Main Street is throwing the most radical pizza party Vancouver WA has ever seen — Ninja Turtles-style. Each of the four Turtles gets their own signature pie, so whether you pledge allegiance to Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael, there's a slice with your name on it. Pair that with drink specials, temporary tattoos, and classic arcade games, and you've got a Saturday that's impossible to say no to.
Costumes are strongly encouraged — so dig out that shell, wrap on a colored bandana, and show up ready to party in a half shell. This one is designed for adults who grew up in the '80s and '90s and want a nostalgic, rowdy, genuinely fun night out. It's also a perfect snapshot of the vibrant local bar culture that makes Vancouver, WA such a livable city.
What to Expect
- Each Ninja Turtle's favorite pizza available all day long
- Drink specials running throughout the nearly 13-hour event
- Temporary tattoos — channel your inner shell-wearing ninja
- Classic arcade games for that full '90s throwback experience
- Costume energy throughout the day — the more creative, the better
- Located right on Main Street in downtown Vancouver WA — walkable neighborhood
- Free entry — just come hungry and ready to have fun
- Perfect for friend groups, couples, and anyone who loves a good theme night
💡 Pro Tip from Cassandra
Main Street in Vancouver WA is one of those neighborhoods that genuinely surprises newcomers. It has real character — great local bars, a walkable energy, and a community that shows up for events like this. If you're thinking about moving to Vancouver, Washington and want to feel what the social scene is really like, spending a Saturday on Main Street is one of the best ways to experience it firsthand. Thirsty Sasquatch is a local staple — it's earned genuine neighborhood loyalty over the years. Arrive early if you want a prime seat for the pizza rush, grab a temporary tattoo, and don't worry if you didn't prep a costume. You'll fit right in regardless. This is what weekends in Vancouver WA look like.
12th Annual Couve Clover Run — 1, 3, 7 & 10 Miles
Now in its 12th year, the Couve Clover Run is one of the most beloved community traditions in all of Vancouver, Washington — and it just keeps getting better. This St. Patrick's Day-themed race takes participants through some of the most stunning scenery in the Pacific Northwest: historic Officer's Row, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and the gorgeous Columbia River waterfront. The course is mostly flat and designed for all abilities, with four distance options ranging from a Lucky Leap 1-miler all the way up to a full 10-mile run.
New this year: the City of Vancouver is partnering with Why Racing Events to partially close Waterfront Way for a full street party celebration featuring 20 vendors, a Backwoods Beer Garden, a rootbeer garden, and post-race festivities that are guaranteed to be off the charts. Every finisher gets a technical T-shirt, a finisher's medal, and a swag bag. Proceeds benefit the Parks Foundation of Clark County and WHY Community, which supports at-risk youth through athletic participation. Kids 12 and under run the 5K and 1-Miler completely free.
What to Expect
- Four distance options: Lucky Leap 1-Mile, 3-Mile, Lucky 7-Mile, and 10-Mile
- Scenic course past Fort Vancouver, Officer's Row, and the Columbia River waterfront
- Post-race street party: 20 vendors, Backwoods Beer Garden, and rootbeer garden
- Technical T-shirt, finisher's medal, and full swag bag for every participant
- Kids 12 & under run the 5K and 1-Miler absolutely free
- Packet pickup Saturday March 21, 10am–5pm at Foot Traffic Vancouver (305 SE Chkalov Dr)
- Race-day packet pickup Sunday 7–9am at 550 Waterfront Way
- Benefiting Parks Foundation of Clark County and WHY Community
💡 Pro Tip from Cassandra
If you ever want to understand why people choose Vancouver WA over Portland when deciding where to live, come watch — or run — the Couve Clover Run. You'll see thousands of community members gathering on one of the most beautiful stretches of waterfront in the entire Pacific Northwest. This is the lifestyle people are buying into when they relocate to Vancouver, Washington. The race starts at 9:00 AM sharp, so arrive by 8:30 to get organized and enjoy the pre-race energy. Wear green — you'll fit right in! Whether you're running all 10 miles, walking the Lucky Leap 1-miler with the kids, or just cheering from the sideline with a coffee, this event captures everything that makes living in Vancouver WA so special. Register early at RunSignUp — it fills up every single year without fail.
Spring Equinox Native Art Market at Clark County Historical Museum
Right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Clark County Historical Museum is hosting its Spring Equinox Native Art Market — a beautiful, community-centered celebration of Indigenous art and culture timed perfectly with the first day of spring. This year's market features 17 gifted local Indigenous artists and vendors, blending returning favorites with exciting new participants. You'll find original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, beadwork, crafts, and a wide range of Indigenous-created goods — meaningful purchases and one-of-a-kind gifts rooted in tradition and creativity.
The afternoon also features a live performance by internationally acclaimed Native American flutist Dr. Sherrie Davis, whose music adds a deeply powerful and uplifting dimension to the gathering. Best of all, museum admission is completely free during the event — so you can explore the exhibits that preserve the stories of Southwest Washington's diverse communities while you shop and listen. This is exactly the kind of culturally rich event that makes Vancouver WA such a vibrant, welcoming place to call home.
What to Expect
- 17 local Indigenous artists and vendors offering original handcrafted pieces
- Original artwork, jewelry, beadwork, crafts, and Indigenous-created goods for purchase
- Live performance by internationally acclaimed flutist Dr. Sherrie Davis
- Free museum admission for the full duration of the event
- Exhibits exploring the history and stories of Southwest Washington communities
- A welcoming space to support Indigenous artists and celebrate cultural heritage
- Located on Main Street in downtown Vancouver WA — convenient parking nearby
- Wonderful for families, art lovers, culture seekers, and newcomers to the area
💡 Pro Tip from Cassandra
The Clark County Historical Museum is one of Vancouver's genuine hidden gems — and on event days like this, it becomes the true heart of the community. If you're relocating to Vancouver, Washington or retiring in the Pacific Northwest, events like the Spring Equinox Native Art Market will quickly show you the depth of culture and community that exists here. Arrive right at 11am for the best selection from the vendors, and plan to stay through Dr. Sherrie Davis's performance — her music in that setting is genuinely moving. The museum is free all afternoon, so take your time with the exhibits too. Bring some cash for the vendors — most accept cards as well, but cash is always appreciated at art markets. You'll leave with something beautiful and an even deeper appreciation for this region and its people.
McKenzie River Cat Club — CFA Cat Show & Competition
Cat lovers — this one was made for you. The McKenzie River Cat Club is hosting a full two-day CFA-sanctioned cat show at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland's Lloyd District, just a short drive across the river from Vancouver, Washington. With eight judges evaluating dozens of pedigreed breeds, you'll see an extraordinary range of feline beauty, grace, and personality on display. From rare breeds you've never encountered in person to beloved classics, this show is a genuine treat for anyone who loves cats.
Open to visitors from 9am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday, the show also features a cat costume contest at noon each day that is truly not to be missed. This is one of the most family-friendly and genuinely enjoyable events in the Portland–Vancouver area this weekend — and a great reminder that when you live in Vancouver WA, Portland's amazing venues are always just minutes away across the bridge.
What to Expect
- CFA-sanctioned competition with 8 judges across multiple judging rings
- Dozens of pedigreed cat breeds on display — rare and beloved varieties alike
- Cat costume contest at noon on both Saturday and Sunday — crowd favorite!
- Open to all visitors 9am–4pm each day — no prior cat show experience required
- Located in Portland's Lloyd District — approximately 15 minutes from most of Vancouver WA
- Broadway Bridge currently closed — use the Steel Bridge and add a few extra minutes
- Questions? Contact entry clerk Linda Flanigan: flanigan@live.com or 425-985-0460
- A wonderful full-weekend family outing with genuine entertainment for all ages
💡 Pro Tip from Cassandra
This event always surprises first-timers — you expect it to be niche, and it turns out to be one of the most entertaining things you can do on a Sunday in Portland. The costume contest alone is worth making the trip. And here's what I tell everyone considering moving to Vancouver, Washington: one of the biggest lifestyle advantages is that Portland is right there. The Doubletree Lloyd Center is about 15 minutes from most of Vancouver WA under normal traffic — you get the financial benefits of living in Washington (no state income tax!) and the cultural richness of Portland literally at your doorstep. With the Broadway Bridge currently closed, take the Steel Bridge across and give yourself a few extra minutes. Arrive by 9am if you want to catch the judging from the start — it's a fascinating process even if you're brand new to the cat show world.
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NCAA March Madness — Division I Men's Basketball at Moda Center
March Madness has come to Portland — and that means it's practically in Vancouver's backyard. The Moda Center at the Rose Quarter is hosting the First and Second Round games of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, with four thrilling matchups across two sessions on March 19 and second-round games on March 21. This is one of the most electric atmospheres in all of sports: 68 teams, single-elimination pressure, bracket drama, and the ever-present possibility of a Cinderella upset.
Session 1 on March 19th features High Point vs. Wisconsin and Hawaii vs. Arkansas (tip-off 10:50am). Session 2 brings Texas vs. BYU and Kennesaw State vs. Gonzaga starting at 4:25pm — and that Gonzaga matchup alone is worth the ticket price. Second-round times for March 21st will be announced after the March 19th results. Mobile-only tickets are required, so download yours before game day. Note that the Broadway Bridge is currently closed — take the Steel Bridge and give yourself extra commute time.
What to Expect
- Session 1 matchups: High Point vs. Wisconsin · Hawaii vs. Arkansas (March 19, 10:50am)
- Session 2 matchups: Texas vs. BYU · Kennesaw State vs. Gonzaga (March 19, 4:25pm)
- Second round games March 21 — times to be announced after March 19 results
- Mobile-only entry — download tickets to your device the night before
- Small bags (10"x6"x2") get expedited entry; larger bags require x-ray screening
- Broadway Bridge closed — Steel Bridge is the easiest alternate route
- NCAA Fan Experience packages available at NCAA.com/VIP for premium hospitality
- Text 503-486-1470 for assistance on event day
💡 Pro Tip from Cassandra
If you've never been to a March Madness game in person, this is your year — and having it at the Moda Center, right across the river from Vancouver, is genuinely special. The energy inside during a close game is unlike anything else in sports. For Vancouver WA residents, the Rose Quarter is normally a quick trip — but with the Broadway Bridge closed, take the Steel Bridge and add 10–15 extra minutes. MAX Light Rail from the Expo Center on the Washington side is your smoothest option if you want to skip the parking headache entirely. Download your mobile tickets the night before and keep your bag small for fast entry. And if you're still deciding whether living in Vancouver, Washington is right for you — moments like this show you exactly what the Pacific Northwest lifestyle looks like. World-class sports, Portland at your doorstep, and a community that shows up. This is a great place to call home.
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Cassandra Marks
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA | License ID: 201225764
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA License ID: 201225764