Top Family-Friendly Events in Vancouver and Portland This Weekend (July 11–13, 2025)

Searching for family-friendly events in Vancouver and Portland this weekend (July 11–13, 2025)? You’re in luck! The weekend is bursting with exciting activities for all ages — whether you’re looking to make core memories with your kids, enjoy live music under the summer sky, or explore the vibrant local culture of the Pacific Northwest.

• Kick things off with the Sunday Sounds Concert Series in East Vancouver
• Celebrate love and community at Saturday in the Park Pride in downtown Vancouver
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Battle Ground for the very first time with a stunning blend of horses, aerial acts, and theatrical artistry
• Don’t miss the Rose Cup Races at Portland International Raceway
• Head to the Portland Night Market for late-night shopping, live music, and delicious food

Whether you're planning a full weekend itinerary or just want one fun outing, these family-friendly events in Vancouver and Portland are sure to make your summer weekend one to remember. Read below for more details on these family-friendly events in Vancouver and Portland this weekend!

🎶 Sunday Sounds Concert Series

📅 Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Columbia Tech Center Park
17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98683
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

Sunday evenings just got a lot more fun in East Vancouver! The Sunday Sounds Concert Series returns to Columbia Tech Center Park with a lineup of high-energy, genre-spanning music. Kicking off July 13 and running every Sunday through August 17, this family-friendly event is hosted by the City of Vancouver and presented by Riverview Bank. Each week brings something different—from rockin’ blues to golden-era rock ’n’ roll, soul, funk, and country hits.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and get ready to dance the evening away!

Why Go?

It’s one of Vancouver’s favorite summer traditions. You get live music, warm summer nights, and a true sense of community—all for free! With plenty of space to spread out, it’s perfect for families, couples, or a chill night out with friends.

Tips:

• Grab food from one of the local vendors—or pack your own picnic.

• Alcohol isn’t allowed in the park, so plan accordingly.

• Parking is available on SE Cardinal Ct., but it fills quickly. Consider taking C-TRAN (Route 74 or The Vine on Mill Plain) to avoid the traffic.

• Pro tip: Come early for the best spot near the stage!

🌈 Saturday in the Park Pride

📅 Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Esther Short Park
301 W 8th St., Vancouver, WA 98660
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

Now celebrating its 31st anniversary, Saturday in the Park Pride is Vancouver’s longest-running LGBTQ+ pride event. What started in 1993 as a grassroots gathering has blossomed into one of the most cherished and joyful celebrations in Southwest Washington.

Held at Esther Short Park—a beautiful, centrally located downtown space—this day-long festival is packed with live music, a drag queen story hour, family activities, a vibrant maker’s market with 150+ vendors, food trucks, and booths highlighting LGBTQ+ affirming organizations. It’s also a major fundraiser, helping to support local charities and educational workshops for LGBTQ+ families—including those navigating international travel safety.

Why Go?

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or showing up as an ally, this event is one of the most affirming, inclusive, and family-friendly festivals in the region. It’s a day to laugh, dance, connect, and support a cause that uplifts everyone.

It’s also a fun, laid-back way to support LGBTQ+ businesses, grab great food, shop local makers, and enjoy nonstop entertainment in the heart of downtown.

Tips:

• Bring sunscreen, a blanket, and reusable water bottles—it’s a full-day outdoor event with lots to see and do.

• Parking can be tricky downtown; consider using rideshare, biking, or arriving early for street or garage parking.

• Don’t miss the drag queen story hour—it’s a big hit with families and usually fills up fast.

• Looking to support LGBTQ+ makers? Hit the maker’s market early for the best selection!

🎪 Cirque Ma'Ceo – Battle Ground

📅 July 11–13, 2025
📍 Heirloom Equestrian Center
17026 NE 92nd Ave, Battle Ground, WA 98604
🎟️ Tickets Required – Purchase online only from the official site

About the Event:

For the first time ever, Cirque Ma'Ceo is bringing its intimate equestrian cirque experience to Battle Ground, WA — and it’s a spectacle like no other. This live theatrical show fuses the elegance and power of horses with the stunning artistry of human performers from around the world.

Set inside an intimate, up-close arena, guests can expect an unforgettable blend of aerial acrobatics, ballet-like horseback choreography, high-energy dance, and jaw-dropping stunts. It’s an immersive circus-meets-baroque-theater experience perfect for families, date night, or anyone craving something totally unique.

Why Go?

Because there’s nothing quite like Cirque Ma'Ceo. This isn’t your average circus — it's a visually stunning blend of grace, strength, and storytelling. The show’s up-close format means you feel every hoofbeat and hear every breath, bringing you closer to the action than ever before.

Plus, the combination of majestic horses and world-class human talent makes it a rare event that appeals across generations — kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.

Tips:

• Seats are limited, so book early online from their official ticketing page to avoid scams.

• This is a covered outdoor venue, so dress for the weather.

• Consider arriving 30 minutes early to grab snacks and find parking.

• The evening shows offer a more dramatic ambiance, while the matinees are great for younger audiences.

• Photos are allowed — but no flash to avoid startling the performers and animals.

🏁 Rose Cup Races – Portland International Raceway

📅 July 12–13, 2025
📍 Portland International Raceway
1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217
🎟️ Tickets: $15–$25 (includes access to paddock + grandstands)

About the Event:

The Rose Cup Races return to Portland International Raceway (PIR) to celebrate 64 years of high-speed thrills and motorsports tradition! Originally launched in 1961, this two-day event is one of the most iconic racing weekends in the Pacific Northwest. Spectators will enjoy five different race groups, an expansive paddock experience, vendor booths, food trucks, merchandise, car corrals, and more — all included in your ticket.

The Rose Cup Races are organized by Friends of PIR and represent the spirit of Portland racing history, right down to vintage vehicles and legendary local racers.

Why Go?

Because it’s more than just a race — it’s a historic celebration of Portland’s car culture. Whether you're a lifelong auto enthusiast or just love high-energy summer experiences, this event delivers non-stop excitement. It's family-friendly, affordable, and immersive, with up-close access to the cars, drivers, and behind-the-scenes action.

Plus, free grandstand and paddock access means you can explore way more than just the track.

Tips:

• Buy tickets in advance for the best options and easiest entry.

• Bring ear protection for kids (or yourself) — the engines are loud and glorious.

• Free access to the paddock area lets you chat with teams and see the cars up close.

• Arrive early for parking and to explore the booths and car corrals.

• Food and drink vendors will be on-site, but you’re welcome to bring water and light snacks.

🌙 Portland Night Market

📅 July 11–12, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 100 SE Alder Street, Portland, OR 97214
🎟️ Admission: Free | All ages welcome

About the Event:

The Portland Night Market is more than just a market—it's a vibrant celebration of everything that makes Portland cool. Held in a historic industrial warehouse in the Central Eastside, the event brings together 150+ local vendors, live music, food, drinks, interactive art, and late-night energy. Expect an eclectic mash-up of food stalls, cocktails, photo booths, and handmade goods in one immersive, sensory-packed evening.

Why Go?

This is one of Portland’s most beloved indoor markets, and it only happens a few times a year. You’ll find everything from artisan goods and vintage finds to gourmet bites and karaoke. It’s perfect for date night, a hangout with friends, or even just wandering solo with a drink in hand.

Tips:

• Go early if you want to shop—some of the best finds go fast.

• Parking can be tricky; rideshare or public transit is a great option.

• It’s indoors, but it gets packed—wear comfy shoes and bring your patience.

• The market is super Instagrammable, so charge your phone!

With so many exciting, family-friendly events in Vancouver WA and Portland OR this weekend, there’s no reason to stay home! Whether you're into live music, vibrant markets, thrilling races, or community celebrations, this lineup has something for everyone. Grab your friends, pack some sunscreen, and make the most of your weekend in the PNW.

Check back next week for more can’t-miss local events!

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