Outdoor Festivals in Vancouver and Portland You Can’t Miss This Weekend — July 18–20

Looking for the best outdoor festivals in Vancouver and Portland this weekend? From berry-filled celebrations to bluesy riverfront concerts, the Pacific Northwest knows how to throw a summer party. Whether you’re craving pie, live jazz, or just a fun way to spend time outside with your community, there’s something for everyone happening July 18–20. In this week’s roundup, we’re highlighting the top local events where you can soak up the sun, support small businesses, and make some great memories.

Harvest Days Parade & Festival – Battle Ground, WA

📅 Friday–Saturday, July 18–19, 2025
📍 Battle Ground High School & Main Street, Battle Ground, WA
🎟️ Most activities free; Carnival pre-sale tickets $35

About the Event:

Battle Ground’s biggest summer tradition is back! The Harvest Days Parade & Festival brings two full days of small-town magic with a carnival, parade, market, pancake breakfast, BMX bike stunts, and even fireworks. Whether you're coming for the classic cars or the cotton candy, this is a feel-good event with something for the whole family.

What to Expect:

• Full-scale carnival at Battle Ground High School

• Classic car cruise (vehicles 1990 & older) on Main Street

• Firefighter Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning

• Saturday Parade starting at 10 AM down Main Street

• Live entertainment, bounce houses, and a 4x4 show

• Fireworks finale (time TBA)

Insider Tips:

• Grab pre-sale carnival wristbands for $35 at Ink Ability or Main Street Floral to skip the lines.

• The Saturday morning breakfast + parade combo makes for a perfect family outing.

• Parking fills fast near Main Street—arrive early or carpool!

Hockinson Blueberry Festival – Hockinson, WA

📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Hockinson Community Center (Old Middle School)
🎟️ Free Admission

About the Event:

Get your berry fix at one of the sweetest small-town summer celebrations around! The 6th annual Hockinson Blueberry Festival brings the community together for a fun-filled morning of local berries, music, and friendly competition — plus all the pie your heart desires.

What to Expect:

• Fresh blueberry sales from local farms (they go fast!)

• Pie baking contest & hilarious pie eating contest

• Live music and shaded seating to chill and listen

• Flowers, plants, snacks, and family-friendly activities

• Local vendors and a kid zone

Insider Tips:

• Blueberries typically sell out early—arrive right at 10 AM!

• This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are event—think overalls and sun hats.

• Shaded seating is limited, so consider bringing your own chair or blanket.

Northwest Book Fair – Vancouver, WA

📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks (600 Hatheway Rd.)
🎟️ Free Admission

About the Event:

The 3rd annual Northwest Book Fair is back—and it’s a dream day out for readers, writers, and families alike! Hosted by local nonprofit radio station KXRW 99.9 FM, this beloved event brings together 60+ local authors, makers, and creatives for a book-filled day on historic Officers Row.

What to Expect:

• Over 60 Pacific Northwest authors and illustrators

• Free workshops for all ages, including cartooning & collage art

• Local books, crafts, zines, and handmade gifts

• Kids' activities and drawing classes

• Live panels, giveaways, and surprise guests

Insider Tips:

• Some workshops require registration—sign up early if you want a seat!

• Family-friendly with lots of hands-on fun—perfect for young readers.

• Parking is free but can fill quickly—arrive early or carpool if you can.

Portland Pride Festival & Parade – Portland, OR

📅 Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20, 2025
📍 Tom McCall Waterfront Park & Downtown Portland
🎟️ Suggested donation: $10 (no one turned away)

About the Event:

Celebrate love, pride, and Portland’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community at one of the West Coast’s most joyful weekends. The Portland Pride Festival & Parade returns with two days of live music, dancing, drag shows, local makers, and a massive Sunday parade that winds through downtown. Whether you're an ally or a longtime community member, this is a can’t-miss celebration of identity, expression, and unity.

What to Expect:

• Weekend festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

• Live performances by Landon Cider, Frenchie Davis, Jason Stuart & 76th Street

• Family-friendly parade on Sunday, July 20 at 11 AM (starts at North Park Blocks)

• LGBTQIA2S+ Maker’s Market with local art, crafts, and zines

• Food, drink, and vendors from across Portland

• Kid- and family-friendly atmosphere

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early on Sunday for a good parade spot—thousands attend!

• Festival entry is donation-based, but no one is turned away if they can’t pay.

• Workshops and live shows fill up fast, so plan your schedule ahead.

• ADA-accessible viewing areas, paths, and services are available—check the Portland Pride Accessibility Guide.

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival – Portland, OR

📅 Friday–Sunday, July 18–20, 2025
📍 Cathedral Park, under the St. Johns Bridge
🎟️ Free admission

About the Event:

Set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Johns Bridge, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is a beloved Portland summer tradition—and the longest-running free jazz and blues festival west of the Mississippi! For nearly 40 years, this grassroots celebration has brought together local musicians, neighbors, and jazz lovers from across the region for a weekend of live music, food, and community spirit.

What to Expect:

• Three full days of jazz, blues & soul

• Scenic setting beneath the iconic Cathedral Bridge

• Bring-your-own picnic + food vendors on-site

• Past performers include Farnell Newton, King Louis Pain, Dan Faehnle & Mel Brown

• Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and all about community

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early to claim a spot on the grassy slope—shade is limited!

• Bring blankets, low chairs, and sunscreen

• While the event is free, donations support the musicians and future festivals

• Pack a picnic or grab a bite from local food trucks and vendors

• Parking in St. Johns can fill up—consider biking or carpooling

Experience the Joy of Outdoor Festivals in Vancouver and Portland – July 18–20

There’s no better time to explore the outdoor festivals in Vancouver and Portland than this weekend. From blueberries in Hockinson to jazz under the St. Johns Bridge, these local events are all about celebrating summer, community, and the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Bring your friends, pack a picnic, and don’t forget sunscreen—it’s time to make the most of July 18–20!

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