What’s Happening in Vancouver WA and Portland OR This Weekend (June 20–22, 2025) 

Looking for what’s happening in Vancouver WA and Portland OR this weekend? Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Pacific Northwest, June 20–22, 2025, is packed with fun, family-friendly events and unique experiences you won’t want to miss. From fragrant lavender fields in Ridgefield and hot-air balloon launches near Portland to quirky traditions like milk carton boat races and solstice celebrations, this weekend’s lineup is a true celebration of summer in the PNW. We've rounded up the top events and festivals so you can plan your perfect weekend—from nature walks to night glows, and everything in between.

🐝 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival – Vancouver, WA

                                                                                    by Pollinator Pathway NW

📅 Saturday, June 21 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Marshall Park, Vancouver, WA
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

Hosted by the Vancouver Bee Project, this 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival is all about celebrating the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our world buzzing. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Robert Michael Pyle, a nationally recognized naturalist and founder of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. It’s a can’t-miss for nature lovers and families alike.

What to Expect:

• A special keynote from butterfly expert Dr. Pyle

• Educational booths and pollinator-themed crafts

• Local vendors and community partners

• Nature activities for all ages

• A chance to learn how pollinators help our gardens and ecosystems

Insider Tips:

• Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the park during the event

• Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are a must — June days can get warm

• Kids love the craft stations, so head there early before supplies run out

• Bonus: It’s a great event for photos, especially if your little ones love bugs and butterflies!

☀️ Summer Fest: Solstice Celebration – Vancouver, WA

                                                                                      by Visit Vancouver WA (Fort Vancouver National Historic Site)

📅 Friday, June 20 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 O.O. Howard House at Fort Vancouver, 750 Anderson St, Vancouver, WA 98661
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

Hosted by The Historic Trust, this annual summer solstice celebration brings art, mindfulness, and community together on the lawn of the historic O.O. Howard House. It's a peaceful and inspiring way to welcome summer with intention—right in the heart of Vancouver.

What to Expect:

• Solstice-themed poetry by local poet Christopher Luna

• Yoga on the lawn with A Space to Bloom (bring your mat!)

• Sound meditation to close the evening

• Hands-on craft activities throughout the event

• Informal, come-and-go atmosphere—great for winding down after a busy week

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early to find parking near the Visitor Center

• Bring a yoga mat or towel if you'd like to join the guided yoga session

• It’s a short walk from downtown, so consider walking or biking to avoid parking

• Perfect for a low-key date night or reflective solo outing

💐 Lavender & Lemonade at the Farm – Ridgefield, WA

                                                                                  by Ralf Weigand

📅 Saturday, June 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Ridgefield Lavender Farm, 6203 NW 172nd Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642
🎟️ Admission: Free to enter | U-Pick: $8 | We-Pick: $10 | Lavender Lemonade: $2

About the Event:

Celebrate peak lavender season at Ridgefield Lavender Farm with a sensory-filled day among purple blooms. This annual event is the perfect combination of relaxation, photo ops, and lavender everything—from lemonade to handmade goods.

What to Expect:

• Wander fields of blooming English and French lavender

• Pick your own bouquet or buy pre-cut bundles

• Sip refreshing lavender lemonade

• Shop handmade items like lavender oils, soaps, and wreaths

• Capture beautiful photos in a truly picturesque setting

Insider Tips:

• Come early for the best U-pick selection and cooler weather

• Bees are active but friendly—avoid strong perfumes and bright floral patterns

• Don’t forget sunscreen, a water bottle, and your camera

• This one’s ideal for a relaxing girls’ day out, a peaceful solo trip, or family outing

🎈 Festival of Balloons– Tigard, OR

                                                                               by Tigard Festival of Balloons

📅 Friday–Sunday, June 20–22 | Balloon launches 5:45–6:15 AM | Evening events & Night Glow at dusk
📍 Cook Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave, Tigard, OR 97224
🎟️ Admission: $15 | Kids under 6: Free | Parking: $15 at Tigard High School

About the Event:

Just 30 minutes southwest of Portland, the annual Festival of Balloons fills the sky with vibrant, oversized hot-air balloons—and the ground with carnival fun. With three days of color, music, rides, and community vibes, this is one of Oregon’s most iconic summer events.

What to Expect:

• Early morning hot-air balloon launches (weather permitting)

• Evening Night Glow—balloons light up the night sky

• Free tethered balloon rides (first come, first served)

• Carnival rides, obstacle courses, and family-friendly activities

• Rogue Ales Beer Garden, live music, and food vendors throughout the day

Insider Tips:

• Set your alarm! Balloon launches happen just after sunrise, and parking fills up fast

• Bring a blanket and snacks for the Night Glow—best enjoyed picnic-style

• Tethered rides are free but limited—head straight to the field after launch

• Classic-shaped balloons usually have shorter lines than the character balloons

• Check the weather: flights can be delayed or grounded by rain or wind

🥛 Rose Festival Milk Carton Boat Race – Portland, OR

                                                                            by OPB

📅 Sunday, June 22 | Races begin late morning
📍 Westmoreland Park, 7530 SE 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97202
🎟️ Admission: Free

About the Event:

A Portland classic since 1973, the Milk Carton Boat Race is one of the quirkiest and most beloved events of the Rose Festival. Watch as kids and adults race homemade, human-powered boats—each one built using only recycled milk cartons and jugs—across the historic casting pond.

What to Expect:

• Creative and colorful milk-carton boats competing in 9 different categories

• Family-friendly environment with lots of laughs and cheering

• Free entry for both spectators and boat participants

• The coveted “Best in Show Milk Can Trophy” awarded to the top boat

• A throwback, feel-good tradition that captures Portland’s weird, wonderful spirit

Insider Tips:

• Bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket for the best viewing spots

• Arrive early to find parking in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood

• Pack snacks, water, and sun protection—it’s usually warm and sunny by race time

• Don’t be surprised if you see a floating castle, dinosaur, or giant banana racing by!

No matter your style—relaxing in lavender fields, catching a hot-air balloon at sunrise, or cheering on milk carton boat racers—there’s something for everyone this weekend. Now that you know what’s happening in Vancouver WA and Portland OR this weekend, it’s time to get out there and explore! And if you’ve ever dreamed of living closer to all this weekend fun, I’d love to help you find your perfect place to call home in the Pacific Northwest.

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