5 Things to Do in Vancouver WA This Weekend - Motocross, Markets & Portland in Bloom (May 22–25, 2026)

If you've never been to Washougal Motocross Park, this is your weekend. Tucked into the forested foothills of southwest Washington near the Washougal River — with the Columbia River visible at the base of the mountain — this track is genuinely one of the most beautiful in the entire sport. Manufacturers and sponsors use it for commercials and photo shoots for a reason. It's that scenic.

The Motosport Classic Series 7 is the seventh installment of the park's beloved Classic Series, an event that draws serious competitors and enthusiastic fans alike for two full days of old-school motocross action. The track is famous for its dramatic elevation changes, including the legendary Dunlop Horsepower Hill and the jaw-dropping 100% Ski Jump — features that let spectators get closer to the action than almost any other MX venue in the country. This race weekend also kicks off future Classic Series dates on June 21 and July 4–5, so if you fall in love with it, you'll have more chances to come back.

If your idea of a perfect weekend morning involves digging through boxes of vintage finds, chatting with local farmers, and stumbling across something completely unexpected — the Clark County Flea Market has your name on it. Held at the popular Battle Ground venue on NE 72nd Ave., this is a proper flea market experience: a curated-yet-wonderfully-chaotic mix of vintage items, collectibles, garage sale gems, farm stands, and work from local crafters and makers.

This is an indoor and outdoor event (note: there are stairs to access either floor inside the building), making it a great rain-or-shine option for a PNW spring weekend. Whether you're hunting for furniture, handmade goods, fresh produce, or just the thrill of not knowing what you'll find, this is a beloved Clark County institution. Organizers Danielle Toma and Jeanne Ellis have built a real community around it, and the atmosphere shows.

There's something deeply rooted about barrel racing — horsemanship, speed, precision, and the kind of competitive heart that Southwest Washington has always had plenty of. The CCBR Memorial Classic Barrel Race at the Clark County Saddle Club is the annual Memorial Day tradition for the equestrian community in Clark County and beyond, drawing riders and spectators across the region for four full days of competition.

The Clark County Saddle Club in Battle Ground is a top-notch facility with a passionate, welcoming community. Whether you're a lifelong horse person or you've never attended a barrel race in your life, this event is genuinely thrilling to watch. Riders and their horses navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at full speed — the athleticism (on both ends of the reins) is something to behold. Join the Clark County Barrel Racers Facebook group for up-to-the-minute updates and schedule details throughout the weekend.

The Spring Fling Market is the kind of event that reminds you why Vancouver, WA has such a strong sense of community. Presented by the Queer Community Network, this is the first event in their seasonal "Made with Pride" Market Series — a volunteer-run, free pop-up market celebrating queer, BIPOC, and historically underrepresented makers, artists, and small business owners from right here in our community.

With 25+ vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities packed into a five-hour afternoon at the Fourth Plain Community Commons, this is a vibrant, welcoming space where talent gets to be seen and local dollars stay local. It's free to attend and free to vend — no barriers, no gatekeeping. Just community, creativity, and some genuinely great things to discover. The Fourth Plain corridor is one of the most culturally rich parts of Vancouver, and this market fits right in with its spirit.

Thirty minutes south of Vancouver and you're in the middle of one of the greatest civic celebrations in the United States. The Portland Rose Festival has been running since 1907 — that's 119 years of Portland coming alive with parades, flowers, fireworks, and waterfront fun. For Clark County locals, the Rose Festival is practically a backyard tradition, and this opening weekend is where the magic kicks off in full.

This year, the festival has merged its two signature parades into a single showstopper: the Grand Floral Starlight Parade on Saturday, June 6 — but the opening weekend is where you want to be first. CityFair opens May 23 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with carnival rides, food, beer, live music, and a headlining performer. Opening Night Fireworks light up the sky over the Willamette River on Friday, May 22. Over the full run of the festival, you'll find dragon boat races, Fleet Week Navy ship tours, art shows, fun runs, and dozens of food vendors. More than two million people take part across the three weeks — it's not just an event, it's a season.