Summer Fest’s Picnic in the Park invites the community to play, connect and celebrate this July. Held at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, this all-day event has a full line-up of activities and entertainment for families and people of all ages.
View my full list of local 4th of July fireworks displays and celebrations.
Here’s what you can expect at this summer festival.
2024 Vancouver Summer Fest
On Saturday, July 6, Vancouver Summer Fest’s Picnic in the Park features two stages with live music and entertainment, games on the lawn, BBQ and food vendors, and outdoor activities for the whole family.
Summer Fest is free and open to all from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Note that this event does not have a fireworks show.
Here’s a list of entertainment at the event.
Activities
Game areas and equipment will be spread around for all to enjoy, including badminton, horseshoes, lawn checkers and croquet. There will be entertainers like face painters and magicians. Also, don’t miss the giant bubble blowing show.
There is a corn hole corral for games with friends and family. You can also peruse the marketplace with a variety of vendors.
Music and Entertainment
Performance line up on the main stage:
- 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Veterans Alumni Chorus
- 12 to 2 p.m. Pendleton Highway
- 3 to 6 p.m. Rock N Roll Cowboys
Performance line up on the kids stage:
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Spencer Sprocket
- 1 to 3 p.m. Ants Ants Ants
- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Timothy Alexander Magician
- 5 to 6 p.m. Angel Ocasio
There are also fort weaponry demonstrations and reenactments from 11:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Food and Beverages
There is BBQ and favorite summertime food from local vendors available for purchase. There’s also a cider and beer garden for guests 21+. You are welcome to bring your own food.
Parking
You can attend the festival for free and park for free.
Free parking is available at these locations near Fort Vancouver:
- Clark Public Utilities building on Mill Plain and Fort Vancouver Way, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.
- VITA Elementary on Mill Plain and Fort Vancouver Way, 111 Fort Vancouver Way.
- Federal Highway Administration parking lots at 610 E. 5th St.
- South lot in front of O.O. Howard House on Fort Vancouver Way.
- 5th Street and south of 5th Street to the east of Fort Vancouver Way.
ADA parking is at East Evergreen across from Marshall House Access on E. Reserve, and Fort Vancouver Way and E. Evergreen Blvd.
Additional Summer Fest Events
If you enjoy Picnic in the Park, you may also want to attend these summer events that take place at various locations within the Fort Vancouver National Site:
Thursday, July 11 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Music with Fadin’ by 9
Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Pet Portraits Presented by Quantum Fiber
Thursday, August 22 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pmMusic with The Playlist
Saturday, September 14 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Grant House 175ᵗʰ Birthday Party Presented by Columbia Credit Union
Saturday, September 28 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Fall Play Day with the Columbia Play Project
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is located at 612 E Reserve St. in Vancouver. For more information, visit the event website.
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You may also like:
4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations in and around Portland
Free Summer Movies in the Parks
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
612 E Reserve St.
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-816-6230
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