Happy Memorial Day, Vancouver.

Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave everything in service of this country. If you can, make it to the Memorial Day Observance at Fort Vancouver this morning (more details below). It is genuinely one of the most moving things Vancouver does all year, and this city does it beautifully.

Okay. Now…(and we say this with full awareness of the irony) it is going to rain today. On Memorial Day weekend.

After a week of 80° sunshine.

The PNW giveth, and the PNW taketh away.

The good news?

The rest of the week looks lovely, there are two brand new restaurants in Vancouver, and we’ve got details below on how you can get 🍔 FREE burgers 🍔 this week from a local burger joint. So wring out your rain jacket, pour yourself something warm, and let's get into it.

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🥟 Xin Ding Dumpling House Has Opened on Thurston Avenue

Portland's beloved dumpling institution has officially crossed the river and planted its flag in Vancouver at the former Shari's site at 4720 NE Thurston Way. The menu features kung pao chicken, orange chicken, beef, lamb, seafood and tofu dumplings, plus dim sum, soup, noodles, chow mein, and more. For everyone who's been making the trek to Portland for a proper dumpling fix and thinking "there has to be a better way"…there is now. It's on Thurston. You're welcome. Check out our preview below:

🍜 Minari Market Opens Today in Downtown Vancouver

Everyone, ramen calm, because Vancouver’s first interactive self-serve ramen bar opens 🎉TODAY 🎉 (1PM - 8PM) in Downtown Vancouver! The new Asian marketplace and interactive instant ramen bar is inspired by Korean convenience stores. The whole concept is that the customer builds their own ramen experience by selecting their favorite noodles and toppings before cooking their meal in specialized induction cookers (in under four minutes!) and enjoying it in Minari's seating area. Beyond the ramen bar, there will be Asian snacks, beverages, mochi, Asian breads, stationery, dishware, and house-made onigiri.

🍔 Free Burgers? Suddenly We’re Patriotic About National Burger Day

Bless Your Heart Burgers is celebrating National Burger Day on May 28th the way the founding fathers probably intended: by giving away free burgers, of course! Stop by their Vancouver location (📍7910 E Mill Plain Blvd) from 4PM - 9PM for a free classic single while supplies last…plus DJs, raffles, and merch giveaways. Limit one per person!

WEATHER

We're just going to say it: the PNW waited until Memorial Day to bring the rain back, and we think that's rude. The good news is it gets better fast.

Monday, 5/25: 60/47 🌧️ Rainy
Tuesday, 5/26: 64/46 ⛅ Partly Cloudy
Wednesday, 5/27: 75/50 🌤️ Mostly Sunny
Thursday, 5/28: 78/51 ☀️ Sunny

EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO [5/25 - 5/28]

Looking for something fun to do this week? You’re in the right place! 🎉 

Stay tuned for Thursday morning’s newsletter, where we’ll give the lowdown on all the cool upcoming weekend events!

MONDAY, MAY 25th

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony @ Fort Vancouver | 9:30AM - 12PM (FREE)
Today, we remember. Vancouver's annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the most meaningful events our community holds all year: a garrison flag raising, cannon firing, wreath laying, color guards, and hundreds of neighbors gathering to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service of this country.

🏃‍♂️ Run Club @ Foot Traffic | 5:45PM (FREE)
Looking for an excuse to be active but mostly just want to socialize? This run club is 50% chatting, 50% running, and 100% a good time. They meet at the Trader Joe’s on Chkalov, you know, just in case you wanna grab some cheese for the drive home.

🤣 Chicks & Giggles @ Donnell’s | 6PM - 8PM (FREE)
Mondays don’t have to be so miserable…laugh your way into the week at Donnell’s! Grab a drink, find a good seat, and get ready for an evening of raw, unfiltered comedy from some of the funniest locals around.

🤣 Open Mic Comedy @ Underbar | 8PM - 10PM (FREE)
Underbar’s Open Mic, hosted by Juan Duran, is the place to be to beat the Monday blues. Their drink selection doesn’t hurt either tbh…sip sip hooray!

TUESDAY, MAY 26th

✍️ Shut Up and Write! @ The ARTS Centered | 5:15PM (FREE)
Calling all writers (yes, even you with the half-finished novel hiding in Google Docs)! This is focused weekly writing time to just show up, get words on the page, and meet some fellow word nerds. Write, write, write!

🚲 Urbanism Happy Hour @ Tap Union | 6:30PM (FREE)
Grab your helmet and your happy hour appetite…it’s time for Cycle Vancouver’s Urbanism Happy Hour at Tap Union! Meet fellow two-wheeled enthusiasts, swap stories from the bike lane, and toast to better mobility, stronger community, and fewer potholes.

🎱 Autumn Pinny Cup Tournament @ Silver Ball Social Club | 7PM ($12)
Ready to have a ball? Head over to Silver Ball Social Club for a flippin’ cool pinball tournament. Players will be matched together on teams, regardless of skill levels, so get ready to roll over your opponents!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th

👟 Wednesday Wanders @ Water Resources Education Center | 10AM - 12PM (FREE)
Take a midweek wander-full break with this guided nature walk along the Columbia River, where you’ll explore wetlands, spot wildlife, and learn about the local flora and fauna. Families with children over the age of 6 are welcome. Water you waiting for?!

🤝 Small Business Resource Fair @ Vancouver Library | 4PM (FREE)
Do you had an business idea you just haven’t acted upon yet? Come check out this free resource fair at the Vancouver Library to connect with local organizations, funding sources, and advisors. Hey, maybe this event will put the fun in funding!

🪡 Open Craft @ Hook & Needle Fiber | 4PM - 7PM (FREE)
For when you’re feeling crafty, but also a little too lazy to follow official directions. Bring your supplies, hang out, and make something beautiful at this open craft session...or a tangled mess. We don’t judge!

🎺 Music Night @ Willful Wine | 5PM – 7PM (FREE)
Sip wine and sway awkwardly at this delightful evening of music and merlot. Willful Wine knows how to pair a Pinot with a trumpet solo. Wine not?!

🃏 Tabletop and Taps @ Vault31 Bar | 6PM (FREE)
Board games are always a good idea. Join your fellow nerds at this board game meet-up and get ready to pwn some n00bs at Catan. Bring your A-game, or just bring yourself and let the dice and drinks (or both?!) decide your fate.

🤣 Comedy Night @ Shanahan’s | 8PM (FREE)
Grab the mic (literally) every Wednesday! In-person sign-ups kick off at 7:30, and the stage lights blaze at 8:00. Hosted by the one and only Sean Grace, this is your chance to shine, stumble, or just watch others do both.

THURSDAY, MAY 28th

🎥 The Understory Northwest Film Fest @The Kiggins Theatre | 6:30PM - 9PM ($22 - $30)
The Kiggins is hosting the Understory Northwest Film Festival: a showcase of independent Pacific Northwest filmmaking. Hosted by Vancouver-based Cascade Forest Conservancy, this year’s lineup includes The Grand Salmon, Speaking Eep!, The Lost Fish, and Living Legacies…so technically you going to this film festival counts as you saving the planet?!

✍️ The Craft of Writing @ Vancouver Library | 10:30AM (FREE)
This writer’s group dives into the craft of writing with a mix of exercises, book discussions, and friendly workshopping. Explore published gems across memoir, fiction, and non-fiction, then test-drive your own stories in a supportive, collaborative setting.

🏃‍♀️ Vancouver Run, Grub, and Chug @ The Vancouver Waterfront | 6:45PM (FREE)
Run for your health, and drink for...well, fun. Kind of like a race but with fewer rules and more rewards. This run club meets weekly, so if this is your vibe, guess what? You can do it next week, too!

WEEKLY EVENTS

Note: please call or visit each establishment’s website before visiting for a particular event in case details have changed.

BINGO

[MONDAY] Music Bingo Monday @ Ghost Runners Brewery | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Bingo @ Grapes n Hops | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Not Boring Music Bingo @ Fortside Brewing | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Bar Card Bingo @ Vancouver Elks Lodge | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Bingo @ Doomsday Brewing Pub | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Adult Bingo @ Underbar | 7PM (FREE)

TRIVIA

[MONDAY] Monday Night Trivia @ Shorewood Restaurant and Bar | 6PM (FREE)[MONDAY] Trivia Night @ Pour Choices Pub | 6:30PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Gossip in the Grain | 6:30PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] Trivia Night @ Thirsty Sasquatch | 8PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] Trivia Monday @ Full Heart Irish Pub | 9PM (FREE) 
[TUESDAY] Trivia Night @ Oak Tree Station | 6PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Last Call Trivia @ Tip Top Tavern | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Playmakers Hazel Dell | 7PM (FREE) 
[TUESDAY] Trivia Tuesday @ Underbar | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ JB’s Taphouse and Grill | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Trivia Night @ Ole’s Outpost | 7PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Not Rocket Science Trivia @ Coral Club | 7:30PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Grapes n Hops | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Last Call Trivia @ Victor23 | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Doomsday Brewing Pub and Pizza | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia Night @ Ghost Runner Brewery | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia Night @ Grady’s Public House | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Not Rocket Science Trivia @ Brickhouse | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Trivia Thursday @ Breakside Vancouver | 6PM (FREE)

Lateral Thinking Puzzle of the Day

🧠 Time to put your thinking cap on!

Welcome to our Lateral Thinking Puzzle section, where things aren’t always as they seem. Ready to challenge your brain with some tricky scenarios and unexpected twists? Let’s see if you can crack the puzzle!

We’ll give you the answer in Thursday’s edition of The PNW Report (Vancouver)!

Today’s Puzzle: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What is it?

Last Thursday’s Question + Answer: What can you serve but never eat? [Answer: A pickleball!]