Happy Thursday, Vancouver!

This is not a drill. After two full years of buildup, speculation, and traffic fears…In-N-Out Burger is officially opening today at 10:30 AM. This is only the second In-N-Out in Washington, which means Vancouver just unlocked a level of fast food prestige previously reserved for road trips and California envy.

There will be lines. There will be chaos. There will be at least one person treating this like a major life event (fair). Hate it or love it, the new In-n-Out is here to stay.

Meanwhile, in slightly less chaotic (but equally delicious) news, a new ramen house in Salmon Creek has finally opened after more than a year of anticipation, so if you’d rather slurp than stand in line, we’ve got details below.

And with a weekend packed full of things to do, your only real problem now is deciding what to do after you recover from your food coma.

Anyways, here's what to expect in today's edition of The PNW Report (Vancouver):

📰 Local News
☁️ Weather
🎉 Events & Things To Do
🤔 Lateral Thinking Puzzle

Let’s get started!

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LOCAL NEWS

🍜 Kokoro Ramen House Has Officially Opened in Salmon Creek

The long-awaited slurp is finally here! After more than a year of anticipation, Kokoro Ramen House has finally opened in Salmon Creek. It’s been a long wait (some might say too long to ramen-ber), but the noodles are now flowing, the steam is rising, and patience has been rewarded in the most delicious way possible.

🍔 In-n-Out on Mill Plain and 136th Opens...TODAY

Well, folks, the big day is here! In-n-Out opens today (at 10:30 AM) in East Vancouver, marking the second In-n-Out location in Washington State (the first being in Ridgefield, WA) and the fifth overall in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, the lines will be long...probably for a very, very long time. But we have one important question for you: will you be taking your fries animal style or plain? 🤣

WEATHER [4/24 - 4/26]

Getting sooooo close to being able to plant our summer gardens!

Friday, 4/24: 69/42 ☀️ Sunny
Saturday, 4/25: 70/43 🌤️ Mostly Sunny
Sunday, 4/26: 67/45 🌤️ Mostly Sunny

EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO [4/24 - 4/26]

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

Stay tuned for Monday morning’s newsletter, where we’ll give the lowdown on all the cool upcoming weekday events for next week!

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th

🏕️ Camp Goods Swap @ Kindred & Camp Goods | All Day (FREE)
Got camping gear collecting dust? Time to pack it up and pass it on at this free camping goods swap. Small stuff lands at Kindred, big gear at Wild Camp Goods (just a block away), so everything from tent stakes to full-on shelters gets its moment.

🎨 Watercolor Art Painting @ Cascade Park Library | 3PM (FREE)
Learn the basics of watercolor while painting cherry blossom bookmarks in this free adults-only workshop. No experience needed, just show up ready to swirl some paint. Water you waiting for? Ages 18+. 

🧦 Llama Llama Pajama Party @ Camas Public Library | 3:30PM (FREE)
Throw on your coziest PJs and head to the Llama Llama Pajama Party...where storytime, crafts, and games are all dressed for comfort. Kids can meet Llama Llama, hunt for hidden llamas, and most importantly, wear pajamas out of the house!! 

🌈 Queer and Trans Meet-Up @ Dandelion Teahouse | 5:30PM (FREE)
Yay for equali-tea! Come sip some beverages with fellow members of the LGBTQIA community at Dandelion Teahouse. Allies are always welcome! 

🪅 Dia del Nino @ Clark College | 6PM - 9PM (FREE)
Fiesta like there's no mañana! Día del Niño at Clark College is bringing the energy with music (mariachi), dancing (Ballet Folklórico), crafts, and snacks (aka a full-on spring celebration for kids and families). Time to seize the dia!

🎭 Mary Poppins Jr. @ The Garver Theater | 7PM ($7.50 - $10)
The world’s most famous nanny is flying into Vancouver, and she’s brought more than just a spoonful of sugar. In fact, this performance is…practically perfect!

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

🌱 Plant Sale @ Vancouver Heights Methodist Church | 9AM - 4PM (FREE)
Plant parenthood can start here! Grab hanging baskets, veggie starts, and other greenery at the Vancouver Heights Methodist Church Plant Sale. Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

🪏 Home and Garden Idea Fair @ Clark County Event Center | 9AM - 5PM (FREE)
Clark County Utilities Annual Home and Garden Idea Fair is here! Plants, home pros, food, products, and more, all under one roof. Admission is free, but parking is $6, so plan accordingly…and always remember: life’s a garden, so we hope you dig it! 

🌸 Blossom Blast Bazaar @ Firstenburg Center | 9AM - 3PM (FREE)
Spring is blooming, and so is your need for artisan soap and macrame plant hangers. Browse local vendors, support makers, and have a blast at the Blossom Blast Bazaar!

🎸 Restring, Recycle, and Restock @ Beackock Music | 9AM - 4PM (FREE)
Got a guitar that sounds a little…tired? Bring it to Beacock Music and get it restrung for free. Bonus points: you can also bring your old strings to recycle (because sustainability, but make it rock n’ roll).

🚣 Spring Paddle Fest @ Vancouver Lake | 9AM - 4PM (FREE)
The Spring Paddle Festival is back to float your boat at Vancouver Lake. Test out kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, take a class, or just simply paddle around. There will be demos, clinics, and expert tips all day...plus a sale running through May 3, in case you decide you now need a boat (and TBH you totally might) 

🛒 Vancouver Farmers Market @ Esther Short Park | 10AM - 2PM (FREE)
Your weekly reminder that vegetables can be aesthetic and bread is always the answer. Stock up, stroll around, and try not to spend all your money on honey and hot sauce. But, if you do, at least you’re spending local?!

📚 Indie Bookstore Day @ Vintage Books | 10AM - 5PM (FREE)
Indie Bookstore Day? Say no more! This all-day event consists of: a golden ticket search (with free audiobooks as prizes), a duckie hunt for the kids, and prize drawings all day. Plus, meet author Ellie Alexander at 1PM for a reading and signing. A book lover spending all day at the book store? It was bound to happen.

💧 Water Center BioBlitz @ Water Resources Education Center | 10AM - 1PM (FREE)
Join the family-friendly Water Center BioBlitz and become a community scientist for the day. Participants can pick a guided walk (birds, bees, plants), log species with the iNaturalist app, and learn from local experts. Water you waiting for?!

🐾 Paws for the Planet @ Reflection Plaza | 10AM - 1PM (FREE)
Get ready for a tail-wagging, Earth-celebrating lineup of pet costumes, a parade of good boys and girls (judged by Carly Kennelly), and some doggone cuteness! There will also be seedling giveaways, kid-friendly Earth Day activities, and lessons on why scooping poop isn’t just polite, it’s planet-saving. How paws-itively awesome!

🌱 Potted Plant and Perennial Sale @ NatureScaping Washington | 10AM - 3PM (FREE)
Cash, checks, and...chorophyll?! The Wildlife Botanical Gardens plant sale is back with trees, shrubs, and perennials starting at just ONE DOLLAR...if you've ever looked for a faster way to spend money, you've found it!

🎃 Spring Krampus and Halfoween Market @ DEVIL-ish Little Things Museum | 11AM - 5PM (FREE)
Tired of plants and tulips? Perfect, because KRAMPUS has your back! This spooky market will be full of unique finds, guest artists, and plenty of spooky things. Boo-yah?!

🪧 Community Action & Education Fair @ Kindred Vancouver | 12PM - 4PM (FREE)
Kindred’s Community Action & Education Fair is set up like a mini flea market with local orgs, vendors, education, and a crafting table (for when you need a break from saving the world). Hey, what else could you want?

📖 Explore Vancouver Washington @ Fort Vancouver | 1PM (FREE)
Ever wondered about Fort Vancouver's History? Fort-unately, you're about to get the full story! Join local author Patty Grasher for a quick dive into Explore Vancouver Washington: a guidebook that turns Fort Vancouver into way more than that historical site off SR-14.

💻 Data Centers Talk @ Cascade Park Library | 1PM (FREE)
Data centers are powering your streaming, scrolling, and late-night spirals...but what’s the real cost? This free panel digs into energy use, water impact, and whether these digital giants are a net win (or just running up the bill).

🖼️ Landscape Watercolor Art @ Vancouver Library | 2PM (FREE)
Join artist Mara Bazua for a watercolor landscape class where you’ll turn paint, water, and good intentions into something frame-worthy (or at least fridge-worthy). Taught in both English and Spanish, it’s a relaxed, creative session where supplies are included...but feel free to bring your own stash if you’re that person with a favorite brush.

👗 Spring Fashion Show @ Vancouver Mall | 2PM (FREE)
Vancouver Mall’s Spring Fashion Show is serving looks from stores like Macy’s, Windsor, and EXPRESS. Come see the latest trends and get ready to dress to impress!

🎭 Mary Poppins Jr. @ The Garver Theater | 2:30PM and 7PM ($7.50 - $10)
The world’s most famous nanny is flying into Vancouver, and she’s brought more than just a spoonful of sugar. In fact, this performance is…practically perfect!

🎺 Into the Joy of Spring @ Vancouver Heights UMC | 3PM (FREE)
Band together for spring! The Westwinds Community Band is hitting all the right notes for their 50th anniversary. They'll be bringing a lineup from jazz to Phantom of the Opera with zero wrong notes (we assume). Who is is ready for treble-making?

🌱 Lawn Reduction Workshop @ Three Creeks Library | 3PM (FREE)
Perfect lawns take a lot (water, time, money) and can give back very little. This free talk explores how to break up with your grass (gently) and replace it with something that actually gives back: habitat, biodiversity, and maybe even food?! Join Master Gardener Melissa Brown to learn how to turn your yard from a thirsty green carpet into something better for you and the planet.

🪩 Sadie Hawkins Dance @ Pour Choices Pub | 8:30PM (FREE)
Make the First Move (no pressure...but also yes pressure). Sadie Hawkins Dance at Pour Choices Pub = your chance to shoot your shot, hit the dance floor, and fully commit to the bit. Ask boldly, dance like you practiced (even if you didn’t), and embrace the chaos. Bring a date or find one there...either way, you’re not leaving without a story.