Happy Monday, Vancouver!

It’s March, what?! Weren’t we just eating Thanksgiving dinner?

And if you’re not reeling from the fact that it’s now March, you may be recovering from a weekend of “just one more pastry” at the new 85°C Bakery. Well, we’ve got some news that might make you loosen your belt juuuuuust a little more. It turns out Uptown is getting a taste of culinary royalty, and Washougal is getting a new spot to grab a cold one. Yassss!

Hope you have a hefty appetite, because March is full of events, food, and just all around good times.

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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🍴 Vancouver’s About to Get Flay’d (In a Good Way)

Hide your reservation apps: Vancouver native Chef Kaleena Bliss is coming home after casually collecting Food Network wins like they’re Pokémon cards (hey, gotta catch ‘em all, right?!) She’s chopped her way through Chopped Casino Royale, beat Bobby Flay at his own stove, dominated Beachside Brawl, made a splash on Top Chef, and is now battling it out on Tournament of Champions Season VII (airing March 2 on The Food Network, Discovery Plus, and HBO Max)…no big deal. Somewhere between Seattle’s Thompson Hotel and Chicago’s Athletic Association, she decided Vancouver deserved chef bragging rights too. Bold. Correct.

The Heritage High and Cascadia Tech alum (once a shy student turned competition assassin under mentor Chef Andrew McColley) is now scouting locations in downtown and Uptown to open her own restaurant. Her official stance…why should Portland get all the culinary clout? She’ll also be the featured speaker at Cascadia Technical Academy Foundation’s Aspire Gala at ilani on May 2, because apparently winning on national television wasn’t busy enough.

🍺 Washougal Gets Drafted for Shoug’s Draft House

After nearly a decade of slow-and-steady brewing across Southwest Washington, Shoug Brewing Company is finally getting the taproom Rod Edwards has been dreaming about since he started homebrewing in his garage in 1994. The Washougal-based brewery, launched in 2016 as a “retirement hobby” (casual!), is opening Shoug’s Draft House on E Street in a lovingly renovated 85-year-old building that once housed Neder’s Cafe and Auto Service. Yes, the one your grandparents probably still talk about.

The new spot is targeting a soft opening in the first half of March and will feature wood-fired pizzas, handmade apps and sandwiches, and a beer lineup that covers all the bases: Czech pilsner, hazy and West Coast IPAs, lager, brown ale, even a blackberry hefeweizen. Edwards teamed up with longtime friends Jon Borth (formerly of Smokehouse Provisions and The Hammond) and Jess Cantrell (formerly of ilani and Acorn & The Oak), turning this into a full-on food-and-brew dream team situation.

👩‍⚖️ Case Dismissed: The Vanishing Attorneys of Clark County

In a move that’s equal parts legal principle and common sense, a Clark County judge dismissed 24 misdemeanor cases recently because the defendants didn’t have attorneys. Under both state and federal law, people facing criminal charges have the right to counsel…and when that right isn’t meaningfully provided, a judge can’t very well proceed.

Clark County prosecutors argued for the cases to continue anyway, but the judge said “nope” and tossed them out, underscoring that the justice system can’t function on hope alone (especially when the law specifically requires lawyers to be at the table). In short: if your case doesn’t come with counsel, it’s getting benched!

WEATHER

Marching into some classic PNW weather!

Monday, 3/2: 60/44 🌤️ Partly Cloudy
Tuesday, 3/3: 53/47 🌧️ Showers
Wednesday, 3/4: 50/42 🌧️ Showers
Thursday, 3/5: 49/42 🌧️ Showers

EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO [3/2 - 3/5]

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, MARCH 2nd

💃 Line Dancing @ Cascade Park Library | 1PM (FREE)
It’s time to shelf your excuses and get in formation! Slide on over to the library for a free line dancing workout and prove that you have a lot more going on than just a pretty cover

🏃‍♂️ 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, MARCH 3rd

📜 “It’s All About the Story” @ Clark County Genealogical Society | 10AM ($20)
If your family tree is looking a little sparse, come learn how to put some leaves on those branches. This session focuses on the "story" part of history…because let’s be honest, the scandals are the best part of any lineage.

✍️ 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!

🌱 Seed to Supper @ Cascade Park Library | 5:30PM (FREE)
Ready to grow your own groceries? Of course you are! This free 6-week course, in partnership with the Clark County Food Bank, teaches you how to garden on a budget, taking you from "dirt" to "delicious" without breaking the bank.

🦉 Vancouver Audubon Society Meeting @ Evergreen Public Schools District Office | 6:30PM (FREE) 
Don’t be a dodo…come hang out with the bird experts. If you’re a serious birder…or just someone who likes looking at "birbs," this meeting is sure to be a hoot.

🚲 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, MARCH 4th

📖 How History Works @ Vancouver Library | 12PM (FREE) 
Ever wonder how we know what we know? Join Clark County Historical Museum Executive Director Brad Richardson for a thoughtful look at what it means to preserve the past and make it matter today.

🪡 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!

🌈 Perler Bead Frames @ Camas Public Library | 4:30PM (FREE) 
Get ready to melt some hearts (and plastic beads). Create a custom frame for your favorite photo…it’s pixel art you can actually touch! This event is for teens and registration is required.

🎺 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?!

🤝 The Other Side of Crime @ Clark College | 5:30PM (FREE)
Behind every headline is a family forever changed. Today is the first event in this three-part Restorative Justice Panel Series, where the community is invited to listen and learn from parents of crime victims as they share their lived experiences of loss, grief, resilience, and healing.

🏫 Listening Session #1 @ Battle Ground High School | 5:30PM (FREE) 
Your voice matters…especially when tough decisions are on the table. Following the failed levy, Battle Ground Public Schools will host two public listening sessions to gather community input on budget cuts for the 2026–27 school year. Child care is available.

🏙️ Our Vancouver, Our Future 2045 @ Cascade Park Library | 5:30PM (FREE)
Curious what Vancouver will look like in 20 years? More housing, more parks, more roundabouts we’ll all pretend to understand? Join the City for a community presentation and Q&A on the draft Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code that will guide growth through 2045. After three years of community input (yes, yours), it’s time to see the big picture, meet the project team, and weigh in before it’s finalized.

🃏 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, MARCH 5th

✍️ 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.

📈 Powering Forward @ Vancouver Hilton | 3PM ($55 - $65) 
Is the economy zigging while you’re zagging? Join three regional economists at the 40th Annual Columbian Economic Forecast as they break down what a “K-shaped” economy means for Southwest Washington and how to prepare for two very different economic paths unfolding at once. Arrive early for networking, hosted beverages, and appetizers.

👙 “Hidden Layers” @ Camas Public Library | 7PM (FREE) 
We’re not going to keep this free history talk, sponsored by Humanities Washington, under wraps. Join costume designer Diane Johnston as she unlaces the history of women’s undergarments, exploring how everything from corsets to modern comforts reflects society’s evolving ideas about modesty, beauty, and power.

🎤 Lucky 7 Comedy Showcase @ Drop the Mic Karaoke | 7PM (FREE) 
Feeling lucky? You will be. Lucky 7’s Comedy Showcase hits Drop The Mic Karaoke hosted by Vaughn Robinson and packed with punchlines.

⚡ Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trivia @ Firehouse Axes | 7PM ($5) 
Accio beer! Test your "quizzard" skills while throwing axes at this Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince trivia. Just remember: it's levi-O-sa, not levio-SA!

☎️ Dead Man’s Cell Phone @ Clark College | 7:30PM ($10)
Come check out Dead Man’s Cell Phone, the wildly imaginative comedy by MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl…and now brought to life by the talented performers of Clark College. This Clark College Theatre production dives into questions of memory, morality, and human connection in our always-on world, blending sharp humor with unexpected heart.

🏃‍♀️ 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: What has many keys but can’t even open a single door?

Last Thursday’s Question + Answer: What has sooo many answers but is never asked? [Answer: An encyclopedia]