Featured image: A giant string puppet, a common sight at the Recycled Arts Festival in Vancouver, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Recycled Arts Festival began in 2005 as a way to get Clark County, Washington, residents excited about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Since then, it has grown into one of Vancouver's largest events. … Continue reading Discover creative ways to go green at the Recycled Arts Festival in Vancouver, WA

Kristen Larson, the Proprietor of Natural Pet Food Solutions, is dedicated to providing healthy food and treats for dogs, cats, and other furry friends at her shop in the Sellwood neighborhood of southwest Portland. And now she's expanding her business with a new product line called Woo Woo Essentials—an assortment of lovingly handcrafted natural essential … Continue reading Woo Woo Essentials Midsummer Night Festival at Natural Pet Solutions in Portland June 21

Photos by Cheryl Landes Relax after work this summer with the animals at the Oregon Zoo in Portland's Washington Park. Grab dinner outside from a local food cart, along with an Oregon beer. Then munch, sip, and listen to live music. There's plenty for the kids to do, too, from play to crafts while hanging … Continue reading Chill this summer at Oregon Zoo’s Twilight Tuesday

Featured image by kaboompics, courtesy Pixabay Kids ages 16 and younger, the Lakewood Arts Commission wants to see your best interpretation of the theme, "The Greatest Showman", for the 2019 SummerFEST Kids Art Contest. The Greatest Showman is the featured movie at SummerFEST on Saturday, July 13, at Fort Steilacoom Park. To enter, download the entry form or … Continue reading Entries needed for the SummerFEST Kids Art Contest in Lakewood, WA

Featured image: A view of Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket or chair, and come to Windsor Lake for free live music on Wednesday nights June through August in North Adams, Massachusetts. All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. The musicians perform in a gazebo … Continue reading Free summer concerts at Windsor Lake in North Adams, MA

Shop for handmade arts and crafts. Sip beverages and savor some of the area's best cuisine. Enjoy live music and other performances. Network with business owners of color. This is My People's Market, which features more than 80 local multicultural businesses. It's on Saturday, June 1, from noon until 7 p.m. at the northwest corner … Continue reading My People’s Market features multicultural talent in Portland

In Oregon this weekend? On Saturday night, June 1, camping is free in full hookup, electric hookup, and tent sites. Camping is first-come, first-served. Parking is also free at the state's 25 day-use parks that charge a fee on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2. Several special events will be held at different parks throughout the … Continue reading Free parking, camping at State Parks Day in Oregon June 1

Enjoy a musical mix of big band, Latin jazz, jump blues, and smaller ensembles at the Middlesex Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 8. The festival starts at 1 p.m. at Concord Center, 58 Main Street in Concord, Massachusetts. Here's the schedule. 1 p.m.—Concord Middle School Jazz Ensemble 1:15 p.m.—John Piazza Jr. and the South Shore … Continue reading Middlesex Jazz Festival June 8 in Concord, MA

Featured image: A rocky beach in Westport, Massachusetts (photo credit: NBC 10 in Providence) The beaches in Westport, Massachusetts are covered in rocks. The action from the waves carve these rocks into beautiful shapes. Many look like giant eggs. Years ago, kids grabbed a rock or two from the beaches for their collections. But now, … Continue reading Expect a fine if you take rocks and plants from the beaches in Westport, MA

Grab your chair or blanket and come to new Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park in July and August to hear music from some of the finest talent in the Pacific Northwest. This year, the City of Lakewood expanded the Summer Nights at the Pavilion schedule to six weeks. All concerts are held on Thursday, 7-8:30 … Continue reading Free concerts return to Pavilion in the Park this summer in Lakewood, WA