Fort Vancouver 2011 Events
Fort Vancouver Visitor Center: 360.816.6230
Exciting and educational events, historical re-enactments and cultural demonstrations happen every week at Fort Vancouver National Site. Below are some of our recurring events. Click to see the full event calendar.
Northwest National Park Family Day
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center at 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
Fort Vancouver National Site is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest national parks and is the only national park in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Family Day participants can meet park rangers from many Northwest national parks, learn about park wildlife and natural and cultural history.
Memorial Day 1860s Cannon Salute
Date: Monday, May 30, 1 p.m.
Location: Parade Ground across from Howard House.
Memorial Day was established to honor American soldiers who gave their lives in battle. A military salute of arms is a tradition. Come view this 1860s weapons salute.
Evening on the Row
On Friday evenings in the summer, join costumed staff and volunteers in traditional evening activity along Officers Row. Free.
Brigade Encampment
Date: Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 (Father's Day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: North of Fort Vancouver.
Join us as the brigades of fur trappers return to Fort Vancouver. They will share their stories of adventure and life in the wilds with friends they haven't seen in almost a year.
Soldiers Bivouac
Date: Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Parade Ground.
Explore the camps of soldiers from Vancouver Barracks' past and present. Visitors will see what life was like in the military from a soldier's point of view.
1860s Vintage Base Ball Match Games
Saturday, July 16, 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 20, 6 p.m.
Location: Parade Ground.
This gloveless game with wooden bats is played by very different rules. Bring a picnic and watch a recreated game played by the 1860s rules in base ball uniforms that look exactly like those worn in the 1860s. Ladies and girls will be dressed in 1860s dresses and a band will play old-time music. Come and cheer for your favorite team, but beware: the umpire can fine the audience for ungentlemanly or unladylike behavior.
Labor Day Historic Weapons: Important Tools of the Past
Date: Monday, September 5, 1:30 p.m.
Location: Parade Ground.
The soldiers of the US Army used black powder weapons for sport and for military purposes. Join park rangers and volunteers as they explain the role of various weapons used by the soldiers at Vancouver Barracks.
Campfires and Candlelight
Date: Saturday, September 17, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Begin at Pearson Air Museum, walk toward Fort Vancouver.
Stroll back in time and experience the night life of U.S. Army soldiers, Oregon Trail immigrants and the residents of Fort Vancouver and the Village. The paved trail makes this event accessible.
Tales of the Engage'
To be announced. 7 p.m. on selected Saturday evenings in October.
Step back in time with a campfire program of the 1840s. Join the Engage's of the Hudson's Bay Company as they share their stories of life at Fort Vancouver. The one-hour program takes place just outside the Fort stockade.
Lantern Tours at Fort Vancouver
Selected Saturday evenings in October, November, December, January and February.
Location: Fort Vancouver. Join this opportunity to tour the Fort at night. Each adult attending with carry their own lantern and tour with a Park Ranger through the Fur Store, Counting House and Bake House to see what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. The 90-minute tour begins at the gate in front of the Fort. Reservations required, fee. Call 360-816-6230.
Christmas at Fort Vancouver
December 10. Experience first-hand the traditional festivities – the sights, smells and sounds of the holiday season inside Fort Vancouver. This fun-filled event only takes place once a year. Check the calendar now.
Fort Info
360.816.6230
1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
