Go: Vancouver Rodeo, Blues, and Fourth of July celebrations

1. Let ’em ride

Gear up for the weekend with cowboys and cowgirls. The annual Vancouver Rodeo features more than 300 participants competing in speed and rough-stock events, including barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding. The popular mutton bustin’ event features young riders trying to stay on the backs of sheep. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. July 1, 2 and 3, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m. July 4, with the gates opening at 11 a.m. at the Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver. There will be free pony rides before the start of the rodeo events for children. There will be free dances after the rodeo on July 1, 2 and 3. Admission is $10 to $25; $8 to $23 for seniors, military members and ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and younger. Parking $5. 360-896-6654 or www.vancouverrodeo.com

2. Festive colors

Get into the red, white and blue spirit before the big day with two events.

Downtown Ridgefield will celebrate with Red, White and Blue Historical Fun at its First Saturday event. There will be old-fashioned picnic games such as horseshoes and 3-legged races at the farmers’ market, a history scavenger hunt and a pop up museum by the Clark County Historical Museum, plus interactive arts and historic flags from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Overlook Park, Pioneer Street and Main Avenue, Ridgefield. At 10 a.m. there will be a conversation corner at the Old Liberty Theater with longtime residents, live music at the park at 11 a.m. with the wine and beer garden opening at noon, followed by a red, white and blue costume contest at 1 p.m. in the park. 360-887-3557 or www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us

Join Confluence Vineyards for its annual Red Wine and Blues Festival featuring headliners Norman Sylvester on July 2 and Matt Brown on July 3, along with other local musicians throughout both days from 2 to 8 p.m. July 2-3 at the winery, 19111 N.W. 67th Ave., Ridgefield. There will also be Rolling Pin Eatery food cart along with the winery’s new summer wine releases. Chairs and blankets recommended. Tickets are $7. 360-887-2343, www.confluencewinery.net or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2562779

3. Tattoos as art

Explore the world of local artists during First Friday in downtown Vancouver. This month’s highlights include “The Life of Tattoos” by local tattoo artist Lady Bond. Lady Bond began her tattoo career in 2008, and the display will explore tattoos as a way to express an interpretation of a particular experience, emotion or idea. The opening reception will run from 5 to 9 p.m. today, and will include an artist’s talk, Q&A and more. The art show runs today through July 30 at the Angst Gallery, 1015 Main St., Vancouver. 360-910-1066 or angstgallery.com.

4. Blues in the city

See the best of local and national blues, R&B, soul and funk musicians at the annual Waterfront Blues Festival. This is one of the largest fundraisers for the Oregon Food Bank, with 100 percent of proceeds going to help the hungry. Discover popular local acts along side headlining musicians performing from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-4 at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 1020 S.W. Naito Parkway, Portland. Performance highlights include the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Straitjackets and Goodfoot Allstars performing today. The Polyrhythmics, Indigenous, Worth and Jimmy Vaughn will perform Saturday. ZZ Ward, Steve Riley, Dr. John and Liv Warfield will perform Sunday. And Thara Memory’s American Music Program, Bill Rhoades’ Harmonica Blow-Off and Curtis Salgado will perform July 4, before the fireworks blast off at 10:05 p.m. It’s $10 for a day pass, $40 to $85 for four-day passes. www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

5. Summer in Vancouver

Esther Short Park will come alive with summer activities as the Noon Concert Series and Science in the Park kicks off at 11 a.m. July 6. Enjoy an afternoon of local music performances or discover something new with hands-on science activities every Wednesday. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. children can try experiences and crafts with the theme “Growing Up Green.” From noon to 1 p.m., the Vancouver Pops Orchestra will perform along with food vendors offering meal options.

Return on Thursday for the beginning of the ever popular Six to Sunset Concert Series. Dance group Nu Shooz, fronted by husband-and-wife team of John Smith and Valerie Day, will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. July 7 at the Esther Short Park pavilion. In 1986, the group’s single “I Can’t Wait” reached number 3 on the Billboard charts. Bring a picnic blanket, sand or lawn chairs for this popular summer concert in the park. Both events are free. West Eighth and Columbia streets, Vancouver. www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec