Spend a Sunday outside enjoying the sounds of a free concert in the park. Energetic band Hit Machine will perform pop and rock hits from all eras to kick off the Sunday Sounds concert series at Columbia Tech Center Park, 17701 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs for the evening performance that runs 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. http://bit.ly/2tSo9z2
Or take a Sunday stroll by the Cathlapotle Plankhouse on Oak Appreciation Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. This Second Sunday activity will highlight the rare Oregon white oak habitat at the refuge. Visitors can try an acorn muffin, making ink from an oak gall, touch a 400-year-old tree and learn about the tree on a naturalist-led hike at 2 p.m. There will be presentations on creating and preserving oak habitats at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. at the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, 28908 N.W. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Admission is free, with $3 per vehicle. ridgefieldfriends.org
Next weekend, be part of the action as “robbers” stop and board the train to steal passengers’ coins and jewelry during the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad’s Train Robbery rides. The train will take a 13-mile round trip through North Clark County, including a stop to see Yacolt Falls, before returning to the station, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt. The train leaves at noon and 2:30 p.m. July 15-16 and Aug. 19-20. Tickets are $20, $19 for seniors, $15 for ages 5 to 12, $14 for ages 2 to 4, free for ages two and younger. 360-686-3559 or www.bycx.com
The celebration of car culture will continue with Cruise the Couve on Vancouver’s Main Street, as hot rods, classic cars and more are invited to show off from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 15. The cruse-in will be between 28th and Fifth streets in downtown Vancouver, with attendees watching the parade of vehicles from the sidewalks. Admission is free. Everyone at the show is encouraged to bring canned-food donations to benefit local food bank. www.facebook.com/CruiseTheCouve
