1. On the water
This is as close to walking on water as one can get. Stand on a paddleboard while you maneuver on Vancouver Lake for the annual Spring Paddle Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29 at Vancouver Lake Regional Park, 6801 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver; free. The festival offers something for everyone from beginning to advanced paddlers, featuring more than 100 kayaks, canoes and paddleboards for visitors to try, along with clinics, demonstrations and lake tours throughout the day. Learn about choosing the right paddle, safety and rescue techniques, local paddling destinations and stand-up paddling. 503-285-0464 or AlderCreek.com/Spring-Paddle-Festival
2. Crack open a book
Celebrate reading from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28 during Independent Bookstore Day at Vintage Books, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; free. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy story times on each hour for children, and oracle card readings and teachings for adults. Everyone who shows up in a magical costume will receive 10 percent off their purchase during those three hours. At 2 p.m., Jennifer Chambers will discuss her book “Abigail Scott Duniway and Susan B. Anthony in Oregon: Hesitate No Longer,” which explores the dynamic partnership of Abigail Scott Duniway and Susan B. Anthony. Those who show up in period costume (1850s-1920s) from 2 to 5 p.m. also receive 10 percent off purchases. There will be giveaways available throughout the day. 360-694-9519 or Vintage-Books.net
3. Party like a Coug
College students have a reputation for knowing how to have fun, so don’t miss out on Coug-A-Palooza, a cultural arts and music festival featuring entertainment by Bollywood, Hula and Folklorico dancers, as well as performances from Young Lit Hippy, Ekoh and DJ Matt Lindsey. Activities include “Wine and Canvas,” lantern making and henna tattoos. Cash bar and food available on site. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. ADA-accessible parking is available. Hosted by Washington State University Vancouver and the Student Activities Board, the festival takes place from 2 to 10 p.m. April 28 at 3 Peaks Public House and Taproom, 24415 N.E. 10th Ave., Ridgefield; $5 to $15. 360-546-9522 or orgsync.com/92545/events/2364108/occurrences/5641578
4. Nothin’ but a hound dog
The King is coming to Washougal. OK, maybe not the King himself, but the next best thing: Elvis tribute artist, Mark Stevenz, will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 28 at Los Dos Comprades Cantina, 1713 E St., Washougal; $10 suggested donation. Stevenz will play some of Elvis’ greatest hits with authentic costumes and dance moves. The concert is a fundraiser for the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance. There will be a raffle with prizes. 360-335-1706
