The U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory is hosting an open house today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The event includes volcano displays, monitoring equipment, hazards information and volcano videos, as well as activities for students and young children. Those attending can also bring rocks to have them identified.
The open house is just one of several weekend entertainment options in Clark County and Portland. Others include the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad beginning its annual train trips and “Iron Man 2” arriving in theaters.
1. All aboard
The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad begins its series of train trips throughout North Clark County this weekend. Passengers travel through a 330-foot tunnel, past Moulton Falls and through forests of North Clark County. The trip includes a brief stop at Moulton Station, where passengers can disembark and see Big Tree Falls.
When: Noon and 2:30 p.m. today and Sunday.
Where: Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 S. Railroad Ave., Yacolt.
Admission: $15; $14 for seniors 60 and older; $10 for children 5-11; $8 for children 2-4; free for children 1 and younger.
Pianist Thomas Rheingans will take the stage for a pair of concerts today in Vancouver. Rheingans will perform a mix of classical, jazz and popular music as part of the Live at the Fries concert series.
When: 2 and 8 p.m. today.
Where: Washington State School for the Blind’s Emil Fries Auditorium, 2214 E. 13th St., Vancouver.
Admission: $12 for the 2 p.m. show, and $16 for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-3006 or http://brownpapertickets.com.
Hard-rock band Nickelback, which has sold more than 35 million albums, headlines a concert tonight in Portland. The band is currently touring in support of its latest album, “Dark Horse,” which features the hit single “Never Gonna Be Alone.” Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown and Sick Puppies will open the show.
When: 6:15 tonight.
Where: Rose Garden arena, 1 Center Court, Portland.
Robert Downey Jr. returns to the big screen as “Iron Man” this weekend. In the latest installment, Tony Stark/Iron Man (Downey) is under pressure to share his technology secrets with the military. Meanwhile, a man from Tony’s past (Mickey Rourke) seeks to stop Iron Man. The first “Iron Man” was a critically-acclaimed box-office hit in 2008, and the sequel promises more wisecracks and action sequences. The star-studded cast features Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell.
When: Showtimes vary.
Where: Battle Ground Cinema, 1700 S.W. Ninth Ave., Battle Ground; Cinetopia, 11700 S.E. Seventh St., Vancouver; various Clark County Regal Cinemas locations.