1. Bright inspiration
Get inspired for spring as the Portland Home and Garden Show celebrates its 70th anniversary. The spring garden show features hundreds of vendors, accessories, plants for sale and demonstrations. Find ideas and inspiration at the popular Excellence in Landscaping Competition, featuring 12 examples of creative garden design, plus displays from the Portland Orchid Society, garden starts and seeds galore at the Original Plant Sale. Attendees can take part in do-it-yourself workshops from Home Depot or explore the work of local artists and writers in the Artisan Gallery. The show is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland. Admission is $10, free for ages 12 and younger, with $8 for parking. 503-246-8291 or www.homeshowpdx.com
2. Brew crews
Learn about what goes on in the brew tank during the Washington Beer Open House from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 25. This statewide event, hosted by the Washington Beer Commission, encourages the public to meet their local brewers, tour the brewery, try new releases and more at participating breweries. Local breweries involved include 54?-40′ Brewing, Fortside Brewing Company, Heathen Brewing, Ghost Runner Brewery, Heavy Metal Brewing Co., Loowit Brewing, McMenamins on the Columbia and Trusty Brewing Company. Admission is free, but tasting fees may apply. Visit the website for a complete list of breweries. http://washingtonbeer.com/washington-craft-beer/washington-beer-open-house.php
3. Folk for a cause
Enjoy a night of local music while giving back to the music community. Harvest Gold, a Neil Young tribute band from Clark County, will take the stage at a benefit concert for the MusiCares Foundation. Harvest Gold will play music inspired by ’60s and ’70s folk-rock. MusiCares is an organization that offers support to musicians and people involved in the music community during times of need. The Billy Novas will open the concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Old Liberty Theater, 113 N. Main St., Ridgefield. Tickets are $10. 360-887-7260, www.oldlibertytheater.com or www.harvestgoldny.com/musicares-benefit
4. Winter race
The Clark County Running Club hosts its annual Vancouver Lake Half Marathon at 10 a.m. Feb. 26. This winter run will test participants on an out-and-back course along Vancouver Lake from the regional park, 6801 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver. All proceeds from the race will benefit the running club’s scholarship fund for student athletes. Medals will be presented to all half-marathon finishers. The race is limited to 475 entries. Pack pick-up will be on race day from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., and the race starts at 10 a.m. http://clarkcountyrunningclub.org/vancouver-lake-half-marathon