Go: Vancouver Farmers Market; Vancouver Brewfest; Fort Vancouver Pipe Band

1. Harbinger of spring

Vancouver Farmers Market returns just in time for spring, as favorite and newcomer vendors return to offer up produce, plant starts, baked goods, freshly made food and handmade crafts. Enjoy music by local entertainers and colorful sights along Sixth and Esther streets in downtown Vancouver. More than 150 regional vendors participate throughout the season, which runs March 18 through Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. 360-737-8298 or www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com

2. Basket of brews

The spring edition of the Vancouver Brewfest will feature a mix of seasonal beers and college basketball with broadcasts of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament plus craft and food vendors. The beer festival is open 4 to 10 p.m. March 17 and noon to 10 p.m. March 18 at Esther Short Park, West Sixth and Columbia Street, Vancouver. Admission is $22 for drink package, or $7 for just entry and $5 for pint glass, for those 21 and older. http://vancouverbrewfest.com

3. Irish pipes

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a movie and music featuring the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band. The bagpipers and drummers will play a half-hour performance of various Scottish and Irish tunes in the spirit of holiday. Then there will be a screening of the 1952 romantic comedy “The Quiet Man.” Starring John Wayne, the film features a famous fight scene that winds its way across a small village and countryside of Ireland. It all begins at 7 p.m. March 17 at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $10. 360-798-8932 or www.kigginstheatre.net/movies/the-quiet-man/

4. Spring shows

Prairie High School Drama goes on a caper in “Catch Me if You Can.” This play follows Frank Abagnale Jr., who leaves home and high school to use his gift for telling tall tales and forging checks for misadventures across the globe under a variety of identities. The production will run 7 p.m. March 17-18 and March 24; 1 and 7 p.m. March 25 at Prairie High School, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $12.50, $8.50 for seniors, $6.50 for students. www.greateventseats.com/PrairieHS

A little magic and a simple pumpkin transform at Camas High School Theatre in its production of “Cinderella.” This contemporary take on the fairy tail follows the downtrodden Cinderella as she works tirelessly for her stepmother and stepsisters. But between some helpful friends and a bit of magic, she is able to go to the grand ball and meet her prince. The show runs 7 p.m. March 17-18 and 24-25; 2 p.m. March 18 and 25. Camas High School, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. Tickets are $10, $7 for students and seniors. 360-833-5750 or http://chs.camas.wednet.edu

5. Art in bloom

Meet your artistic community members at the annual Spring Show and Sale hosted by the Battle Ground Art Alliance. This juried fine art and craft show highlights all sorts of media, from traditional oil painting to pottery, sculpture and jewelry. Visitors can view and purchase art or vote for the People’s Choice award, and enjoy live music by local musicians. The themed exhibit will feature interpretations on “Flights of Fancy.” The show will run 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 18 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19. A meet-the-artist public reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 18, with the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Battle Ground Community Center, 921 E. Main St., Battle Ground. The sales from the show help the art alliance and its mission. Admission is free, with donations of canned goods for the North County Community Food Bank accepted. 360-263-1846 or www.bgartalliance.com/spring-show