Go, Ideas for your weekend: Music and mud

1. Spring sounds

Touch of Class Chorale presents its spring chorale series, “Americana,” celebrating a variety of American composers. The Clark County-based community choir features some 40 singers as they perform a variety of gospel, Broadway and classical selections. Half of the proceeds from each concert will benefit a charity chosen by the venue. The concert series starts at 2 p.m. April 30 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1206 N.E. Birch St., Camas. That’s followed by a concert at 2 p.m. May 1 at East Woods Presbyterian Church, 16210 N.E. 20th St., Vancouver, and a third concert at 7 p.m. May 7 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4505 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $12, $10 for children and students, and free for ages 6 and younger. 810-348-9285 or www.touchofclasschorale.com

The Westwinds Community Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with a free “Salute to Broadway” concert. Tap your toes to tunes from famous Broadway favorites including “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Producers” and “Phantom of the Opera” performed by the wind ensemble. The free concert runs 3 to 4 p.m. April 30 at Safe Harbor Nazarene Church, 8100 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. 360-892-7197

The musicians of the Oregon Symphony are on the loose for “Classical Up Close,” a series of concerts that will celebrate the symphony’s ties to the community. A small ensemble will give a free chamber music concert that will be completely informal, with audience members encouraged to sit close, ask questions and take photos, in the hopes of creating more fans of classical music. The concert is 2 p.m. May 1 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1220 N.E. 68th St., Vancouver. Admission is free. 503-477-5252 or www.classicalupclose.org

2. Country life

Part plant sale, part celebration of traditional activities and crafts, the Pomeroy Farm Country Life Fair highlights making and growing things. There will be hundreds of herbs and plants for sale, among rows of other vendors selling their handmade goods. There will be demonstrations featuring various skills such as blacksmithing, bow making and handicrafts. Visitors also can meet the farm animals or take a hayride, with other activities for children. The free fair runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at the Pomeroy Farm, 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. 360-686-3537 or www.pomeroyfarm.org

3. Fun in the mud

The Vancouver Police Activities League and Chill Portland will host Race at the ROC Mud Run, a 5K obstacle race at the Ridgefield Obstacle Course, 22510 N.W. Cornell Drive, Ridgefield. Registration proceeds will benefit both youth-focused programs. Uniformed personnel will run the course at 9 a.m. April 30, followed by races for the public at 10 a.m. Registration includes a shirt, race medal and beverage from Heathen Brewing. Registration is $60, $50 for uniformed personnel and $10 for parking. 360-487-7487 or www.raceattheroc.org

4. Celebrating kids

The Portland Japanese Garden will celebrate Children’s Day: Kodomo no Hi, inspired by the traditional Japanese holiday that celebrates children. Taiko drum group Unit Souzou will perform, and kids can learn to make origami samurai helmets, try on cotton yukata and see a tea service demonstration. There will also be a koi parade and scavenger hunt from 10 a.m. to noon May 1 at the Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave., Portland. Recommended for ages 3 to 12 and accompanying adults. Admission is $9.50; $7.75 for seniors and college students, $6.75 for ages 6-17 and free for children 5 and younger. 503-223-1321 or japanesegarden.com

5. Future looking

All ages are welcome to attend the 50+ Connections Expo, a hands-on event featuring services, ideas and resources for those thinking about retirement and beyond. Learn about active, healthy and independent lifestyles from businesses and community services with presentations, exhibits and health checks. The fair runs noon to 4 p.m. May 1 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St. Vancouver. A suggested $5 donation for admission helps support Volunteer Connections, a program of the Human Services Council. 360-735-3693 or www.50plusconnectionsexpo.com