1. Beer is near
What do Brothers Cascadia, Everybody’s Brewing, Fortside, Ghost Runners, Hopworks, Loowit, Walking Man and54?40′ have in common? They’re all taking part in Washington Beer Open House, from noon to 5 p.m. March 2, when more than 140 artisan beer-makers across the state will allow beer lovers to look behind the scenes, talk to brewers and try unique craft beer creations. There will be something different in every place: rare barrel tastings, new seasonal beers, finger food, full brewery tours or live music. Visit washingtonbeer.com for a complete list of breweries and details about activities.
2. Horses, of course
The Washington State Horse Expo gallops into the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, from March 1-3 with compelling live demonstrations, expert-led seminars, a huge vendor marketplace, kid-friendly activities and the always-riveting Saturday Night Extravaganza, featuring dancing horses, mounted archers and breathtaking displays of the bond between horse and rider. Hours vary each day and tickets run $9 to $24; parking is $6 cash; on March 1, kids 7 to 15 are free. Tickets to just the Extravaganza are $10. www.WashingtonStateHorseExpo.com
3. A spoonful of sugar
If you missed “Mary Poppins Returns” in theaters, here’s something that’s perhaps even more magical: Journey Theater Arts’ live stage production of “Mary Poppins,” showing March 1-10 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 29th St., Washougal. This musical is “practically perfect in every way,” with all your favorite songs from the original, and of course a dash of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-ness. Tickets are $10 to $16. Check times at 360-750-8550 or www.journeytheater.org
4. The spice of life
If variety is the spice of life, the Vancouver Variety Market has it in spades, with nearly 60 vendors selling original art, jewelry, home decor and vintage wares, clothing, toys and games, beauty products, books and baked treats, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 2 at Luepke Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. But wait, there’s more: bring your kids for fun activities like a reptile show, face painting and glitter tattoos. Food and beverages will be available to purchase, and the first 50 kids to arrive get a free gift bag. 360-859-6044 or www.vancouvervarietymarket.com
