It’s almost spring, and the coming season is filled with events celebrating flowers, getting outside, and just plain fun. Spring break is coming up in both Oregon (March 27-31) and Washington (April 3-7) schools. If you need ideas on how to spend time off school or work March through May, we’ve got your list. From whale watching to motorcycle shows to celebrations of seafood and wines, the spring is a great time to explore the Pacific Northwest and what it has to offer. Check out this list of 30 ideas for springtime entertainment. After a pandemic-related hiatus, the Hollywood Theatre will once again produce “Feminist March” a month of programming dedicated to women in film. Learn about the contributions that women have made, and continue to make, to the film industry. This year’s slate of films tells diverse stories about women who dare to innovate, engage, persevere, and fight–whether it’s against sexism, the system, or, in some cases, aliens. Twelve of the 14 films are directed by women, including multiple films by Black, Indigenous, and queer directors. Rock hounds look forward to this show every year. View displays of unusual specimens of rocks, fossils, gems, and minerals. Vendors will display wares for sale. There’s also door prizes, Kids’ corner, games and crafts, and demonstrations. Love seafood? Then this festival is right up your alley. Enjoy the peak of the Dungeness crab season, as well as regional wines and craft beers. More than 30 Oregon wineries are participating. There’s also live music, face painting for the kids, balloon artists, and more. Fire up those huge truck engines and dust off the ear protection as the vehicles from the big daddy of motorsports events returns to the Moda Center. Portland’s steamfunk rock-n-roll circus party celebrates its 20th anniversary with a night of brassy funk, rock, and jazz music accompanied by dancers and acrobats. We dare you to stand still for this show that features a kaleidoscope of musical and visual energy. Come in costume, or just how you are. It’s band camp meets the circus, and it’s just plain fun. The band offers two shows Saturday, one in the afternoon for all ages, and an evening performance for an adult crowd. The world-famous French-Canadian circus company returns to Portland for a handful of shows at the Rose Garden rather than under one of its massive tents. pays tribute to a clown who has passed away, but instead of mourning, the troupe presents a joyous celebration of a life well lived. Once again OMSI will host this annual event that attracts science fans of all ages. Learn more about the amazing things the brain is capable of through discussions, hands-on exhibits, educational displays, and information booths. For more than 65 years, the artistic vision of skilled craftsmen and hobbyists takes center stage at the Expo Center. Visitors can stroll through acres of custom cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. Each vehicle is selected from hundreds of applications from around the Pacific Northwest. Also see hotrods built in the “High School Challenge” and the automotive art displays. Vendors will be on site offering a variety of items for custom car fans. Two of Portland’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day traditions are joining forces in 2023 as the and Kells Irish Pub & Brewery will combine to bring a larger and more festive St. Patrick’s Day experience. The annual Shamrock Run attracts more than 20,000 runners, walkers, and supporters in several race lengths. Kells will then host the after-run party at Tom McCall Waterfront Park as well as other events Friday and Saturday before the run on Sunday. Expect Irish dancing, live music, bagpipes and Irish food and beverages. For the first time since March 2019, the Capitol will host its annual Cherry Blossom Day celebration in person to recognize the impact and influence of Japanese culture on Oregon. If the weather allows the Capitol’s grove of 151 Akebono cherry trees will be in bloom. Also, park rangers will illuminate the trees by hanging lanterns beginning March 25. Portland’s wacky winter bicycle party welcomes thousands of fun-loving cyclists in costume; or in rain gear, or in sunscreen? You never know. Choose from routes that vary between 15 and nearly 42 miles. The end of the ride offers a tasty finish line party with live music. Mother Nature is the only ruling factor deciding when millions of tulip bulbs will bloom just east of Woodburn in the Willamette Valley. Field experts said it’s too early to call when “peak bloom” will happen, but 10% of the fields could have some color by the time the festival opens March 17. If the weather stays mild or gets warmer, there could be some nice color by Oregon’s spring break. Note: All tickets must be purchased online in advance; they’ll not be available at the gate. Equine fans gather in Albany late in March to shop all things horse, as well as watch the experts at work during the Mustang Trainer Showdown. Winners can expect more than $10,000 in payouts. There will also be a breed showcase featuring breeds from all over the world. Come meet breeders and ask questions. Admission includes all clinics, lectures, demonstration, and admission to the trade show. Let’s get outside and have some fun, shall we? Spring break at Oaks Park includes thrill rides (and some milder ones for little kids), mini golf, midway games and roller skating. Ride bracelet quantities are limited; purchase online in advance to guarantee admission. Yes, there are tulips in the fields this spring, but don’t forget the daffodils. The annual Amity festival celebrating what many consider spring’s first splash of color features flower exhibits, garden-themed vendors, children’s craft tables, and a plant sale. Trained volunteers are back in 2023, staffing and helping visitors spot migrating gray whales. Whales pass near to Oregon’s beaches in late March as they head north to feeding grounds off the shore of Alaska. Spotting whales from shore takes patience. To find a whale, use a pair of binoculars and scan the ocean slowly, looking for a spout, which will appear as a vertical spray of mist. You can also look for a tail, called a fluke, which sometimes emerges from the water as the whale dives. If you’re really lucky, you might see the whale jump out of the water – a behavior known as breaching – though gray whales do so less frequently than some other species, like humpbacks. Love the smell of motor oil? This your time to shine. The annual PIR Auto Swap Meet and the Portland Swap Meet just down the road at the Expo Center return to Portland the first weekend in April. These events draw more than 2,000 vendors hoping to buy and sell cars, parts, collectibles, memorabilia, and related materials. The swap at the Expo Center also features antique toys, bicycles and other gear. The auto swap at PIR is outdoors, so dress for the weather. This three-day AKC sanctioned dog show is a highlight of dog enthusiasts’ spring calendar. Come watch your favorite breed compete in showing, obedience, rally, and agility. Meet the Breeds booths will be staffed various times Saturday and Sunday highlighting both long-standing AKC recognized breeds as well as newcomers. Vendors offers just about anything you need in the way of grooming supplies, toys, coats, beds, treats, and photography services. The show is open to entered dogs only (leave pets at home), but it’s one of the few shows this size you can enjoy for a parking fee only. The show schedules will be released closer to the event. Check the website for details. Does your bathroom need a tune up? Maybe the kitchen could use some freshening. Even outdoor spaces can get the spruce up ideas needed this season during this annual show. Homeowners can talk with top remodeling and building experts to explore ideas for every facet of design and implementation. Shop for cabinetry, countertops, additions, flooring, waterproofing and smart home automation. At this festival, the crafty will find a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art and craft supplies from national vendors. There will also be “make and take” demonstrations, daily door prize drawings and exhibits. Portlanders love their coffee. So, an exposition specifically to share the latest in brewing and industry changes is likely to draw a crowd. Get access to the newest products and services available to the industry from more than 400 vendors and learn from experts through workshops and lectures. Meet coffee roasters from around the world in the Roaster Village and watch the industry’s best compete in the 2023 U. S. Coffee Championships. This annual tour, now in its 17th year, features 40 area artists showcasing diverse work including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textile art, woodworking, photography, and glass. Meet the artists in their spaces and learn about how the work is created. A map showing the route to all the studios that range through all the mid-Columbia counties will be available at the website. If you want great seafood, you need to go to the source, and Astoria couldn’t be much closer to the sea. The annual festival features nearly 150 vendors offering coastal cuisine, hand-crafted items, information on lodging and dining in the area, and more. Sample crab, shrimp and other seafood from local food vendors. Of course, there’s wine as well with nearly 40 vintners participating. The festival also offers live music daily. It’s all about the customs. Portland’s biggest custom motorcycle event returns this spring bringing together thousands of bikers as well as just the curious for a jam-packed weekend of immersive motorcycle fun and creativity. There’s something for everyone at this show from the garage tuner to the road racer, to the motorcycle-inspired artist. The heart and soul of the show remains the unparalleled collection of 300+ custom-built motorcycles submitted and inspired by bike builders from around the world. Get up close and personal with all the best bikes, cars, bands, artists, stunt shows, bike demos, food, drinks and industry-leading vendors. The popular showcase will feature a collection of custom moto helmets curated by , that aim to make wearing a helmet look both cool and safe. The Iris Display Gardens just down Interstate 5 in Keizer are scheduled to open daily beginning May 5. The weather will be the big predictor of when the actual flowers will begin to bloom and light up the fields near the freeway just north of Salem. Keep an eye on the website where the farm will announce the official opening day nearer to the event. During the festival, gardeners can learn about the flowers and how to care for them. The Artist Fair will be held in the gardens May 27-29. One of Portland’s favorite spring arts and crafts markets returns to the Oregon Convention Center in Exhibit Hall D. More than 200 artists will sell their work just in time for Mother’s Day. The three-day festival offers high school and middle schools to a chance to perform, compete, and attend masterclasses taught by experts in the genre. There are both student and professional performances each day, and the public is welcome to attend. Jazz greats on the performance list include the Ignacio Berroa Trio, Mark Zaleski Quartet, Soul Vaccination, Esthesis, and the Bill Charlap Trio. Some performances are free, and others are ticketed. Check the website for a complete schedule closer to the event dates. Washougal area artists open their studios for a family weekend that offers a look into the artistic process for a variety of media. The tour regularly features about 10 locations in and around Washougal. This year’s spring air show at the Hillsboro Airport is scheduled for May 19-21. The featured performer list has not been finalized, but the schedule and ticket sales should be ready to go by early March. Check the website for more information closer to the event date. Are you ready for Rose Festival? The last weekend of May is the official opening. The CityFair location at Waterfront Park will open Friday, May 26 and continues various day and hours through June 11 offering carnival rides, food, games, and live entertainment. Keep an eye out for The Oregonian/Oregonlive. com’s Rose Festival Guide publishing later in May. — Rosemarie Stein 503-221-4376, ;.