Coast Weekend

On April 4, 1925, Astoria was emerging from a cloud of ash. Two and a half years earlier, a fire on Dec. 8, 1922, had left much of the city’s downtown business district in ruins, claiming in all more than 200 shops, restaurants and boardinghouses.

The Seaside Art Walk returns from 5 to 7 p.m. April 5 in the city’s historic Gilbert District. Dedicated parking for the free monthly event is offered at Holladay Drive and Oceanway Street. Wander downtown to meet local artists, see new work and hear live music. Beach Bum Designs, 606 Broadway Laser cutting uses a focused beam to precisely engrave designs into wood, creating intricate shapes, patterns, and even three-dimensional designs.

Hats are the latest artifacts to adorn the special exhibits gallery at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. “Topping it Off: Hats from the Collection” will open on April 4, the same weekend as the museum’s Driftwood & Daffodils event, although, unlike the flowers it continues until July 5.

GEARHART — Trail’s End Art Association, a nonprofit art gallery in Gearhart, will feature six artists working in pastels for its April show, which opens with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. April 5. Artists include Deborah Albrecht, who works primarily in pastels; Lynda Campbell, whose 25 years of experience in the medium often lends itself to scenes of tree roots or sweeping seascapes; and Mary Ann Gantenbein, who enjoys mixing watercolor, pastels and acrylics.

Three curators from the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum stopped by for a quick lunch and a discussion about the international artist Kenneth Callahan, who retired to Long Beach more than 50 years ago. He remained a prolific painter until his death in 1986 and a friend of the family. A seafood stew made with local bounty is a special dish for lunch or dinner. I feel anyone can follow this recipe and be successful.

Over the past year, readers tried new restaurant dishes, watched local musicians and actors put their hearts into performances, explored neighborhood parks and natural wonders — and came back to tell of what they saw and experienced in and around the mouth of the Columbia River. Thank you to the thousands who entered nominations and votes in this year’s contest. Congratulations to all the winners. Best Antiques/Thrifting 1. Vintage Hardware 2. Farmhouse Funk 3.

ASTORIA — Tickets to Fort George Brewery’s annual Lupulin Ecstasy festival will be released on April 2 at 4:20 p.m. The festival is scheduled for May 17. Lupulin Ecstasy celebrates the release of Fort George’s 3-Way IPA — and takes a deep dive into Astoria’s history as well. The event is scheduled to be held on the grounds of the Flavel Mansion and the Oregon Film Museum, on Exchange Street in downtown Astoria.

NEHALEM — The Nehalem Valley Historical Society is hosting a presentation about local history and cemetery preservation at 3:30 p.m. March 29 at the North Country Recreation District. Participants will learn ways to research local and family history through cemetery resources. The presentation will be led by Tierra del Mar resident Lisa Sears, a genealogist, family history researcher and board member of the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries.

Members of Peninsula Players don’t want their latest stage production to reflect its title. It’s called “Disaster!” The show is a musical spoof on action movies from the 1970s like “Airport,” “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Towering Inferno.” Director Rita Smith said her cast has been terrific amid backstage adversity — just like their characters, who must save each other when an earthquake tips their floating casino upside-down.

“Marjorie Prime” is full of can’t-spoil surprises. But the play asks what role artificial intelligence could — or should — play in preserving memories. The production being staged at the Ten Fifteen Theater in Astoria opens March 28 and runs for three weekends. Matinees are scheduled for March 30 and April 6. The play, the 13th written by Washington state native Jordan Harrison, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2015.