Free and easy events

William Christenberry's original brownie photos, including "Magenta Car," are on display at Hemphill Fine Art this week. (Ricky Carioti - The Washington Post)

In our roundup of the best free events of the week, we tell you how to get free cupcakes, an expert preview of the baseball season and two ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the early side.

Monday
'William Christenberry: Vintage Kodak Brownies'
This is the last week to see the D.C.-based artist's tiny pictures (3-1/2 by 5 inches) taken with a plastic Brownie Holiday camera. Originally serving simply as inspiration for his paintings, the images have become pieces of art in themselves.

Tuesday
Baseball Prospectus authors
Spring training is underway, but the real way to know that baseball season is right around the corner is when members of the number-crunching baseball collective Baseball Prospectus come to town in support of their latest season-preview tome. They'll offer predictions and take questions; find out if they think Stephen Strasburg will be D.C.'s baseball savior.

Wednesday
Rockville's 150th anniversary celebration
The first incorporated city in Montgomery County marks its sesquicentennial with performances by the Rockville Jazz Ensemble and the stepping, dance and drumming troupe the Finest. At the end of the ceremony, line up by the stage for free cupcakes and hot chocolate.

Thursday
Going Out Guide happy hour
Our monthly happy hour has a St. Patrick's Day theme with festivities to rival any celebration you'll find on March 17. There'll be Irish dancers, live Celtic rock from the band 40 Thieves, $4 Guinness pints and free food (while it lasts).

Friday
International photography competition opening reception
Fraser Gallery hosts its ninth annual exhibition of photos, and the opening reception coincides with this month's Bethesda Art Walk. Stop by to see a stunning take on a plane flying over Key Bridge at night and a spooky look at Washington National Cathedral under some ominous clouds.

Saturday
Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade
Irish dancers, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and four pipe bands entertain revelers along the streets of Old Town.

Sunday
'ImaginAsia: Musical Instruments From the Himalayas'
Take the kids on a trip to Tibet without leaving the Mall when world music specialist Bill Jenkins presents a family-friendly program of traditional Himalayan drums, horns and flutes.

-- David Malitz, Stephanie Merry and Anne Kenderdine