1. Fully stocked
Right in time for the rainy season, Wordstock returns for Northwest book lovers. The book festival features panels, lectures, books sales and workshops from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Portland Art Museum — 1219 S.W. Park Ave., Portland — and venues surrounding the South Park Blocks. More than 100 authors will participate, including The Atlantic’s Ta-Nehisi Coates, who won the National Book Award in 2015 and will discuss his latest book, “We were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy.” “The Leftovers” author Tom Perrotta will also speak. Tickets are $15 to $18, free for ages 17 and younger, as well as veterans and active military members. literary-arts.org/what-we-do/wordstock
2. A special run
A holiday weekend is a great time for special deals. So the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad has unlocked some train rides to hold you over until they crank up their Christmas Tree Train rides at the end of the month. The Patriots Weekend Run — at noon and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12 — features the 1941 Alco diesel engine traversing through a 330-foot rock tunnel, then to the Heisson area before a stop at Moulton Station for a visit to Yacolt Falls; $16, $15 for seniors, $11 for ages 5 to 12, $9 for ages 2 to 4 and free for ages 1 and younger. Rides start at the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt. 360-686-3559 or tickets.bycx.org
3. This magic moment
Note your emergency exits for this performance. Bizzaro, the magician, is on fire. Dave, of Dave’s Killer Magic Shop, opens the floor of his shop up for visiting magician Bizzaro, who’s appeared on Fox, NBC, “Ellen,” “The Late, Late Show” and “America’s Got Talent,” with gags such as lighting himself on fire. From 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at Dave’s Killer Magic Shop, 1707 Main St., Vancouver. Bizzaro will mash together his signature unique visual comedy with illusions to create a neo-vaudeville style with silent movie antics; $20 to $25. 360-448-9022 or killermagicshop.com/Bizzaro-Lecture-November-11th-400PM_p_17850.html
4. A Grammy gala
Not every gala is headlined by a Grammy-nominated artist, but the Soaring Spirits Gala and Benefit Concert isn’t your ordinary gala. In honor of Washington’s First Nations Heritage Month, the gala showcases Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Gentle Thunder as well as music from The Traveling Day Society. In addition to the music, experience Indian fry bread, a silent auction, raffle, and 50/50. Doors open at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2206 N.W. 99th St., Vancouver. Music starts at 7 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $20. 360-573-8106 or www.allsaints-vancouver.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Gala-Flyer-11×17.pdf