1. Mask on
Create the perfect mask to hide behind at The Most Amazingly Creative Halloween Mask Event at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Vancouver Art Space, 2701 N.E. 114th Ave. Become a goblin, superhero, princess or warrior, and do it on your terms. This Halloween gathering, which includes all the materials you’ll need, is for trick-or-treaters ages 5 to 12. Prizes and music are also part of the event. If desired, you can also have your mask displayed in the Vancouver Mall the week before Halloween, and compete for the People’s Choice Award for best mask. A parent or guardian must accompany each child; $8, with online registration required. 360-787-8772 or www.eventbrite.com/e/the-most-amazingly-creative-halloween-mask-event-tickets-38210892809
2. It’s getting chili
Get a dose of warmth as the cold and rainy season kicks in. Sample chili and corn bread, then vote for the most original chili and best corn bread at English Estate Winery’s Eighth Annual Chili Cook-Off from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at English Estate, 17806 S.E. First St., Vancouver. This 21-and-older cook-off is accepting registration for the competition; email: events@englishestatewinery.com. A mix of bluegrass and folk will be performed by Somewhere Between from 4:30 to 7 p.m. While this is a club member only event, a $5 fee at the door will buy you a membership, with all the benefits through the end of 2018. It also includes an English Estate logo wine glass. All current club members receive free entry. 360-772-5141 or www.englishestatewinery.com/events
3. Let the games begin
Travel back in time for the Portland Retro Gaming Expo Oct. 20-22. Gamers rejoice as the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, is transformed into Oregon’s largest arcade. Test the pinball and arcade machines. The expo includes speakers and panels featuring game designers, players and collectors, as well as game tournaments, costume contests and a live auction. This year also showcases a museum area, where you can walk through video game history and ask curators questions; $12 to $14 for Friday, $27 to $32 for Saturday, $20 to $25 for Sunday, $35 to $39 for weekend a pass; $140 to $156 for family weekend pass, free for two children ages 10 and younger with adult. 503-235-7575 or www.retrogamingexpo.com
4. Rock on!
Jam to a good cause at Rock for Autism from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 21. Raffle items and live music combine in this fundraiser for autism. Music starts at 8 p.m., and the cover charge will benefit the Autism Research and Resources of Oregon, as well as 25 percent of the guest’s tabs. “Shoot to Thrill,” an AC/DC tribute band headlines the show, along with “MRC,” “Bad Ellie” and “All-Stars.” Billy Blues Bar and Grill, 7115 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver; $10 cover charge. 360-694-3114 or www.billybluesbarandgrill.com
