1. Stay warm
If you missed the first four iterations, don’t miss the fifth. Portland Mercury’s Fifth Annual Chili Jamboree is a melting pot of food, music and brews taking place from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Landmark Saloon, 4847 S.E. Division St., Portland. A $20 ticket gets you access to chili tastings from a dozen of Portland’s best chefs. Once you’ve tasted them all, cast a vote for your favorite, and watch as the winning chef is crowned with the Chili Belt. Drink some whiskey or beer to quench your thirst, and then grab a dance partner to romp around with for live music from Kory Quinn & The Quinntessentials, plus Mike Coykendall. 503-894-8132 or www.portlandmercury.com/events/19396354/the-5th-annual-chili-jamboree
2. All that jazz
If anyone tries to tell you jazz is dying, they haven’t been to Clark College’s Fall Jazz Concert. At 7 p.m. Nov. 17, listen to a performance that features special guest the Prairie High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Ryan Messing. This concert, which will be in Clark College’s Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, gives you the chance to be part of the jazz renaissance at the local level; free. 360-699-6398 or see the online events calendar at www.clark.edu.
3. We can do it!
Rosie the Riveter and her signature message are the theme at this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Washington State University Extension, 1919 N.E. 78th St. Vancouver. Local women who are farmers will discuss challenges they have faced and how mentors helped them develop skills. Speakers include Alexis Taylor, director of Oregon Department of Agriculture, and Ann Schwartz, owner of Blue Heron Farm in Skagit Valley. The conference is for current and aspiring female farmers, supporting spouses, students, interns or people who own an agriculture-related business. The $30 registration fee includes the workshop, a light breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Register at www.womeninag.wsu.edu. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations can email Margaret Viebrock at viebrock@wsu.edu.
4. A Celebration of the Dead
This event involves remembrance of the dead, but it’s not supposed to be sad. Instead, throw on a smile and enjoy live music, games, activities and entertainment, including traditional Mexican dancing and crafts for all ages at Día De Los Muertos Celebration. Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday that focuses on friends and family who have died and assisting them on their spiritual journey in the afterlife. The celebration takes place at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C. St., Vancouver; free. 360-906-5000 or www.fvrl.org/loc/va.