Snoqualmie Casino, a new casino-entertainment-dining complex, will open on November 6, 2008. Located just east of Seattle off of I-90, this brand-new facility will feature Vegas-style gaming, including table games, poker, and slot machines. Snoqualmie Casino will also be home to five restaurants, including Terra Vista for fine Northwest dining and The Falls Buffet, a multi-station, multi-ethnic experience. A dance club and a cigar-and-scotch lounge are among Snoqualmie Casino's bars and lounges. The 11,000 square foot Snoqualmie Ballroom will be the venue for live entertainment, sporting events, and other festivities. During November, concert offerings include Jessica Simpson (Nov 7), Wynonna Judd (Nov 26), and Sergio Mendez (Nov 28).

Seattle's annual Earshot Jazz Festival features dozens of events over 3 weeks - this year's festival runs from October 18 to November 9, 2008. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy jazz concerts, films, and educational and outreach programs. Earshot Jazz Festival events take place at venues around the Seattle area, including McCaw Hall, Town Hall, the Triple Door, the Moore Theatre, and Tula's. Tickets are on sale now.

The special exhibition "Wild Beauty: Photographs of the Columbia River Gorge, 1867–1957" opens Saturday, October 4, at the Portland Art Museum. The exhibition is made up of more than 200 photographs that highlight the unique geography and ever-changing character of the Northwest's Columbia River Gorge. The photos, taken from 1867 to 1957, document the impacts of humans and technology on the river and how it is used.

The 2008 Holiday Food & Gift Festival at the Tacoma Dome is one of the first major holiday gift shows in the Northwest. This year's gift festival begins Wednesday, October 22 and will continue through Sunday, October 26. Plan to spend a few hours strolling among the hundreds of booths offering unique arts and crafts items, gourmet foods, and unique gift ware. You'll be able to enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, including a singing Christmas tree. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, or at the door.