Toro Bravo's Cookbook Party, St. Johns' Volksfest, MORE

On this week's event-planning EaterWire:

NORTHEAST— John Gorham will celebrate the release of his cookbook at a tapas-fueled launch party tonight, October 15, at the restaurant. The event kicks off with the Get a Life Marching Band at 5p.m., and continues until 10p.m. with a Virtue's cider tasting, tapas, a Q&A with Gorham and co-author Liz Crain, and books available for purchase/signing. More information here.

ST. JOHNS— St. Johns' multi-use space The Colony hosts a harvest-y Volksfest from Friday through Sunday (October 18 to 20), with live music, food carts, pop-up brunches, and autumnal activities. On Saturday, Tastebud, the Kuza burger cart, and Salt & Straw will serve on-site; Sunday morning sees a pancake breakfast with a Bloody Mary bar by New Deal Distillery. More information here.

DOWNTOWN— Chef Gregory Gourdet hosts Restaurant Beck's Justin Wills in the second installment of the duo's "Land and Sea" dinner series. The "Land" version, set for Departure on Thursday, October 17, will feature five courses (and snacks) inspired by wild veggies: Expect dishes like chestnut soup with wild boar bacon, coffee-rubbed venison with juniper, and a Woodblock Chocolate tart with a beet caramel center for dessert. Reservations are $72 and available by calling 503-802-5370.

Photo of Toro Bravo courtesy Avila/EPDX