Tuesday, August 25, 2026
 
Eugene Lowdown Two Grand Openings at Gateway Plus an Island Park Update
Everything Happening In Eugene In Your Inbox Twice A Week!
Two new openings at the Shoppes at Gateway lead the week, with a new folk festival set for September.

Good morning. It's Tuesday, August 25. Late August is doing what it does best: sneaking in new openings while we're still pretending summer lasts forever. Between fresh storefront energy at Gateway and a folk fest on the horizon, there's plenty to clock this week. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown.


GolfTRK Opens at Shoppes at Gateway

GolfTRK has officially opened at the Shoppes at Gateway, giving local golfers a year-round place to work on their swing without begging the weather for mercy. The new facility offers PGA coaching, five TrackMan bays, PuttView putting analysis, club fittings, and performance data, plus long daily access from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Island Park Gets a Folk-Filled Day

Call it a one-day folk marathon with better scenery. Turning Tides Folk Festival debuts September 19 at Island Park in Springfield, bringing music from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus vendors and a community song circle. Carsie Blanton and Crys Matthews headline the lineup. Advance tickets are $47.50, day-of admission is $55, and kids 12 and under get in free.

Ribbon Cutting Marks Boot Barn Opening

Boot Barn marked its Springfield debut last Friday with a noon ribbon cutting at The Shoppes at Gateway. The new store at 3000 Gateway Street, Ste. 118, opened as part of a grand opening weekend that also featured live music, sales, giveaways, and other guest activities.


Weather Lowdown
Tuesday, 8/25
Trivia

Trivia Night

Conversations flow easily over pints as teams tackle a mix of clever questions, friendly competition, and low-pressure fun that makes a weeknight feel like a mini night out.
Claim 52 Brewing | 6 PM | 232 Lincoln St, Eugene
Tuesday

Latin

Los Cumbiamberos

Colorful percussion, bright horns, and dance-ready Latin beats turn a midday break into a mini vacation, with a free hour of outdoor music that welcomes office workers, visitors, and families alike.
Kesey Square | 12 PM | 10 E Broadway, Eugene
Tuesday

Swing Dance

Summer Swing Dance Practice

Community-minded dancers gather in a cooled ballroom to polish swing skills, try new moves, and meet partners at a relaxed practice night supported by a modest suggested donation.
Veterans Memorial Building | 7 PM | 1626 Willamette St, Eugene
Tuesday

Coffee Event

Afternoon Brew 40+

Caffeine might not fix everything, but pairing a solid cup of coffee with people who actually get your references from the 80s and 90s comes close. Meet other 40-plus locals for easy laughs and laid-back conversation.
The Community at Marquis Eugene | 2 PM | 565 Country Club Rd, Eugene
Tuesday

Yoga

Gentle Chair Yoga with Clark Stacer

Calming poses, simple stretches, and supportive instruction create a soothing midday reset, ideal for easing tension, improving mobility, and building confidence in a relaxed community setting.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church | 12 PM | 1465 Coburg Rd, Eugene
Tuesday

Bingo

Bingo

Evenings here mix friendly competition, simple buy-ins, cash-only jackpots, and comfort food from the kitchen, creating an easygoing weeknight outing for regulars and newcomers alike.
Eugene Elks Lodge #357 | 5 PM | 2470 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Tuesday

Science & Tech

Biz Networking

Tech Tuesday

Connections grow naturally as local technologists, creatives, and community builders gather for casual chats, light networking, and low-pressure social time fueled by good drinks and better conversations.
PLAY Eugene | 5:30 PM | 232 W 5th Ave, Eugene
Tuesday

Chess Event

Chess Night

Connections happen over the board as players of all levels gather for a laid-back evening of chess, good food, and great beer, with plenty of time to learn a few new tactics along the way.
The Bier Stein | 6 PM | 1591 Willamette St, Eugene
Tuesday

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Wednesday, 8/26
Jazz

Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra

Rhythms from classic and contemporary big band charts drift across the river as the orchestra swings through favorite tunes, creating an easygoing summer night perfect for friends, families, and jazz fans of all ages.
Roaring Rapids Pizza Co | 6:30 PM | 4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
Wednesday

Blues

Henry Cooper & Friends

Grooves unfold as Henry Cooper and his band lay down soulful blues sets perfect for unwinding midweek, catching up with friends, and savoring live guitar tone that feels straight out of a classic juke joint.
Mac's Restaurant | 7 PM | 1626 Willamette St, Eugene
Wednesday

Hiking

Spencer Butte Sunset Hike

Trails, conversation, and a glowing horizon come together on this midweek Spencer Butte climb, where a steady pace up, shared sunset views, and a group descent create an easygoing outdoor reset.
Spencer Butte Park | 7 PM | 85397 Willamette St, Eugene
Wednesday

Tango Milonga

Argentine Tango Dancing

Connections grow step by step as instructors guide beginners and continuing dancers, then turn the lights down for hours of tango to carefully curated tracks. Expect friendly partners, patient teaching, and a welcoming midweek rhythm reset.
The Vet's Club | 7 PM | 1626 Willamette St, Eugene
Wednesday

Museum Exhibit

High Drama: Japanese Prints of Theater, Heroes and History

Stories of actors, warriors, and legends come to life through expressive Japanese prints and contemporary artworks, offering a vivid look at how drama, emotion, and movement have been captured across centuries.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art | 11 AM | 1430 Johnson Ln, Eugene
Wednesday

Yoga

Low Cost/No Cost Community Yoga

Creativity meets mindfulness in this welcoming yoga class that balances gentle challenge with spacious, dogma-free practice, inviting students of varied experience to explore movement, breath, and community on the mat.
Sacred Connections Community Church | 5:30 PM | 810 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Wednesday

Rock

Travis Larson

Harmonies of searing leads, melodic grooves, and road-honed stories turn this solo guitar night into a showcase of modern instrumental rock, perfect for music lovers who want big sound in a close-up room.
Local Losers Lounge | 7 PM | 85944 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
Wednesday

Folk / Acoustic

Epiphonic

Melodies shaped by jazz, rock, and blues swirl together as Epiphonic brings their urban folk sound to an all-ages crowd with free admission and a relaxed, welcoming vibe for music lovers.
Springfield Public House | 6 PM | 418 A St, Springfield
Wednesday

Thursday, 8/27
Country

Dance

Two Step Thursday

Songs and steps blend as live country bands and an inclusive dance lesson create an inviting space to learn, practice, and socialize with fellow dancers of all experience levels.
The Hybrid | 7 PM | 941 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Thursday

R&B / Soul

Sugar Push

Grooves from the 1970s meet fresh original funk as this band of veteran musicians turns a casual evening outside into a laid-back dance party, perfect for friends, families, and anyone craving live music energy.
Beergarden | 7 PM | 777 W 6th Ave, Eugene
Thursday

Markets & Shopping

Family & Kids

All-Ages Board Game and Puzzle Swap

Families and friends can explore stacks of donated board games, puzzles, and tabletop adventures, dropping off old favorites and picking up something new to try together without spending a cent.
Downtown Eugene Public Library | 6 PM | 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Thursday

Comedy Show

Ian Bagg

Laughs build as Ian Bagg brings fast-paced stand-up and sharp crowd work to an intimate Eugene room, creating a high-energy night out for adults who love live comedy.
Olsen Run Comedy Club & Lounge | 8:30 PM | 44 E 7th Ave, Eugene
Thursday

Sip & Paint

Paint & Sip: VW Bus

Creativity flows as you paint a retro VW bus scene with easy instruction, all supplies ready to go, and a casual atmosphere perfect for a laid-back afternoon outing.
Art with Alejandro | 2 PM | 590 Pearl St Ste 104, Eugene
Thursday

Science & Tech

Girls Science Adventures - Registrations Open

Curiosity thrives in this small-group series where girls in upper elementary grades dive into Saturday science sessions led by women in STEM, building confidence through experiments, questions, and discovery in supportive learning spaces.
Eugene Science Center | 10 AM | 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Thursday

Cycling

Active

Breakfast at the Bike Bridges

Community-minded riders can roll in for a simple treat: fresh breakfast, friendly faces, and quick tune-ups that make weekday trips by bike feel easier, safer, and a lot more welcoming for all ages.
Knickerbocker Bicycle Bridge | 3:30 PM | Knickerbocker Bicycle Bridge, Eugene
Thursday

Bingo

Twisted Duck Bingo

Colorful cards, friendly competition, and cash prizes create a feel-good night out that also helps fund vital advocacy for local kids in foster care.
Twisted Duck Pub | 7 PM | 529 W Centennial Blvd, Springfield
Thursday


Happy Hours
Here's a sampling of happy hours around The Emerald City. Tell them Eugene Lowdown sent you!

Gridiron Grill & Tap House  Mon-Fri 7-10am + 3-7pm • Sat 2-8pm • Sun open-close

$0.50 off draft beer and wells • $16.50 French dip/Philly Cheese Steak • $13.50 duck tenders

Gateway Grill and Taphouse  Mon-Fri 3-6pm • Sat-Sun 2-5pm

$7.50 soft pretzels/chips and queso • $9.50 Thai chicken skewers • $11.50 loaded sliders

Bo & Vine Burger Eugene  Mon-Fri 3-5pm + 8pm-close

$7 Burger Bites • $1 Jones Soda • $5 draft beer • $10 Bo & Vine Burger

Rennie's Landing  Sun all day • Daily 4-7pm

$5 wells • $4 domestic draft beer • $8 wine • $10 Rennie Burger/nachos • $9 wings

The Garden on Friendly  Mon all day • Tue-Fri 3-5pm

$1 off draft beer and cider

P.F. Chang's China Bistro  Mon-Fri 3-6pm

$5.99 select beer • $6.99 select wine • $8.99 select cocktails • 50% off half apps
Offers sometimes change. Please check before you go. Cheers! 😊

This week in 2014

A mural celebrating the TV show 'The Simpsons' was unveiled in downtown Springfield on August 25, 2014.


Thanks for reading this edition of the Eugene Lowdown. May your week be efficiently planned and pleasantly surprised by a new opening or two. If this newsletter made you feel even slightly more in-the-know, do a friend a favor and share or forward it.


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