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Next weeks's UO's Street Faire expands, while Swing Shift schedules a student-powered big band matinee in Springfield.
Good morning. It's Friday, May 1. The next few weeks are shaping up with classic late-spring energy: community events, campus activity, and live music planning. If you're looking for easy ways to get out of the house and feel plugged in locally, you're in the right place. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown:
More Lawn, More Snacks, More Faire
The ASUO Spring Street Faire runs Wednesday, May 8th through Friday, May 10th, bringing food trucks and vendors to the heart of campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Along with the usual East 13th Avenue stretch, the fun spreads to the Condon and Chapman lawns near the Lillis Business Complex.
Big Band, Bigger Local Bragging Rights
Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra is back with its annual Locals Only concert, a feel-good capstone to a year of educational outreach in Eugene and Springfield schools. Catch the show Sunday, May 31st, from 3-5 p.m. at Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, with standout local music students sharing the spotlight.
Museum Exhibit
Free First Friday at the Museum
Give your wallet the day off while your curiosity does all the heavy lifting, roaming through fossils, artifacts, and science displays that make learning feel like a mini adventure.Museum of Natural and Cultural History | 10 AM | 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Classic Rock
Long Time Gone
Rock legends on the playlist, cold drinks at the ready, and zero pressure to hit the high notes yourself. Let the band handle the solos while you perfect the art of chair dancing.Happy Hours | 8 PM | 645 River Rd, Eugene
Friday
Craft & Workshop
Free Day Of Crafts
Bring your ideas and maybe an apron, then bounce between yarn, paint, clay, and craft kits while your inner artist high-fives your inner kid for taking the entire day to simply make stuff.Made By You | 12 PM | 715 Main St, Springfield
Friday
Musical Theater
WaterWorks: A Musical Drama
Dive into a brand-new musical where a Water Goddess, land developers, and conservationists face off over a river dam, complete with soaring vocals, sweeping visuals, and just enough drama to make you rethink your next long shower.Ragozzino Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | 4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Art Walk
Live Music
First Friday Artwalk with the Eugene Symphony
Swap the usual Friday scroll for live strings, local art, and a glass in hand while symphony musicians turn a lobby into your new favorite hangout.Downtown Athletic Club | 5 PM | 999 Willamette St, Eugene
Friday
Opening Event
Inspired by Analog Art Opening
Step into a world where pixels take the night off and analog art steals the spotlight, complete with vintage vibes, lively conversation, and plenty of inspiration to stash away for your next project.MECCA | 5:30 PM | 555 High St, Eugene
Friday
Bingo
Charity
Bingo Night
Bring your lucky charms and a few dollar bills for a fast-paced bingo night where every shout of BINGO fuels prizes, jackpots, and brighter opportunities for people with disabilities.Abilities Diner & Bakery | 6 PM | 922 Bennett Ln, Eugene
Friday
Ballet
Instaballet on First Friday
Bring your wildest dance ideas and hand them to the pros. They do the pirouettes, you claim the artistic credit, and everyone gets a front-row seat to a brand-new ballet born in one night.Capitello Wines | 5:30 PM | 540 Charnelton St, Eugene
Friday
Americana
Sassafras!
Bring your best air-guitar skills and thirst for craft brews as a playful Eugene band turns a casual night out into a sing-along of folk-rock favorites and deep-cut covers.Oakshire Commons | 6 PM | 416 Main St, Springfield
Saturday
Fishing Derby
Kids Activities
39th Annual Fishing Derby & Water Safety Day
Let the kids reel in trout instead of screen time as they fish, design mini boats, and conquer water safety stations, all fueled by muffins, donuts, and the ever-essential coffee for grownups.River Road Park and Recreation District | 8 AM | 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene
Saturday
Live Music
Eugene's Vinyl Revival
Drop the needle on a night of grooves, brews, and low-stress fun where the biggest decision might be which snack pairs best with your favorite record.Claim 52 Brewing | 7 PM | 232 Lincoln St, Eugene
Saturday
Performing Arts
Evocantus Chamber Choir: Underneath the Stars
Lean back in your seat, let the stars swirl overhead, and enjoy rich harmonies, cosmic stories, and zero risk of rainouts or mosquito bites during this indoor journey through the universe.Eugene Science Center | 5:30 PM | 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Saturday
Active
Cycling
North American Tandem Weekend
Share the work, double the fun: hop on a tandem, peek behind the scenes at a bike factory, then spin out on friendly group rides where the only race is who smiles first.Co-Motion Cycles | 10 AM | 4765 Pacific Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Live Music
May Ghost House ft. VAZUM Live Performance
Swap the sunshine for fog machines and drum machines as resident DJs and Vazum turn a Saturday night into a swirling storm of goth bangers and dark dance.John Henry's | 8 PM | 881 Willamette St, Eugene
Saturday
Equine Event
OSU Stock Horse Collegiate Tournament
Saddle up for two days of spins, stops, and cow work as college riders trade cram sessions for lead changes and trail obstacles in a relaxed, all-welcome stock horse competition.Oregon Horse Center | 12 AM | 90751 Prairie Rd, Eugene
Saturday
Gardening Class
Community Educ
Growing Herbs and Edible Flowers in Your Garden
Step into a garden where the flowers can garnish dessert, the leaves upgrade dinner, and weeds get their own walking tour. Bring curiosity, comfy shoes, and maybe a bigger recipe box.GrassRoots Garden | 10 AM | 1465 Coburg Rd, Eugene
Saturday
Latin Night
Latin Night
Sunday scaries do not stand a chance against DJ Timo, spicy Latin beats, and a dance floor full of hip-shaking Springfield locals.Low Places | 6 PM | 1444 Main St, Springfield
Sunday
RV & Van Life
Panoramic RV Road Tour
Kick the tires, open the cabinets, and daydream about never booking a hotel again while you tour sleek Class B RVs with the pros on site.Oakway Center | 10 AM | 5 Oakway Ctr, Eugene
Sunday
Film Screening
Symphony
Eugene Symphony - Return of the Jedi
Feel the Force as every lightsaber swipe and starfighter chase is supercharged by a live orchestra. It is your chance to hear John Williams music the way Jedi masters intended: big, bold, and goosebump-inducing.Hult Center for the Performing Arts | 2 PM | 1 Eugene
Sunday
Mom Group
Mother's Day
Cozy Mother's Day
Swap the brunch rush for park vibes, iced coffee, cookie crumbs, and crafts for the kids, while moms get flowers, photos, and a rare chance to sit down without folding laundry.Day Island Park | 10 AM | Day Island Rd, Springfield
Sunday
Mosaic Art
Make It! Mosaic Stepping Stones
Roll up your sleeves, grab some broken tile, and turn recycling into yard bling. In just one session you will turn a concrete slab into a cheerful mosaic stepping stone your future self will proudly step on.BRING | 11 AM | 4446 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
Sunday
Awareness Event
Walk ALS - Willamette Valley
Lace up, show up, and log a few miles for a cause that really moves people. Expect heartfelt stories, matching T-shirts, and maybe a little friendly competition over who rocks the best team sign.Alton Baker Park | 11 AM | 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene
Sunday
Backyard Farming
Plant Sale
Plants for the People - Spring Plant Sale & Fundraiser
Bring your inner plant nerd, leave with arms full of seedlings and snacks, new garden tips, and that smug glow of having supported local food access while shopping for tomatoes.Long Table Farm | 12 PM | 89242 Fir Butte Rd, Eugene
Sunday
Craft Fair
Native American Arts & Crafts Market
Stroll through rows of stunning beadwork, jewelry, and carvings, then realize the hardest part is choosing what not to take home. Culture, community, and serious craft skills all in one place.Lane County Farmers Market Pavilion | 10 AM | 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Kids Activities
Performing Arts
May Kidz Rock Music & Arts Festival - MuseArt
Watch kid musicians steal the spotlight while kid artists turn inspiration into masterpieces, all in a chill, sensory kind setting where applause is loud but the volume knobs stay kind.MEPAA Music & Arts Center | 6:30 PM | 2370 Parliament St, Eugene
Monday
Spectator Sports
Girls & Women in Sports Night
Shine up those cleats and brush off the team jersey for a pregame photo op where the warning track turns into a runway and every girl athlete gets her moment under the stadium lights.PK Park | 6:35 PM | 2760 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Eugene
Monday
Gaming & Trivia
Cribbage
Deal yourself into an easygoing cribbage meetup where the stakes are low, the laughs are frequent, and the only real risk is making a few new friends.Da Ra Coffee & Brew | 2 PM | 565 Country Club Rd, Eugene
Monday
Mental Health
Meditation
Community Healing Night
Leave your to-do list at the door and sink into blankets, soft sounds, and good vibes while healers fuss over your energy field like it is their favorite houseplant. Minimal effort, maximum relaxation.The Trauma Healing Project | 6:30 PM | 631 E 19th Ave Bldg B, Eugene
Monday
Political Rally
Civic & Govt
Eugene Meet and Greet With Dr. Melissa Bird
Pull up a chair, grab a slice, and swap stories with a would-be member of Congress who actually wants to hear from you before heading to Washington.Whirled Pies | 6 PM | 199 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Monday
 | This week in 1943The first commercial passenger service to Eugene began with a United Airlines flight at Mahlon Sweet Airport on May 1, 1943. |
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