Oregon comes alive in summer, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy the best of the season. Amazing opportunities for recreation and community connection abound in Springfield.
“Summer in Springfield is incredible,” says Vonnie Mikkelsen, president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “Coffee and a bite to eat at the many outdoor cafe options, a good concert in the park, not to mention the weather, the waterways, and the Willamalane trails. And the Springfield Block Party! I’ve been to every one since its humble beginnings. It’s grown in all the right ways, with cool vibes and great energy.”
Use this handy guide to plan your summer calendar with outdoor recreation, parties, kid events, new businesses, and more.
Events
Springfield Block Party, Fri., Sept. 5, Main Street, springfieldblockparty.com
The end of summer can be a hard thing to plan for, so we’re going to start with the finale of finales: the Springfield Block Party. Bringing together local food, music, art, performers, games, a 10K run, and community organizations in Downtown Springfield, the Block Party has been a snapshot of the area’s creative and civic spirit since 2019. The Springfield Block Party “exists to bring the community together and celebrate the city’s vibrant culture,” says founder Benjamin Wilkinson. Watch the website for more details and full schedules for this year’s vibrant, all-ages, end-of-summer, free Springfield Block Party.
Noche Cultural, nochecultural.com
Bienvenido! Cultural events celebrating the area’s Latino culture, cuisine, history, music, and more happen throughout the summer.
Willamalane Movies in the Park and Island Park Concert Series, willamalane.org/events
From live music to memorable movies, meet up with friends known and new at Willamalane.
Downtown Springfield Second Friday Art Walk, Each second Friday of the month, 5-7:30 p.m., 500 Main St., emeraldartcenter.org/second-Friday
Presented by Emerald Art Center, each month’s stops and exhibitions offer something new and distinctive. There are artists, live music, refreshments, and shopping, and Springfield’s murals even turn the journey from place to place into an outdoor art experience.
Free community outdoor events at Springfield’s Fountain Plaza, 225 5th St., wheremindsgrow.org
Head to the Springfield Public Library’s Fountain Plaza on Wednesdays from June 18 to Aug. 13 to delight in cultures from around the world, including hula, mariachi, bhangra dance, Indigenous cultural celebrations, and more.
Recreation & Activities
Oregon Watershed, 112 Main St., oregonwatershed.com
Is there any more essential local summertime activity than lazing in a tube, floating down the river? Along with renting out kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, accessories and safety gear, Oregon Watershed offers inner tubes — and shuttle services, too. Their 2-hour and 4-hour river tube float and shuttle packages equal a quintessential Oregon summer day.
The Lagoon Indoor PlayCafe, 141-145 Pioneer Parkway E, lagoonplaycafe.com
With a soft opening planned for late June, this new indoor play space expects to hold their grand opening celebration in early July.
PlayCafe attractions aim to appeal to infants, toddlers, and children, with special areas for nursing as well as a Sensory Oasis for lower sensory stimulation. From the bubble pit to the pirate ship climber (watch out for the giant octopus), your little merfolk can also book the private party room for birthdays and other events. Adults hang out free, with per-visit admissions or monthly membership packages for kids.
Live mermaid meet-and-greets by the mermaid tank are also being planned, along with other themed events such as Pirate Adventure Days, with costumed staff and interactive treasure hunts, according to founder Dayna Brink.
“The Trail to Oregon” at Pegasus Playhouse, June 13–29, 402 Main St., pegasusplayhouse.com
Springfield’s local downtown live theater brings you a spoof musical of 13 songs, multiple possible endings, and the challenges of a dysfunctional every-family trying to pioneer their way from 1840s Missouri to Oregon. May no one die of dysentery.
Food & Drink
Iris Vineyards Wine Bar, 322 Main St., irisvineyards.com
Springfield’s first tasting room, Iris Vineyards’ Wine Bar opened in 2022. Their outdoor patio hosts regular live music this summer, along with seasonal lineups of wines, wine-based cocktails, and specialty cheese and charcuterie boards.
Tavern on Main, 338 Main St., tavernonmainspfd.com
Along with lunch, dinner, and evening enjoyment, brunches are always a hit at this classy, upscale bar and kitchen. Keep an eye out for themed brunches — like the Oscar Drag Bingo Brunch back in March. Past brunches have featured oysters, Benedicts, deviled eggs, lobster Louie, and strawberry rhubarb stuffed French toast, not to mention cocktail innovations such as the summer-perfect Brazilian Mojito, with Cachaca, mint, Brazilian Limeade and soda.
George + Violet’s Steakhouse, 305 Main St., georgeviolets.com
Since 2018, chefs Andrew and Katie Francisco have tended their iconic, family-owned steakhouse with its range of locally sourced foods and wines, from grass-fed beef to organic produce.
Lovely Cafe, 111 Main St., lovelyspringfield.com
Family owned and operated since 2020, Springfield’s Lovely Cafe just became all the lovelier with a new and bigger space. Their commitment to good eating, family, and community continues, with their selections of organic cold-pressed juices, pickles, and more.
Oakshire Commons, 416 Main St., oakbrew.com/commons
Building on their popular public house locations in Eugene and Portland, Oakshire Brewing heads toward 20 years of craft beer with a new Springfield location that opened in April.
Oakshire Commons pours 30 taps of Oakshire beers, cider, wine, and kombucha (including beverages to go). Enjoy live entertainment and homemade pan pizzas inside or at outdoor picnic tables crafted by Urban Lumber Co. Even better? The outdoor area is dog friendly.
Estelle Bakery, 349 Main St., estelle-bakery.com
When the owner of Main Street Sweets had to close due to illness, the community felt the void. Now, Estelle Bakery brings freshly baked gluten-free cakes, pastries, cookies, and savory goodies back to downtown.
With so much happening, summertime is Springfield time! All these events, Mayor Sean VanGordon says, “remind us of the power of connection and the joy of gathering to share our traditions.”
PublicHouse, 418 A St #4606, publichousehub.com
Gathering space, food hall, pub & whiskey bar
From the conclusion of the Sprout local food incubator, PublicHouse picked up the concept of a community space where the public could enjoy local food and artisan beverages in welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces.
