Everyone Village opens its West Eugene campus for an afternoon of live music, family activities and a celebration of connection.
This September, Everyone Village is opening its doors to the broader Eugene community with a new celebration built around one simple idea: everyone belongs.
The inaugural Everyone Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Everyone Village in West Eugene, bringing together live music, food, family activities and local nonprofit organizations for an evening designed to celebrate connection and community. Organizers are preparing to welcome more than 2,000 people and hope the festival will become an annual Eugene tradition.
Located on 3.5 acres at 3825 Janisse St., Everyone Village is a transitional shelter program operated by Everyone Church. The Village includes more than 70 tiny homes and 10 respite beds, bringing housing support, workforce opportunities, treatment services and other community resources together in an intentional community serving people experiencing homelessness.
For the festival, that community will become the setting for a full afternoon and evening of music and activities, giving visitors a chance to experience the Village firsthand while meeting the people and organizations connected to its work.
Four bands will take the stage throughout the day. Joel Chadd kicks off the music from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by The Gents from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Natsukashi Soul takes over from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m., leading into headliner Candy Apple Bleu, who will perform from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Ty Connor will serve as master of ceremonies.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy food carts, a Kids’ Corner and family activities, while learning more about other nonprofit organizations working throughout the community.
The event also offers a closer look at the Village itself. Its property includes a Welcome Center, Resource Center, Workshop and Recycling Center, along with shared facilities and programs focused on workforce development, mental health and recovery. The festival provides an opportunity for neighbors and community members to see how those resources come together to help residents move toward greater stability and permanent housing.
For Everyone Village founder and executive director Gabe Piechowicz, the festival is ultimately about relationships.
“The Everyone Village story is fueled by relationships,” Piechowicz said. “And relationships do best when we take moments to enjoy each other and celebrate what we do have.”
That spirit will carry through the festival, which comes as Everyone Village looks toward its next phase of growth. Plans include permanent tiny homes, expanded workforce development opportunities and additional housing efforts.
Sustainability is also part of the celebration, with organizers planning to use reusable serviceware and local water stations to help reduce waste.
Proceeds from the Everyone Festival will support the continued work and growth of Everyone Village.
Whether you’re coming for the music, bringing the kids, grabbing something from a food cart or simply curious to learn more about Everyone Village, the festival offers an opportunity to spend an evening with neighbors and experience a different side of the community.
As Piechowicz puts it, the goal is to celebrate what is best about Eugene: people coming together across differences, enjoying good music and recognizing that the community is stronger when everyone has a place in it.
Everyone Festival
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 3–10 p.m.
Everyone Village, 3825 Janisse St., Eugene
Tickets and information: everyonevillage.org
