So much to do this week! It’s First Friday ArtWalk plus there are plays opening, such as Cottage Theatre’s “The 39 Steps,” a comedic spy thriller that blends Hitchcock with Monty Python. Art show openings include Adam Grosowsky’s exhibit of new works at Karin Clarke Gallery. Plus enjoy several holiday-themed events and parades. What will you do?
Month of December
Member Show at New Zone | A special New Zone members show features work limited to 48 inches total circumference. While this sounds small, the creativity and artistry behind it definitely is not! As an added bonus to feasting your eyes on these small gems, they are all priced at less than $100. An opening reception will be held on First Friday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm, New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
December 6 through December 22
Cottage Theatre’s “The 39 Steps” | Cottage Theatre concludes its 2024 season with a three-weekend run of “The 39 Steps,” an action-packed spoof. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have “The 39 Steps,” a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of live theatre! Cottage Theatre, cottagetheatre.org
December 6
First Friday ArtWalk | Start your self-guided tour at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E 8th Ave), where you can pick up your ArtWalk Guide and shop the Artist Marketplace before exploring the many galleries and arts venues of downtown Eugene from 5:30-8:00pm. The monthly First Friday ArtWalk is presented by Lane Arts Council and is always free. Downtown Eugene, lanearts.org
December 6
Adam Grosowsky: New Work – Faces, Landscapes, and Nudes | Enjoy an opening reception during the First Friday Art Walk, 5:30-7:30 pm, with Artist Talk at 6 pm. Karin Clarke Gallery, karinclarkegallery.com
December 6
Linda Kanter & Gerry Rempel | | Friday nights at Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge means great live music and a perfect dinner night out with friends, family, or a special date! Explore the complete lineup of gifted musicians on the Lounge’s online calendar. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, heartoforegonwine.com
December 6
Star Viewing Party | The Eugene Astronomical Society is bringing back the popular “First Quarter Friday” stargazing parties at Dexter State Park. With autumn’s arrival, they’re shifting to the first quarter moon phase to observe it before it sets, while still enjoying dark skies afterward. 6 pm. Dexter State Park, eugeneastro.org
December 6 & 7
Themed Wine Tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars | Sundance Wine Cellars’ free themed wine tastings highlight various wine regions on Fridays, and on Saturdays, they host local and regional wineries. Apart from the weekends, their tasting bar is always open and has free samples of their featured wines. Sundance Wine Cellars has Oregon’s largest selection of wine and is one of the oldest wine retailers in the Willamette Valley. Since 1983, Sundance Wine Cellars has provided an unparalleled selection of wine from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Sundance Wine Cellars, orwines.com
December 6, 7, & 8
Walking in a Winter Wonderland | ‘Tis the season to walk through Christmas lights with friends and family drinking hot cocoa! The Cottage Grove Speedway will again be illuminated with lights and holiday cheer, and the fire pits, cocoa and cocktails will be at the ready to warm you up. Capture the memories with a photo with Santa! Cash only. Cottage Grove Speedway, cottagegrovespeedway.com
December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15
“Oliver!” | Consider yourself at home with “Oliver!”, Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, “Oliver Twist.” The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike. The Shedd, theshedd.org
December 6, 7 & 14
Tri-County Holiday Light Parades | Lighted floats, big rigs, ATVs and bicycles are decked with holiday spirit for this annual parade in downtown Junction City. The light parade is in Junction City on December 6, Harrisburg on December 7, and Monroe on December 14! The Monroe Light Parade is presented by the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District. See website for location details in each city. tri-countychamber.com
December 7
Downtown Eugene Holiday Night Out | Begin your winter stroll at Kesey Square, the heart of downtown Eugene. You’ll enjoy the magic of snow, indulge in hot cocoa, capture memorable moments and eat from your favorite food trucks. As you traverse through downtown, immerse yourself in the festive spirit by exploring shops, bars, restaurants, galleries and more. Expect an array of offerings, including drinks, snacks, live music and exclusive shopping events tailored for the occasion. Kesey Square, downtowneugene.com
December 7
Springfield Christmas parade | The oldest and coldest Christmas parade returns for its 72nd year with the theme of “Gingerbread Kisses & Christmas Wishes,” courtesy of the Oregon Riders Society in partnership with other local businesses and sponsors. Come and see floats of all kinds coming together to usher in the holiday season. Springfield, oregonriderssociety.org
December 7
Winter Wonderland Skate Party | Step into a magical Winter Wonderland! This all-ages skate party invites you to glide under shimmering lights as a live DJ spins festive tunes. It’s the perfect setting to embrace the season’s charm. Bring your roller skates, in-line skates, rollerblades, or rent them at the event for $3. Registration is not required. Bob Keefer Center, willamalane.org/skate
December 7
2024 Florence Holiday Festival | This year’s theme is “Winter on the Waterfront.” Enjoy live music, warm beverages, a lighted vehicle parade, Santa’s arrival, great holiday season sales, hayrides, caroling, and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Celebration. Florence, florencechamber.com
Through December 8
“Back to the Future” | Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical “Back to the Future” on Broadway electrifies audiences with its dynamic blend of time-traveling adventure, vibrant 1980s nostalgia, and inventive musical numbers, bringing the classic film’s story to life on stage. Hult Center, hultcenter.org
December 11
Date Night at Elizabeth’s | Wednesday nights are now date night at Elizabeth’s! Enjoy 50% off Elizabeth Chambers Cellar wine by the bottle and 50% off select cocktails with the purchase of two entrees from their dinner menu. Reservations are strongly encouraged! Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, https://heartoforegonwine.com
Through December 21
“Cats” | Get ready to experience “Cats” like never before! As the groundbreaking musical that revolutionized theater and ignited the megamusical trend, “Cats” continues to captivate audiences around the world. While staging such an iconic show can be a challenge for many theaters, Actors Cabaret is bringing the magic to life in an intimate, unforgettable way. Don’t miss your chance to see “Cats” at Actors Cabaret—where big dreams come to life on a smaller stage. The Jellicle Cats are waiting for YOU! Actors Cabaret, actorscabaret.org
Through December 22
Oregon Contemporary Theatre’s “Snow Fever: A Karaoke Christmas” | A festive, comedic play that blends holiday cheer with karaoke mayhem, as a group of friends navigate awkward encounters and unexpected revelations at a Christmas party. Oregon Contemporary Theatre, octheatre.org
Through December 23
Photos with Santa at Valley River Center | The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa is located at Center Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. Valley River Center, valleyrivercenter.com
Through December 24
Holiday Market | Browsing through the festive booths of Holiday Market with friends and family is only part of the magic. Enjoy two stages with live music all day long (10:30 am-6 pm), plus delicious meals and beverages in the International Food Court (located in Evergreen Hall). Gift wrapping is offered by Hope and Safety Alliance for donations in Evergreen Hall, from Nov. 16th until Dec. 15th. Lane Events Center, eugenesaturdaymarket.org
Through December 29
Glow Eugene – a Holiday Light Show & Christmas Market | This indoor family-friendly walk-around festival is an exploration through luminous exhibits. Journey through six different countries, featuring light up landmarks like London’s Tower Bridge, Taj Mahal, and Eiffel Tower. There will be festive live performances, free visits and photo opportunities with Santa, a Merry Maker’s Holiday Market, holiday treats and gourmet foods, and holiday-inspired drinks from a non-alcoholic bar. Additionally there will be a free scavenger hunt passport, indoor playground and crafters corner for the kids. Make some magical holiday memories. Lane Events Center, eugene.glowgardens.com
Through February 2
Calvin and Hobbes | Selections of original art and strips of Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, 1985-1995. All original art is from the Bill Watterson Deposit Collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, jsma.uoregon.edu
