Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with wine and live music at LaVelle Vineyards and Bennett Vineyard, brunch/dinner at Elizabeth’s, or a charming tea party at Dorris Ranch. Head to the University of Oregon for the Mother’s Day Powwow and Salmon Bake, featuring traditional dances, ceremonies, and a salmon feast. For more outdoor fun, explore Green Island’s wildlife at Living River Exploration Day or join the Paddle & Pedal Kayak Trip. Plus, shop local at the Lane County Farmers Market, Saturday Market, and Whiteaker Sunday Market.
May 8
Aladdin: The Rock Opera | Experience the magic of Aladdin: The Rock Opera, Ballet Fantastique’s bold reimagining of the classic story set in a vibrant 1970s world, featuring the music of Queen. Choreographed by Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager, this defiant and inimitable rock ballet brings Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie of the Lamp to life in a way you’ve never seen before. $22-120 ($15-65/ea for students & youth). Thursday – Sunday, 7-9pm, balletfantastique.org
May 8
Historias y Recuerdos: Families of the Disappeared | Perla Torres explores the humanitarian crisis happening at the US-Mexico border as it relates to the increase of disappearance and migrant death. Arizona’s efforts to identify this unjust loss of life, accompanying families in their search and holding space for families to build community as they grieve with ambiguous loss, and raise awareness about the consequences of border militarization. Included with regular admission; free for MNCH members and UO ID card holders. Show your Oregon Trail or other EBT card for an admission discount. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, mnch.uoregon.edu
May 8
Parent-Daughter Planting Party | Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Parent-Daughter Planting Party—a creative and fun event for girls ages 10–18 and their guardians. Enjoy painting and decorating flower pots, planting beautiful blooms, and spending quality time with a community together in nature. Free, Thursday, 6-8pm, Register online at www.opheliasplace.net
May 8
Ugandan Butoolo Benefit Concert | Farewell Concert at The Shedd for Eugene’s Ugandan Guests. Celebrate with music, desserts, and drinks as we say goodbye to our visitors from Uganda. Featuring local musicians, with proceeds supporting a $7,000 fundraiser for health clinic equipment in Kampala through Rotary. $35, Thursday, 7:30pm, The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, theshedd.org
May 8
Native Plant Gardening at Hendricks Park | Join the volunteer work party every Thursday in the native plant garden at Hendricks Park. Learn about the Willamette Valley native plants and their uses while supporting the garden’s continued growth. Beginner and experienced gardeners welcome, and tasks vary by season. No RSVP required, tools and guidance provided.Thursday, 9am – noon. Recurring weekly on Thursdays. eugene-or.gov
May 9
Breakfast at the Bridges | Breakfast at the Bridges was created for path users and commuters to take a quick bite to eat, grab a cup of coffee, meet City staff, learn more about transportation in Eugene, and get a bicycle safety check all at the same time. There will be a complimentary breakfast of bagels, spread, cream cheese and coffee. Food and drink items provided by Palace Coffee and Bakery, Bagel Sphere, Toby’s Family Foods and Nancy’s Yogurt. In addition to getting fueled up, we will have free bike safety checks, maps, bike bells and other resources provided from the City of Eugene. Come dressed as your favorite bird in celebration of May is Bike Month. Bring your passport and get a Bird sticker. Free, Friday, 7-9am, Blue Heron Bike Bridge (Fern Ridge Path near Cesar Chavez Elementary)
May 9
Men’s Baseball | The University of Oregon baseball team will take on Washington. PK Park, goducks.com
May 9
Oregon Twilight | Come to the University of Oregon’s iconic Hayward Field in the heart and home of track and field for the Oregon Twilight, a prestigious track and field meet hosted annually at Hayward Field by the University of Oregon. goducks.com
May 9-25
“Misery” at Very Little Theatre | Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, Misery tells the story of famous romance writer Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car wreck by his obsessive fan, Annie Wilkes, only to find himself captive and trapped in her remote home. As Paul recovers, Annie reads his latest novel and is furious to learn he has killed off her most beloved character, Misery Chastain. This show is recommended for mature audiences, as it contains adult language and themes. Adults, $22, Thursday – Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2:00pm, thevlt.com/misery
May 9-11
Mother’s Day Weekend at LaVelle Vineyards | Treat Mom to a weekend of wine, live music, and delicious food at LaVelle Vineyards! They’re kicking things off Friday, May 9th with music by Harlan Rivers Duo (5:30–7:30pm) and eats from Sammitch Food Truck (5–8pm). On Saturday, May 10th, enjoy live tunes from The Brewkats Band (5–8pm) and food from MBOSQ Food Truck (5–8pm). Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, May 11th with the Michael Anderson Trio (1–4pm) and optional special-order charcuterie boards—call ahead to reserve yours. lavellevineyards.com
May 9-11
57th Annual Mother’s Day Powwow and Salmon Bake at the University of Oregon | The 57th annual Mother’s Day Powwow — a free event open to the public that honors the Native community, mothers and graduating seniors — runs May 9-11. Held on the University of Oregon’s Eugene campus and organized by the UO Native American Student Union, the powwow includes traditional dances, ceremonies and a salmon bake. It is a designated Oregon Heritage Tradition and the oldest documented powwow in the state. “NASU’s Mother’s Day Powwow is an annual highlight where all are welcome to experience,” said Jason Younker, associate vice president and tribal relations advisor. “Now running for over 50 years, this is student-run and community supported. I am extremely proud to see the overwhelming support and greet the multiple generations of returning Native Ducks and their families.” The powwow runs Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, at McArthur Court. A salmon bake runs from noon to 2pm, Sunday, May 11, in the longhouse. Grand entry will begin at 7pm Friday and 1pm and 7pm Saturday. There will be a dinner break at 5pm Saturday at the Many Nations Longhouse, 1630 Columbia Street. news.uoregon.edu
May 10
Mom’s Night Out at Cottage Grove Speedway | Treat mom this Mother’s Day weekend at Cottage Grove Speedway for an exciting lineup of events. Mom’s admission is free, so bring her over and enjoy a fun-filled day together. The classes racing include Late Models, Limited Sprints, IMCA SportMods, Street Stocks, and Juniors 12 to 16 years old. Stay refreshed with ice-cold beer and soda and savor delicious burgers, all served fresh. And don’t worry about the heat – the speedway’s grandstands are shaded to keep you cool on a warm Saturday in May. Gates open at 4:30pm and “hot laps” start at 5pm. Adults, $16; Kids (6-12), $6; Seniors (62+), $13, myracepass.com
May 10
Mother’s Day Tea at Dorris Ranch | Celebrate the special mother figure in your life with a delightful tea party, featuring a selection of sweet and savory treats. Capture memories in the photo booth, enjoy live music, and show them just how much they mean to you. Registration is required. $22, Sunday, 1-3pm, willamalane.org
May 10
Lane County’s Farmers Market | The Lane County Farmers Market is Eugene’s largest farmers market, providing locally grown foods from over 100 farmers and food artisans. The market is year-round, and all items are grown or produced in Oregon. The Saturday Farmers Market is open 10am to 2pm. during February and March, and 9am to 3pm from April to December. They welcome EBT/SNAP users and provide them the opportunity for a $20 Double Up Food Buck match at all markets to be used on fresh produce. See the LCFM Information Booth for more details. Free. 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
May 10
The Eugene Saturday Market | The Saturday Market is a weekly celebration of local arts and food. Over 250 artisans sell handcrafted goods, amazing international cuisine and live music – this is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts and try unique food. The Saturday Market is the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the U.S. It has been operating for 54 years and is open every Saturday 10am- 4pm. The Saturday Market coincides with the Lane County Farmers Market. Parking is available on-street and at nearby garages. Do not miss this iconic Eugene experience. eugenesaturdaymarket.org
May 10
Living River Exploration Day on Green Island | Take a stroll where the Willamette and the McKenzie Rivers meet. Explore Green Island, a habitat for a variety of animals, including beaver, river otter, and over 150 species of birds. If you’re looking for a special area to connect to nature this year, join in the fun on the second Saturdays, March through December, and explore the Living Rivers in your own backyard. July and August will be from 8am-6pm, free.
May 10
Paddle & Pedal Kayak Trip | No experience needed for this exciting dual-sport river adventure for ages 16+. Start at the River House Outdoor Center, bike 4–5 miles along the scenic river path to a Springfield boat ramp, then trade your bike for a stable inflatable kayak and paddle back downriver to where you began. All river gear is provided. Bring water, snacks, clothes that can get wet, a bike, and a helmet—or borrow a bike and helmet by calling 541-682-5329 at least one week in advance. Pre-registration and $60 payment required. Saturday, 11am-4pm, webikelane.org
May 11
Mother’s Day at Bennett Vineyard | Timothy Patrick will be performing at Bennett Vineyard’s Tasting Room this Mother’s Day. He will bne presenting his multimedia program with lots of songs, stories and humor. Sing-alongs are encouraged too. Bennett Vineyard’s wine selection is sure to impress. Their whites include their new Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Rose, Chardonnay, White Pinot Noir and a Late Harvest Riesling dessert wine. They will also have beer on tap, cider and other non alcoholic beverages. Free, Sunday, 1-4pm,bennettvineyardsor.com
May 11
Mother’s Day at Elizabeth’s | Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day brunch at Elizabeth’s from 11am to 3pm. Brunch specials, wine and cocktail specials, and bottomless mimosas. They will also be open for dinner that evening starting at 5pm. Reservations strongly encouraged. heartoforegonwine.com
May 11
Whiteaker Sunday Market | Looking for the perfect Sunday outing? Head over to the Whiteaker Community Market, Eugene’s only Sunday farm and artist market. Located in the scenic Scobert Gardens Park by 4th and Blair in the historic Whiteaker neighborhood, the market will feature live music and over 30 emerging and established small businesses in the community offering farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. New art, craft and maker vendors join each week. Plus, EBT customers can use their Oregon Trail Card to get SNAP tokens to spend on food at the Market and they’ll get up to an additional $20 in Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) to spend on fresh fruit and veggies. Kids under 12 also receive a $5 token to spend on fresh fruits and veggies. Sundays, 10am-3pm, whiteakercommunitymarket.com
May 13
Tuesday Farmers Market | The smaller mid-week farmers market offers a more laid-back shopping experience. Stock up on locally grown and produced goods without the usual crowds of the Saturday farmers market. At the Tuesday market they offer two food equity programs: Little Lettuce provides $5 tokens for children 12 years old & younger to buy fresh produce at the Market, and Bucka Bucka Bucks provides two $5 tokens for folks to buy local chicken and eggs. They welcome EBT/SNAP users and provide them the opportunity for a $20 Double Up Food Buck match at all markets to be used on fresh produce. Recurring weekly on Tuesday, 9am-2pm, lanecountyfarmersmarket.org
May 14
Picnic at the Pavilion | Get over the mid-week doldrums and enjoy a picnic. Every Wednesday from May through September, the Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza will be open to bring some joy to your lunchtime. Grab a delicious meal from one of the local food trucks or bring your own lunch, then kick back at a bistro table and enjoy the sounds of relaxing music. Invite a friend or coworker and join in on free games and activities with fellow community members. We’re excited to offer this laid-back lunch experience right in the heart of downtown. Recurring weekly on Wednesday, 11:30am-2pm, lanecountyfarmersmarket.org
