Eugene Family Scoop - Weekend of Aug 21-23, 2026

Hi Friends! 👋

We have a few more weeks before school starts — that bittersweet zone where I'm ready for quiet afternoons but also trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer. So this weekend, let's make it count. 🌞

Quick housekeeping note: Pool hours change so constantly that we've moved them to our "Always on the Table" section below. Let me know if you need them back in the daily listings!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

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🦕 Oregon's Dino-Story 10:00am–4:00pm • All ages • $7 general admission, free for members & UO ID
📍Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Explore the rare history of dinosaurs in Oregon! Examine fossil clues and engage in hands-on activities, creative crafts, and experiments focused on the Age of Dinosaurs in the museum's native plant courtyard. More info

🪵 Western Oregon Family Heritage Fair Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm • All ages • Free with non-perishable food donation
📍Western Oregon Expo Fairgrounds, 2000 N Douglas Ave, Cottage Grove
A three-day family celebration with a kids' play area, games and prizes, 50+ vendors, a Lumberjack show, live music, barn animals, and fantastic fair food from around Oregon! Bring a lawn chair and stay all day. More info

🍎 Back to School Clothing Drive August 7–September 8, 10:00am–9:00pm • All ages • Free to participate
📍Valley River Center, next to JCPenney, Eugene
Help local kids start the school year with new clothes! Select an apple-shaped donation tag from the green hedges, purchase the listed clothing item, and drop it in a nearby donation bin. Donations benefit Every Child's Brighter Side Clothing Closet. Bonus: bring your apple tag to JCPenney for 30% off your donation purchase! More info

🎻 Instrument Petting Zoo at Downtown Library 10:30am & 2:00pm • Ages 5-12 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Meet up with Eugene Symphony musicians and try a variety of orchestral instruments! Two sessions available. More info

🤸 Bounce Preschool Open Gym 11:15am–12:30pm • Preschool age • $10 per child (or $50 for 6-visit pass)
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Preschoolers can explore gymnastics and circus arts equipment during open gym time. More info

🍱 Free Lunch on the Fountain Plaza (Last Day!) 11:30am–12:30pm • Ages 2-18 • Free
📍City Hall Fountain Plaza, Springfield
Food For Lane County provides a free lunch for kids every weekday all summer long, while supplies last! In case of inclement weather, lunches move inside to the City Hall Lobby. Young children must be accompanied by an adult, and meals must be eaten on-site. More info

🌺 4th Annual Oregon Aloha Festival 12:00–8:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Alton Baker Park, 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene
A free two-day celebration of Pacific Island traditions, music, dance, food, and artistry! Enjoy live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, artisan vendors, and authentic island cuisine. More info

🎵 LTD Performance at the Plaza: Badlands Band 2:00–5:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Rosa Parks Plaza, 10th & Olive, Eugene Station, Eugene
Toe-tapping country music spanning the 1950s through 1990s! Featuring distinctive vocals, lively fiddle, and classic country favorites. A great afternoon of live music in the heart of downtown Eugene. More info

🎇 Laser K-Pop Demon Hunters 5:00pm • All ages • Paid admission
📍Eugene Science Center, 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
A high-energy laser show bringing the pulse-pounding music of K-Pop Demon Hunters to life! Advance tickets available online. Note: contains bright/flashing lights and loud music. More info

🎵 Music in the Oakway Courtyard: Brent Cole 6:00–8:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Oakway Center, 2300 Oakmont Way, Eugene
Acoustic jams with local favorite Brent Cole! Enjoy food and beverages from Oakway eateries. No outside food or beverages in the courtyard. More info

🤸 Bounce All Ages Kids Open Gyms 6-8pm • Ages 1-17 • $16 per child
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
All ages can explore gymnastics equipment during open gym time. Ages 7 and younger must have an adult in the building. More info

🤸 Fabulous Friday Open Gym 7–8:30pm • Ages 6-12 • $6 per child
📍Gymnastics Northwest-River Rd Parks and Rec, 30043 Leghorn Ave, Eugene
Practice your skills and have fun making new friends! Our gym is loaded with great equipment. Bring your friends for a funtastic time. Ongoing weekly. More info

🎹 Piccolo+ plays Monk 7:00–9:00pm • All ages • $25
📍Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main St, Springfield
A tribute to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk featuring four Eugene-based jazz musicians — Quentin Piccolo on piano, Robert Skornik-Hayes on drums, Jack Troberg on bass, and Jenna Khalifeh on alto saxophone. More info

🎪 Cirque Ma'Ceo 7pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Oregon Horse Center, 90751 Prairie Rd, Eugene
A spellbinding fusion of elite horsemanship and breathtaking acrobatics under the big top! Running August 21–29. Weekend showtimes: Friday 7pm, Saturday 4 & 7pm, Sunday 1 & 4pm. Seats sell fast! More info

🎉 Adventure! Children's Museum Donor & Volunteer Celebration Night 7:00–9:00pm • Ages 21+ • Free
📍Adventure! Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
A special evening of exhibit exploration, fun challenges, and tasty snacks and beverages for donors and volunteers! RSVP required by August 18 — call 541-653-9629 with your name, organization, and number of guests. More info

🤸 NAAG Friday Night Open Gym 7:30–9:30pm • Ages walking–18 • $10 per child
📍NAAG, 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Friday night open gym for all ages! Online release form required. More info

🎬 Movies in the Park: Sing (PG) 9:00–11:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Monroe Park, 10th Ave & Monroe St, Eugene
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics for a free outdoor movie night! No tickets required. No glass containers, alcohol, smoking, or pets. Subtitles available. Subject to weather. More info

🌽 Lane County Farmers Market 9:00am–3:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza, 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
Eugene's largest farmers market featuring locally grown foods from 100+ farmers and food artisans. All items grown or produced in Oregon. More info

🛶 2026 WRF Paddle Parade 9:30am–12:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Alton Baker Park Boat Ramp, Eugene
Kick off the Willamette River Festival with a two-mile float from Alton Baker Park to River House Beach! Decorate your boat, dress in costume, and embrace the spirit of river joy. Beginner paddlers welcome. Shuttle buses provided. Pre-registration required. More info

🦕 Oregon's Dino-Story 10:00am–4:00pm • All ages • $7 general admission, free for members & UO ID
📍Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Explore the rare history of dinosaurs in Oregon! Examine fossil clues and engage in hands-on activities, creative crafts, and experiments focused on the Age of Dinosaurs in the museum's native plant courtyard. More info

🦎 Kids Club: Watercolor Chameleon 10:00am–12:00pm • Ages 4+ • Free
📍Michaels Crossroads Center, 3318 Gateway St, Springfield
Make a beginner's watercolor chameleon painting in this fun free kids craft event! More info

🪵 Western Oregon Family Heritage Fair Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm • All ages • Free with non-perishable food donation
📍Western Oregon Expo Fairgrounds, 2000 N Douglas Ave, Cottage Grove
A three-day family celebration with a kids' play area, games and prizes, 50+ vendors, a Lumberjack show, live music, barn animals, and fantastic fair food from around Oregon! Bring a lawn chair and stay all day. More info

🍎 Back to School Clothing Drive August 7–September 8, 10:00am–9:00pm • All ages • Free to participate
📍Valley River Center, next to JCPenney, Eugene
Help local kids start the school year with new clothes! Select an apple-shaped donation tag from the green hedges, purchase the listed clothing item, and drop it in a nearby donation bin. Donations benefit Every Child's Brighter Side Clothing Closet. Bonus: bring your apple tag to JCPenney for 30% off your donation purchase! More info

🧸 Baby and Toddler Playtime 10:15–11:00am • Babies & toddlers • Free
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
A relaxed playtime for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups! More info

🍵 Learn About Tea at the Library 10:30–11:30am • All ages • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Learn about and taste tea with Josh Chamberlain of J-TEA International! Deepen your understanding of tea and sample Taiwanese oolongs. More info

🛍️ Eugene — Meet Yourself! at 5th Street Public Market 11:00am–5:00pm • All ages • Free
📍5th Street Public Market, 296 E 5th Ave, Eugene
Shop local Eugene and Oregon vendors, enjoy live music from Loganne Surface (11am–1pm), and celebrate 20 years of Provisions with a rosé and light bites Drink Party (1–3pm). Featuring Salt N Peppa Stationer, Simple Sparrow Studio, The Racks, Amplified Wellness, and more! More info

🌊 Willamette River Festival 11:00am–7:00pm • All ages • Free
📍River House Outdoor Center, 301 N. Adams St, Eugene
A celebration of the Willamette River through music, art, and sport! Enjoy free activities celebrating the history, culture, recreation, ecology, and stewardship of the upper Willamette River watershed. A family-friendly community event presented in partnership with Willamette River Keepers, Oregon Paddle Sports, and community partners throughout the South Willamette Valley. More info

🤸 NAAG Preschool Open Gym 11:25am–12:25pm • Ages 6 & under • $8 per child
📍NAAG, 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Saturday morning open gym for little ones. Parent supervision required. More info

🌺 4th Annual Oregon Aloha Festival 12:00–8:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Alton Baker Park, 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene
A free two-day celebration of Pacific Island traditions, music, dance, food, and artistry! Enjoy live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, artisan vendors, and authentic island cuisine. More info

🤸 Bounce Preschool Open Gym 12:15pm–1:30pm • Preschool age • $10 per child (or $50 for 6-visit pass)
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Preschoolers can explore gymnastics and circus arts equipment during open gym time. More info

🏛️ Walking Tour of Hope Abbey and the Eugene Masonic Cemetery 1:00–2:30pm • All ages • Free
📍Hope Abbey, Eugene Masonic Cemetery, 2498 Miami Ln, Eugene
A free 90-minute guided tour led by volunteer Caroline Forell! Tour the magnificent Egyptian Revival-style Hope Abbey and the graves of Eugene's luminaries including founder Eugene Skinner and artist Maude Kerns. Enjoy the flora of this official arboretum. Meet at Hope Abbey at 1pm. No parking in the cemetery — park on the street at 25th & University and walk up. More info

🩰 Fermata Ballet Collective at Adventure! Children's Museum 2:00–2:30pm • All ages • Included with admission ($7) or membership
📍Adventure! Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
Fermata Ballet Collective performs a short show followed by a fun interactive mini-class for kids! FBC's mission is to diversify ballet by challenging traditional norms and creating new, accessible pathways within dance. More info

🎨 Fun with Paint 3:00–5:00pm • Ages 5-9 • Free
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
Drop in and get creative with paint! For ages 5-9 with a grownup. More info

🎭 Center Stage Performing Arts Camp: Aladdin 3:00pm & 5:30pm • All ages • Tickets from $10
📍Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene
A swirling sandstorm of Arabian Tales as Aladdin journeys to find a magic lamp and win the heart of the Princess! Full of memorable characters, from lost Penguins to talking Palm Trees — an adventure worthy of 1,001 laughs. Performed by Missoula Children's Theatre. More info

🎵 Rock The Park — Oakridge Concerts in the Park 3:00–9:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Greenwaters Park Amphitheater, 48362 OR-58, Oakridge
A free, family-friendly outdoor concert featuring live music, food and beverage vendors, and community activities! A long-running Oakridge tradition along the Highway 58 corridor. More info

🎪 Cirque Ma'Ceo 4:00pm & 7:00pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Oregon Horse Center, 90751 Prairie Rd, Eugene
A spellbinding fusion of elite horsemanship and breathtaking acrobatics under the big top! Running August 21–29. Weekend showtimes: Friday 7pm, Saturday 4 & 7pm, Sunday 1 & 4pm. Seats sell fast! More info

🎭 Free Shakespeare in the Park: The Winter's Tale 6:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Amazon Community Center Amphitheater, 2700 Hilyard St, Eugene
The penultimate performance of the season — and tonight features ASL interpretation! Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends for a magical evening of Shakespeare under the open sky. ADA accessible. More info

💃 heART in Motion 2026 6:00–9:00pm • All ages • $50 online (through Aug 21), $60 at the door
📍901 Charnelton St, Eugene
Instaballet's annual gala featuring complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour, interactive games, special guest artists, and an evening of dance hosted by Bill Hulings! Proceeds support free community dance performances. More info

🌽 Springfield Sunday Market 9:00am–2:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Springfield City Hall Lot, 225 5th St, Springfield
Head to Springfield for the weekly Sunday Farmers Market! Fresh local produce, artisan goods, and more. More info

🐾 Rescue Dog Yoga at The Laundromutt 9:30–10:30am • All ages • Ticketed
📍The Laundromutt, 2787 Olympic St, Springfield
A fun and relaxing yoga session with adoptable rescue dogs! More info

🪲 Mount Pisgah Insect Tour 10:00am–12:00pm • All ages • $5, free for Arboretum members
📍Mount Pisgah Arboretum, 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene
A mini-safari into the fascinating world of insects! Led by insect enthusiast and Mt. Pisgah blog author Karen Richards. Meet at the Education Building. Limited to 18 attendees — pre-registration required. Don't forget your parking pass. More info

🧑‍🌾 Whiteaker Community Market 10:00am–3:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Scobert Gardens Park, 1100 W 4th Ave, Eugene
Eugene's only Sunday farm and artist market! Browse farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts from 30+ vendors, plus live music. More info

🪵 Western Oregon Family Heritage Fair Sun 10am–4pm • All ages • Free with non-perishable food donation
📍Western Oregon Expo Fairgrounds, 2000 N Douglas Ave, Cottage Grove
A three-day family celebration with a kids' play area, games and prizes, 50+ vendors, a Lumberjack show, live music, barn animals, and fantastic fair food from around Oregon! Bring a lawn chair and stay all day. More info

🛍️ Eugene — Meet Yourself! at 5th Street Public Market 11:30am–4:30pm • All ages • Free
📍5th Street Public Market, 296 E 5th Ave, Eugene
Shop local vendors including Simple Sparrow Studio, The Racks, and Glitter and Sprinkles, with live music from Olem Duo (11:30am–1:30pm) and Stereo Minds (2:30–4:30pm). Stay for a family movie screening in the Eateries & Bar at 4:30pm! More info

🎪 Cirque Ma'Ceo 1pm & 4pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Oregon Horse Center, 90751 Prairie Rd, Eugene
A spellbinding fusion of elite horsemanship and breathtaking acrobatics under the big top! Running August 21–29. Weekend showtimes: Friday 7pm, Saturday 4 & 7pm, Sunday 1 & 4pm. Seats sell fast! More info

🍦 Habitat for Humanity Ice Cream Social 1:00–3:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1210 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Free admission, ice cream for purchase, free games and activities, raffles, and the ReStore open for shopping! More info

🏗️ Fun with Building 1:00–4:30pm • Ages 5-9 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Drop in and get creative with building! For ages 5-9 with a grownup. More info

🎨 Sunday Science Adventures 3pm • Ages 2+ • $7
📍Adventure Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
Science activities at the Adventure Children's Museum (museum admission required). More info

🎲 Family Bingo 5:30pm • All ages • Check pricing online
📍Drop Bear Brewery, 950 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Sunday family bingo night! More info

🎭 Free Shakespeare in the Park: The Winter's Tale — Final Performance 6:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Amazon Community Center Amphitheater, 2700 Hilyard St, Eugene
The final performance of the season — with ASL interpretation! Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends for one last magical evening of Shakespeare under the open sky. ADA accessible. More info

🦆 Willamalane Tiny Ducks Preschool — Enrollment Opens August 12! Ages 3-5 • Full-time & Part-time options • Springfield
📍 Bob Keefer Center, 250 S 32nd St, Springfield
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year opens Wednesday, August 12 at 8am! Tiny Ducks Preschool is one of the most affordable and highest-quality early childhood programs in the area. Newly renovated classrooms, a brand-new playground, bilingual staff, and a curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness. Full-time, morning, and afternoon options available. ERDC accepted, sibling discounts, and scholarships available. Take a virtual tour or schedule a visit at willamalane.org/preschool.

⛳ Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park Fri 4–7pm, Sat-Sun 12–7pm (starting March 30) • All ages • $6-$7
📍4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
All-ages seasonal outdoor mini-golf park featuring two 18-hole courses spread over two acres of lush greenery, tranquil water features, and scenic landscapes. Youth (11 & under) $6, Adults (12-49) $7, Seniors (50+) $6, Students & Military $6, Family of four $24. ALL-ACCESS Members get one free round daily! More info

🎨 MECCA Community Studio Drop-in during store hours • All ages • Pay-what-you-can ($3-5/hour suggested)
📍MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts), Eugene
Need a place to create? MECCA's community studio is open to the public during store hours (Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm). Studio fees include space, supplies, and anything from their pay-what-you-can section. Perfect for rainy days, early release Wednesdays, or anytime creativity strikes! Call ahead for groups: 541-302-1810. More info

🏊 Swimming at Amazon Pool Open May–October • Youth $6, Adult $7, Senior $6, Family $20
📍Amazon Pool, 2600 Hilyard St, Eugene
Eugene's beloved outdoor pool featuring three tanks, two water slides, a diving platform, hot tub, sandbox, and lap lanes. Offers rec swim, family swim, and swim lessons. Pool hours change often — check the website before you go! More info

🏊 Swimming at Echo Hollow Pool Open year-round • Youth $6, Adult $7, Senior $6, Family $20
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Indoor and outdoor pools featuring a 25-yard indoor pool, 25-meter outdoor pool, water slide, hot tub, water basketball, and splash play. Offers rec swim, family swim, water volleyball, lap swim, and swim lessons. Pool hours change often — check the website before you go! More info

🏊 Swimming at Sheldon Pool Open year-round • Youth $6, Adult $7, Senior $6, Family $20
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Indoor pool complex featuring a 25-yard tank, diving well, and warm water pool. Offers rec swim, family swim, baby swim, sensory swim, lap swim, and swim lessons. Pool hours change often — check the website before you go! More info

🌊 Splash at Lively Park Open through September 7 • Check website for pricing
📍Splash at Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Rd, Springfield
Eugene-Springfield's ONLY indoor waterpark! Wave pool, huge waterslide, waterfall fountain, kiddie pool, lap swimming, and more. Offers waterpark swims, lap swim, and swim lessons. Mon–Sat 1–4pm & 4:30–7:30pm, Sun 1–5pm. Pool hours change often — check the website before you go! More info

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Jess
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