Eugene Family Scoop - Weekend of Nov 6-8, 2026

Hi Friends! 👋

It seems like we go straight from Halloween into the holidays, and every year it catches me by surprise. 🎄 When I was younger, the weeks leading up to Christmas felt endless, like an eternity. Now that I’m juggling my family, my jobs, and this newsletter, the time soars by, and I often wonder how it can pass so quickly.

Since the season moves fast, I’m trying to soak up the little moments along the way. Luckily, there’s plenty to help with that this weekend, from the Holiday Marketplace and Día de Muertos celebration to Gilbert Park’s Fall for Your Park, LEGO Family Sunday, and Water for Elephants at the Hult.

On another note, if you’d like to support Eugene Family Scoop without spending a penny — clicking the ad below helps keep this newsletter going. It’s completely free for you and means the world to me. 💛

Scroll down for everything happening this weekend. 💛

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HIGHLIGHTS BY DAY:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

This newsletter is free and always will be. If it’s saved you time, helped you find something great this weekend, or made planning easier, a little support means a lot.

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🦠 No School Day Workshop: Mighty Microbes 9:00am–3:30pm (drop-off 8–9am, pick-up 3:30–4:30pm) • Grades K-5 • $70 members, $75 non-members
📍Eugene Science Center, 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Enjoy the day off from school with science fun! Science Center educators lead engaging STEAM activities for K-5 students when local schools are closed. Register for individual days to suit your family’s needs. Register here

🦕 Free First Friday at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History 10:00am–5:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Free admission on the first Friday of every month! Explore Oregon’s amazing fossils, ecosystems, and cultural history, from the First Americans at Paisley Caves to the dynamic cultures of today’s Indigenous communities. Plan your visit at mnch.uoregon.edu/visit. More info

📚 Family Storytime 10:15–11:00am • Young children • Free
📍Sheldon Branch Library, Eugene
Fun and learning for young children with their grown-ups! More info

📚 Preschool Storytime 10:30–11:00am • Preschoolers • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Fun and learning for preschoolers with their grown-ups! 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

💎 Gem Faire Fri 12–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm • All ages • Free with online registration, $7 at the door (free for ages 12 & under and adults 70+)
📍Lane Events Center, 645 W 15th Ave, Eugene
Explore gems, beads, crystals, minerals, fine jewelry, pearls, and supplies from direct-from-source vendors, all in one place! Jewelry repair and ring sizing are available at select booths. Register online ahead of time for free admission. Register here

🎄 Holiday Marketplace Fri 12–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm • All ages • Free
📍Bob Keefer Center (indoor courts), 250 S 32nd St, Springfield
A one-stop shopping destination for holiday décor and gifts! Shop handcrafted gifts, decor, and treats from over 100 local artisans and vendors. Grab lunch and check off your holiday list in one festive stop. More info

🎲 No School Day at the Library: Games 2:00–5:00pm • Ages 5-12 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
No school? Drop in anytime for board games, card games, and tabletop role-playing games! No registration needed. More info

🎷 UO Small Ensembles ft. Nicole McCabe 5:00–6:30pm (free) & 7:30–10:00pm ($15) • All ages • Free early show, $15 evening show
📍The Jazz Station, 124 W Broadway, Eugene
Catch the next generation of jazz talent! University of Oregon Jazz Studies student combos perform in a showcase of rising musicians from one of the country’s most exciting jazz programs. More info

🎨 Eugene’s November First Friday ArtWalk 5:30–8:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Farmers Market Pavilion, 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
Explore downtown Eugene’s vibrant arts scene! Pick up your ArtWalk Guide and browse the Artist Marketplace before visiting galleries and arts venues around downtown. This month’s Pavilion highlight, from 6:00 to 8:00pm, features Native American storytelling and song by the Stutzman Family and Powwow dance by the UO Native American Dancers, in partnership with Native American Arts and Cultural Education. The marketplace includes Native American Arts and Crafts Makers members, community partners, and food vendors. 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

🏀 Oregon Women’s Basketball vs. Washington State 7:00pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Matthew Knight Arena, 1776 E 13th Ave, Eugene
Cheer on the Oregon women’s basketball team as they take on the Washington State Cougars! Doors open one hour prior to game time. Clear bag policy in effect. Get tickets

🤸 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

🤸 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

🎪 Water for Elephants Various times Nov 6-8 • Ticketed
📍Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center, One Eugene Center, Eugene
The bestselling novel comes to life in this spectacle-filled Broadway musical! A young man jumps a moving train and finds a new home with the crew of a traveling circus, and a life and love beyond his wildest dreams. Check the website for showtimes. Get tickets

🌽 Saturday 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

🎨 Madres Club 10:00–11:30am • Spanish-speaking moms & children • Free
📍Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene
Free monthly art workshops designed specifically for Spanish-speaking mothers, facilitated by Jessica Zapata! Explore your creativity through various projects while connecting with other Spanish-speaking participants. Children are welcome to join and create alongside you. All materials included. More info

🎄 Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop Part 1: Vintage Ornaments 10:00am–12:00pm • Check class page for ages • Free
📍Michaels Crossroads Center, 3318 Gateway St, Springfield
Make a vintage-inspired ornament at this free in-store workshop with a project designed by Hallmark! More info

🎄 Holiday Marketplace Sat 10am–4pm • All ages • Free
📍Bob Keefer Center (indoor courts), 250 S 32nd St, Springfield
A one-stop shopping destination for holiday décor and gifts! Shop handcrafted gifts, decor, and treats from over 100 local artisans and vendors. Grab lunch and check off your holiday list in one festive stop. More info

💎 Gem Faire Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm • All ages • Free with online registration, $7 at the door (free for ages 12 & under and adults 70+)
📍Lane Events Center, 645 W 15th Ave, Eugene
Explore gems, beads, crystals, minerals, fine jewelry, pearls, and supplies from direct-from-source vendors, all in one place! Jewelry repair and ring sizing are available at select booths. Register online ahead of time for free admission. Register here

📚 Baby and Toddler Storytime 10:15–11:00am • Babies & toddlers • Free
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
Fun and learning for babies and toddlers with their grown-ups! More info

📚 Family Storytime 10:30am & 11:15am • Young children • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Fun and learning for young children and family! Two sessions available. More info

📚 Family Storytime | Cuentos para Familias 11:00–11:30am • Babies through early elementary • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St, Springfield
A bilingual family storytime featuring songs, dancing, rhymes, games, and books in English and Spanish! Perfect for families with babies through 2nd grade. 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

🌱 Juegos y Raíces: Spanish-Language Parent Support Group with Looking Glass 11:45am–1:30pm • Parents & families • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 N 5th St, Springfield
A six-week parent support group hosted by Looking Glass Community Services, held in Spanish. Celebrate culture and strengthen families by exploring cultural roots, self-awareness, building a supportive community, coping with the stress of being an immigrant, and sharing teachings from grandparents. Each Saturday includes traditional Latin American activities. Snacks and childcare are included. Pre-registration is recommended for each session. Join the bilingual “Cuentos para Familias” storytime at 11am beforehand (stories, songs, and games in Spanish, English, and sometimes Zapotec). Register here

🤸 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

🎨 Arts Access Program 12:30–2:00pm • Children with disabilities • Free
📍Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene
A studio art workshop for children with disabilities, led by artists and teachers in a creative and caring atmosphere. Registration is recommended. To register, email [email protected] or call 541-346-6443. More info

🧵 Springstitch Craft Swap 1:00–2:30pm • All ages • Free
📍Springfield Public Library (Library Meeting Room), 225 5th St, Springfield
Bring gently used or new craft supplies (fabric, yarn, fancy paper, beads, etc.) and take home something new from what others share! No supplies to trade? You’re still welcome to take items home. Donations are also accepted in advance at the library’s front desk. Unclaimed items go to library programs and MECCA. More info

💌 Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop Part 2: Paint-Scraped Greetings 1:00–3:00pm • Check class page for ages • Free
📍Michaels Crossroads Center, 3318 Gateway St, Springfield
Create your own custom holiday card using masking tape and paint-scraping techniques! This is the second part of a two-part series, but you can drop in for either one. More info

📚 Storytime at Barnes & Noble 2:00–2:30pm • Young children • Free
📍Barnes & Noble, 1163 Valley River Dr, Eugene
A fun storytime for young readers!

🎸 Festival Kick Off Show at Whirled Pies 4:00–8:45pm • All ages • Check website for pricing
📍Whirled Pies, 199 W 8th Ave, Eugene
A festival kickoff with dancing, bands, community tables, and art activities for youth! The lineup includes Eugene Bhangra, Ballet Folklórico Colibrí (5:15pm), fLEX Studios, Dance Disorder, The Friday Crew (7pm), and more. All proceeds support free music programming for young girls in our community. More info

💀 Celebración para el Día de Muertos 4:00–7:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Willamalane Bob Keefer Center, 250 S 32nd St, Springfield
Remember and honor your loved ones at this community Día de Muertos celebration! Enjoy a community ofrenda, music, dance, craft activities, a book giveaway, and light refreshments. Part of Springfield’s Día de los Muertos series with the Springfield Public Library, Springfield History Museum, Eugene Arte Latino, and more. More info

🎅 Santa Arrival + Mini Reindeer Plush Giveaway at Cabela’s 5:00–5:15pm • All ages • Free
📍Cabela’s, 2800 Gateway St, Springfield
Santa arrives at 5pm for a free holiday celebration! Enjoy seasonal treats and a mini reindeer plush giveaway while supplies last. More info

🏐 Oregon Ducks Volleyball vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers 7:00pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Matthew Knight Arena, 1776 E 13th Ave, Eugene
Cheer on the Oregon Ducks volleyball team as they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers! Get tickets

🎪 Water for Elephants Various times Nov 6-8 • Ticketed
📍Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center, One Eugene Center, Eugene
The bestselling novel comes to life in this spectacle-filled Broadway musical! A young man jumps a moving train and finds a new home with the crew of a traveling circus, and a life and love beyond his wildest dreams. Check the website for showtimes. Get tickets

💎 Gem Faire Sun 10am–5pm • All ages • Free with online registration, $7 at the door (free for ages 12 & under and adults 70+)
📍Lane Events Center, 645 W 15th Ave, Eugene
Explore gems, beads, crystals, minerals, fine jewelry, pearls, and supplies from direct-from-source vendors, all in one place! Jewelry repair and ring sizing are available at select booths. Register online ahead of time for free admission. Register here

🏃 Autumn Trails Eugene: 16-Mile, 10-Mile, 6-Mile & 3.5-Mile Trail Races 10:00am • All ages • Ticketed
📍Frank Kinney Park (meadow off Alpine Loop), 5053 Alpine Loop, Eugene
Choose your distance for a hilly trail adventure! All courses start and finish near Frank Kinney Park, loop the Rexius Trail, and climb the Amazon Headwaters Trail to Fox Hollow Road. Longer routes add the Dillard Road connector trail and more. Register here

🎨 Open Studio: NewArt NW Kids 11:00am–12:30pm • Children & families • Free (pre-registration required)
📍Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene
Drop in to the museum’s education studio and use its art materials to create artwork in response to this year’s NewArt NW Kids prompts! Artwork can be submitted for consideration in the 2027 NewArt NW Kids Exhibition. A parent or guardian must stay with their child throughout. Only 20 spots, so reserve yours by emailing [email protected]. More info

🍂 Gilbert Park Community Days: Fall for Your Park 11:00am–2:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Gilbert Park, 615 Gilbert St, Eugene
Come have a wonderful fall day at the park! Make a pinecone bird feeder, help plant a new magnolia tree, and join a scavenger hunt, story time, and a new book walk. Snacks and refreshments for participants, and kids are welcome to play. Friendly dogs welcome! All are welcome. More info

🧱 LEGO Family Sunday: Fall Build Fest! 12:30–2:30pm • All ages • Free
📍Falling Sky Brewing, 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene
A relaxed, drop-in LEGO morning for the whole family! Take on the optional Thanksgiving parade float building challenge, join guided building activities, or just free build. New this month: Builder Club stamp cards! Earn one stamp per visit and a small Master Builder prize after six visits (visits don’t need to be consecutive). Hosted by Macaroni KID Eugene & Springfield and Falling Sky Brewing. More info

✨ Inspired by Hallmark: Make a Holiday Ornament 1:00–3:00pm • Check class page for ages • Free
📍Michaels Crossroads Center, 3318 Gateway St, Springfield
Make a holiday ornament at this free, Hallmark-inspired in-store event! More info

📖 Soulful Stories: November Edition 2:00–4:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Eugene Mindworks, Suite 220, 207 E 5th Ave, Eugene
Share an afternoon of stories with BLAQ Youth! This free family reading event features TeeTee’s World Adventure by Dennis Vanasse and Twansha “TeeTee” Terry, exploring connections between people and communities around the world. 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

🏐 Oregon Ducks Volleyball vs. Northwestern Wildcats 6:00pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Matthew Knight Arena, 1776 E 13th Ave, Eugene
Cheer on the Oregon Ducks volleyball team as they take on the Northwestern Wildcats! Get tickets

🎪 Water for Elephants Various times Nov 6-8 • Ticketed
📍Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center, One Eugene Center, Eugene
The bestselling novel comes to life in this spectacle-filled Broadway musical! A young man jumps a moving train and finds a new home with the crew of a traveling circus, and a life and love beyond his wildest dreams. Check the website for showtimes. Get tickets

🐰 Farmily Fun Group Saturdays 10:00–11:30am (optional community time until noon) • Kids of all ages with 1-2 caregivers • $21 drop-in per family
📍Parker Learning Gardens, 31239 Lanes Turn Road, Coburg
A weekly farm adventure for families with kids of all ages! Explore the farm, feed animals (bunnies, chickens, geese, pigs, and goats!), harvest food, and connect with other families. Fall season runs through November 14. Drop-in option available — register before class begins and choose the Saturday that works for you! More info

🛠️ Youth Discovery Project Mondays 4–6pm • Ages 12-17 • $29 drop-in per teen
📍Parker Learning Gardens, 31239 Lanes Turn Road, Coburg
A weekly farm workshop series for teens engaging in creative and sustainable skills — carving, building projects, art installations, food preservation, animal care, and more! Fall season runs through November 14. Drop-in option available — register before class begins and choose the Monday that works for you! 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 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

📣 A Note from Jess

Many of you know me as the person behind Eugene Family Scoop — but I also help local businesses with their marketing! And I want to offer that same support to any of you or your partners.

Introducing: Marketing Coaching

If you’re a small business owner who knows you need a marketing strategy but doesn’t have the budget for a full-time marketing hire — this is for you.

Here’s how it works:
✅ I create a custom marketing plan for your entire year
✅ We meet monthly to keep you on track, answer questions, and troubleshoot
✅ I revise the plan as your business evolves
✅ You do the implementation — but I’m here when you get stuck

Think of me as your on-call marketing director, without the full-time price tag. 💛

Interested? I’d love to connect and learn more about your business!

📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://www.jessica-kali.com/

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Here's to the journey!

Jess
Creator, Eugene Family Scoop

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