Eugene Family Scoop - Weekend of Oct 2-4, 2026

Hi Friends! 👋

October is here and it feels like the whole city is leaning into fall. 🍂 This weekend is absolutely stacked — from the Eugene Symphony performing Studio Ghibli music to Clay Fest, First Friday ArtWalk, a neighborhood fall fest, and so much more. There's something for every age and interest this weekend!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

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🦕 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. Reserve tickets in advance 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

📚 Tweens: OBOB Celebration 4:30–5:30pm • Ages 9-12 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Get together to play Oregon Battle of the Books trivia! More info

🎵 First Friday ArtWalk with the Eugene Symphony 5:00–7:00pm • All ages • Free
📍DAC Lobby, 999 Willamette St, Eugene
Enjoy live music by Eugene Symphony musicians as part of the First Friday ArtWalk! Dozens of locations showcasing local art and artists throughout downtown Eugene. Beer, wine, and soda available for purchase. More info

🏺 Clay Fest 5:00–8:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Oregon is nationally known for the quality of its ceramic art — and Clay Fest brings artists from all over the state together in one place! Browse and buy unique handmade pieces directly from the artists. Proceeds support Local Clay and its Clay in Education program, which funds ceramic activities in local schools. More info

🎨 Eugene's October First Friday ArtWalk 5:30–8:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Farmers Market Pavilion & throughout downtown Eugene, 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
A beloved monthly celebration of art and community throughout downtown Eugene! This month's Farmers Market Pavilion highlight features DesiFest Oregon: Roots and Wings — an evening celebrating South Asian arts and culture with classical dance, pookkalam floor art, spoken word, Bollywood hip hop, original guitar, and DJ Anjali closing the night with Global Bass and Bhangra. More info

♻️ Object Afterlife Upcycled Art Challenge Opening at MECCA 5:30–7:30pm • All ages • Free
📍MECCA, 555 High St, Eugene
MECCA's annual upcycled art challenge — 17 years running! Artists were given a mystery box of materials and the summer to create masterpieces from "scraps." See the stunning results at the opening exhibition! Judges announce award recipients at 6:30pm. The public can vote for their favorite pieces through November 1. 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 Ducks Volleyball vs. Purdue 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 Purdue Boilermakers! More info

🔒 Kids Firearm Safety Class 6:30–7:30pm • Kids & parents • Free
📍Bass Pro Shops, 2800 Gateway St, Springfield (upstairs classroom)
A one-hour firearm safety course teaching children what to do if they encounter a gun, basic safety rules, and proper handling and storage. Each student receives a Certificate of Completion. Parents encouraged to attend. Registration required. 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

🤸 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

🎵 Eugene Symphony: The Music of Studio Ghibli & Joe Hisaishi Various times • All ages • Ticketed
📍Soreng Theater, Hult Center, One Eugene Center, Eugene
A magical evening as the Eugene Symphony performs the beloved music of Studio Ghibli films by composer Joe Hisaishi! From Spirited Away to My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, and more — a must-see for Ghibli fans of all ages. Check the website for showtimes and ticket information. More info

🔨 Kids Workshop 9:00am–12:00pm • Ages 5-12 • Free
📍Home Depot, 808 Seneca Rd, Eugene
Build something fun at Home Depot's free monthly Kids Workshop! While supplies last. More info

🎃 Walt's Wild Wagon Ride & Pumpkin Patch at Johnson Farms Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm • All ages • Tickets required for hay rides & pumpkin train
📍Johnson Farms, 89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene
Fall has arrived at Johnson Farms! Enjoy wagon hayrides, a U-pick pumpkin patch, pumpkin slingshots, apple cider, and other fall treats. Plenty of room for exploring and photo opportunities. Open daily through October 31! More info

🍎 Apple Daze at Detering Orchards 9:00am–5:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Detering Orchards, 30946 Wyatt Dr, Harrisburg
Fall fun at its finest! U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, cow train rides, corn maze, tractor rides, apple blaster, corn cannon, mechanical bull rides, craft beer and cider, homemade caramel apples, and pies. U-pick fruits and vegetables available daily — call ahead for produce availability. Runs every weekend through October 25! 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

🌿 Growing Herbs and Edible Flowers in Your Garden 10:00–11:15am • All ages • Free
📍GrassRoots Garden, 1465 Coburg Rd, Eugene
A guided walk through the garden introducing herbs and edible flowers that grow well in the Eugene area! Learn how and when to use them, plus tips on growing, using, and preserving herbs in any size garden. This year's garden includes native herbs and Asian and Central American herbs. Wear garden-appropriate shoes. Stay after for a Weed Walk at 11:30am and optional vegan lunch at 1pm. No dogs allowed. More info

🏺 Clay Fest 10:00am–6:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Browse and buy unique handmade ceramic pieces directly from artists from all over Oregon! Proceeds support Local Clay and its Clay in Education program. 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

📚 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

👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting Now Workshop: Our Family, Our Values, Our Screens 10:30am–12:00pm • Parents of children ages 0-5 • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St, Springfield
Explore how screens fit into your family's values and routines in this free workshop from Parenting Now! Part of a six-week series running through October 24. Free childcare provided. Registration required. 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

🥦 Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff 11:45am–12:45pm • All ages • Free
📍Eugene Farmers Market Pavilion, 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene
A fast-paced 20-minute cooking competition featuring two local chefs racing the clock to transform imperfect-looking ingredients into mouthwatering dishes! Emceed by James Beard semifinalist Isaiah Martinez. Enjoy tasty samples and practical food waste reduction tips. Part of Food Waste Prevention Week. Livestreamed on the @WasteWiseLaneCounty Facebook page. 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

🎨 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 required — contact [email protected]. More info

🍂 Folk Art Paper Quilts Workshop with Heather LeCompte 1:00–4:00pm • Ages 14+ • Check website for pricing
📍MECCA, 555 High St, Eugene
Celebrate autumn by making a folk art-inspired paper quilt using hand-painted papers, collage materials, simple stitching, and painted touches! Create a unique mixed-media artwork with seasonal colors and symbols like leaves, birds, pumpkins, hearts, and stars. No art experience needed — all materials included. A relaxed, welcoming space for beginners and experienced artists alike. More info

🍂 Neighborhood Fall Fest 2:00–5:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Springfield Faith Center, 600 Hayden Bridge Way, Springfield
Celebrate fall with free food, carnival games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and prizes! A fun afternoon of community and connection for the whole family. Everyone welcome! More info

🎨 Family Fun with Air-Dry Clay 3:00–5:00pm • Ages 5-12 • Free
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
Drop in and get creative with air-dry clay! For ages 5-12 with a grownup. More info

📚 Comics College: Politics and Social Commentary 3:00–4:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Learn about the history of comics and their role in politics and social commentary with Dr. Andréa Gilroy of Books With Pictures! More info

🎃 Real Life Young Adults Fall Gathering 4:30pm • Ages 18-30 • $11 + dinner
📍Johnson Farms, 89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene
A fun fall evening for young adults! Enjoy the pumpkin patch and corn maze together, then head to Applebee's for dinner and more community time. Bring a friend! 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

🪶 Native American Arts & Crafts Makers Market 10:00am–4:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza, 85 E. 8th Ave, Eugene
Support regional Native and Indigenous artists by shopping for authentic arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, beadwork, and more! Held on the first Sunday of every month. 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

🏺 Clay Fest 11:00am–5:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Final day of Clay Fest! Browse and buy unique handmade ceramic pieces directly from artists from all over Oregon. Proceeds support Local Clay and its Clay in Education program. More info

🧶 Weave a Mug Rug Workshop with Anchen Texter 12:30–2:30pm • Ages 16+ • Check website for pricing
📍MECCA, 555 High St, Eugene
Learn to weave your own cozy mug rug on a pre-warped loom! Perfect for cozy coffee or tea moments. No experience needed — Anchen Texter will guide you through a basic weave pattern. A fun, relaxed crafting session for all skill levels. More info

🍂 Fall Family Festival at Emerald Park 1:00–4:00pm • All ages • Free
📍Emerald Park, 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene
A free afternoon of fall fun for the whole family! Enjoy a petting zoo with 4H OSU Extension, live mural painting with Pudding Art Studio, live music from Harlan Rivers Duo, family competition games, fall-themed arts and crafts, and free bike checks and repairs with SHIFT Community Cycles. Food available from Hot Off the Press, Rattlesnake BBQ, and O'my! Mini Donuts. More info

🏐 Oregon Ducks Volleyball vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 1:00pm • All ages • Ticketed
📍Matthew Knight Arena, 1776 E 13th Ave, Eugene
Cheer on the Oregon Ducks volleyball team as they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini! More info

🧱 Family Fun with LEGO 1:00–4:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Drop in and get creative with LEGO! For ages 5-12 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

🤖 Camp Create 6:00pm • PreK & Elementary families • Free
📍Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Ave, Eugene
A fun family evening featuring a catered dinner, a lesson about Jesus' love, and building your own custom wooden robot! Meal, lesson, and robot kit all provided. RSVP required. More info

🎃 Haunted Hayride 2026 October 15–17, 6:15–9:30pm • All ages • $18 in-district, $25 out-of-district
📍Dorris Ranch, Springfield
One of Willamalane's most popular annual events — and it often sells out within minutes! Enjoy trailer rides through the orchards with fire dancing, circus arts, glow stick dancers, and more. Advanced registration required, no tickets at the gate. Children 2 & under ride free on an adult's lap. In-district residents — Priority sales begin October 1 at 8am. Open sales — Thursday tickets & remaining Fri/Sat tickets available October 2 at 8am. Waitlist available starting October 2
Add a visit to the Haunted House at Dorris Ranch for extra scares after your ride! Get tickets

👻 Haunted House at Dorris Ranch Fri & Sat Oct 9–31, 7–10pm (also Thu Oct 15) • Ages 13+ recommended • Ticketed
📍Dorris Ranch, Springfield
Make your way through the historic Tomseth House featuring live actors, animatronics, and scary special effects! Tickets go on sale October 1 — get them in advance as remaining tickets sell out fast. Note: Haunted House tickets do not include access to the separate Haunted Hayride event. Get tickets

🏌️ Ghostly Golf 2026 Sun–Thu 6–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 6–10pm • All ages • Regular Camp Putt admission (costumes get $2 off!)
📍Camp Putt, 4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
Mini golf goes spooky! Step onto glowing greens filled with spooky scenes and eerie fun at Camp Putt. No registration required. Wear a costume for $2 off admission! Weather dependent — check the Camp Putt Facebook page before heading out. Runs through October. More info

🧹 Historic Broom Making Workshop at Parker Learning Gardens
Second Saturdays 10:00am–1:00pm • Families welcome • Sliding scale $0–$15 (+ $25 to take home your broom)
📍31239 Lanes Turn Road, Coburg
Learn a nearly lost craft! Make traditional hand-tied brooms using broomcorn and locally sourced hazelwood handles with local broom artist Stefanie Songchild. Part of the Living Systems: Second Saturday Farm Workshops series. Register here

🎃 Haunted Bamboo Forest 2026: Freak Show Maze October 24, 25 & 31 • $15 per person, $65 groups of 5-10
📍Parker Learning Gardens, 31239 Lanes Turn Road, Coburg
Enter the haunted maze if you dare! Two experiences available:🌟 Family Friendly Maze or 👹 Freak Show Maze Get tickets

🐰 Farmily Fun Group Saturdays 10:00–11:30am • Caregivers & kids of all ages • $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 September 5–November 14. Drop-in option available — choose the Saturday that works for you! More info

🎃 Walt's Wild Wagon Ride & Pumpkin Patch at Johnson Farms Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm • All ages • Tickets required for hay rides & pumpkin train
📍Johnson Farms, 89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene
Fall has arrived at Johnson Farms! Enjoy wagon hayrides, a U-pick pumpkin patch, pumpkin slingshots, apple cider, and other fall treats. Plenty of room for exploring and photo opportunities. Open daily through October 31! More info

🍎 Apple Daze at Detering Orchards 9:00am–5:00pm • All ages • Free admission
📍Detering Orchards, 30946 Wyatt Dr, Harrisburg
Fall fun at its finest! U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, cow train rides, corn maze, tractor rides, apple blaster, corn cannon, mechanical bull rides, craft beer and cider, homemade caramel apples, and pies. U-pick fruits and vegetables available daily — call ahead for produce availability. Runs every weekend through October 25! More info

🌿 Parker Learning Gardens: Fall Classes Now Open!
📍31239 Lanes Turn Road, Coburg
Eleven weeks of outdoor learning, animal care, harvesting, cooking, art, and real-world skills on a 33-acre educational farm! Fall season runs August 31–November 14. Space available in all four classes:

⛳ Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park Fri 4–7pm, Sat-Sun 12–7pm • 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 • 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. Pool hours change often — check the website before you go! More info

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