On Stage For the Holidays

Eugene

At the Oregon Contemporary Theatre

This theater manifests the electric vibe of downtown Eugene. At the heart of a city lit for the holidays, find an intimate venue with a commitment to diverse and inclusive productions. Around the corner from the Oregon Contemporary Theatre (OCT) is Noisette Pastry Kitchen with sweet treats and French soups and sandwiches (they close at 6 p.m., so go early). If you want a more substantial sit-down dining experience before the show, try The Party Bar, which is a local favorite with excellent zero-proof drinks and cocktails, or The Davis.

At the Hult Center for the Performing Arts

A highlight of downtown Eugene, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts is brimming with holiday cheer this season. Planning a dinner and a show experience is very easy. 6th Street Restaurant and Sports Bar is a go-to restaurant just across the street, or nearby Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Club and the Gordon Tavern. Pair theater tickets with the Sip Champagne & Dessert Bar or go to the 5th Street Public Market for many options, from the more formal Marche to casual eateries inside the complex. 5th Street Public Market will be decorated for the holidays and hosts holiday events on certain nights. 

At The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Housed within a renovated church building in downtown Eugene, The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts' accessible hall is equipped with a hearing loop, providing an improved listening experience for those with telecoil-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants and streamers. The Shedd offers a sit-down pre-show meal in the theater complex on Friday (reserve your place when purchasing tickets). Otherwise, nearby is Ambrosia — a classic Italian restaurant with a cozy but upscale atmosphere and Bon Mi which offers delicious Vietnamese French Cuisine like banh me sandwiches and pho noodle soups to keep you warm on chilly nights. Another dining destination that pairs perfectly with a performance at The Shedd is Lion & Owl — a further distance away, but their gourmet menu makes for a perfect evening out.

Springfield

At Pegasus Playhouse

A more recent addition to the historic Main Street scene, Pegasus Playhouse, offers a fun family experience just minutes from Eugene. For a casual pre-show meal check out Plank Town Brewing Company or the beer and food court options at PublicHouse. Make it a date night with a nice dinner at George + Violet's or Tavern on Main. Make everybody happy with a visit to Main Street Sweets for a slice of pie before the curtain goes up!

At Richard E. Wildish Community Theater

Just a few blocks further on Main Street is the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre. This historic venue has ideal acoustics and view lines. At the center of downtown Springfield, you can enjoy the restaurants mentioned near Pegasus Playhouse, or branch out to the family-friendly Cornucopia and Mezza Luna Pizza. The Monkey's Paw Tiki Bar is an enchanting pre-show stop for beautiful flaming drinks.

Cottage Grove

At Cottage Theatre

Outstanding productions draw the Eugene crowd season after fabulous season. Since the 80s, Cottage Theatre has staged classical and current productions. A local craft brewery — Coast Fork Brewing — serves pot pies alongside craft beer, and Axe & Fiddle, a local pub, has classic comfort food. The historic downtown is all decorated for the holidays, creating a magical and charming experience for pre-show shopping.

Florence

At Florence Events Center

Just above Historic Old Town Florence, the Florence Events Center also offers a hearing loop system for improved listening for guests with a hearing impairment. Visit Florence for holiday shopping and dinner before the show. Waterfront Depot or Mari's Kitchen make great date night destinations, or take the kids to 1285 Restobar or Nosh Eatery — and there is always Mo's!