Weird, Wacky & Wonderful Eugene Events

Jell-O Art Show at Maude Kerns Art Center 

Eugene

The annual spring Jell-O Art Show is a quirky exhibit for a local art gallery that takes a serious approach to art. View "artworks" crafted with jiggly gelatin, and at their benefit extravaganza, enjoy outrageous dress, lively music and snacks from the tacky food buffet. The Maude Kerns Art Center is in a rambling, former church building tucked into the residential corner adjacent to the University of Oregon campus. With an academic focus, the gallery holds art lessons and workshops for all ages, along with partnerships with local fine artists of many mediums from print to pottery and esteemed exhibits of regional, national and international artists. The gallery is also known for its culturally reverent and thoughtful Día de los Muertos exhibit in the fall.

Sasquatch Summer Fest

Oakridge

For two days, look for Bigfoot among the attendees at the Sasquatch Summer Fest in the Cascade Mountains. Don't you think he'd show up for his own party? Rub elbows with Sasquatch believers, experts and trackers. Learn about the legends and the lore of this mysterious figure while enjoying live music, food trucks and vendor displays. For some serious fun, go on the night walk, but be very quiet - he might be watching you!

Oregon Country Fair 

Veneta

In July, the Oregon Country Fair (OCF) is a full-tilt festival of self expression and creativity, held annually since 1969 on private property near Veneta. Your senses will be indulged and awakened by the brilliant costumes, astounding entertainment, musical variety, delicious and wholesome food, environmental awareness, scents of incense and so much movement and surprise around every bend of the fair. From parades, jugglers, live music, meditation corners, artisan booths and things to eat, you'll find yourself spinning in wonder.

Eugene Saturday Market

Eugene

If you miss the OCF, you can always get a taste of the artisan spirit, delicious hippy food and people watching at the weekly Saturday Market held in downtown Eugene. Meander booths showcasing pottery, jewelry, clothing, wind chimes and paintings. Every part of the Saturday Market is an experience, from the crowd to the entertainers on the main stage. Here and wherever there is live music at any outdoor gathering, Eugene's free spirits will be spotted dancing to their own beat.

Symbolic Spaces Tours

Eugene

These are not your ordinary guided tours -- these are journeys into immersive experiences from the coast to the Cascades. Forest bathe in old growth wilderness, plunge into cold pools, stand beside roaring waterfalls, star gaze by calm waters, put your feet in the sand and discover a shift in perspective. Connect with the places visited, learning about the areas historic significance and feel its present day energy. 

Ballet Fantastique

Eugene

Discover something different, quirky and fantastic! Ballet Fantastique showcases its original and remixed productions at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. This highly innovative and creative ballet company is not afraid to incorporate modern twists, novel ideas and bold moves into their masterpieces. Alive with music, movement and dramatic costuming, Ballet Fantastique's performances are truly one-of-a-kind experiences.

Slug Queen Coronation

Eugene

Some towns elect beauty queens for royal courts but Eugene's annual pageant is all about the Slug Queen. This sought-after title requires a competition not just of outlandish looks but dedicated service to the community plus slimy bribes to the judges. "Raining" royalty show up at many Eugene events throughout the year, leaving a trail of distinguished slime and notoriety. You can see the fun begin for the year at a summer Saturday Market coronation. 

Cat Centric Hangouts

Springfield

Can't get enough of cats? Come to the Eugene Springfield Cat Lounge for a social or soothing activity from Bingo to knitting all conducted with cats. This unique lounge offers tea, coffee, hot chocolate and more non-alcoholic beverages for purchase plus snacks and tons of cat merchandise. Quality time with kitties is not only good for the soul of any cat appreciator, but hopefully fosters some bonds leading to adoption.

Goat Yoga

Monroe (near Junction City)

Just like with the cats, Goat Yoga is an immersive experience wherein you participate in other restorative activities like yoga, stretching or painting or even just relaxing with friends, while the goats mill around (and as they are naturally social, involve you in their antics). This unique activity started here at No Regrets Farm and Sanctuary and caught on as a national trend. 

Mushroom Festival at Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Eugene

In honor of the region's flourishing fungi, the annual Mushroom Festival draws thousands of mushrooming enthusiasts to the park. Picture tables spread with mushrooms of all sorts foraged in the nearby communities and talk with mushroom experts. Perhaps you'll even see or learn about some of Oregon's strangest mushrooms. Along with the deep dives into the world of mycology, enjoy live music, a warming bonfire, nature walks and all kinds of mushroom-infused foods from soups to stir fries. Another weird adventure offered at Mount Pisgah Arboretum is their periodic nature walks. Sign up for slow rambles over the terrain seeking out lichens, moss, fungi, slugs, snails, insects or oak galls... whatever the season suggests!

Snowfall at 5th Street Public Market

Eugene

It doesn't matter what the weather is in December -- it always snows at dusk on the weekends at the 5th Street Public Market. Kicking off the holiday shopping season with a tree lighting and carols, "snow" falls magically on the outdoor plaza guaranteeing a picture-perfect winter atmosphere. 

Cult Foodie Favorites

Eugene

While you can visit these regional and national chains in Portland, OR and beyond, having them here in Eugene makes them an easy and necessary stop!

• Salt & Straw

• Voodoo Doughnut Eugene

• Cafe Yumm!

• Off the Waffle 

Sandboarding at Sand Master Park

Florence

This is not snowboarding. This is not surfing. This is not skateboarding. This is sandboarding!

The world's first sandboard-specific hub was founded here in Florence in 2000. Watch the locals, tourists and pros charge the sand slopes year-round on the Oregon Dunes. Who needs the snow when sand is just as enticing and always there! Occasionally there will be professional competitions to check out or better yet, rent a sandboard at Sand Master Park and try it yourself. Sure, strap your feet to a board and push off over the edge of the dunes!

Sea Lion Caves

Florence

Where else can you take an elevator down 200 feet into a marine cave full of barking sea lions? The cliffside privately owned preserve is a wonderful peek into a natural sea lion habitat, complete with all its smells and sounds. The Sea Lion Caves is one of our favorite roadside attractions!

Yamada Vending Co

Eugene

Shop for snacks and trinkets at a store entirely devoted to vending machines. This may be the rage in Japan but it's still unique in Eugene! Check out Yamada Vending Co with the kids or when you are in the mood to shop without store clerks.

The Fast Forest

Springfield

Track and trees, two things celebrated by local residents, are brought together at Dorris Ranch in Springfield. In this historic hazelnut orchard, trees have been planted and dedicated to the runners that have broken the 4-minute and 4:30 mile barrier. Like Hollywood's sidewalk stars, this is TrackTown's trees! Find your favorite athlete's tree in the Fast Forest and take a selfie! Each dedicated tree in the Fast Forest is marked with a biodegradable tag memorializing the athlete's accomplishment.

Pre's Rock

Eugene

It's a tradition after the Eugene Marathon, the Butte to Butte, a Hayward Field track event or other run to pay your respects to Steve Prefontaine. On the tiny, twisting road near Hendricks Park, a monument to Pre is draped with marathon medals, tags, flowers and even running shoes. 

High Street Tonics

Eugene

Sworn off drinking? No need to miss out on the fun at High Street Tonics. This alcohol-free bottle shop and bar is a hub of tasty, beautiful mocktails made up of special botanical tonics, bitters and shrubs.

The Hippie Closet

Eugene

At the Saturday Market you may have stocked up on Eugene's signature tie-dye, but at The Hippie Closet you can make your own. Add personality to your look in the Color Lab! 

BRING Garden of Earthly Delights

Eugene

This innovative re-use, recycling center for building supplies draws visitors to their Planet Improvement Center with all kinds of building materials for repurposing. A thrift store for the builder and creative homeowner, BRING is also home to their Garden of Earthly Delights, an outdoor event space and garden that showcases edible native plants, rainwater harvesting, composting and structures built from re-purposed items including their fencing, benches, greenhouse and Chapel of Second Chances. People take DIY clinics on building or art here, but it is also a venue for corporate meetings and weddings.

The Short Story Dispenser at the Eugene Airport

Eugene

Print out a short story or a poem for your entertainment while awaiting your departure. At the top of the escalator inside the secured terminal area, this unique feature offers a free, interactive novelty (the first of it's kind in Oregon and one of just 300 operating around the world). The collection includes children's stories, local authors and international authors. Of course, it's all dispensed ink-free using thermal technology, and on a small slip of recycled paper that can fit in your pocket or purse.