Best Bets for Dinner & a Show This Winter

Downtown Eugene

Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Eugene is a city for the arts with four impressive resident companies at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts that includes ballet, choir and the symphony. Additionally, this magnificent venue is a touring stop for many national entertainers and Broadway productions, and it is also a welcoming stage for local talent, film and presentations.

The Hult Center sets the stage for an elegant night out - where locals go to dress up if they dress up at all. With an attached parking structure, hearing loops at the ticket windows and in the lobby, Assistive Listening Devices available for use in the concert halls, wheelchair accessible seating in the theaters and loaner booster seats for children, this is an easy place to watch a show.

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Only blocks away is The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts with its impressive arts series that includes a celebration of American music, Broadway shows and jazz and is host to many talented traveling artists. Their musical and performing arts school is ensuring the continued development of local performers. 

The Shedd's wheelchair accessible hall is equipped with a hearing loop, providing an improved listening experience for those with telecoil-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants and streamers. Street level parking lots and street parking are all around the venue. The Shedd also offers a sit-down pre-show meal in the theater complex on Friday (reserve your place when purchasing tickets). 

McDonald Theatre

This historic theatre building is a Eugene treasure, managed by the Kesey Entertainment which brings in the summer line up of headliners at Eugene's Cuthbert Amphitheater. Now, in the winter months, enjoy the McDonald with its mix of film screenings, live music, comedy and presentations. Street parking can be found in the vicinity.

Actors Cabaret of Eugene

Dinner and a show is perfected at Actors Cabaret. Order your meal when you purchase your tickets and enjoy classic lasagna or a shepherds pie before the show. The venue is in the middle of downtown across from the Downtown Athletic Club and there are several nearby parking garages. It's a fun atmosphere!

Oregon Contemporary Theatre

Oregon Contemporary Theatre (OCT) is a fun, edgy and inclusive theater. Come be entertained and impressed with the quality productions that have been exploring a diverse range of topics for over thirty years.

University District

Matthew Knight Arena

Matthew Knight Arena is the destination for big shows and large audiences. Rock out to your favorite band or see a show of spectacular impact from monster trucks to trick basketball shots, oh yes, and all of Oregon's basketball too! 

Miller Theatre Complex - Robinson and Hope Theatres

This is the University of Oregon's theater for the Theatre Arts Department. Catch the energy of student actors in a diverse selection of shows.

South Eugene

The Very Little Theatre

A long-standing community institution, The Very Little Theatre (VLT) has embraced inclusive theatre bringing diverse voices in original productions to the stage alongside classic favorites. Tucked into a corner of South Eugene, adjacent residential neighborhoods, this beloved theater is a great destination for date night.

Lane Community College - Ragozzino Performance Hall 

The Ragozzino Performance Hall is on the Lane Community College campus, just off Interstate 5 and with plenty of parking. If you are planning a dinner before the show, South Eugene is just a few minutes away. Mazzi's Italian Restaurant is always a winner for classic dishes in a warm and welcoming environment. There are also several more casual dining options in the vicinity. 

Springfield

Richard E. Wildish Community Theater

Just a few blocks east on Main Street is the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre. The charming downtown district is full of boutique shops and restaurants, making it a perfect date night destination. The historic theater has ideal acoustics and view lines and it is hearing looped.

Cottage Grove

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.

Time for Season Tickets

A holiday show thrills and inspires the audience, but don't box up the magic for just the holiday season. Support local performing arts and extend your enjoyment by subscribing as a season ticket holder or give the gift of unlimited theater magic to a loved one. Find out what great shows are scheduled for the stage this year and plan your next night out.