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Downtown's getting cozy: Bodhi Cafe debuts Monday, and Ballet Fantastique brings Poe-fueled drama through Sunday.
Good morning. It's Friday, October 16. The city mood today is equal parts warm pastry and dramatic lighting - which feels correct for mid-October. Whether you're eyeing a new downtown coffee stop or a night out that skews delightfully spooky, we've got you covered. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown.
Grand Opening Set for Wednesday
Bodhi Cafe is doing the classic two-step: soft opening Monday, grand opening Wednesday. Monday's service starts at 9 a.m. with a limited menu, then the full celebration lands midweek. Find the new neighborhood spot downtown at 810 Willamette St and start plotting your pastry run.
Poe-Inspired Dance Theater Runs Through Sunday
If your Halloween vibe is "gothic, but make it ballet," Ballet Fantastique's "NEVERMORE" is your ticket. The Poe-inspired dance theater show is at the Soreng Theater tonight at 7:30 p.m., with more performances Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18.
Lightning Lowdown: Quick News
Burlesque Show
Murder Mystery
The Deadly Affair
Seduction, suspense, and scandal fuel this immersive 21+ cabaret, where sultry performances, flowing drinks, and shadowy motives turn a night out into an elegant whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the final reveal.Xcape Dance Academy | 8 PM | 1416 W 7th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Rock
Daddy Rabbit
Grooves from rockabilly-inspired originals and classic-era sounds turn this evening into an easygoing dance party for fans of old-school rock and roll.The Monkey's Paw | 8 PM | 420 Main St, Springfield
Friday
Astronomy Night
First Quarter Friday: Urban Star Gazing
Skywatchers of all ages can look forward to telescope views, easygoing explanations from astronomy volunteers, and a chance to see familiar constellations in a whole new way, all in a casual neighborhood setting.Emerald Park | 6:30 PM | 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene
Friday
Blues
Savvy Katz - American Blues Rock
Rhythms from Eugene favorites Savvy Katz bring American blues-rock to life with soulful guitar work and close-knit vocals, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends, drinks, and unpretentious live music.Hwy 126 Feed Lot | 7 PM | 5590 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Pumpkin Patch
Science Center
Tot Discovery Day: Pumpkin Palooza
Families can savor an autumn-themed science morning as toddlers explore pumpkins inside and out, experiment with bridges and building, enjoy age-appropriate activities, and then wind down together with a cozy storytime designed just for tots.Eugene Science Center | 9 AM | 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Friday
Board Game Night
Funacon 2026
Players of all experience levels can dive into marathon tabletop sessions, discover new favorites from a massive game library, and connect with a friendly local gaming community over contests, prizes, and special anniversary fun.Lane Events Center | 10 AM | 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Opening Event
Seasonal
Dia De Los Muertos Exhibit Opening Fiesta
Stories of remembrance fill the gallery as candles, marigolds, and vibrant artwork honor departed loved ones. Explore traditions, admire creative altars, and take in a thoughtful cultural experience suitable for all ages.Maude Kerns Art Center | 5 PM | 1910 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Craft & Workshop
Vip Date Night Bonsai
Couples looking for something beyond dinner and a movie can share a hands-on bonsai workshop, shaping a living tree together in a cozy, BYOB-friendly studio setting.Color Cocktail Factory - Eugene | 7 PM | 3295 Cross St, Eugene
Friday
Pop Culture
Markets & Shopping
The Great PacoriSwap
Fans of retro pop culture can browse vendor tables stacked with toys, comics, cards, and old-school video games while sipping coffee, munching cereal, and relaxing with classic cartoons and a free-play arcade in the background.Caffe Pacori | 9 AM | 255 Wallis St Ste 3, Eugene
Saturday
Performing Arts
Film Screening
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Nostalgia, big-screen visuals, and a live band bring this beloved 1986 fantasy back to life as the full movie plays while musicians perform the score and songs in sync, creating an immersive night out for fans of all ages.McDonald Theatre | 8 PM | 1010 Willamette St, Eugene
Saturday
Rock
Connectarine Live on the Patio
Songs and ciders pair up for a relaxed fall night featuring Connectarine’s soulful harmonies, intricate strings, and a mix of originals and familiar tunes suitable for all ages.Beergarden | 7:30 PM | 777 W 6th Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Kids Activities
Farm Event
Farmily Fun Group
Parents and kids share a gentle, outdoor morning filled with feeding animals, harvesting, and simple crafts, offering an easy way to slow down, connect, and let children discover the farm at their own pace.Parker Learning Gardens | 10 AM | 31239 Lanes Turn Rd, Coburg
Saturday
Story Time
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Families can settle in for a cozy half hour of songs, stories, and simple activities designed just for babies and toddlers, offering a welcoming way to connect, learn, and grow together.Bethel Branch Library | 10:15 AM | 1990 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Saturday
Stained Glass
Stained Glass Spider Web Workshop With April Reign
Artful afternoons await as you experiment with stained glass, learn beginner-friendly soldering skills, and shape colorful spider web designs alongside other makers in a relaxed, supportive setting.MECCA | 11:30 AM | 555 High St, Eugene
Saturday
Board Game Night
Beginner Board Game Night
Conversations around the table come easy when you are exploring approachable modern board games, trying something new at a comfortable pace, and sharing low-pressure fun with people who enjoy teaching and learning together.Funagain Games | 5 PM | 2817 Oak St, Eugene
Saturday
Historical Tour
History
Walking Tour
Stories of Eugene's past unfold among towering trees and historic headstones during this free guided walk, offering a thoughtful blend of local history, architecture, and quiet time outdoors.Eugene Masonic Cemetery | 1 PM | 2575 University St, Eugene
Saturday
Traditional Folk
Cherry Hill Live on the Patio
Acoustic energy, rootsy rhythms, and sing-along favorites from Cherry Hill turn a simple patio evening into a lively gathering, with all-ages welcome and free admission adding to the easygoing atmosphere.Beergarden | 4 PM | 777 W 6th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Stand-Up Comedy
Pride
Kristin Key: The Ca-Caw Tour
Laughs rise as Kristin Key mixes guitar-driven comedy, quick wit, and LGBTQ+ storytelling in an evening-length show with Lee Nacozy, giving fans a polished theater experience with clear views and comfy reserved seats.McDonald Theatre | 7 PM | 1010 Willamette St, Eugene
Sunday
Craft & Workshop
Comic Book
Comic Arts Festival of Eugene (CAFE)
Stories, sketches, and conversations come together in a free, all-ages comics festival featuring acclaimed guests, hands-on workshops, and a bustling exhibitor hall of local and small-press creators.Lane Events Center: Auditorium | 11 AM | 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Family & Kids
Family Fun with Magnets
Families will find hands-on magnet projects, simple experiments, and open-ended play stations designed for kids 5-12 to explore together. Drop in anytime during the afternoon and stay as long as you like at this free event.Downtown Eugene Public Library | 1 PM | 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Farmers Market
Food & Drink
Whiteaker Community Market
Community-focused and colorful, this Sunday market invites neighbors to wander shaded paths, chat with growers and artists, use SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, and bring kids to explore tasty, seasonal food in an easygoing setting.Whiteaker Community Market | 10 AM | 1180 W 4th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Alternative Rock
Gavin Prophet, Lioneer, Pretty Suspect & Foreal
Energy builds as touring acts and hometown favorites share a cozy all-ages room, turning a simple Sunday night into a four-hour run of riffs, hooks, and sing-along choruses.Ghost Town Outfitters | 6 PM | 1040 Tyinn St Ste 8, Eugene
Sunday
Live Music
Irish Traditional Music Session
Melodies rise from fiddles, flutes, and bouzouki while you unwind on a Sunday afternoon, surrounded by the warmth of live traditional Irish tunes and the easy hum of conversation at the pub.Falling Sky Brewing | 4 PM | 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene
Sunday
Active
Wellness
Beginner Capoeira Class
Rhythms of capoeira come to life in this welcoming series where new movers explore kicks, dodges, and music in a supportive circle, building confidence, coordination, and community week by week.Platform360 | 7 PM | 1840 Willamette St Ste 206, Eugene
Monday
Community Educ.
Coffee Event
Coffee with the Library Director
Coffees from around the world, light snacks, and relaxed conversation with Library Director Angela Ocana make this a friendly chance to share your ideas, ask questions, and hear about new and ongoing library offerings.Sheldon Branch Library | 10 AM | 1566 Coburg Rd, Eugene
Monday
Dance
West Coast Swing Dance
Footwork, fun, and just the right amount of spin make this Monday meetup a perfect antidote to the start of the week, whether you arrive knowing sugar pushes or just how to count to eight.The Vet's Club | 7 PM | 1626 Willamette St, Eugene
Monday
Ballroom Dance
Christina's Twirling Two's
Couples and solo dancers can explore easy round dance patterns, enjoy friendly instruction, and build skills week by week with approachable figures that make ballroom-style dancing more fun and less intimidating.Emerald Square Dance Center | 7 PM | 2095 Yolanda Ave, Springfield
Monday
Mental Health
Community Healing Night
Restful time set aside to unplug, settle into cozy blankets, and receive gentle support from experienced healing arts practitioners who create a soothing container for stress relief, grounding, and emotional reset.The Trauma Healing Project | 6 PM | 631 E 19th Ave Bldg B, Eugene
Monday
Live Music
Performing Arts
Eugene Peace Choir New Season
Songs of hope, justice, and environmental care fill an inclusive rehearsal where new and returning singers build harmonies together and prepare to share their music across Eugene throughout the season.First United Methodist Church | 6 PM | 1376 Olive St, Eugene
Monday
Classical
Performing Arts
Chamber Music Amici: Three Bs
Listeners can savor a concise, one-hour journey from baroque counterpoint to romantic passion, framed by a pre-concert talk and post-concert dessert reception that make the evening welcoming for both new and seasoned audiences.Wildish Community Theater | 7:30 PM | 630 Main St, Springfield
Monday
A sample of brunches around town. Tell them Eugene Lowdown sent you!
Barry's Espresso Bakery & Deli Mon-Fri 7am-4pm • Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm
Breakfast all day • $9 Breakfast Special • $3.5 Toasted Bialy/Challah roll • $10 lox + cream cheese
Metropol Bakery Daily 8am-4pm
$9.50 scrambled eggs/bacon/ham/sausage + Tillamook cheddar breakfast sandwich • Fair Trade Certified Organic espresso
Provisions South Daily 8am-8pm
$11.50 egg sandwich/farm breakfast • $22 steak and eggs • $13 croque madame • $8.50 avocado toast/quice du jour
Forrester's Bar & Grill Daily 8am-9pm
$21 The Sasquatch Breakfast/The Axe Men Chicken Fried Steak • $17 buttermilk pancakes/Belgian waffle • $15 avocado toast
The Spark Mobile Cafe Wed-Fri 9am-3pm • Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
$14 Seasonal French toast/grilled burrito/avocado bagel • $7 matcha latte/maple cold brew/organic fresh juice
Offerings sometimes change. Please check before you go. 😊
 | This week in 1927On October 15, 1927, Eugene's last streetcar made its final run before the system was converted to bus operation. |
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