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This weekend gets cosmic at Eugene Science Center, while Springfield welcomes a new pizza truck at The Sweet Market.
Good morning. It's Friday, October 2. Early October brings a strong mix of hands-on learning and easy weekend outings, with World Space Week starting Sunday at Eugene Science Center. There's also a new food truck opening nearby in Springfield for anyone adding a quick bite to their plans. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown.
Hot Slices Roll Into The Sweet Market
If your weekend plans include pizza, Draggin' Fire Pizza is now on the radar at The Sweet Market's Main & Food Truck Pavilion, 4425 Main St. The truck celebrated a soft opening Wednesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., then went bigger with a Thursday grand opening from noon-9 p.m. The owners relocated from Fort Myers, Florida.
Free Solar Viewing and Planetarium Discounts
Eugene Science Center in Alton Baker Park will host World Space Week Sunday through Saturday with the theme "Rocket Revolution." Activities include free solar viewing, meteorite demos and talks, free art projects, and astronaut selfies. Visitors also get 15% off space-themed store items and $2 off planetarium shows (general admission).
Lightning Lowdown: Quick News
Jazz
The Noah Bernacki Collective
Melodies from talented University of Oregon players fill the room with classic and contemporary jazz, creating a welcoming atmosphere for friends, dates, and solo listeners looking to unwind with great music.Gratitude Brewing | 7:30 PM | 540 E 8th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Comedy Show
The Gateway Show
Laughs escalate as comedians first deliver polished sets, then return delightfully stoned to riff, ramble, and try to finish their jokes while the crowd cheers from reserved or general seating.Whirled Pies | 7:30 PM | 199 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Family & Kids
Seasonal
Ghostly Golf
Families can savor an October night glowing with black lights, whimsical Halloween scenes, and easygoing putt-putt challenges, whether you are chasing a low score, a discount with your costume, or simply a relaxed seasonal outing.Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park | 6 PM | 4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
Friday
Musical Theater
The Addams Family Musical
Hilarious musical chaos unfolds as a very unusual family hosts a very normal dinner, mixing sharp comedy, heartfelt moments, and toe-tapping songs into a perfectly spooky night out for teens and adults.Cottage Theatre | 7:30 PM | 700 Village Dr, Cottage Grove
Friday
Musical Theater
Paint Your Wagon
Songs from the Golden Age of Broadway fill this lively Old West tale, pairing rich choreography and a talented cast with favorites like "They Call the Wind Maria" for an evening of nostalgic, big-hearted musical theater.The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts | 7:30 PM | 868 High St, Eugene
Friday
Metal
Rat King, Prager Youth, Gang Violence and Haunting
Ferocity meets underground energy in a stacked metal lineup featuring multiple bands, loud amps, and close quarters intensity for fans who like their shows fast, heavy, and sweaty.Wandering Goat Coffee Company | 7 PM | 268 Madison St, Eugene
Friday
Theater Play
Night of the Living Dead Live
Laughs and chills collide in this reimagined take on a beloved horror staple, where sharp writing, tight pacing, and clever staging turn a familiar zombie siege into a fast-moving, crowd-pleasing night out.The Very Little Theatre | 7:30 PM | 2350 Hilyard St, Eugene
Friday
Folk
Meadow Rue
Stories in song, warm harmonies, and acoustic grooves set the tone for a relaxed night of roots music that pairs perfectly with good company and a drink in hand.PublicHouse | 7 PM | 418 A St, Springfield
Friday
Hip-Hop
Yelawolf & Highly Suspect
Energy builds as Yelawolf and Highly Suspect bring The War Within Tour to Eugene for a high-impact night of rock and hip-hop, backed by Passengers Unknown and VIP upgrade options for fans who want an up-close experience.Cuthbert Amphitheater | 6 PM | 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Saturday
Live Music
Alder Street Band
Rhythms, pints, and neighborhood energy come together as Alder Street Band takes the stage during Oakshire's 20th anniversary celebration, offering an easygoing outdoor set perfect for friends, families, and beer lovers alike.Oakshire Brewing | 4 PM | 207 Madison St, Eugene
Saturday
Yoga
Laughter Yoga
Smiles come easily during this lighthearted session of playful exercises and guided relaxation designed to ease tension, lift your spirits, and give you simple techniques you can use anytime you need a mood reset.Downtown Eugene Public Library | 10 AM | 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Fall Harvest
Festivals
Growers Market Harvest Festival
Seasonal: Celebrate the close of market season with fresh produce, handmade goods, live tunes, hot crepes, and the simple pleasure of pressing your own apples into fresh cider with neighbors in the countryside.Spencer Creek Grange | 10 AM | 86013 Lorane Hwy, Eugene
Saturday
Kids Activities
Craft & Workshop
Family Fun: Air-Dry Clay
Creativity blooms as kids ages 5-12 shape, squish, and sculpt air-dry clay while grown-ups join in the fun, explore learning games, and enjoy an easygoing Saturday afternoon activity at no cost.Bethel Branch Library | 3 PM | 1990 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Saturday
Karaoke
Karaoke
Atmosphere-rich weekend fun awaits with four hours of karaoke, cold drinks, and a friendly audience where first-time singers and seasoned regulars can belt out favorites late into Saturday night.The Cooler | 8 PM | 20 Centennial Loop, Eugene
Saturday
Live Music
Rachel Collins
Songs from across the classic rock and pop songbook get a fresh blues piano twist, with rich vocals and easygoing energy that make for a relaxed, music-forward night out.The Barn Light | 7 PM | 924 Willamette St, Eugene
Saturday
Folk / Acoustic
Namoli Brennet
Stories unfold in song as Namoli Brennet brings award-nominated songwriting, warm vocals, and thoughtful humor to a welcoming space, inviting listeners into a concert that feels personal, inspiring, and quietly unforgettable.First Congregational United Church of Christ | 7 PM | 1050 E 23rd Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Festivals
Kids Activities
Fall Family Festival
Families can savor a relaxed fall afternoon with music, games, crafts, and kid-friendly activities, all designed to help neighbors connect and make easygoing memories together.Emerald Park | 1 PM | 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene
Sunday
Gardening Class
Plant Sale
Fall Plant Sale
Families can browse a variety of plants from local nurseries, connect with gardening experts, and pick up ideas for refreshing outdoor spaces during the autumn growing season.Eugene Garden Club | 1 PM | 1645 High St, Eugene
Sunday
Jazz
Food & Drink
Jazz Brunch with the Dorian May Trio Plus One
Harmonies from a fine-tuned trio-plus-one turn a simple Sunday meal into a cozy jazz escape, pairing warm improvisation with thoughtfully sourced dishes and an easygoing vibe that feels like a monthly reset button.LOVELY All Day Cafe | 11:30 AM | 111 Main St, Springfield
Sunday
Bingo
Family Game
Family Bingo with Ty Connor
Families can unwind with lighthearted bingo rounds, casual prizes, and plenty of conversation as the weekend winds down, all in a laid-back taproom atmosphere that keeps both adults and kids comfortably entertained.Drop Bear Brewery | 5:30 PM | 2690 Willamette St, Eugene
Sunday
Dungeons Dragons
Drop-In D&D
Stories come to life as you roll dice, meet fellow players, and dive into a guided tabletop RPG one-shot designed for older teens and adults who want a low-commitment, high-fun way to explore roleplaying games.Books With Pictures Eugene | 2 PM | 296 E 5th Ave Ste 224, Eugene
Sunday
Karaoke
Sing It Loud with DJ Johnbens Karaoke!
Conversations turn into choruses as regulars and first-timers step up to sing everything from power ballads to party anthems. Settle in for relaxed drinks, easygoing vibes, and the kind of applause that feels like old friends.Happy Hours | 8 PM | 645 River Rd, Eugene
Sunday
Poetry Reading
Poetry in the Round
Conversations around the page unfold in a quiet, welcoming circle where poems take center stage, voices are heard without critique, and a gentle Sunday rhythm makes it easy to share or just soak it in.Coburg Commons Bookstore | 12:30 PM | 91193 N Willamette St, Coburg
Sunday
Psychedelic Rock
Acid Mothers Temple w/ Magick Potion
Hypnotic guitars, cosmic grooves, and swirling psych textures turn this Monday night into a mind-bending tour stop, with cult legends Acid Mothers Temple joined by Magick Potion for an intimate club show.John Henry's | 9 PM | 881 Willamette St, Eugene
Monday
Trivia Night
Trivia
Brains buzz through a relaxed evening of questions, rounds, and rivalries, with plenty of time to enjoy a meal, compare guesses, and celebrate those satisfying I-knew-it moments when your team gets it exactly right.PLAY Eugene | 7 PM | 232 W 5th Ave, Eugene
Monday
Cribbage
Cribbage
Conversations over cribbage hands, good drinks, and easygoing competition make this weekly meetup a relaxed way to sharpen your pegging skills and connect with other card lovers after a busy Monday.The Annex | 6:30 PM | 1236 Kincaid St, Eugene
Monday
Crochet & Knit
Knit & Crochet Circle
Conversations with fellow crafters turn a simple hour of stitching into a cozy creative break, whether you are adding a few rows to a long-term project or finally casting on something new.Sheldon Branch of Eugene Public Library | 5 PM | 1566 Coburg Rd, Eugene
Monday
Jazz
Performing Arts
First Monday Night Big Band
Rhythms from a full big band bring classic and modern jazz charts to life while students and community musicians step onto the bandstand for an inspiring, low-pressure chance to solo alongside seasoned pros.The Jazz Station | 7 PM | 124 W Broadway, Eugene
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 1955On October 1, 1955, the first section of Oregon's Interstate Highway System, the Banfield Expressway, opened to Troutdale. |
Thanks for reading this edition of the Eugene Lowdown. Hope you find a plan that fits: maybe a little solar viewing, maybe a little pizza, maybe both if you're living right. If you know someone who likes staying in the loop without doom-scrolling, please share or forward it their way.
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