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Dolly gets a downtown tribute, RicoRincon starts delivering, and Lane County's fall fun calendar flips to spooky mode.
Good morning. It's Tuesday, September 15. The forecast may do whatever it wants, but the calendar is locked in: art downtown, pumpkins on the horizon, and spooky season warming up its vocal cords. Consider this your quick nudge to make a plan. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown.
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Memorial Mural Honors Dolly Parton
Eugene artist Bayne Garner created a memorial mural of Dolly Parton on the wall of Shoe-a-Holic off Oak Alley in downtown Eugene. The piece portrays Parton as a Simpsons-style character, combining her recognizable look with a visual reference to the area's longstanding connection to The Simpsons.
RicoRincon Opens on Main Street
Springfield's takeout options just got a new addition. RicoRincon is now open at 1441 Main Street, offering both takeout and delivery. The new opening was announced Sunday, giving local diners a fresh option for easy meals without the sit-down wait.
Pumpkin Junction Opens Friday
If your ideal autumn includes pumpkins by day and jump scares by night, this lineup delivers. Ojedas Hollywood Park in Creswell will host Pumpkin Junction and Fear Farm through Halloween, and the 11th Annual Harvest Fair brings more than 100 vendors, food trucks and live music to Lane Events Center on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Blues
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
Blues-soaked solos, powerhouse vocals, and a full-band sound turn this weeknight into a standout concert, with comfortable reserved seats and an easy downtown Eugene setting for music fans of all ages.McDonald Theatre | 8 PM | 1010 Willamette St, Eugene
Tuesday
Hip-Hop
R.A. The Rugged Man
Rhymes, beats, and rapid fire stage presence from a veteran emcee turn this Tuesday into a highlight for hip-hop fans, with an affordable ticket, early evening hours, and an intimate setting ideal for serious listeners.WOW Hall | 8 PM | 291 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Tuesday
Bingo
Bingo
Players settle in for a relaxed weeknight outing filled with classic bingo rounds, easy cash buy-ins, and the excitement of a hefty blackout jackpot that keeps everyone watching their cards to the final number.Eugene Elks Lodge #357 | 6:15 PM | 2470 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Tuesday
Murals
Building Community: Exploring Eugene's Murals
Stories from Eugene\'s streets come indoors through vivid mural photography, showcasing local and international artists while inviting students and neighbors to see the city\'s public art with fresh eyes.Erb Memorial Union | 8 AM | 1395 University St, Eugene
Tuesday
Community Educ.
Civic & Govt
Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation Happy Hour
Ideas about safer streets, better biking, and more connected transit take center stage over drinks and snacks as community members and experts trade stories, questions, and practical ways to improve local transportation.Gratitude Brewing | 5 PM | 540 E 8th Ave, Eugene
Tuesday
Photo Exhibit
New Work and Old Favorites
Creativity fills the walls with black-and-white photographs that trace Northwest history and scenery, inviting visitors to slow down for an intimate look during this late summer and early fall gallery exhibition.O'Brien Imaging | 1 PM | 2833 Willamette St Ste B, Eugene
Tuesday
Community Educ.
Gardening Class
Maintaining Pollinator Friendly Landscapes in Fall and Winter
Cultivation-minded locals can spend an hour with Master Gardeners exploring practical techniques to grow healthier, more resilient gardens, with clear explanations, friendly Q and A, and plenty of inspiration to apply at home.Lane County Extension Service | 6:30 PM | 996 Jefferson St, Eugene
Tuesday
Teen Event
Book Club
Young Adult Book Club
Conversations about favorite YA reads, characters, and themes make this small-group gathering a friendly place for teens to connect, talk about books they enjoy, and discover new titles to check out.Creswell Library | 4 PM | 64 W Oregon Ave, Creswell
Tuesday
Jazz
Paul Biondi & Friends
Rhythms, solos, and smooth melodies make this weeknight show a mellow break in the middle of your week, with expert local musicians creating an easygoing jazz backdrop.Mac's Restaurant & Nightclub | 6:30 PM | 1626 Willamette St, Eugene
Wednesday
Science & Tech
Discover Together: Balloon Science
Curiosity takes the lead as kids explore how air, motion, and pressure make balloons zoom, twist, and fly, all through easy science challenges designed for growing minds and patient grown-ups.Bethel Branch Library | 2:30 PM | 1990 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Wednesday
Performing Arts
Community Open Mic
Creativity thrives at this midweek open mic where locals share songs, jokes, and stories while the crowd cheers them on, all for a small suggested donation that helps keep the sound and lights going.The Hybrid Gallery | 7:30 PM | 941 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Wednesday
Kids Activities
Craft & Workshop
Kids: Craft a Mini-Pinata
Kids get a relaxed hour to transform recycled materials into bright mini pinatas, explore simple crafting techniques, and take home a handmade creation at no cost.Downtown Eugene Public Library | 4:30 PM | 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Wednesday
Folk / Acoustic
The Lone Bellow
Harmonies soar, stories unfold, and a trio of acclaimed songwriters turns a weeknight into something special as they bring their Americana sound to an intimate theater stage.Hult Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM | 1 Eugene
Wednesday
Community Educ.
Family & Kids
Family Fungi Fest
Curiosity about fungi turns into a relaxed, family-friendly night of learning, with experts on hand to answer questions, share tips for home cultivation, and spark kids interest through playful, science-focused activities.Hilyard Community Center | 7 PM | 2580 Hilyard St, Eugene
Wednesday
Tours
Education
Beyond the Horizon: Expedition & Adventure Travel Event
Conversations with seasoned travel pros and partner representatives help you imagine your next big journey, from remote landscapes to wildlife-rich coasts, with practical tips to turn daydreams into real plans.Grace Community Fellowship | 9 AM | 989 Country Club Rd, Eugene
Wednesday
Jazz
Wine Tasting
Roots & Rising
Music lovers can savor an autumn evening of jazz, local bites, wine, and a lively silent auction while supporting environmental justice work across Oregon.Hinman Vineyards | 5 PM | 27012 Briggs Hill Rd, Eugene
Thursday
Musical Theater
Spring Awakening
Characters: Teens, parents, and musical theatre lovers converge for an intimate rock musical that pairs a powerful live band with an 8-time Tony-winning score, exploring desire, consequence, and rebellion in a late 19th-century German town.Oregon Contemporary Theatre | 7:30 PM | 194 W Broadway, Eugene
Thursday
Painting Class
Pets & Nature
Paint Your Pet
Color comes to life in this cozy paint night where your pet becomes the star of the canvas, with gentle guidance, simple techniques, and plenty of time to sip, relax, and enjoy a low-pressure creative escape.5th Street Public Market | 6:30 PM | 296 E 5th Ave, Eugene
Thursday
Traditional Folk
Whiskey and Rain
Melodies drift through the taproom as this local acoustic group mixes vocals, fiddle, and laid-back grooves into a cozy soundtrack for conversation and craft beer.Oakshire Brewing | 6 PM | 207 Madison St, Eugene
Thursday
Jazz
Heaven Zest & Emily Turner
Conversations in sound unfold as Heaven Zest and Emily Turner weave spirit-lifting grooves, upright bass lines, and soulful vocals into an uplifting evening that feels part dance party, part sonic medicine, all heart.Blairally | 8 PM | 245 Blair Blvd, Eugene
Thursday
Live Music
Comedy Show
The Canon Event
Creativity takes over the night with comedians, musicians, and surprise acts sharing the stage in an intimate setting ideal for grabbing a drink, laughing hard, and discovering fresh local talent.The Annex | 7 PM | 1236 Kincaid St, Eugene
Thursday
Jazz
The Jazz Symbiosis Trio with Gus Russell
Grooves of bossa nova, swing, and blues fill the room as this tight trio turns dinner into a mellow night out. Ideal for unwinding after work with good company, good flavors, and live local jazz.Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Club | 5:30 PM | 560 Oak St Ste 130, Eugene
Thursday
Bingo
Twisted Duck Bingo
Colorful cards, loud calls, and easy laughter make this weekly bingo night a fun way to unwind while supporting vital services for local kids in foster care.Twisted Duck Pub | 7 PM | 529 W Centennial Blvd, Springfield
Thursday
Here's a sampling of happy hours around The Emerald City. Tell them Eugene Lowdown sent you!
High Street Brewery Daily 3-6pm • Mon-Thu + Sun 9-11pm • Fri-Sat 9-midnight
$1.50 off draft beer/cider/wine/wells • $2 off cocktails/flights • $8.25 tacos
Marché Restaurant Mon-Fri 3-5pm
$5 olives • $10 fried oysters • $9 cocktails • $6 local brews • $8 red/white wine
ColdFire Brewing Mon-Fri 3-5pm
$2 off select draft beer/cocktails/all wine • $6 ballpark dog • $8 smash burger
Ambrosia Restaurant Tue-Fri 4:30-6pm
$6 Insalata Ambrosia/Caesar • $12 antipasti/arancini • $5 draft beer • $7 margs
The Bier Stein Mon-Thu 2-4pm
$5 select draft beer/cider • $1 off house wine • $3 off crowlers • pub food specials
Agate Alley Bistro 3-5pm + 10pm-close
$5 wells/house wine/microbrew • $14 burger + fries • $9 BLT + fries • $13 fish tacos
Gratitude Brewing Wed-Sat 3-5pm
$1 off draft beer and wine
Offers sometimes change. Please check before you go. Cheers! 😊
 | This week in 1948The Western film Rachel and the Stranger, filmed in Eugene, premiered in New York City on September 18, 1948. |
Thanks for reading this edition of the Eugene Lowdown. If today's lineup helped you pick a mural stop, a takeout plan, or a fall outing to circle on the calendar, mission accomplished. Got a friend who likes knowing what's up around town? Please share or forward it their way.
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