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South Eugene's pizza plans are shifting, Santa Clara's former Shari's may go AYCE, and Springfield City Hall has candy.
Good morning. It's Friday, October 23. We have a few timely local updates to help you plan the week ahead, including restaurant changes in Eugene and a family event coming up in Springfield. Keep this one handy if you're thinking about upcoming meals and community plans. Alright, here's today's edition of your Eugene Lowdown.
Shari's Building, New Sushi Destiny
That former Shari's in Santa Clara may be trading pie for hand rolls. Sumo Sushi & Grill is lining up an all-you-can-eat restaurant at 35 Division Ave., and its recruiting form now lists Eugene. No opening date, local pricing, or hours yet, but the paperwork and hiring are in motion.
Costumes, Candy, and City Hall Fun
Skip the drizzle and take the candy indoors: City Hall-O-Ween is set for Oct. 30 at Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St. Families are invited to come in costume for indoor trick-or-treating, activities hosted by city staff and community partners, and a family-friendly magic show at 4 p.m. Admission is free.
New Sit-Down Spot to Open Soon
South Eugene is getting a new reason to skip cooking: Fitti's Pizza is relocating into a dedicated restaurant space at 2835 Oak Street. The move shifts the business from its current home at Wildfire Family Kitchen on Conger Street, with the new location expected to open sometime between late October and mid-November.
Lightning Lowdown: Quick News
Live Music
Daydream Derby
Rhythms, harmonies, and fresh pints come together for a relaxed Friday night out, with upbeat covers, family-friendly vibes, and plenty of tasty food options to keep everyone happy while the music rolls on.Drop Bear Brewery | 7 PM | 2690 Willamette St, Eugene
Friday
Dance Party
Seasonal
Witches Dance Party
Wicked beats, eerie lighting, and a room full of costumed revelers make this 18-plus night an easy way to tap into Halloween magic without the kids or the trick-or-treat chaos.The Sparrow & Serpent Pub | 9 PM | 211 Washington St, Eugene
Friday
Traditional Folk
Newberry & Verch
Stories, songs, and dance blend into a warm, acoustic showcase of clawhammer banjo, Canadian fiddle tunes, and close harmony singing, ideal for roots music fans looking for a cozy night of world-class musicianship.Coburg Commons | 7:30 PM | 91193 N Willamette St, Coburg
Friday
Bingo
Seasonal
All-Ages Halloween Bingo
Spooky cards, silly calls, and gentle prizes make this Halloween bingo night a low-pressure way for families and friends of all ages to celebrate together indoors.Sheldon Branch Library | 6 PM | 1566 Coburg Rd, Eugene
Friday
Folk / Acoustic
Kavaney and Shipe
Stories, harmonies, and hometown vibes come together as Kavaney and Shipe plug in for a laid-back night of Americana. Sip something on tap, share some food, and unwind with tunes from a seasoned local duo.The Garden on Friendly | 6:30 PM | 2760 Friendly St, Eugene
Friday
Author Q&A
Author Talk: Novelist Isabel Canas
Conversations with a celebrated Mexican American author delve into ghosts, history, and resistance, as Isabel Canas shares the inspirations behind her gothic novels and answers audience questions in a relaxed, book-loving setting.Downtown Eugene Public Library | 4:30 PM | 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Friday
Cultural History
Kids Activities
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Families can savor an evening of Hispanic heritage with lively performances, delicious food, colorful face painting, and engaging activities that invite kids and adults alike to celebrate together.Guy Lee Elementary School | 5:30 PM | 755 Harlow Rd, Springfield
Friday
Kids Craft
Craft & Workshop
All Ages: Creepy Crafts
Families can settle in for a relaxed morning of creepy-themed crafts, kid-appropriate stories, and atmospheric music, with all supplies provided and no cost to participate.Bethel Branch Library | 11 AM | 1990 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Friday
Rock
Tom Hamilton Band
Stories, riffs, and improvisation collide in an intimate evening where a seasoned touring musician shares new songs, deep cuts, and the energy of a full-band rock show.WOW Hall | 8 PM | 291 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Performing Arts
Dance Party
Thrill the World Eugene
Zombies of all ages shuffle, slide, and strike their best Thriller poses in a community flash mob that doubles as a lively fundraiser for ShelterCare, turning downtown into a spirited, family-friendly Halloween dance party.Downtown Eugene | 3 PM | Downtown Eugene
Saturday
Halloween Party
Kids Activities
Halloween Laser Show
Spirits of all ages are invited to settle into the dome for a playful laser light journey set to classic Halloween tunes, pairing family-friendly frights with budget-friendly admission options.Eugene Science Center | 1 PM | 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene
Saturday
Blues
Dan Parslow Band
Grooves from a local favorite trio set the tone for a relaxed Saturday night, with rich bass lines, tight drums, and guitar-driven soul and blues at an easygoing neighborhood spot.Gratitude Brewing | 7:30 PM | 540 E 8th Ave Ste A, Eugene
Saturday
Gem & Mineral
Markets & Shopping
68th Annual Rock & Gem Show
Creativity shines as local rockhounds share polished stones, glowing specimens, hands on demos, and family friendly games, all while raising scholarship funds for the next generation of geology and earth science students.Willamalane Adult Activity Center | 10 AM | 215 W C St, Springfield
Saturday
Classical
Performing Arts
Beethoven & Mozart
Harmonies from Mozart and Beethoven fill the hall as microphilharmonic teams with pianist Alexandre Dossin for an elegant night of chamber music featuring piano-and-wind quintets and poetic Liszt arrangements drawn from Beethoven's songs.The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts | 7:30 PM | 868 High St, Eugene
Saturday
Craft Fair
The Willamette Valley Handmade Market 2026
Creativity takes over the Lane Events Center Auditorium for a weekend of browsing, gifting, and meeting the makers behind more than 60 local handmade brands, with free admission, free parking, and a raffle benefiting a local cancer charity.Lane Events Center | 10 AM | 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Saturday
Karaoke
Live Music
Karaoke
Conversations flow between songs as friends cheer each other on, enjoy pub food and drinks, and settle in for a relaxed Saturday evening of crowd-pleasing karaoke.The Cooler Restaurant & Bar | 8 PM | 20 Centennial Loop, Eugene
Saturday
Comedy Show
Luckey's Comedy Night
Laughs stack up as comics take the stage with new bits, sharp takes, and plenty of surprises, perfect for wrapping up the weekend with friends and a drink.Luckey's Club | 9 PM | 933 Olive St, Eugene
Sunday
Country
Paul Cauthen
Stories of heartache, faith, and wild nights come to life in a rich, live set from Paul Cauthen with Leon Majcen, offering fans a powerful country-meets-soul concert to close out the weekend.McDonald Theatre | 7 PM | 1010 Willamette St, Eugene
Sunday
Family & Kids
Festivals
Halloween Carnival
Kids will love the chance to dress up, play easygoing games, make simple crafts, and gather candy in a bright, weather-proof space that keeps Halloween fun relaxed and stress free for grown-ups.Bob Keefer Center | 1 PM | 250 S 32nd St, Springfield
Sunday
Rock
The Helltones with 2106 and Fishbucket
Rhythms from Oakland and Eugene collide as The Helltones team up with 2106 and Fishbucket for a soulful surf-rock bill that keeps Sunday night moving with harmonies, hooks, and plenty of guitar shimmer.John Henry's | 9 PM | 881 Willamette St, Eugene
Sunday
Kids Activities
Toddler Time
Families can count on a calmer jump session where little kids bounce, climb, and tumble without older crowds, making it easier to supervise, connect, and burn off morning wiggles before the rest of the day.Get Air Eugene | 8 AM | 4211 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Sunday
Puzzle
Puzzled - A Puzzle Competition
Puzzles, friendly rivalry, and a three-hour timer come together in a relaxed community event where solo players and pairs test their jigsaw skills across multiple rounds for bragging rights and satisfying finishes.River Road Park & Recreation District | 1 PM | 1400 Lake Dr, Eugene
Sunday
Bachata Dance
Fusion of Dances
Connections deepen as partners rotate through West Coast swing, country swing, and bachata, taking a couple of short lessons before settling into a relaxed, welcoming social that lasts late into the evening.Eugene Garden Club | 7 PM | 1645 High St, Eugene
Sunday
Dungeons Dragons
Drop-In D&D
Stories come to life as you sit down for a focused three-hour tabletop roleplaying session, meet fellow players, and explore a beginner-friendly fantasy quest without needing long-term campaign commitments.Books With Pictures Eugene | 2 PM | 296 E 5th Ave Ste 224, Eugene
Sunday
Charity
Haunted House
2026 Habitat Homecoming - Haunted Halloween
Connections grow stronger as neighbors, supporters, and volunteers gather for a playful Halloween-themed evening that shines a light on critical housing needs while raising funds to expand safe, stable homeownership in the local community.Habitat for Humanity ReStore | 5:30 PM | 1210 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Monday
Cribbage
Cribbage
Cardplayers looking for a relaxed weeknight meetup can settle in for a few rounds of cribbage, low-cost entry, and the chance to snag small prizes while meeting other local players.The Annex | 6:30 PM | 1236 Kincaid St, Eugene
Monday
Film Screening
Sober Fall Movie & Hang Night: Lisa Frankenstein
Atmosphere feels cozy and social as guests settle in for a spooky-season movie, hands-on mini crafting, and a fun zero-proof drink that keeps the focus on creativity and connection.Overlap Self-Care Super Store | 6 PM | 136 S 6th St, Springfield
Monday
Improv Comedy
Improv Free-for-All
Conversations flow into spur-of-the-moment characters, goofy premises, and shared laughter as participants explore easy improv games in a friendly, judgment-free setting that welcomes both total beginners and seasoned comedy fans.McNail Riley House | 7 PM | 601 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Monday
Trivia Night
Pop Culture
Deadhead Trivia
Stories from decades of Grateful Dead lore turn into questions as teams and solo players test what they remember from the songs, the shows, and the parking-lot legends in a relaxed, welcoming setting.Whirled Pies | 6 PM | 199 W 8th Ave, Eugene
Monday
Performing Arts
Live Music
Emerald Valley Chorus Open House
Harmony fans will enjoy an open rehearsal evening where visitors can listen up close, sing along with easy charts, and meet a friendly treble chorus welcoming new voices of all experience levels.Eugene Faith Center | 6:45 PM | 1410 W 13th Ave, Eugene
Monday
A sample of brunches around town. Tell them Eugene Lowdown sent you!
Acorn Community Cafe Wed-Sun 10am-3pm
$9.50 biscuit & gravy • $12.50 banana pancakes/summer hash • $7 banana iced coffee
Moke's Coffee and Kitchen Weekdays 8am-3pm • Weekends 8am-4pm
$6.50 original egg • $7.50 the obi-wan • $9.00 the joan jett • $12.00 the weird Al • $12.00 the RBG
SideBar Sat-Sun 9am-noon
breakfast nachos • chicken fried steak • steak and eggs • classic breakfasts • crepes • mimosas bar • bloody marys
Abilities Diner And Bakery Daily 7am-2pm
$15 Negotiator Omelette • $17 French toast • $10 pancakes • $16 chicken fried steak
Vero Espresso House Daily 7am-6pm
Breakfast all day • $11 Veggie or Bacon Quiche/avocado toast • $13.50 breakfast scramble sandwiches • $15 Wild Lox + Bagel w/greens
Magpie Coffeeshop all day
Breakfast all day • $10 Biscuits & gravy + $2 egg • $11 Mag-Muffin • $8.75 Egg biscuit
Offerings sometimes change. Please check before you go. 😊
 | Eugene in 1851Eugene's lumber production began with its first sawmill, which was powered by water from the newly constructed millrace. |
Thanks for reading this edition of the Eugene Lowdown. We appreciate you spending a few minutes with us, and we hope these updates help with planning for the week ahead. If you know someone who would find this kind of local roundup useful, please share or forward it their way.
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