4 events and a hike to do in Eugene and Springfield this weekend
Get outside and enjoy the arrival of spring with these Eugene weekend events and a hike through Blanton Ridge. Also, Broadway comes to Eugene with the arrival of the award-winning musical, "Come From Away."
'Come From Away' at the Hult Center
Immerse yourself in a remarkable true story about 7,000 stranded passengers and a small Newfoundland town that welcomed them with Broadway's "Come From Away." Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased online at hultcenter.org.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene
Eugene Marathon
Cheer on runners as they take to the city's streets for the Eugene Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and 1K Duck Dash. Courses start outside Hayward Field and take runners through Eugene and Springfield and alongside the Willamette River before finishing on the track.
When: Kids Duck Dash starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, 5K starts at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, the marathon and half marathon start at 7 a.m. on Sunday
Where: Races begin at Hayward Field, 1580 E 15th Ave., Eugene
Oregon spring football game
Cheer for your favorite Ducks at Oregon football's annual spring game. Watch the team go head-to-head in a fun and lively tradition. Admission is free, but people are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Food For Lane County.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Autzen Stadium, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Eugene
Lane County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Ready to break out that green thumb? Head to the Lane Events Center this weekend for all things plants. The Lane County Master Gardener Association is hosting a spring plant sale where people can buy vegetable and herb starts, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, natives, berries, trees, shrubs, water plants and more. There will also be a silent auction for local gifts and a book sale with quality used garden and cookbooks. All proceeds go to the Lane County Master Gardener Association. Bring your own cart and boxes. For more information, go to laneeventscenter.org.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave., Eugene
Hike Blanton Ridge
Located on the edge of town in south Eugene, Blanton Ridge offers a great trail to explore beautiful rolling hills and fun views. The route is part of the city's 19-mile Ridgeline Trail System, and it is located between Willamette Street and Blanton Road. The trail is roughly 4 miles out and would likely take a little under two hours to complete. It is considered moderately difficult with gradual elevation gain during the hike.
To start, head to the Blanton Ridge Trailhead located off Blanton Road. Parking is available at the trailhead. From there, the trail will take you on a secluded path along the east side of Blanton Ridge. You'll pass through serene prairies, oak woodlands and Douglas fir forests. Views from high points on the trail this time of year offer glimpses of Mount Baldy and downtown Eugene. Once you reach Willamette Street, you'll want to turn around and head back. Another option is to start at the 52nd and Willamette Street Trailhead and reverse the hike. The trail offers a mix of sun and shade, making it a great year-round adventure. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.
Makenzie Elliott covers breaking news and public safety for The Register-Guard. Reach her at MElliott@gannett.com Find her on Twitter at @makenzielliott.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 4 events and a hike to do in Eugene and Springfield this weekend
