What's happening in the Eugene area this weekend? Here are 4 events and a hike to check out
Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these Eugene and Cottage Grove celebrations, performances and shows for all ages. Also, head to Wild Iris Ridge Park for a quick and scenic hike.
Sicilian Music and Food Celebration
The Community Center for the Performing Arts is hosting Casanostra and PJ Cannoli at WOW Hall for a Sicilian Music and Food Celebration. PJ Cannoli is a new food project with the goal of bringing people together through food and sharing enlivening experiences to strengthen community bonds. Tickets are $10 for all ages and can be purchased at wowhall.org.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday
Where: WOW Hall, 291 W 8th Ave., Eugene
Eugene Gem Faire
Explore one of the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the country. The Gem Faire offers fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and more at manufacturer’s prices. There will also be jewelry repair and cleaning available. Admission is $7 for a weekend pass and parking is free.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave., Eugene
Western Oregon Exposition Easter
Start the Easter celebration a little early with the Western Oregon Exposition Easter event in Cottage Grove. There will be at least 37 small business vendors along with opportunities to take photos with the Easter Bunny. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods to donate to Community Sharing.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Western Oregon Exposition, 2000 N Douglas Ave., Cottage Grove
PAW Patrol Live!
Your favorite Paw Patrol pups are coming to Eugene. Join them at the Matthew Knight Arena for PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure." There will be performances on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased online at goducks.com.
When: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Matthew Knight Arena, 1390 Villard St., Eugene
Wild Iris Ridge Park
Wild Iris Ridge Park, which opened in 2017, is one of the newer segments of Eugene's Ridgeline Trail system. The 250-acre park offers trails winding you through upland prairie and oak habitats. Visitors can enjoy views of Spencer Butte and the West Eugene Wetlands as they make their way through the trails. While it's a little too early for the park's namesake, check out the trails later this spring and summer to spot some wild iris blooms.
If you're looking for a quick and scenic hike to get your heart rate up, Wild Iris Hill Ridge to Bailey Hill Drive is a great option close to town. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Bailey Hill Road and South Bertelsen Road. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead with limited parking. From there, you'll want to follow signs pointing toward Wild Iris Ridge Trail and Bailey View Drive. There are a few trail routes, but I chose to do an out-and-back hike up to Bailey View Drive and back down. On the way up, it is on the steeper side, but the climb is gradual. You'll pass a few little streams and bridges and intersecting paths. Keep following the signs to Bailey View Drive. Once you reach the top, you're greeted with fantastic views of West Eugene. The whole route took me under an hour to complete. The path was well-traveled on a sunny day. Dogs are welcome 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 Cottage Grove this weekend
