What's happening in Eugene and Springfield this weekend? Here are 4 events and a hike to check out

Makenzie Elliott, Register-Guard
·4 min read

Looking for things to do this weekend? Celebrate the arts with a trip to the theater and ballet or hop on over to Lively Park for an egg hunt this weekend. Also, get outside with a hike through the Mount Pisgah Arboretum.

NW10: Buckle Up

Join Northwest Ten for its 15th annual 10-minute play festival at the Oregon Contemporary Theatre. The festival began last week and continues with performances this weekend. Playwrights from across the state will have their work featured including local playwrights Eric Braman of Springfield, and Eugene's Cameron Jackson and Nancy West. The show is two hours including intermission. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at octheatre.org or by calling 541-465-1506.

When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday

Where: Oregon Contemporary Theatre, 194 West Broadway, Eugene

Children take to the fields at Lively Park to search for Easter eggs during the MEGGA Hunt on April 16.
Children take to the fields at Lively Park to search for Easter eggs during the MEGGA Hunt on April 16.

MEGGA Hunt in Springfield

Springfield's biggest annual egg hunt is back. Join family, friends and community members for the MEGGA Hunt at Lively Park. There will be five hunt options including a competitive hunt, toddler hunt, inclusive non-competitive hunt, adaptive non-competitive hunt and reserved family competitive hunt. It is $6 in-district and $8 out-of-district to participate. Day-of admission is $8. There is no admission fee or advance registration required for children under 2 or people not participating in egg hunts. To register, go to willamalane.org.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Road, Springfield

The Springfield Arts and Culture Awards

The Springfield Arts and Culture Awards is honoring local artists, art organizations and distinctive culture that enriches the Springfield community. SACA will present awards for excellence in multiple areas of the Springfield art scene including young artist of the year, arts advocacy/business arts supporter, culture connection, public art award, arts organization of the year and lifetime achievement. The event will also feature jazz singer Halie Loren and Ballet Fantastique. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at wildishtheater.com.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Wildish Theater, 630 Main St., Springfield

Eugene Ballet: 'BOLD'

Experience an exciting showcase of guest choreographers and daring contemporary pieces in Eugene Ballet's "BOLD." The performance will showcase four ballets by choreographers Val Caniparoli, Eva Stone, Nicolo Fonte and a world premiere by Eugene Ballet’s resident choreographer Suzanne Haag. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at hultcenter.org.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene

Visitors walk through Mount Pisgah Arboretum southeast of Eugene.
Visitors walk through Mount Pisgah Arboretum southeast of Eugene.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Located just 5 miles southeast of downtown Eugene, Mount Pisgah Arboretum offers plenty of trail options for those looking for a fun way to explore. The 209-acre nature preserve includes 7 miles of trails and interactive nature exhibits. Also, check out mountpisgaharboretum.org for a calendar of guided walks and workshops for other ways to experience the arboretum.

Interconnecting paths make it so you really can choose your own adventure when exploring the arboretum. The Tried-and-True loop is about 1.5 miles long with an elevation gain of about 200 feet. The loop is highlighted on the arboretum's trail map as good for all seasons. It's easily accessible, while still offering slightly more challenging paths. To start, park at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum parking lot on Frank Parrish Road. There is a $5 parking fee that can be paid online or at a kiosk near the lot. From there, head toward the arboretum and start on Riverbank Trail. Go through to Water Garden Trails, which will take you through a wetlands exhibit. Take a right when you run into Pond Lily Trail and follow that up to Jette Trail. You'll then follow the Lower Plateau Trail through beautiful white oak trees and then head down Zig-zag Trail. Finally, you'll find your way back to the parking lot through Creek Trails. During the hike, you'll pass by Oregon ash, big leaf maples, incense cedar and Douglas firs. Feel free to explore other trails as you go along to check out additional nature exhibits. Dogs are allowed but must always be leashed in the arboretum.

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: Eugene, Springfield events and a hike to do this weekend