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Downtown Program Fund Events
Downtown Program Fund Grants
Do you have an idea for an event or art installation in downtown Eugene? Applications for 2024 funding will be open in January 2024. Learn More
2023 Downtown Program Fund Recipients
With the Downtown Program Fund grant, Cultural Services offers artists and organizations an opportunity to transform downtown outdoor spaces into arts and culture destinations. Funding of up to $5,000 per project is awarded for programming in publicly accessible outdoor spaces located within Eugene’s downtown core.
THE COME UP! BIPOC Young Entrepreneurs and Artists Fest
May 7 • 12-4 p.m.
Presented by Eugene Juneteenth Celebration Youth Committee and Xcape Dance Company
Emerging young BIPOC entrepreneurs and artists will learn the real-life experience of running a business by setting up their own vendor booth to sell goods to the public. Visitors are invited to shop the market to contribute to the education of buying and selling, tracking inventory, advertising and the joy of crafting a product for others to appreciate. Enjoy live music by DJ Smuve and performances by BIPOC youth that will feature local talent from our community. Free workshops from BIPOC artists and entrepreneurs will also be available to the public.
Eugene Tea Festival
May 21 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Presented by Eugene Tea Festival
This culturally engaging event celebrates tea, wellness and connection. Local businesses, tea professionals and nonprofits will come together to share their knowledge of the culture, history, and attributes of tea with the public. Taste a wide variety of teas, ask vendors questions, participate in tea ceremonies and register for tea-themed workshops. This is a free event, but tickets can be purchased for priority access.
Asian Night Market
May 26 • 5-10 p.m.
Presented by Asian American Council of Oregon
Enjoy a delightful evening of Asian cultural performances, a wide selection of traditional foods, a craft marketplace and activities for the whole family. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month and a wonderful time to experience the rich cultural diversity and influence of night markets as they exist throughout Asia, and now here in Eugene.
Rhythm and Sounds of Zimbabwe
June 3 • 2-4 p.m. | Kesey Square
June 9 • 6-8 p.m. | Farmers Market Pavilion
July 23 • 6-8 p.m. | Kesey Square
August 25 • 6-8 p.m. | Kesey Square
Presented by Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center
Enjoy a series of free performances as musical groups Jenaguru, Chapwititi and Mutsiwi present traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean marimba music learned directly from Zimbabwean artists. Special guest musicians will join this vibrant showcase of cultural talents from both youth and adult performers.
Farmers Market: Night Markets
June 15, July 20, August 24, September 21 • 6-10 p.m.
Presented by Lane County Farmers Market
Fill your summer evenings with music, drinks, culture and fresh local food at four special nighttime Farmers Markets in the heart of Downtown Eugene. All ages are invited to partake in these engaging events.
Neurodiversity Festival
June 23 • 5-8 p.m.
Presented by The Arc of Lane County
Join us as we shatter myths about neurodivergence and other disabilities with an all-inclusive festival. Everyone is invited to share fun activities, art, food and entertainment to educate the greater public community about disabilities and celebrate the wonderful gifts and strengths that all people contribute to our community.
The Little Block Party at the First Friday ArtWalk
July 7 • 5:30-8:30 p.m.
August 4 • 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Presented by Lane Arts Council
Lane Arts Council’s First Friday ArtWalk is one of the largest continuous arts events in Lane County, ensuring accessible community arts experiences for the public and providing opportunities for artists to share their work. Join us for two special summer ArtWalk events led by local Black and African American cultural producers. Events at the Farmers Market Pavilion will celebrate, empower and highlight BIPOC artists and performers.
Kalapuya Country Youth Connection
September 8 • 12-6 p.m.
Presented by Chetco Creative
The youth of Lane County will love this all-ages benefit show. Enjoy free music, art, food and cultural workshops as we create a safe space for our BIPOC youth. Food and refreshments will be provided to the public at no cost. Join the fun and help us cultivate a sense of security, unity and community to build a strong foundation for the younger generation of our community.
Track Town Throwdown
September 30 • 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Presented by Track Town Swing Foundation
Celebrate the cultural significance of jazz music and dance at this outdoor concert, swing dance and the third iteration of “The Throwdown,” a dance competition featuring live music and performers from across the West Coast. All ages and all levels of abilities are encouraged to participate in open social dancing.
BEAM 2023
Showcase: October 13 • 7-9 p.m. | Park Blocks
BRiGHT Parade: October 14 • 7-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Core to 5th St. Market
Dance Party: October 14 • 8:30-11 p.m. | Farmers Market Pavilion
Presented by ArtCity
This two-day event is a celebration of art incorporating light. 20 artists will participate in a showcase to create a magically contemplative and joyful environment. On the second night, the Bright Parade will mark the close of Visual Arts Week with a march through Downtown Eugene, ending with an illuminated nighttime dance party.
Social Change through Dance: Folklórico Dance Showcase
October 20 • 5-10 p.m.
Presented by Ballet Folklórico Colibrí
Immerse yourself in the folk dancing traditions of Mexico at this free dance showcase. With its distinct synchronized dance steps, choreography, music and dance attire, folklorico dancing is a reflective ritual that connects us with indigenous and local Mexican heritage. States of Mexico represented during the showcase include Veracruz, Chiapas and Guerrero with performers ranging from 5-13 years of age.
Contact Us
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Community & Cultural Affairs Senior Manager
Ph: 541-682-6347