Downtown Program Fund Events

Several past Downtown Program Fund events

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.


 We look forward to enjoying the artistic and cultural events these awardees will present in Eugene’s Downtown core between April and October of this year. All events are FREE and open to all ages:

KutsinhiraRhythm and Sounds of Zimbabwe

June 3 • 2-4 p.m. | Kesey Square

June 9, July 13 & August 25 • 6-8 p.m. | Farmers Market Pavilion

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 17 & September 21 • 6-10 p.m.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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.

Summer First Friday ArtWalks Featuring Black Artists

July 7 & August 4 • 5:30-8 p.m.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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 ArtWalks that are catered to celebrate, empower and connect Black and African American artists, performers, and cultural producers with each other and the community.

Social Change through Dance: Folklorico Dance Showcase

September 16 • time TBD

Kesey Square

Presented by Colibrí Ballet Folklorico

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.

Tracktown Swing Dance Party - Downtown Program Fund recipientTrack Town Throwdown

September 30 • 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Kesey Square

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 Downtown Program FundBEAM 2023

Showcase: October 13 • 7-9 p.m. | Park Blocks

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.

Kalapuya Country Youth Connection

Date/time TBD

Location TBD

Presented by Chetco Creative, LLC

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.

2023 Past Events

THE COME UP! BIPOC Young Entrepreneurs and Artists Fest

May 7 • 12-4 p.m.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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 FestEugene Tea Festival

May 21 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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 MarketAsian Night Market

May 26 • 5-10 p.m.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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.

Downtown Program Fund Grants

Do you have an idea for an event or art installation in downtown Eugene? Learn More

Contact Us

  1. Community & Cultural Affairs Senior Manager

    Colette Ramirez

    Ph: 541-682-6347