Downtown Program Fund Events

Several past 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.

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 Fest

Eugene 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 Market

Asian 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.

Kutsinhira

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 Night Market

Farmers Market: Night Markets

June 15, July 20, August 24, 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.

ArtWalks

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.

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 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.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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.

Tracktown Swing Dance Party - Downtown Program Fund recipient

Track 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 Fund

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.

Farmers Market Pavilion

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

  1. Community & Cultural Affairs Senior Manager

    Colette Ramirez

    Ph: 541-682-6347