Good morning, Eugene.

Today the 12th Annual Grilled Cheese Experience begins at GrassRoots Garden (1465 Coburg Rd.), where 53 restaurants sell grilled cheese with $2 from each sandwich donated to Food for Lane County to help feed those in need.

The kickoff ends at 2 p.m.

The Eugene Family YMCA will host Mix and Meet in February to help residents form lasting connections and fight loneliness (space is limited and sign-up is online).

Eugene Springfield Fire has been training each Friday this month on the Willamette River to practice vehicle-in-water rescues using a prop car (donated by Albany Fire Department) to mimic real-life challenges.

Firefighters advise that, in a water crash, drivers should roll down or break open windows to escape quickly.

Valley River Center hosts a model railroad show with local clubs and a food drive for Food for Lane County donations.

The event started Thursday and runs through Sunday, with hours on Friday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

UO students and faculty gathered to honor Erick Njue, a PhD student from Kenya who died in a bike accident last week, with traditional East African songs (featuring dancing and poetry) at a march from Spencer View to Gerlinger Hall while a GoFundMe supports legal fees.

Eugene police issued a traffic advisory for downtown due to a rally causing congestion on East 6th between Oak and Ferry Street — motorists are advised to drive carefully until around 7 to 8 p.m.

City of Eugene is seeking proposals for a peer navigation system to boost the safety net.

The RFP, developed with City Council recommendations from Oct. 2025, requires providers to deliver trauma-informed outreach and connect individuals to essential services; the selected provider will be announced soon.

Eugene Springfield Fire practices cold water vehicle rescues every Friday this month on the Willamette River.

Firefighters use a prop car from Albany Fire (to work on knots and anchoring techniques) and advise drivers to leave quickly if their vehicle falls into the water.

White Bird Dental Clinic was honored by OHSU for its decade-long partnership with the dental school that mentors fourth-year dental students during week-long rotations + providing care for underserved individuals.

The program began in 2010 and bridges classroom learning with real-world patient care.

Tank and the Bangas Live

7-10 p.m. — WOW Hall — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Tank and the Bangas as they explore self-discovery and poetic expression.

Jewelry SWAP at MECCA!

Noon-6 p.m. — MECCA — Minimum $5 donation — Bring unwanted jewelry to swap and discover new treasures while mingling with fellow enthusiasts.

Nutrition Seminar with Dr. Teri Sue Wright & Roxanne Stone

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Healthy Pet — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions on holistic pet nutrition with a veterinarian and food scientist.

Puppet Making Workshop

4-5 p.m. — Eugene Public Library — Free entry — Create your own puppet with guidance from Pegasus Puppet Theatre and enjoy puppet exploration.

Sweetheart's Ball 2026

7:30-11:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — Tickets starting at $16.64 — Dance to indie rock tunes and celebrate love at this vibrant event.

CATALYST - An Act Revived

6 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience a vibrant aerial circus performance that ignites inspiration and hope for the future.

Opiuo Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — WOW Hall — Tickets available — Experience genre-bending electronic music with Opiuo and opener rSUN.

Lunar New Year Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM — Oregon Multigenerational Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the year of the horse with performances, activities, and community connection.

TrackTown Triathlon

Beginner-friendly triathlon — 8 a.m. — UO Rec Center — Registration Fee Required — Enjoy a vibrant and community-focused race experience with the University of Oregon Triathlon Team.