Good morning, Eugene.

Community members celebrated the grand reopening of Martin Luther King Jr. Park on October 13th with live jazz and local food, marking a day of local pride.

The renovated park at 940 Grant Street now offers a modern playground, accessible plaza and walking path — upcoming interpretive elements will honor Dr. King's legacy.

Lane County residents are encouraged to join Walktober this month to enjoy outdoor walks with events like a group walk led by Springfield’s mayor on October 18 and a slow-paced sketching walk by a local artist.

Later activities include a bird tour at the University of Oregon campus and a coffee shop hop with drink discounts—offering many ways to celebrate fall and get active.

Today, Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum begin a month-long Día de Muertos celebration with a screening of NiXANTolo that will include a talk with the filmmakers, while community members may drop off personal memorial items until Nov.

4. Additional events include a craft-making session by Eugene Arte Latino on Oct 25, a creative workshop by artist Jessica Zapata on Nov. 1, and a procession with live music and sugar skull decorating on Nov. 5—this celebration is supported by local partners.

Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum are hosting a month-long Día de Muertos celebration that begins today with a free documentary screening about El Día de Muertos—followed by a community memorial display until November 4, a craft event on October 25, a workshop on November 1, and a procession with live music on November 5.

Gasoline prices in Eugene fell by 12.2 cents per gallon over the past week to average $3.85 from GasBuddy’s survey of 78 stations — national rates dropped to $3.02 as analysts say falling oil prices may lead to further declines in the coming weeks.

Despite the federal shutdown, cleanup work at the shuttered J.H.

Baxter wood treatment plant in Eugene continues as EPA uses fiscal 2025 funds to remove heavy contaminants. The effort follows removal of the tank farm and includes $13 million in time critical actions with further soil sampling planned until year's end.

Oregon became the first state to be Accessibility Verified when Wheel the World mappers visited more than 750 locations across the state, including KLCCSweet Cheeks Winery (south of Eugene), to record key details like door widths and ramp slopes.

Vanessa Amaro (Oregon’s key account manager) said the report gives travelers with disabilities the confidence to plan trips with the essential information they need.

On Monday afternoon, Oregon congressional leaders warned that health care premiums might rise if the Affordable Care Act tax credits are not funded— their warning comes amid a federal government shutdown caused by budget disagreements.

They stressed that careful spending and restructuring are needed to keep care affordable.

Lane County Public Health said that local COVID-19 vaccine supplies are dropping because many private practices are buying fewer doses due to high costs and political uncertainty.

The county is working with Oregon Health Authority to keep enough vaccines for Medicaid patients and children — while adults get vaccinated at area pharmacies.

Roughly 4,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers are striking today at 7 a.m.—they have been negotiating for better wages and safer staffing since March while Kaiser prepares contingency plans to keep clinics open during the five-day work stoppage.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Price includes all fees — Sing, dance, and play along with your favorite Sesame Street friends in a delightful celebration.

Lane County Home Improvement Show

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — WinCo Foods — Entry fee varies — Discover the latest in home and garden innovations at this premier trade show.

Gaelic Storm Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices include all fees — Experience the energetic Celtic tunes of Gaelic Storm after two decades of captivating performances.

Stereophonic

1 PM — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the most Tony Award-winning show of the year, exploring the pressures of a rock band on the brink of superstardom.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

7-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — $15 – $120 — Experience a wickedly funny dance-theater twist on the classic ghost story this Halloween season.

FunaCon 2025

11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Fri-Sat), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun) — Lane Events Center — Day Pass: $20, 3 Day Pass: $50 — A three-day extravaganza featuring epic gaming tournaments and contests with exciting prizes.

Willamette Valley Handmade Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Lane Events Center — Free admission — Discover over 60 artisans and support local creativity at this vibrant market.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival

10 AM – 5 PM — Mount Pisgah Arboretum — Ticketed event — Explore a delightful festival featuring mushroom exhibits, educational talks, and local crafts.

Jai Uttal's Kirtan at Tsunami Books

7:30-9 p.m. — Tsunami Books — Tickets $42 — Experience the healing power of sacred music and community in a unique kirtan session.

Trunk or Treat 2025!

10 PM - 1 AM — Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson — Meals available for purchase — Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween night with trick-or-treating and festive fun.