Good morning, Eugene.

Two longtime Eugene residents—Alex Awad, a local Palestinian author who founded People for Peace and Justice in Palestine, and Israeli professor Idit Shner—stated they hope for a future of peaceful dialogue and equal treatment amid the Gaza ceasefire in effect for less than a week. Awad plans a protest on Sunday to spotlight humanitarian issues in Gaza while Shner called for local efforts to reduce antisemitism and promote direct communication.

Pacific Source in Springfield will lay off 56 non-union workers on Dec.

31 following a notice received on Sept. 25 from Oregon's Office of Workforce Investments—layoffs required under the WARN Act.

Today at Beall Concert Hall, the Oregon Mozart Players begin their 2025/2026 season with a new artistic director and a program named Nomad and Native that explores cultural intersections and identity.

Renowned performers including violinist Sunmi Chang — mezzo-soprano Ágnes Vojtkó — and flamenco dancer Martita Santiago will perform works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Prokofiev, and Manuel de Falla.

Kindergarten students at McCornack Elementary in Eugene joined others statewide in the Great Oregon Shakeout drill on Thursday at 10:16 a.m. by ducking under tables to practice drop, cover and hold on—emergency management experts said the drill helps prepare them for an earthquake.

On Friday, the Oregon Department of Forestry ended fire restrictions in all districts, officially closing the 2025 fire season.

Fire officials reported that aggressive initial attack and daily efforts led to 94% of fires (10 acres or fewer) being quickly controlled, with a total of 1,135 fires burning 24,275 acres on protected lands.

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.

Eugene Symphony Gala

5-9:30 p.m. — Valley River Inn — Tickets and sponsorships available — Celebrate the power of music and support community outreach with a night of dinner and performances.

Cozy Swap at MECCA

8 p.m. - 1 a.m. — 555 High St, Eugene, OR — Free entry — Trade cozy items, relax, and enjoy a warm community atmosphere.

Waylon Wyatt Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the musical journey of Folk/Country artist Waylon Wyatt as he showcases his debut EP and is joined by special guests.