You step into Kesey Square downtown on a Saturday, and the sound of Sara & The Hurricaines fills the air. That's one of the many things to do in Eugene this weekend. From there, the city opens up - you can hike at Mount Pisgah, browse the 5th Street Public Market, or catch a planetarium show at the science center. It's the kind of town where you can shift from art to nature in ten minutes.
- Best time
- Year-round
- Where to stay
- Near the University of Oregon or downtown
- Perfect for
- First-timers, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Don't miss
- The America at 250 exhibit at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Things I'd tell a friend
A few tips I'd pass along if you're planning your weekend in Eugene.
Beat the crowds at the museum
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History opens at 10 am. If you show up right when it opens, you'll have the exhibits nearly to yourself for an hour.
Source · Checked the event schedule
Planetarium shows for kids
The Eugene Science Center runs 'The Little Star That Could' daily through September 30. It's a short show perfect for young kids.
Source · From the event calendar
Farmers market on Tuesday
The Lane County Farmers Market sets up at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Tuesdays through October 27. Fresh produce and local goods.
Source · Found in the events listMany visitors choose to stay in downtown Eugene near the museum, with several hotels within walking distance.
Timbers Inn
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
La Quinta By Wyndham Eugene
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Hotels near the university area put you close to this museum and the rest of Eugene's cultural spots.
Graduate By Hilton Eugene
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
Best Western New Oregon Motel
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
The science center is a short drive from downtown Eugene, with plenty of hotel options nearby.
Valley River Inn
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle (free)
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
Hayward Inn
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Staying downtown means the market is just a walk away, with many hotels within a few blocks.
Downtown Inn
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
Courtesy Inn Downtown Eugene
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
For a quiet stay, look for lodges near the arboretum or stay downtown and drive out.
Comfort Suites Eugene University
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Good Breakfast
Spark By Hilton Springfield Eugene
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Downtown hotels put Kesey Square right at your doorstep, with the square just a short walk away.
Inn At The 5Th
The Campbell House Inn
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Exceptional Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What exhibits are on view at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art?
Three exhibitions are currently on view: 'Collecting America: Recent Acquisitions' through December 6, 2026; 'Navigating Through Centuries: Korean Art' through April 11, 2027; and 'High Drama: Japanese Prints' through October 10, 2027.
How long does the America at 250 exhibit run at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History?
The 'America at 250 - Before, Between, Beyond' exhibit runs daily until March 31, 2027.
Is the Eugene Science Center open daily?
Yes, the center runs planetarium shows daily, including 'The Little Star That Could' through September 30, 2026, and other shows on a recurring schedule.
Where is Kesey Square located?
Kesey Square is in the heart of downtown Eugene, near 5th Street Public Market and many downtown cafes.
What time do Artistic Encounters start at Kesey Square?
The free live music events start at noon on Tuesdays through Thursdays through September 24, 2026.
