Here’s the Eugene, Oregon Events We’re Looking Forward To

Last Updated May 17, 2022

We’ll have new events up soon. For now, check out our list of the Top 15 Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon. 

The Definitive Guide to Fall Events in Eugene, 2018

Like most cities, summer is prime-time for events in and around Eugene. But if you’re visiting Eugene or maybe thinking about relocating to Eugene, then there’s something you should know: For the Willamette Valley’s fortunate inhabitants, summer continues well into the fall. Expect sunny skies and warm temperatures through September and quite possibly into October.

Know also that there’s plenty to do and see year-round. So much, in fact, that it can be hard to get a handle on it all. Don’t worry: we’ve combed through all the options to bring you what we think is truly the best.

Eugene bills itself as “A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors.” But we urge you to put the slogan to the test: get out there, and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Psst: if you’re perhaps thinking of moving to Eugene, we’ve got you covered there too. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll help you get started on your home search right away. You can also search for Eugene homes for sale right here on our website.

Our business is real estate, but we’re passionate about our local communities. We want to do what we can to share that passion. So without further ado, here’s Eugene’s top events for Fall 2018.

(Not yet ready for the summer to end? Then check out our Summer Events Guide.)

Ducks Football and Tailgating at Autzen Stadium — September 1, 8, 15, 22, October 13, November 3, 17

If you know about Eugene, you probably know about the Ducks. For a half-decade or so starting in early 2010s, the Ducks were an NCAA Football powerhouse. Though the team’s fortunes have waxed and waned, Ducks games are still a quintessential Eugene experience.

September is going to be an especially busy month for Ducks fans, with a whopping four home games. With September’s sublime weather, that’s great news for tailgaters. Pull your car up to Autzen stadium and let the fun begin, or head across the street to Essig Field for food carts, live music, and a sports bar with ten beers on tap.

Even if you don’t like football, or think that you don’t like football, you owe it to yourself for the cultural experience. Go Ducks!

Eugene River Festival and Salmon Paddle Race — September 9

Okay, so when it comes to life’s simpler pleasures, maybe football isn’t your thing. You might rather spend your weekend relaxing in or by the water. The Eugene area has a lot of that: the Pacific Ocean is just an hour’s drive away, while Fern Ridge Reservoir west of town has you covered for swimming and boating. You may just decide to walk or bike down to the Willamette River, though, with intertube in tow.

If you love the river and want to throw some friendly competition into the mix, definitely mark this one on your calendar. A race will begin at Alton Baker canoe canal, proceeding down a portion of the Willamette. There’s plenty of fun for the kids too, with demo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, educational booths, youth races at Alton Baker pond, and more. The festivities start at noon.

Pacific Northwest Marathon — September 15

Missed the Eugene City Marathon in the Spring? No problem–this is Track Town U.S.A., after all, and there’s no shortage of long-distance running events year round. The event is a pre-race qualifier for the Boston Marathon, and there are half-marathon and 5k races as well. Click here for more info.

Concerts at the Cuthbert Amphitheater

Dropkick Murphys + Flogging Molly — September 21 / Miguel — September 24 / Deadbeats Tour 2018 — October 6

Speaking of the Willamette River, Eugene’s premier outdoor concert venue, the Cuthbert, is located just off of it. Three concerts are lined up for the fall.

We’re most excited about the first one: there’s just something about Celtic punk that just feels deeply appropriate for Eugene. It is the “Emerald City” after all, but there’s also a fiery energy lurking underneath the surface.

Miguel’s performance is also not to be missed. With the passing of Prince in 2016, some would say that Miguel is one of the artists helping to carry on his torch. Agree or not, this is a rare opportunity to see a contemporary popular music sensation in Eugene.

Don’t overlook the Deadbeats Tour either. Curated by renowned Canadian electronic act Zeds Dead, the Eugene leg of the 2018 tour will also feature Ganja White Night, 12th Planet, Midnight Tyrannosaurus, and Champagne Drip. Expect the whole city of Eugene to be throbbing to the bass these folks will be pumping out. Grab your tickets while they’re hot.

Lane County Master Gardener Fall Festival — September 22

Eugenians love to garden. Rich soil, hot summer temperatures, and a boundless local knowledge base make this a great place to plant your own garden. Several community garden spaces mean that even if you’re in an apartment, you can still enjoy the pleasures of planting and harvesting your own vegetables. And even if you don’t have a garden of your own, you’ve probably enjoyed the bounty of local produce at the Farmer’s Market, or perhaps an armful or few of your neighbor’s zucchini.

As with so many things in life, what comes out from your garden depends upon what you put into it. Luckily, Eugene’s active community of master gardeners is here to help you get the most out of your soil. Come to River Road Park between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for an assortment of workshops, and hang around for a while drinking apple cider fresh-pressed from local trees.

Lane County Home Improvement Expo — October 12-14

Eugene is a do-it-yourself kind of place, and home improvement is no exception. Wondering where to start? Look no further than Eugene’s 36th Annual Home Improvement Expo. With over 250 exhibits and 40 “how-to” seminars, you’re sure to come out with an idea or few.

For more info, go to the event website. Thinking of selling your home and not sure which improvements to do before you put it on the market? Our team can help. Contact us, or click here for a totally free, no-strings-attached home valuation.

Reefer Madness the Musical — October 26-November 3

As you probably well know, reefer madness has been the status quo in Eugene for a long time in the form of easily-accessible cannabis. (Want to know which Eugene neighborhoods are best and worst for cannabis? Then this article might interest you.)

But well before cannabis became mainstream, there was the propaganda film “Reefer Madness,” a classic of unintentional comedy best enjoyed under the influence of the herb. Well, the folks of the Actor’s Cabaret of Eugene will carry on the legend two weekends this fall, and there’s going to be dinner service to boot. We won’t offer any particular pre-show suggestions, but you’re probably thinking along the same lines that we are already.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival — October 28

It seems we’ve gone straight from reefer madness to mushrooms. But this isn’t those kind of mushrooms we’re talking about. The Pacific Northwest’s lush rainforests contain an incredible bounty of edible mushrooms, and fall is prime mushroom-hunting season.

Mount Pisgah’s family-friendly Mushroom Festival features as its centerpiece an enormous exhibition, with over 300 species of mushrooms. Add music, wine, fresh-pressed apple cider, kids’ activities, and culinary demonstrations and you’ve got a recipe for an amazing fall day.

After you’ve learned to identify the edibles and throw out the Death Caps and Destroying Angels, head into the woods around Eugene to prepare your next feast of fungi. Morels and chanterelles are relatively common, and you may even get lucky and snag yourself some prized matsutakes.

Eugene Comic Con — November 10-11

All hail EUCON, mighty lord of regional comic book festivals. Really, it’s about more than just comic books: Eugene Comic Con is a broad celebration of popular culture, with in-depth panels, video games, toys, guest writers and artists. Of course there’s plenty of comic books too.

Legendary WWE wrestler Booker T and renowned artist/inker Mike Royer will be on hand to add a special flair. For the true EUCON experience, come in costume for a cosplay of the ages.

Holiday Market — Weekends from November 17

Eugene’s Saturday Market is a spring and summertime staple. Hundreds of local artisans showcase their handcrafted wares, and across the street, local organic farms, ranches, dairies, bakers and more provide an epic farmer’s market experience. Eugene’s residents and visitors show up en masse for food, shopping, music, relaxation, conversation, and people-watching.

Well, now the Saturday Market’s pleasures are available well into the winter too. Starting November 17, with temperatures dropping and rains becoming threatening, many of the Market’s vendors head for the shelter of the Lane County Events Center, where Saturday Market transforms into Holiday Market.

There’s no drum circle, but there’s plenty of music, both holiday and otherwise, and the Farmer’s Market is right next door. For that warm and fuzzy feeling you get during the holiday season without the rampant consumerism, look no further.

2018 Celebration on the Territorial Wine Trail — November 23-25

In case you weren’t aware, the Eugene area is a growing mecca for wine lovers. The Southern Willamette Valley features more than 100 vineyards and 25 wineries. Wine Enthusiast Magazine even named it the 2016 wine region of the year.

If you’re not familiar with what the area has to offer or want to give special thanks for the region’s bounty of wine, this is the event for you. The Territorial Wine Trail is a majestic 40-mile drive through the heart of Oregon’s wine country. During the Thanksgiving weekend, several of its wineries, including Sweet Cheeks, King Estate, and Iris Vineyard will offer free tastings, special food pairings, live music and more.

The Definitive Guide to Summer in Eugene, 2018

Summer is the time when Eugene literally shines.

People throughout the Pacific Northwest (west of the Cascades anyway) like to complain about the rain. But from late June through late September, there simply isn’t any rain to complain about.

Okay, there’s a shower or two every couple weeks, and that’s good news for your garden. But with temperatures soaring into the 80s and 90s, you’re going to want to head to head down to the Willamette River, or into your local brewpub for a cold one.

You may also want to check out the following events, many of which showcase the very best of Eugene’s laid-back summer vibes. There’s also some strenuous athletic competition and inspiring performance if that’s what you’re into.

(Really, any time is a good time to be in Eugene. We can certainly give you a few more reasons why moving to Eugene might be a good idea. You can also take a look at Eugene homes currently for sale right here on our website.)

Eugene Beer Week : June 4-10

Okay, so summer doesn’t technically begin until Solstice on the 21st. But we think there’s no better way to launch into the season than with a week of beer tastings, demonstrations, concerts and other events at some of Eugene’s finest breweries and brewpubs.

Beer Week is a celebration of craft beer, of the incredible boundary of beer-y delights available in the Willamette Valley. All week long, Tap & Growler will host triple IPA blind taste-offs, while 16 Tons Taphouse will host its Hazy IPA Fest, kicking things off with the Eugene Ale Trail Anniversary Party on the 4th. And visit any Falling Sky location for a free commemorative Beer Week glass! On Wednesday the 7th, locations will begin hosting one-night events, ramping up a gleeful climax the evening of the 10th.

Sturdy Dirty Enduro Race : June 6

Mountain Bike Oregon : July 20-22 ; August 17-19

Cascade Cream Puff : August 4

There are a number of reasons that Eugene is known as Track Town USA, but the heart of the matter is that people here love to run. What you may not know is that the Eugene region is also home to some of the finest mountain biking available anywhere in the world. Oakridge, a small town to the southeast of Eugene, is one of only 7 centers worldwide to be designated a gold-level ride center by the International Mountain Biking Association.

So for many, summer in Eugene means prime mountain biking season. If you’re a more-is-better kind of person–more sweat, more miles, more hours–then these events may be just the thing for you.

Sturdy Dirty is the world’s first women’s Enduro race series, and its Oakridge leg features 15-20 miles of speedy singletrack. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, with Pro, Expert, Sport Racer, and Beginner Racer categories.

Mountain Bike Oregon bills itself as “A Three-Day Mt. Biker’s Dream Vacation” on hundreds of miles of some of the world’s best singletrack. The biking will be intense–this is not a festival for beginning riders–but all will be in good fun, with food, beverages, and mechanical assistance included in the package. It’s a ride so nice, they’ve scheduled it twice: if July’s festival leaves you hungering for more, sign up again for August!

You probably have a hunch already that there’s more to the Cascade Cream Puff than the unassuming title might imply. And you’d be absolutely correct: as the event’s website puts it, “This ain’t your Gramma’s Sunday roll!” Instead, expect 100 miles of intense singletrack for the full Cream Puff, or opt for the 50 mile Fritter or 25 mile Donut Hole. Whichever you choose, you’re in for hairraising alpine riding on the trails around Oakridge.

2nd Star Festival & Goblin Market : June 16-17

With so many festivals crowding your summer calendar, they may all start to bleed into one another. But rest assured that this one is unlike any other. The Star Festival bills itself as a celebration of all things creative.

Thematically, expect the steampunk motif to dominate the fashion, Goblin Market wares, and music. What is steampunk, you ask? Imagine an alternate universe in which all manner of steam-powered technologies merge with a Victorian-cum 1970s punk fashion sensibility. Still can’t make much sense of steampunk? Then check out the on-premises Steampunk Museum. The (steam-powered) magic happens at Springfield’s Dorris Ranch.

Summer Solstice Concert at Sweet Cheeks Winery : June 21

Beer gets a lot of press in the Eugene area, and for good reason: it’s home to some of the country’s finest microbreweries. But the Willamette Valley, which stretches to the north and south of Eugene, is also home to some of the country’s finest wineries. Summer, of course, is prime wine touring season. Why head to California when there’s so many grapes to be found in your backyard?

Kick off wine season with this event at Sweet Cheeks Winery, one of the area’s most distinctive. It’s located in the beautiful Lorane Valley just south of the city. Local acts The Talbott Brothers, High Step Society and Norma Fraser will headline. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited, let us not neglect to add that Oregon Wood Fired Pizza will be on hand for some irresistible pizza-wine pairings. Purchase tickets here beforehand.

Oregon Bach Festival : June 29 – July 17

In terms of Eugene festivals, it doesn’t get much more venerable than the Oregon Bach Festival. The event first launched in 1970, and since then it’s gained a reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for classical music lovers.

Bach’s works feature heavily, of course, but also more modern works inspired by the legendary composer. Past performers have included Yo Yo Ma, Pink Martini, and Joshua Bell. The Bach Festival isn’t just concerts either: it features workshops, presentations, family programming and community events at a variety of venues. Go to the OBF website for more info.

Dead and Company 2018 Tour : June 30

The Grateful Dead live on in Eugene in more ways than one. Cover bands, radio hours, and Deadhead tee-shirts abound, but this summer the Dead will return in a more literal manner.

Not guitarist Jerry Garcia, who is actually dead. Guitarist Bob Weir, and drummers Mickey Hart Bill Kruetzmann will be at Autzen Stadium June 30, however, along with their new band. That new band includes John Mayer–you know, the John Mayer. Seriously, this is going to be an epic concert. Grab tickets while you still can.

Art and the Vineyard Festival : July 6-8

Art, wine, music, food and fireworks at Eugene’s largest city park: how could you pass that up? The fireworks, naturally, will alight the night of July 4 over the Willamette River. The Freedom Festival kicks off at 4 p.m. that day at Alton Baker Park, with an International food court and live bands. The Janis Joplin Grace Slick Rock Tribute headlines the evening’s music.

Return the 6 through the 8th and you’ll have access to the Artist Marketplace and Art for Your Garden, perfect for adding an artistic flare to your summer garden. The Pettybreakers, a Tom Petty tribute band, headline the evening of the 6th, while Satisfaction, a Rolling Stones tribute band, headlines the evening of the 7th.

Oregon Country Fair : July 13-15

This is it, the one summer event not to be missed if you’re anywhere near the vicinity of Eugene the weekend of the 13th through 15th. Eugene’s credentials as a countercultural center are well-established, but at no point of the year is this more obvious than during Fair Time.

The OCF started way back in 1969 as the Oregon Renaissance Fair, and attendees were urged to “come in costume.” While the name has changed, the costumes have stayed, and they’ve become more and more outrageous over the years. Notably, in 1972 and 1982 the Fair hosted concerts headlined by the Grateful Dead referred to as “Field Trips.”

Nowadays, fair organizers have made efforts toward making it a drug-free event, and with 22 stages featuring all manner of performances, from vaudeville and juggling to theater and comedy, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family. Put on your costume, take the city bus to the OCF site outside Veneta, just west of town, and let yourself fall through the looking glass and into a realm beyond your wildest imagination. Be sure to purchase tickets beforehand.

Bohemia Mining Days : July 19-21

The town of Cottage Grove, just south of Eugene, has been celebrating Bohemia Mining Days for almost sixty years now. There’s a reason that the festival has withstood the test of time: originally a celebration of Oregon’s Centennial in 1959, the event combines living history with live music, a carnival, and other entertainment. And admission is completely free.

B.M.D. is foremost a celebration of the area’s mining and Victorian-era heritage. That means gold panning, a historical treasure hunt, living history talks and demonstrations, and most excitingly, Cottage Grove’s Annual Slabtown vs Lemati Feud.

The feud began way back in the 1890s, with the Slabtowners west of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River facing off against the Lematians to the east of the river. This isn’t one of those violent country feuds that seem to get all the press–it’s all in good fun, with tug-o-war, cherry pit spittin’ and pie eating contests.

We’ve hardly scratched the surface of all that’s available: go to the Bohemia Mining Days home page for more info and inspiration.

Blackberry Jam Festival : July 27-29

Another July weekend, another Festival–this time, the fun takes place in Lowell, a little town to the southeast of Eugene located just off the Dexter Reservoir. It seems safe to say that there will be blackberry jam to be had somewhere on the festival grounds. It’s really more about the spirit of rural American summer though than celebrating jams or berries.

In addition to food and live music, this event will have a greased pole climb, fishing derby, quilt show, parade, horseshoe tournament, 5k dash, pie eating contest, and more to take your heart back to a simpler time. All proceeds from the festival benefit local schools and nonprofits.

Scandinavian Festival : August 9-12

You may be noticing a strong theme emerging here: the rural areas around Eugene all like to put on their summer best and throw a big party, and Junction City north of Eugene is no exception. Here, the theme is all things Scandanavian, and visitors will need to be on the lookout for the many trolls and vikings that emerge to wander the streets of Junction City, playing pranks and causing trouble.

The Scandinavian theme also means folk dancing, unique arts, crafts, and food, demonstrations, and perhaps a corset or few. Each day features a separate Scandinavian nation: Thursday is Norwegian Day, Friday Swedish Day, Saturday Danish Day, and Sunday Finnish Day. Admission is free.

Upcoming Eugene Events, Spring 2018

We know: another events list. There’s so much going on in and around Eugene that it can all start to go in one ear and out the other. This weekend, most likely you’ll find yourself reaching for a microbrew again, just like the weekend before that, or maybe a toke or few of the area’s finest (check out our guide to the Best and Worst Neighborhoods for Cannabis in Eugene and Bend).

We won’t dispute the joys of these and life’s other simple pleasures, but we’ve nonetheless gone to the effort to compile a list of all the events that will really, actually, truly enrich your life in the coming months of sunnier skies, dwindling rains, and increasing concentrations of tree pollen in the Willamette Valley.

And some of them do involve wine (beer festivals are coming this summer, don’t worry).  

Big O International Roller Derby Tournament : May 4 – 6

You read that right: International Roller Derby. Although roller derby occupies something of a fringe in the larger sporting world, it’s certainly taken Eugene by storm, with four local teams vying for supremacy. And Roller Derby is beginning to take over the world too, with 1,250 amateur teams worldwide. Come to the Big O Tournament, where some of the world’s finest women’s, men’s, and junior teams will face off, and you just might become a convert.

So, what is roller derby? The sport involves two opposing teams on roller skates, each trying to stop the other’s “jammer” from scoring laps. Partial contact is allowed and encouraged, so things do get pretty physical.

The sport actually began in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity. But in the decades to come, roller derby faded into spectacle-driven theater, a la the WWF, then into oblivion, overshadowed by various sports involving balls of one sort or another. Grassroots DIY efforts in the new millennium brought roller derby back into the public eye, however. The sport has retained some of its theater, with participants wearing colorful uniforms and adopting unique personas. But the competition is serious, and so is the fun.

The action begins the Morning of May 4 with California Mayhem facing off against Mob City. For tickets and more info, visit the tournament website.

Mother’s Day Winery Celebrations : May 12 + 13

We’re not sure that mothers necessarily love wine more than any of the rest of us. Certainly, the Willamette Valley’s ever-growing assortment of wineries means there’s a lot of love to go around for Eugene residents. In fact, the Willamette Valley was recognized as the 2016 Wine Area of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. But if your own mother does love wine, a winery outing could be the perfect Mother’s Day treat.

Start with “Moms Love Wine” the day before Mother’s Day, May 12 from noon – 6pm at LaVelle Vineyards off the Territorial Highway west of town and north of Elmira. The winery offers fantastic views of Fern Ridge Reservoir just to the east, and on a clear day (the skies ) you can even see the Three Sisters Mountains in the distance. The event offers pop-up shopping with (of course) fine wines, chocolate, and flowers. Oregon Wood Fired Pizza will even bake their own pies, and live music will make the afternoon a special one for both you and mom.

Afterward, on May 12 or May 13 from noon through 5pm, take mom to the Noble Estate Urban Tasting Room for more wine and a soothing spa experience. The winery’s “Spa at the Vineyards” event features foot soaking pools, massage therapists, and make-up tutorials to pair along with Noble Estate’s award-winning wines. The winery itself is located in the countryside southwest of Eugene, but its urban tasting room in the West Eugene neighborhood provides a convenient and lovely indoor and outdoor venue for sampling Noble Estate’s wines. The event is limited to ages 21+.

Finally, travel to the northwest of Eugene to Pfeiffer Winery for a brunch or lunch featuring–you guessed it–plenty of local wine, as well as live jazz and dancing. The food looks pretty spectacular as well. This is a perfect event for families, with a 50% discount for children. Brunch begins at 10:30 and lunch at 1:30. Established in 1983, the Pfeiffer Winery is one of the oldest vineyards in the state and has a reputation for some of the finest Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris around.

Willamette Valley Music Festival : May 19

We don’t mean the Willamette Country Music Festival–that’s coming later this summer. This is just as good though: the Willamette Valley Music Festival or WVMF transforms the entire campus of the University of Oregon into a creative space showcasing the best the Northwest has to offer.

Visual arts will be on prominent display, but music is the main attraction. Acts range from hip-hop (AJ, Mr. Carmack) to “desert Americana” (Sharlet Crooks), synth pop (STRFKR, Small Million), indie rock (The Gooms, The Shifts), electronica (Evergreen, Ghost Naps) and more.  Almost all of these bands make the Pacific Northwest their home, so this is a fabulous way to sample the area’s music scene.

Amazingly, all of this is completely free of charge. Just show up at the University the afternoon of the 19th, with music starting at 3 p.m. on two separate stages and continuing well into the night.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum Wildflower and Music Festival : May 20

Spring means wildflowers, and it also means the return of outdoor festivals. So why not combine both into a single package? Mount Pisgah is a must-visit for all Eugene nature lovers, as you will know if you’ve read our 7 Reasons to Love Springtime in Eugene post. But it’s also home to several of the area’s most beloved festivals, also including a Fall Mushroom Festival.

300 to 400 wildflower species will be on display. That’s a lot of flowers. Once you’ve become thoroughly intoxicated by the majesty of the spring, you can top it off with food from numerous area vendors and a full schedule of some of Eugene’s most popular musical acts. Local artisans will display their crafts, and numerous plants will be available for sale to spice up your living quarters.

The event is great for kids too, with nature crafts, facepainting, and microscopes, and nature walks with expert volunteer guides. Be there or be square.

Grapes of Wine Half Marathon : May 20

The Eugene City Marathon happens Sunday, April 29 and is not to be missed whether or not you intend to run. But everyone knows that Eugene is a place for competitive running. So, we’d like to highlight a lesser-known running event, which also happens to be a wine event.

We should note though right out the gate: the marathon and wine-drinking are not occurring simultaneously. Runners won’t run from one winery to another, sampling different wines along the way. But the start point, Noble Estate Winery will offer complimentary wine, while celebratory drinks and other refreshments will certainly be available at the finish line, which happens to be Sweet Cheeks Winery. To make the deal even sweeter, a foot spa and live music will greet finishers.

These and other vineyards and wineries make up Eugene’s Wine Trail, situated in the idyllic countryside southwest of the city limits. Runners should expect some steep terrain, but walkers are more than welcome too. For more info, click here.

David Byrne at the Hult Center : May 28

We’ve largely steered away from including individual musical acts in this guide, but when the legendary frontman of Talking Heads comes to your town, it’s an event, darn it. And according to the man himself, this tour will feature his most artistically ambitious shows since the days of “Stop Making Sense.”

Byrne and his 12-piece band will perform songs from his new album, 2018’s American Utopia, as well as other songs from both his solo career and days with Talking Heads. Indoor shows can be a mixed bag for acoustics, but rest assured that the Hult Center’s Silva Concert hall has fantastic sound. If classical music, ballet, opera, or even taiko ensembles are more your cup of tea, then the Hult Center has you covered throughout the year. Click here for more events.

Oregon Gran Fondo : June 2

No, that’s not a misspelling of “fondue” — our apologies if we had your hopes up. Gran Fondo is Italian for “Big Ride,” and a big ride this will be. Eugene, if you didn’t know, is a place where people ride their bikes. The countryside around Eugene features plenty of great touring terrain, but with 40 mile and 71, 117 and 130 mile routes, this will be cycling at a whole ‘nother level.

The event’s organizers are quick to clarify that a Gran Fondo is not a race but rather “a mass event designed to draw community together” open to all ages and skill levels. Routes begin and finish in Cottage Grove, a small town just south of Eugene, circling west and back along country roads and rural highways.

Plan to head over the mountains to Bend this Spring? Check out our guide to Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Bend for Spring 2018.