Starting on Thursday and continuing until Sunday evening, the Eugene Pro Rodeo welcomes members of the community to partake in one of Eugene’s old traditions at the Oregon Horse Center.
Founded in 1991, and a part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Eugene Pro Rodeo offers four days of events and activities, from cowhide racing to dancing and even some opportunities to win cash prizes.
In honor of Independence Day, a special celebration will take place at the rodeo on Saturday evening. After the daytime rodeo events, a fireworks show will start at 9:50 p.m., followed by a dance until 1 a.m.
For more details on the daily events and ticketing information, visit the website or the Facebook page.
Here are some other events going on this weekend.
THURSDAY, JULY 2:
pARTy on the Plaza: Fefafe, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m., free
In Susu, a language spoken in Guinea, West Africa, “fefafe” means “something good is coming.” Here in Eugene, it’s also the name of a dance and drumming performance group that presents the traditional culture and sounds of Guinea. See it for yourself tonight at the Hult Center.
Robert Meade Live, First National Taphouse, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., free
Originally from Santa Cruz, the now-local musician Robert Meade has become a nationally acclaimed hidden gem, as he toured the country last year with his upbeat and soulful folk-rock sound and authentic lyrics, eliciting positive reviews from fans and the media.
FRIDAY, JULY 3:
Free First Friday, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free
Free admission to the UO museum is available to anyone this Friday, as part of the monthly Free First Friday event. Current exhibits include Explore Oregon, Road Trip! The Roadside Geology of Oregon, Highlights of the Jensen Arctic Collection, Site Seeing: Snapshots of Historical Archaeology in Oregon, Oregon – Where Past is Present, Tradition Keepers – Shayleen Macy, Geophotography and Scientific at the Core. Click on the title links to learn more about each exhibit.
MUSE at Art and the Vineyard, Alton Baker Park, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday until 6 p.m.
The Museums of Springfield and Eugene (MUSE) will have a booth at Art and the Vineyard this weekend. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Cascade Raptor Center, Wayne Morse Ranch and the Science Factory will offer various activities for all ages. See event link for more info and ticket pricing.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Emeralds vs. Vancouver, PK Park, July 4-8, see website for game times, $7-$13
Eugene’s minor league baseball team, the Emeralds, take on the Vancouver Canadians starting this Saturday, and continuing with a game each night until Wednesday, July 8. Game times and ticket prices vary — click the event link for more details. On July 4 the Emeralds will have a fireworks show post-game.
Concerts in the Park: Eugene Symphonic Band, Washburne City Park, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free
As part of the summer Concerts in the Park series, Eugene Symphonic Band returns for its annual 4th of July performance. Bring your friends, some snacks, some lawn chairs or a blanket, and head over to Washburne City Park to participate in Eugene’s Independence Day tradition.
For information on Fourth of July firework shows in your area, check out our guide published earlier this week.
SUNDAY, JULY 5:
Concerts in the Park: Left Coast Sax Quartet, Washbourne City Park, 6:30-7:30 p.m., free
The former Eugene Symphony musicians of the Left Coast Saxophone Quartet expertly mix many styles: ragtime, Latin, jazz, klezmer and classical. See them perform live in a free outdoor concert for all ages this Sunday.
Chamber Music Northwest: Mozart and Ralph’s Old Records, 7:30-9 p.m., Beall Concert Hall, UO campus, $15-$52
Presented by Oregon Bach Festival, this concert will include the world debut of nationally-acclaimed composer Kenji Bunch’s new quintet, Ralph’s Old Records. The program will also include Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D Major and String Quintet in D Major.
Have an event you think the Emerald should include in its Wknd Calendar? Email the summer arts & culture team at [email protected].
Follow Andrea Harvey on Twitter @andrearharvey.