Thanksgiving is usually associated with turkey, cranberries, stuffing and, of course, family. Going home for Thanksgiving weekend is common for many students, but some can’t go home because they live in other states or countries, or they just don’t want to leave. For those sticking around Eugene for the Thanksgiving weekend, for whatever reason, there are events going on around town to entertain.
Many bars around town will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, but there are establishments ready to entertain no matter what. Celebrate Turkey Day by time-traveling back to the rockin’ ’80s by going to Ladies ’80s Night at Diablo’s and the Downtown Lounge or ’80s Night at John Henry’s. Both start at 10 p.m.
On Friday night, several bars and concert venues in Eugene will be open to visitors. At 6 p.m., Luna will host Erik Muiderman, a Eugene-based singer and songwriter. At 8 p.m., Ritmo De La Noche hits the stage with its Latin jazz beats. The cost is $5.
John Henry’s will be holding its Second Annual Moustache Rally. The cost is only $2 for everyone except those with a “stache,” who will be admitted for $1.
Down at Diablo’s and the Downtown Lounge, Motorama will play its revved-up rock-and-roll sounds. The show begins
at midnight.
The McDonald Theatre Lounge is also open Friday at 9:30 p.m. and will be featuring a live DJ.
Café Paradiso is also hosting some fun Friday evening. Americanistan and featured dancer Deena present an “Evening of Music and Dance” beginning at 8:30 p.m. Americanistan performs original and traditional melodies from the East on rare acoustic and ethnic instruments such as the kanoon, oud and harmonium, just to name a few. Add to that Deena’s double veil dance for an evening of fun and exotic belly dancing. The cost is only $5. The show is for those 21 and over.
Near the campus area, the Oregon Ballroom Dance Club is hosting a dance Friday evening. Formal wear is optional, although leather-soled shoes are advised. Not knowing how to dance is not a problem as hour-long lessons are offered beginning at 7:30 p.m. The dance will take place in Gerlinger Hall, Room 220 and will last until 11:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for the general public and $4 for students and University faculty.
On Saturday night, Sam Bond’s Garage is featuring K.O.P. and Dirty Little Pedro. The show begins at 9:30 p.m. and costs $4. John Henry’s presents Jerry Joseph (of Stockholm Syndrome and the Jackmormons) and The Ginger Hustlers. The show starts at 9 p.m. and costs $7. Dan Neal will be performing at Café Paradiso. Described as a mix between Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Neal also adds humor to his songs. The concert starts at
9 p.m. for $5.
Finally, on Sunday, John Henry’s is hosting its Broadway Revue, Eugene’s only live burlesque show beginning at 10 p.m. The Broadway Revue features burlesque dancers, cabaret singers, go-go dancers, drag queens, comedians, magicians, hula hoopers and belly dancers. There is a $2 to $5 sliding scale admission and semi-formal attire is encouraged.
At Sam Bond’s Garage, the Irish Jam for all ages begins at 4:30 p.m. and it’s free.
At Diablo’s and the Downtown Lounge Sunday at 10 p.m., Fetish Night aka Happy Spanksgiving, will be going on. Cost is $5 at the door and the dress code is either all black clothing or fetish attire only.

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