Pollinator Garden Work Party — Come help Beyond Toxics mulch and clean up its pollinator garden this Saturday. There will also be a talk about native pollinators, ways to help build beneficial insect habitat and a bug-hunt activity at the end of the day. Beyond Toxics will provide tools, gloves, instructions and light refreshments. Wear comfortable, sturdy clothing and shoes and bring your own bottle for water or coffee. The work party goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Churchill community garden behind Churchill High School, 1850 Bailey Hill Rd. Free; 541-465-8860 or www.beyondtoxics.org/events.
Memorial Day Community BBQ — Defending hard won liberty and freedom is the theme of this year's NAACP community gathering. This is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of all people who love this country — black, brown and otherwise. Free community barbecue, live performances and open mic, community tabling, kids corner, free books and games; noon Monday at Washington Park, 2025 Washington St.; www.facebook.com.
Community Market — A Junction City farmer's market this weekend. Available will be plants, vegetables, flowers, crafts and more. The market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through September 28 at at the Church of the Nazarene, 1737 W. First Street, Junction City. Information and vendors: 541-250-9470.
Veteran's Open Mic Poetry Reading Night — This event is open to community members 16 and older. However, only Military Veterans will be on the mic. A military veteran is any person who served for any length of time in any military service branch. Signups begin at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette St. Free; www.tsunamibooks.org.
Benefit for Buck Buck! — On Feb. 24, the Buck Buck food cart spontaneously exploded. Owners and staff need their support to rebuild and to reinstitute this food in Eugene. This event features hot and delicious entertainment by Bitz-n-Bitz, Steel Kitty, The Beepsters and Security In Numbers. The Buck Buck benefit will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday at Old Nick's Pub, 211 Washington St. Donations of $5 to $20 expected; 541-844-1280 or www.facebook.com/events.
22nd Crafts on the Coast Arts & Crafts Festival — Nearly 70 of the best artisans from the Pacific Northwest will offer their handmade crafts, fine art and gourmet food at the family-friendly Crafts on the Coast Arts & Crafts Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday inside the Yachats Commons, 441 Highway 101 N., Yachats; www.yachats.org.
BBQ, Blues & Brews — Returning for its eighth year on Memorial Day weekend, BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay offers barbecue, locally crafted beers and live blues performances. Hang out with pit masters and competitors in the Salmon Room and listen to live music by the Ben Rice Band from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. BBQ fans can use BBQ Bucks to purchase 2-ounce samples from the 35-plus participating competitors or full meals from Hole in the Wall BBQ and The Mill Grill from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. $5 per day, free for children 5 years and under at the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park at 3201 Tremont St., North Bend.
Lane County Farmer's Market — The fresh flavors of the season will be for sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Lane County Farmer's Market, Eighth Avenue and Oak Street. This free event will be open rain or shine through November 9; 541-431-4923 or lanecountyfarmersmarket.org.
Eugene Saturday Market — Eugene's Saturday Market is back for its 50th season. Come down to peruse two full city blocks of local, handmade products, an international food court and live music all day. Eugene Saturday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, Saturday at Eighth Avenue and Oak Street. Free; eugenesaturdaymarket.org.
Pie Social — The 18th Annual Memorial Weekend Pie and Ice Cream Social produced by The Yachats Ladies Club will offer a wide selection of pies all made by club members, including apple, berry, peach and cherry. There will also be other fruit pies and many cream pies, including lemon meringue, key lime and cherry cream cheese pie and specialty diet pies include sugar- and gluten-free. The pie social begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Yachats Ladies Clubhouse, 286 W. Third St., Yachats. Slices $4, brownies $3, etc; 541-547-5425.
Blessing of the Fleet — The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Service will honor the local men and women involved in commercial fishing and the fishing industry who have died since 1941. As part of the event, local marine services firm owner William Elderkin will speak to the local fishing industry, providing opening and closing remarks. Pastor Tom Estes of the Charleston Community Baptist Church will deliver the memorial blessing and the Oregon Coast Pipes and Drums will perform on the bagpipes. The U.S. Coast Guard will provide a color guard and advance and retire the colors. The 1954 buoy bell will be rung as each name is read. The ringing of the bell is symbolic as fishermen rely on this sound for safe navigation. The Blessing of the fleet will begin at 10 a.m. at Charleston Fisherman’s Memorial Garden, near the launch ramp at the Charleston Marina, Coos Bay. Free. Following the blessing and memorial service, there will be coffee and a special cake reception at Porter Hall behind the Charleston Baptist Community Church.
Local theater productions — "Good People," through June 2, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, 194 W. Broadway; 541-465-1506 or octheatre.org. "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love And Murder," through June 8, Actor's Cabaret Eugene, 996 Willamette St.; 541-563-4368 or www.actorscabaret.org. "The Home Planet," through June 8, University Theatre, Miller Theatre Complex, 1109 Old Campus Ln., University of Oregon.
Birding at Willamette Confluence Preserve — Join The Nature Conservancy staff and local bird experts to explore multiple habitats at the Willamette Confluence Preserve and learn about the local bird life and TNC’s work to restore six miles of riverfront and dozens of old gravel ponds to functioning floodplain habitat. No birding experience necessary. Bring binoculars. The tour runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 1. Free; More details at 541-343-1010 or bit.ly/2VHxHXY.
Trail Stewardship — The Yachats Trails Committee and Siuslaw National Forest will celebrate National Trails Day by partnering on a trail stewardship event to clear brush and prepare the Trail of the Restless Waters at Cape Perpetua for repaving. Cleanup runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1, meeting at the lower parking area for Devil's Churn just north of the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center, 2400 Hwy. 101 for orientation. Participants should carpool if possible. Gloves and tools will be provided or participants may bring their own. Information: Joanne Kittel 541-961-8374 or email@example.com.
Free Compost Workshop — The Santa Clara Community Garden will present information on hot compost and how to build a lasagna bed at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at St. Matthews Church, 4110 River Rd. No registration required.
Drop-In Support Group — Ophelia's Place offers this free drop-in support group open to all middle- and high-school aged girls and non-binary youth seeking a safe place to talk about issues in their lives. The group is facilitated by therapists and focuses on empowerment and skill-building from a strengths-based, relational approach. The support group is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays ongoing at Ophelia's Place, 1577 Pearl St. Guardians of youth younger than 14 years old must sign a parent consent form prior to first attendance. 541-284-4333 or opheliasplace.net.
Bike for Hope – Looking Glass Community Services is holding a group bike ride fundraiser supporting homeless youth services. Join them for a ride to Clearwater Park, then Plank Town Brewing for lunch. All registrants will receive a voucher for a flight of beer or discount on an entrée at Plank Town, along with a raffle ticket for biking-related prizes. All funds will go towards a matching gift campaign where up to $50,000 will be matched by the Richard P. Haugland Fund. Bike for Hope will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St., Springfield. Registration $20; 541-246-2257 or www.lookingglass.us/bike.
National Trails Day Hike — The Obsidians Outdoor Club invites the public to celebrate National Trails Day with a "Get Acquainted Hike" on the Ribbon Trail. The hike starts at the Obsidian Lodge at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Free; directions www.obsidians.org/lodgemap.
Wine Class — A not-so-serious wine tasting adventure is hosted by J. Scott Cellars's own Eric Braman, amateur wine enthusiast and professional wine admirer. Braman will break down barriers for those new to wine tasting and for those still growing in their understanding of wine. This includes the steps of wine tasting, catch phrases to sound cool while tasting, a series of fun and silly games and prizes paired with wine. Wine class runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at J. Scott Cellars, 520 Commercial St., Unit G. Tickets $35; 541-232-4225 or jscottcellars.com.
Beer Fest — The Bier Stein hosts its Fourth Annual Invitational Beer Fest. This year’s Invitational will feature beer and cider from 36 of the best producers in Oregon. Whether amateur or aficionado, guests can dive into the rich craft community by exploring more than 60 craft beers and ciders. Live music featuring Pagan Jug Band and Eugene’s own Inner Limits. The invitational runs from noon to 8 p.m. with music beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in Bier Stein's parking lot, 1591 Willamette St. Tickets $25 day of the event, includes a souvenir tulip glass and five taster tickets. Additional taster tickets $1 each, $5 for designated drivers; thebierstein.com.
Eugene Library Concert — Tap your toes or get up and dance to swing classics played live by the 17-piece Blue Skies Band, the Pacific Northwest’s premier big band. This show will also feature the delightful vocal harmonies of the Jewel Tones, inspired by the great trios of the 1930s and 1940s. The show begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at the Eugene Public Library, 100 W. 10th Ave. Free; 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Star Party —The Eugene Astronomical Society will host a star party as part of their series of "First Quarter Fridays" held each month on the Friday nearest the first quarter Moon. This event draws dozens of people to share the view of the night sky with a variety of telescopes available and astronomers on hand to explain what people are seeing. The party gets underway at 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, at College Hill Reservoir, 24th Avenue and Lawrence Street. Free; www.eugeneastro.org. If clouded out, the EAS will try again on the next night, Saturday, June 8, same time, same place.
2019 Teas at SMJ — The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is taking reservations for its upcoming teas, which often fill up quickly. The schedule is June Tea, June 8; Harvest Tea, Sept. 21-22; Halloween Tea, Oct. 19-20; and Holiday Tea, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22. Tickets go on sale to the public one month before the tea's date. All Shelton McMurphey Johnson House teas are by prepaid reservation only; to make a reservation, call 541-484-0808 or go to smjhouse.org.
Annual Spring Open House Celebration Potluck — Join Winter Green Farm for its annual spring open house celebration potluck. Share a potluck lunch (bring a dish to share if you wish to participate), fun activities and games planned for kids of all ages. The potluck runs from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at 89762 Poodle Creek Rd., Noti. Free; 541-935-1920 or www.wintergreenfarm.com.
Music in the Garden — The Eugene Symphony Guild hosts a self-guided tour of five beautiful gardens with musicians playing in each garden, a plant sale, drawings for three baskets full of gifts and gift certificates, vendors and refreshments. The garden tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of and $5 for 10 years and under. All proceeds benefit the Eugene Symphony Association; eugenesymphonyguild.org.
Music in the Garden — The Eugene Symphony Guild hosts "Music in the Garden," a self-guided tour through five beautiful gardens accompanied by 30 live musical performances. Attached will also be a plant sale, drawings for baskets filled with gifts and gift certificates, vendors and refreshments. "Music in the Garden" runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of and $5 for 10 years and under; 541-914-7441 or eugenesymphonyguild.org. All proceeds benefit the Eugene Symphony Association.
Bee Benefit —Beyond Toxics kicks off National Pollinator Week with the Sixth Annual Bee Jazzy, a benefit to Save Oregon's Bees, co-hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and GloryBee. Listen to great jazz music at one of the Willamette Valley’s most picturesque wineries. There will also be a silent auction with packages that include getaways to some of Oregon’s hidden gems and date night excursions to the opera or the theater. This gala evening takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at lovely Silvan Ridge Winery, 27012 Briggs Hill Rd. Tickets $25 in advance and $30 day of; beyondtoxics.salsalabs.org.
Author Talk — NY Times bestselling author Mary Roach, beloved for her hilariously informative explorations of scientific topics, will give a talk and question-and-answer session on everything science at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at the Eugene Public Library, 100 W. 10th Ave. Free; 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Performing Artist Retreat — Diane Michelin will be teaching students the art of watercoloring at the McKenzie River Inn. The inn's 700-square-foot classroom and workshop/studio with a large worktable, benches, leather sewing machines, easels, a remodeled kitchen and its own vegetable garden. Retreats include lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The art of watercoloring runs from Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28, at the McKenzie River Inn, 49164 McKenzie Highway, Vida; 541-658-2000 or www.mckenzieriverinn.com.
Hula Ho'ike — Eugene's hula school, Hālau Hula O Nā Pua O Hawai'i Nei, is having its annual ho'ike featuring 'Love Stories.' There will be hula, kahiko and 'auana styles plus live music by JD Puli and his trio from Fremont, CA. The hula begins at 1 p.m. at Cascade Middle School on Saturday, June 29, at 1525 Echo Hollow Rd. Plate lunch available from Everyday Kine Grindz. Tickets $10 day of show, $5 ages 5-9, free ages 4 & under.
Parent-Daughter GirlCon 2019 — Guests can hone their superhero powers and show off their cosplay at the second annual Parent-Daughter GirlCon, giving girls and their parents the opportunity to celebrate and explore “geek culture.” From anime, video games, cosplay, technology to art, GirlCon celebrates fandom of all kinds, with a focus on STEAM themes: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Springfield-based artist Kelsey Buzzell is keynote speaker. GirlCon runs from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in the Wheeler Pavilion, Lane Events Center, 796 W. 13th Ave. Free with a $10-$25 suggested donation; 541-284-4333 or opheliasplace.ejoinme.org.
Email upcoming weekend events to firstname.lastname@example.org. Events should be submitted by the Tuesday before Saturday publication to be included in the print version, as space allows. Otherwise, complete Be Here Now list of events is posted at registerguard.com/lifestyle.