Farmers Market Pavilion now available to rent

The Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza is now available for public rentals and is poised to become a new source of revenue for the City of Eugene. Pavilion rentals were previously limited to events arranged directly with partners of the City's Cultural Services division.

Past events held at the venue helped establish a culture of community and togetherness, with curation leaning heavily toward free and public community-produced functions. Each event provided valuable learning experiences that tested the facility's ability to adapt to a variety of activities, including cultural celebrations, dance performances, community gatherings, corporate meetings, fundraisers and benefits, private parties and vendor marketplaces.

"The space feels welcoming, and the outside area feels perfect for hanging out and listening to music," said Michelle Cruz, who helped organize Salsa at the Plaza.

The Pavilion has also become the home of three recurring iconic community events: Lane County Farmers Market, Lane Art Council's First Friday ArtWalk and Eugene Native American Arts and Crafts Makers ' monthly market.

Pavilion Steward Jana Meszaros and members of the Cultural Services staff used these opportunities to learn how the space could best be managed and utilized. The feedback they received led to several modifications to the structure that enabled it to better serve the community, including accessibility updates, equipment procurement, an external storage pod and the addition of baffling on the walls and ceilings to improve the sound quality of live music. More upgrades are currently in progress, such as the addition of ceiling fans to improve airflow and an integrated public-address system that will eliminate the need to set up speakers for every event.

"The pavilion is in a great location, and I like that it is a blank canvas that we could utilize to however we needed," said Tori Bendix of Positive Community Kitchen.

Meszaros is currently fielding a steady flow of inquiries from organizations and individuals wanting to rent the space in 2025. The venue is attracting interest for a wide range of both public and private events, including many requests from couples wishing to use it as their wedding venue. With income-generating rentals already booking months in advance, Meszaros and the Cultural Services team anticipate another full year of diverse activities and enriching learning experiences. As community engagement continues to grow, the Pavilion is fortifying its reputation as a central hub for downtown Eugene's cultural and social scene.

"The only thing better than the gorgeous space was the staff running it! The entire process was smooth, quick, and painless," said Taylor Higley of Full Access Halloween Dance.

The Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza is located at 85 E. Eighth Ave. in downtown Eugene. For more information about the venue, including rental details, visit Farmers Market Pavilion.

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