As the nation’s oldest weekly open-air crafts market, Eugene’s Saturday Market is hard to beat in terms of taking in the essence of the city's local cultural scene. Established in 1970, the market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from April through mid-November on the Park Blocks at 8th and Oak in downtown Eugene.

“The first Saturday Market in 1970 had just 29 vendors,” says Kim Still, the market’s promotions and advertising manager. “Today, we have more than 200. The community has been so supportive, and the market has become a popular weekly gathering place for people of all ages and lifestyles. We have folks who come out every week – friends and neighbors who never miss [it].”

Still says that hundreds of artisans sell their wares at the market, including everything from clothing and accessories to jewelry and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift items.

“There’s such a rich tradition of crafting in Eugene, and the Saturday Market is the perfect showcase for that,” she says. “Everything is made locally – nothing mass produced or imported. Blown glass, wood working, needle felting, tie dye, recycled art – you name it. Of course, there are quite a few items that are hard to define – sort of an ‘only in Eugene’ category. But that’s what makes it so much fun.”

Along with artisan booths, the market also features an International Food Court and plenty of live entertainment. In fact, more than 1,000 performers hit the market stages each year, with musical styles ranging from acoustic and folk to blues, jazz and rock and roll.

“The food court is an important part of the market. There’s such a wide variety – from Afghani to Indian to Mexican and more. And we’re a major supporter of local musicians and performing artists. I think it’s the combination of the crafters, food and entertainment that makes the market so special. It’s a really good way for visitors to get a snapshot of Eugene’s personality.”

On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the market moves inside to become the Holiday Market, running every weekend through Christmas at the Lane County Events Center.

“The Holiday Market features many of the same vendors as the regular Saturday Market,” Still says. “It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and find some really unusual, one-of-a-kind gift items. It’s also a wonderful way to share a bit of the local flavor with out-of-town guests.”