A Love Letter to the Saturday Market
Each Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, April to November, 8th and Oak becomes a hustling and bustling street, all because of one event: the Saturday Market. Young and old Eugenians looking to window shop, buy, sell, listen to tunes, and soak up that Eugene energy. Handmade scarves, candles, sweets, cutting boards, bongs and more all find their homes under easy ups, waiting to be picked up by a passerby looking to treat themselves.
The birth of the Saturday Market started with the closure of the farmers market in 1950. With a serious need for life downtown, the Saturday Market was conceived in 1970 by local potter Lotte Streisinger. This market has been running for 57 seasons, and it doesn’t look like it's stopping anytime soon. Rain or shine, community members show up to gather to experience it. This market is really built on love, as the directors of the market do not gain any profit from organizing each event.
There is a certain magic to the Saturday Market; it is an amazing third space for people from all walks of life to enjoy. The Saturday Market is Eugene's heart and soul, and it is a step into who we are. Vendors get to interact with their community and buyers get a taste of who the workers are that make up our town. It is their passions that make up Eugene. Integrity is an important aspect of the Saturday Market as each product is handmade, grown, or gathered by each person, family member, or partner selling it.
The Saturday Market has four distinct sections to explore. In the homemade goods area, you can find unique Eugene trinkets such as pottery, knitwear, jewelry, and more from local artists and creators. This area is at the entrance of it all, so it's hard to miss!
Kat with Katnap Studio
After getting your fix of window shopping, you can take your shoes off, put your hair up, and step into the drum circle area. Here, you can find an assortment of bongs, pipes, leatherwear, and rhythmic beats from local drummers.
If that's not your scene, just to the left of the drum circle is the farmers market section. Home to all of your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables, here is where you can get the freshest produce straight from local farmers.
Retired fire-fighter Randy Wood with Eugene Microgreens
Oregon Sourdough Vendors
While there are some eats scattered throughout the whole market, right next to the farmers market section is where the food vendors are stationed. Cuisines from all over are offered—all with a hint of local flair. Some dishes you’ll see floating around the market are the mac ‘n cheese bowls from Gourmet Mac or the pad thai with peanut sauce from Bangkok Grill. You really can’t go wrong with any stand you choose because each dish is made with love.
Cafe Mam station
If you haven’t gone to the Saturday Market yet, I seriously recommend clearing out a Saturday afternoon. You won’t regret it.
About the author: Amelia Gaviglio is a 3rd year student at the University of Oregon, majoring in advertising with a minor in food studies. She enjoys writing about the human condition, fashion, and the intricacies of life. In her free time, she sketches landscapes, goes on peaceful walks in nature, and watches old movies.