This summer, The Plaza @ The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is transforming with the addition of outdoor programming and arts experiences, along with new amenities including food carts, seating and dining spaces as well as games and activities for kids and adults. Each week offers a diverse range of programs including Kids on the Plaza, pARTy on the Plaza and Friday Happy Hour & Grown-Up Recess.
Activities energize The Plaza @ The Hult every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Plaza features a kids' reading nook from the Eugene Public Library and craft projects led by MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts), as well as games such as ping pong, checkers and giant Scrabble. In addition, there are specialty events planned for each day including music, dance, yoga, birds of prey from the Cascades Raptor Center, Heroes from the Eugene Fire Department and more.
Kids on the Plaza (Tuesday afternoons)
The Kids on the Plaza series continues on Tuesday, July 19, with the Little Notes Music Class lead by instructor Jodie St. Clair. The first session will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and the second session from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. The Plaza @ The Hult features free arts activities and events for kids and families, including hula dancers, music classes, kids' concerts and more every Tuesday afternoon throughout the summer. Sweet Bay food cart will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays.
pARTy on the Plaza (5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Thursdays)
From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, the pARTy on the Plaza series continues with Fire and the Dance. From fire eating, breathing, fleshing, juggling, tech style and dance, prepare to be entertained and inspired. Free performances fill The Plaza @ The Hult every Thursday, including acrobats, hip hop, samba, and other international and local talent. The Hult Bar will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. serving King Estate wines ($6) and Hop Valley Citrus Mistress and Ninkasi beers ($3). Navarro food cart will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and there are free activities all afternoon leading up to pARTy on the Plaza.
Friday Happy Hour & Grown-Up Recess (4 p.m. Fridays)
The Friday Happy Hour & Grown-Up Recess series continues at 4 p.m. July 15. Patrons can kick off their weekend at The Plaza @ The Hult with a glass of King Estate Wine ($6) or Hop Valley or Ninkasi beer ($3) at The Hult Bar. The Plaza will feature board games, ping pong, giant Scrabble and giant Jenga accompanied by the sounds of resident DJs from KWVA 88.1 FM. The Plaza will open each Friday at 11 a.m. and have activities leading up to Grown-Up Recess.
For the most up-to-date list of activities and performances, visit hultcenter.org/plaza/ or follow the Hult Center's Facebook or Twitter account.
The Plaza Project is a multi-year transformation of a beloved public space, The Plaza @ The Hult. This community-wide arts and events partnership seeks to transform The Plaza @ The Hult from a pass-through courtyard (between the Hult Center and the Eugene Hilton and Conference Center) into a dynamic, accessible and creative space for all of Eugene to enjoy.
The project will create a public space that can serve as the heart of the creative community in Eugene and as a new model for community engagement and audience development in our region.
The Plaza @ The Hult is a pilot project of the City of Eugene, and events may be added, canceled or changed at any time.
The Plaza @ The Hult is grateful for the leadership, partnership and support of the City of Eugene's E-Park program (our Ping Pong sponsors), the Hult Center staff and stakeholders, Lane Arts Council, University of Oregon's KWVA Radio, Greenhill Animal Shelter, Eugene Library, the Eugene Hilton, Art City, Eugene Symphony, West African Cultural Arts, and the City of Eugene Transportation, Facilities, Planning, Parks and Recreation teams.