Thursday, August 20, 2026 / Downtown Eugene
Tomorrow’s library rule: yes, kids may touch the instruments
Eugene Symphony brings free 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. hands-on sessions to the Downtown Library for ages 5–12.
The violin, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion instruments at Friday’s Downtown Library sessions are there to be handled. Carefully, presumably, but handled.
Eugene Symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo gives children ages 5 to 12 a chance to hear, touch and try each instrument with help from musicians. The two free sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday at the Downtown Eugene Public Library.
The program already visited the Bethel and Sheldon branches Wednesday. This is not a performance where a cough becomes a family crisis. Curiosity is the point.
Field notes
What changed: Eugene Symphony and Eugene Public Library confirmed two free Downtown Library instrument sessions for Aug. 21.
Why it matters: Children can test a range of orchestral instruments before a family commits to lessons, rental or a very loud living-room future.
Who may be affected: Children ages 5 to 12 and their families in the Eugene area.