WOW Hall

The WOW Hall, located at 291 West 8th Avenue in Eugene, Oregon, is a performing arts venue with a rich history and a strong connection to the local community. The venue was originally built in 1924 and is an abbreviation for "Woodmen of the World," a fraternity that supported timber workers and their families. The building was initially used for a variety of community events, including dances and musical performances.

In the 1970s, the building was rented out for a number of activities related to the then burgeoning counterculture, including benefit dances. In 1975, when it was learned that the Hall would soon be sold and possibly demolished, a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) to save the building. The CCPA was able to pay off the Hall’s mortgage in 1983, making it a community-owned and democratically operated venue.

The WOW Hall is known for its "floating" dance floor, one of only three in Oregon. The venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, classes, workshops, lectures, meetings, rehearsals, and recording sessions. It has a capacity of 450 and hosts approximately 15 events per month.

Over the years, the WOW Hall has hosted a wide range of artists and bands. Some recent performers include PAKT, Jake Blount, Groundation, and Khalil Romeo x Quez. Other notable performances include Hiss Golden Messenger, Joy Oladokun, and Built to Spill. The venue has also hosted local bands like Bootleg Rose, which has become a fixture in the Eugene music scene.

The WOW Hall is not just a venue for music and arts, but also a community center that provides a safe and friendly meeting place for the community. It is a training ground for new generations, running on volunteer energy with monthly volunteer training provided. The venue is also known for its annual membership party, which features local entertainment and a buffet-style dinner.