This place is so much fun. They get the best people to play and the folks who volunteer to work the tickets and concessions and coat check etc, are darling. The location means it's easy to have fun before and after and it's always a great bathroom experience (the ladies understand). And the sound is great for so intimate of a setting. I recommend supporting and volunteering, we will be in the future! read more

WOW Hall - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

great local venue. awesome staff and family friendly environment. Some shows are questionable, but for the most part the Wow Hall does a great job booking gigs, maintaining sound the system, and keeping the historic building intact for future generations to continue to enjoy. read more

Love this venue! We've seen many fun shows here. I like that it's smaller but is more spread out. On the perimeter there are benches to sit down. The stage is up higher so those standing can see. Reminds me of going to shows back in Portland when I was in highschool. read more

Daughter Dad night for the Pablo Francisco Comedy show which was a complete blast at the WOW Hall which hosted this event very professionally with the perfect amount of seating which made it very intimate and collegial/fun/safe atmosphere. Kudos Wow Hall Team...what an amazing night!!! read more

I have been to many shows here over the years. It is an old, and smaller place but I have never been disappointed in any show I have seen. All of the music has ranged from hip hop, rock, underground hip hop, and country. They usually allow people of all ages in. There is a beer bar downstairs but they don't allow you to bring anything upstairs. You can view the concerts from a big screen television while you drink. This last weekend we went to see Robert Earl Keen. He and his band were really great live! I had a blast. We walked to Sizzle pie afterwards to eat, after that some of our out of town friends wanted some VooDoo doughnuts. It is great everything is so close and with in walking distance. read more

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This place is truly a nostalgic venue! I've seen the Daddies and Floater here so many times and let's not forget the Sweaty Nipples--- haha!! The 90s. Anyway this place is ok as far as venues go. It's not safe on the sidewalks generally so stay near the front of the hall where the stairs are. So many great things to do nearby if you get to a show to early. read more

There are no *cough* drugs *cough* supporting the WOW HALL. There is a $300,000 plus self sufficient opperating budget supporting the WOW HALL. The WOW HALL has been in existance for over 100 years. As a music venue open as the Community Center for the Performing Arts for the last 30, the WOW HALL is one of the cornerstones of the Eugene music scene. No other venue can boast the names that have graced their stage like the WOW HALL. Last night, Marcia Ball who was recently nominated for a Grammy sang on the stage. Next Month, Dub Reggae pioneer THE MAD PROFESSOR will be playing. Recently we had Jello Biafra doing vocals for the Melvins, Modest Mouse played here not too long ago. Atmosphere raged the WOW HALL. Yonder Mounain String Band? Yeah, they have been here too. Hot Buttered Rum String Band is comming back. And that all within weeks of right now! There is a 12 person board of directors that guide the future of the venue. There is a dedicated staff of people that run sound maintain the venue, manage the volenteers, handle the media and manage the box office. Given the strength of the staff, the integrity of the venue and guidence of a community based board of directors, there is no doubt why this is the best venue in town. read more

Pretty much the only place in town to take in a good rock show for less than $15. On that basis alone, I love the WOW hall. However. It weirds the shit out of me. Since it is one of the only all-ages venues in downtown, a lot of high schoolers go there. And I'm not necessarily saying that's a bad thing because everyone needs to get their rock on, but it's a really odd feeling being a 20-or-30 something & realizing that you and your buddies are the oldest people in the room. Also: the acoustics are bad, the room set-up is in no way conducive to easy load-in/load-out or sound tech or light tech or artist hospitality, the merch area is tiny, and there are rumors that the only reason this place stays afloat is due to some illegal activities that go on there. *cough* drugs *cough* employee extortion *cough* But you didn't hear that from me...... All that aside, the WOW boasts a consistently KILLER lineup, and the devotion of their volunteers is nothing short of incredible. It's a way cool institution, they just could use more funding and a way better building. In conclusion, go. read more

I could do without some of the shenanigans that arise from this being an all-ages venue, but all in all, a totally rad place. I've seen a lot of small and big-name bands here-- in fact, one of my favorite shows of all times happened here. It's also the only place that I can consistently have a shitload of fun during the mostly-lame Eugene Celebration. I've also stood out back passing a fifth of Old Crow while a bum plays a really sweet rendition of Free Bird. Ah, the (mostly) good old days. KRS-One did half of his set in the middle of the crowd here, and I got to see Mr. Lif put on a bad-ass show, too. I've danced to the Cherry Poppin' Daddies on that dance floor, been brought to tears by David Bazaan, witnessed the goth prom that was Rasputina's show, listened to moon-eyed indie rock crooners, fallen in love with Chevron and Hello Lobster and have smelled the smell of a hundred thrashing punk rockers at once. In short, there's a lot of different stuff happening here. And there's a bar in the basement. I've had some nice conversations due to accidental run-ins with bands down there, only realizing later what had happened. The bar's pretty chill, too, since it's an all-ages place... there's usually not too big a crowd. Just be sure to bring ID even if you think you're obviously of-age; they card everyone on the way downstairs. read more

Okay, since moving up here about a year ago, I've been here about 3 times so far and have seen some good bands come through (and no regrets), however each experience felt almost increasingly detrimental to my mental health. I'll tell you why. From the outside, the WOW hall looks like a creepy ass church that was abandoned for unknown -- no.. I could sort of imagine why. It just looks creepy as fuck from the outside. I honestly feel that this is just the place where young teeny bopper kids go to in order to feel cool and like a part of something where they can brag to their other middle school/high school buddies that they actually snuck out of their parents' houses and "went" somewhere. The WOW hall is really just a place where young 15-16 year olds (typically) go to purposely act like annoying little vermins and dress obnoxiously. You know that age. Young girls who wear inappropriate Forever 21 party clothing with ripped stockings and jumping up and down with one arm straight up in the air, heads bobbing frantically from side to side. Also, this space is small but "too big" for our typical crowds that come here. And the side bleachers? WOW.......... JUST IMAGINE a high school homecoming and a line of wallflowers sitting on the bleachers. THAT IS EXACTLY HOW IT FEELS. Do not come here by yourself, you will feel most awkward at this state. You can most definitely trust me on this one, my dear. If you are part of the more mature crowd, like perhaps 20+ (assuming and hoping you have matured by then), you will definitely feel weird being part of the rest of the youngin's. If you haven't been here yet, you'll catch my drift. Not saying you SHOULDN'T EVER go here, okay maybe just check it out once and see how you feel..... I like that the shows are cheap here, never having paid more than $8-10 and I've seen bands like White Arrows and El Ten Eleven pass through. But I would never come here again unless a band was well worth seeing .. In fact, I was just here last night and my gf and I were talking about how literally EVERY single person at the show was a girl except like 4 other guys. It was weird. We were even joking that instead of being at a sausagefest, it was like being at a fish market. It was that bad. read more

My attachment to the WOW Hall is partly sentimental, as I've been coming here since the mid-80s. Bob Mould, Mike Watt, and Frank Black are just three double-monosyllabically-named musicians who make the WOW a regular touring stop. It's a sturdy all-ages venue and a great place to catch a show. Beer and wine in the basement, which is dank and dingy. No food unless you're into stale bar pretzels (which I am). The front steps and the benches around the building fill up during a show (as does the sidewalk for a block or so), offering a nice slice of youth street life. This is the place to go, too, to see "old-school" young punks--teenagers with Elmer's Glue Mohawks, pink and green hair, leather jackets, torn jeans, and safety pins are always in attendance. Hippies are also usually in attendance. And Frog--he's there too. read more

Wow! I really like the WOW! This venue so far has been a favorite of mine in Eugene. I've seen two shows-one Pink Floyd cover band with a smaller crowd and Elephant Revival with a larger but not sold out show. All shows here are all ages so you can bring the whole family any time! I'm sure this can get a little bit annoying when groups of teenagers come in but so far I haven't had that experience and parents have been there to supervise the kids I have seen. The acoustics here are wonderful and everywhere in the building is an amazing view of the stage. If you get there early enough and want a seat, you can sit on the benches that surround the dance floor but as long as you aren't standing behind someone taller than you, any place you stand even if it's in the back is a great spot. This building is old so there are a couple things that may seem inconvenient like a tiny woman's bathroom causing a line pretty much the whole time and a leaky basement roof where they serve their beer. You have to drink your beer downstairs in the 21+ area which is fine but you can't watch the show and drink at the same time. They do play the live music down there so you can at least hear it while you chug your beer. The staff sometimes aren't the most helpful and don't really know the answers to any questions but that really isn't a big deal. If you see a band you love coming to the WOW, snag your tickets right away to reserve your intimate musical experience! read more

WOW Hall - Elephant Revival - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I'd like to add two band names to the list of great bands that have played here: Mookie Blaylock The Cherry Poppin' Daddies "Mookie Blaylock?" you say??!! This is the original name for Pearl Jam. That's right, Pearl Jam played this place among others along the I-5 corridor before they were big. I believe they opened up for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies for their gig here. Another band that played here was Green River. Two guys from this band that you may or may not have heard of are Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard, from, you guessed it, Pearl Jam. CBGB, eat your overpriced and now boarded up heart out. :) Wow Hall is an interesting venue that was probably not built for rock or jazz shows, but it is a fun place to see any band. If you are in Eugene, chances are that any band too big to play at a bar and not big enough to fill the Hult center will play here. In contrast to most places of this size in larger cities, the parking is easy, the attitude at the door is generally pretty open and friendly, and the feeling is good here. read more

It took me far too long to realize that WOW stood for something in this context. (Woodsmen of the World anyone?) But, my shame aside, this is a fine lil venue for a rock and/or roll show. It's a bit funky, with the roundabout way to the stage and the very steep stairs leading into the underbelly, but I'm not one to argue with results. I've been here a number of times for KWVA anniversary shows, more acoustic numbers, and electric rock with stadium-sized lightshows that somehow made it in the tiny back door. Stars, you blinded me with those things. But I didn't care. The little bar downstairs is quaint and not overpriced. This is key. I usually don't like a place where the drinks are $4 more than the going rate on the outside. Just because we paid your fees to come support artists instead of bootlegging the show and selling it to others with a wire taped to my chest like a CIA mole does not mean that we have tons of cash to fork over for a PBR or, in WOW's case, a nice bottle of Old Rasputin (I was overjoyed when they had this). The crowds are usually well-behaved even though it's all-ages most of the time (if not all the time?). There are always a few hecklers over in the scant seating who just bought their first fake ID and got a couple of Smirnoff Ice's in them before the show. But they are quickly dealt with using crowd-wide glares of contempt. All my years in Salem I kind of wished that there was a nice little place like this to go see shows by artists I had actually heard of. And now that I'm here in Eugene I need to take full advantage. Um...rock on? read more

Great music venue, nice volunteers, the WOW hall has been a cornerstone of Eugene music scene for as long as I can remember. Great bands and local events. read more

Cold War Kids in Eugene... I have read there is lots of history to this venue, but my take on it is: Not enough parking in the area. Nowhere to wait for the show to start (it was raining on and off before the show) and we were all on the street except for the few that were standing right at the door. Fairly small, and smelled funny. It got way too hot in there. All ages, which wasn't great, all the youngsters and their shenanigans... A fair amount of homeless/punks wandering around outside asking for money, mulitple times. The sound was alright! I asked some youngsters in line if W.O.W. stood for anything (having looked it up ahead of time) and sadly the 3 I asked had no idea... read more

Sure, the acoustics aren't the best at the WOW Hall. It gets pretty hot and muggy inside, too, and not all the sweat that comes off your fellow music lovers is delicious. And while some of the acts are undeniably killer, some are, shall we say, garage bands prematurely promoted to the not-quite-bigtime. So what? Most nights, the music rocks, the crowd rocks, and best of all, it's OURS. There's nothing more Eugenean than the WOW Hall, which still lives up to its name after all these years. WOW. It's still ours. Fuck dying in your sleep. read more

Awesome venue! Went to the first annual Lane County Fair Halloween party. Great music, great party!

I'm being generous with 4 stars... this mostly volunteer run music venue is a jewel in the rough. There are always a few hitches, mostly with how the sound board is run. Although it isn't perfect it is a lovely all ages venue that books a vast variety of music. I really appreciate that. From my youthful days growing up down here to my more recent return to the area i've enjoy some great entertainment at the w.o.w hall. Added perk, ample volunteer opportunities here which will allow you to learn some skills and attend free shows. read more

many fun memories at the wow hall! Even GWAR played there... Updating to bump it up to 5 stars!! Just saw a great show there (YOB) and remembered what a fun place this is for shows. I gave it a 4 last time just because the beer is downstairs and you can only see the band on a TV monitor while drinking. Even still though! that's not quite enough to lose a star in my opinion and I can drink beer in between bands... thank you WOW Hall people!! read more

I've now been to a couple of shows here now, and all I can say is WOW! This place is truly a local gem, we are so lucky to have it in Eugene. They support so many local acts, are all-ages, and don't charge more than a reasonable price, and are volunteer-run. The environment here is so different than other places I've been -- one time there was this drunk guy who was being real obnoxious and grabbing up on this woman who clearly didn't want his company. Within ten seconds, a crowd had descended upon him and forced him out of the venue. This shouldn't be a surprising thing, every venue should be like this, but they aren't, and it's one of the things that really speaks to the energy here. read more

Check the event calender here when in Eugene. Unique variety.

OPETH, Prong, Gary Numan, Devil Driver, Cory Feldman, Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing), Camper Van Beethoven, Floater (20 times now), I could go on and on. A very eclectic list of bands I've seen here. Do I love the place? No, not really. It's small and always too warm. The punks outside are bothersome. Some of the people who volunteer there are special-needs. The bar is cash-only, boring and silly. But do I respect the place? Yes, you bet. I've found the bookings are not as impressive since prior to 2013, but every once in a while they still land a gem. All in all I'm a fan, tickets are well priced, the people are nice, and it's a significant part of what makes Eugene so damn cool and my favorite city in the PNW. read more

It may be an older venue but the diversity of acts is really impressive! Wish it had better airflow but I love the variety of shows it can host in a variety of set ups, such as the most recent suspension show with the participation of High Priestess! read more

Just went there with Reverend Horton Heat; one of the many stops on our latest tour. It's really hot inside WOW Hall, they could use AC throughout the venue, not just inside the main hall. It's an all-volunteer staff and pretty nice people. Lots of homeless scum-bags hanging outside the venue and they're not nice people; that has nothing to do with WOW Hall, just the fact that the area is saturated with homeless punk kids with dogs and they always seem to be drunk. WOW Hall could use a larger merchandise area, but a lot of venues are like that. Bus parking sucks. Overall, pretty cool place. read more

The best local venue to see live music! It's small enough to have a cozy atmosphere to feel the music up close and personal without ever feeling overcrowded. You can dance your tukas off, but always find a place to sit down and catch your breath along the wall if you need to. There is a bar downstairs if you need a refresher...bummer that they only serve beer and wine. Wayne Hancock and Cherry Poppin' Daddies - best two shows I've seen in Eugene - they rocked the WOW Hall! read more

For the 15 minutes that Eugene had a music scene, many of the shows happened here. It's probably the best place to play "Identify that Eugene Smell", you can find everything from the classic "Patchouli and B.O." to "Weed and B.O." read more

I do not like this venue. I am really surprised at some of the artists that actually book their shows here. The sound quality is poor and the stage is basically pieced together. I do not know if all shows here are all ages, but I do not like high school kids very much. The bar is downstairs, which always bugs me and it is cash only. There is nothing else to say. I have to stop buying tickets for shows at the WOW hall. read more

Small, intimate, all-ages venue which I really enjoyed. I love going to shows that make the performance feel more personal. I think the bar was downstairs, but did not check it out since I was driving that night. I did think the security was a lot more aggressive than necessary - I do understand that it's for safety for other attendees and the venue itself, but daaaammn, it does not take 5 minutes to check a small shoulder purse. read more

Great local venue. Dress in layers, bring earplugs, and your ID for beer in the basement.

Small and intimate venue. Reminded me of an old school gym from the 60's or something. Would recommend always if you're in the area.

WOW Hall, a not for profit venue with historic implications is a community gem. Out of the cauldrons of creativity and tradition flow a wild variety of ever changing possibilities. The WOW hall dares to reinvent itself regularly, and also can be counted on to maintain a steady rudder in the seas of cultural change at the same time. Long may you rock on! And big congrats on saving the big trees in front. read more

this is the best place i've been to see a show in eugene. i think i've only been here and the mcdonald, but wow hall was definitely better. they seem to get good shows here, and it's cheap, and the basement bar makes me feel like i'm back in my old college dorm room, which i never had (nice christmas lights and pretzels). they have a decent-sized dance floor. i like that. read more

My personal favorite place to see live music in Eugene. I've seen The Decemberists, Vagabond Opera, Mason Jennings, Hillstomp, Devil Makes Three, Ben Kweller, Mike Doughty, Wood Brothers and other incredible acts for under $20. I like the bar being downstairs, so if people are there to drink and talk, they aren't interfering with the music. read more

I did sound for the WOW hall in the mid 80's and it was a wonderful time in my life. The sound system we provided was of high quality at that time and we could create a superb recreation of the bands playing there. My faves were Jorma Kaukonen and Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. My second fave to do sound for was Norton Buffalo. There were so many wonderful artists that played the WOW hall at that time. I look back on it with fond memories. However the strangest night there was the night the Meat Puppets played, very educational indeed. My mind was changed forever on how far a band could take theatre. read more

This place was an absolute joke. I went to see Bone last night and didn't even stay to watch the concert which by the way was two hours delayed. The set up is way too small to watch a decent band. I was very upset with the fact that the bar is downstairs and I not able to watch the concert while having an adult beverage. I was also upset with the fact that there were 12 year olds outside in the smoking area who were smoking cigarettes and marijuana. I just think that some children need to have someone watching them. I will never come back to this venue and will tell my friends not to go there as well. I am very disappointed that I spent $56 for myself and my husband to have a great night and it was a total loss. I also need to mention that the beer on tap was flat. read more

The wow hall is the best place in town ( better than cosmic pizza, mcdonald theater Or hult center) or anywhere to see a live show, like ( toots & maytals, skatalites, johns browns body, white zombie, phish, arlo guthrie, & many other famous & non famous bands) just to name a few. !!!! I look forword to see a concert at the wall hall !!!! I just wish they would have more reggae shows !!!! ( wow hall presents ) ( DONT LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS !!! ) read more

the security is rude and disrespectful. very upset with how i was treated. not planning on returning solely because of the security