Summer is an exciting time, but it can also be a boring time. Don’t let the dog days of summer get to you—there are many ways to get out and enjoy the day both in and just out of town. Read on for ways to fully celebrate summer.
Eugene Public Library
Throughout the year, the library offers free events at all three of its locations. They provide adult education classes, activities for teens and kids, and entertainment for all ages. During the summer, they’re also a great place to get some air conditioning and enjoy the community. Some upcoming events:
Makerspaces in Education | July 20 | 2 pm | Downtown Library, 100 W 10th Ave. | Free | eugene-or.gov
Teens: Super Mario Party | July 20 | 3 pm | Bethel Branch, 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. | eugene-or.gov
Minecrafters | June 23 | 4 pm | Downtown Library, 100 W 10th Ave. | Free | eugene-or.gov
Try VR | July 24 | 3 pm | Bethel Branch, 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. | Free | eugene-or.gov
Lindsey Ellis: Alien Languages | July 27 | 2 pm | Downtown Library, 100 W 10th Ave. | Free | eugene-or.gov
Meet a Lego Designer | July 27 | 10 am | Sheldon Branch, 1566 Coburg Rd. | Free | eugene-or.gov
1PASS
Take advantage of the 1PASS, offered through the City, which gives access to pools, museums, and other activities (and free LTD rides to get there) all summer to kids up to 18 years old for $55. Available for purchase as Amazon Pool, Echo Hollow Pool, Sheldon Pool, LTD’s Eugene Station, and the Willamalane Center. Valid through September 2.
See website for a full list of access and details: eugene-or.gov
Local hikes
We live in an outdoor wonderland, surrounded by rivers, forests, buttes, and more. A hike is a good way to take in the local scenery while getting away from the sounds of the city for a while (even while still being in the city!). Before you go, be sure to check online for closures or other warnings.
Find some peace and walk, run, bike, or ride along one of these trails.
Betty Lake Trail | Waldo Lake Rd. #5897, Oakridge | 1.7 miles | fs.usda.gov
Bohemia Mountain Trail | Sharps Creek Rd., Cottage Grove | .8 miles | fs.usda.gov
Clear Lake Hiking Trail | Clear Lake Hwy. 126, Mckenzie Bridge | 4.6 miles | fs.usda.gov
Hobbit Trail | 91892-91974 Oregon Coast Hwy., Florence | 1 mile | eugenecascadescoast.org
Middle Fork Path | 205 Dorris St., Springfield | 4 miles | willamalane.org
Spencer Butte Trail | 85385 Willamette St. | 1.7 miles | eugene-or.gov
EugFun
The City of Eugene Cultural Services joins forces with other local organizations to bring EUGfun: family-friendly events that celebrate culture, the arts, food, and much more. Most events are free to attend and happen in all neighborhoods. Check their website for events throughout the whole year: eugene-or.gov
Here are some highlights this month:
Studio Without Walls | July 19 | 5:30 pm | Park Blocks, 8th Ave. and Oak St.
Party on the Plaza: POPgoji | July 25 | 5:30 pm | Hult Center Plaza, 1 Eugene Center
Movies in the Park: The Sandlot | July 26 | 9 pm | Churchill Park, 2120 Bailey Hill Rd.
20×21 Eugene Walls | July 27-Aug. 2 | Throughout Eugene
Fairs and festivals
Summer is the classic time for fairs and festivals, perfect for enjoying the outdoors while taking in local scenes. There’s a festival for everyone and everything, so pick something to celebrate and you’ll likely find others who share in the celebrate. Here are some upcoming festivals:
Bohemia Mining Days | July 18-20 | All day | Cottage Grove | Free admission | bohemiaminingdays.org
Blackberry Jam Festival | July 26-28 | All day | Jasper-Lowell Rd. and Moss St. | Free admission | blackberryjamfestival.com
Oregon Festival of American Music (OFAM) | July 24-Aug. 3 | The Shedd, 868 High St. | See website for ticketing packages | theshedd.org
Chainsaw and Art Festival | July 19-21 | 10 am | McKenzie Community Track and Field, 51326 Blue River Dr., Blue River | mckenziechamber.com
Lane County Fair | July 24-28 | 11 am | Lane County Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave. | See website for ticketing | atthefair.com
Visual Arts Week | Aug. 2-9 | See website for full list of events and locations | eugene-or.gov
Farmers markets
Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other products are abundant at local farmers markets. There’s nothing like strolling through the booths, taking in the delicious smells, bright colors, and wondrous variety. Nearly every city in Lane County has its own weekly market through the warm months of the year, a testament to the bounty of our area.
Lane County Farmers Market | Tuesdays, 9 am; Saturdays, 10 am | Park Blocks, 8th Ave. and Oak St. | lanecountyfarmersmarket.org/
Whiteaker Market | Sundays | 11 am | Scobert Park, 4th Ave. and Blair St. | whiteakercommunitymarket.com/
Dexter Lake Farmers Market | Sundays | 12 pm | Rolling Rock Park, 100 North Shore, Lowell | facebook.com/Dexter-Lake-Farmers-Market
Creswell Farmers Market | Tuesdays | 4 pm | Creswell Library parking lot, 64 W Oregon Ave., Creswell | creswell-library.org
Veneta Farmers Market | Saturdays | 10 am | W Broadway and 3rd St., Veneta | venetadowntownfarmersmarket.com
South Valley Farmers Market | Thursdays | 4 pm | Cottage Grove Armory, 7th St. and Main, Cottage Grove | facebook.com/CottageGroveFarmersMarket/
Florence Farmers Market | Tuesdays | 3 pm | Bay and Kingwood St., Florence | florencechamber.com
