Put together music, face painting and emceeing drag queens. What do all of these things have in common? They are just a few of the things you will find at the Annual Eugene Pride Festival.
This popular event will be back to celebrate community pride August 8 at Alton Baker Park.
“I’m most excited about the entertainment this year,” said Dave McCallum, who has been the festival coordinator for the past four years. “We have a solid six hours, and there’s always something going on on the stage.”
The festival will be a full day of activity with bands, speakers and appearances by local politicians and the 2014 Eugene Float Queen, starting at 12 p.m. and running until 6 p.m.
In addition to being a day of fun for the community, it also offers an opportunity for those attending to connect with others.
“I think pride in any city offers a chance for visibility for the LGBT community that isn’t available the rest of the year,” said McCallum. “Our pride offers a chance for people to get together who might not get to see each other all the time. People travel from around the state from smaller communities to visit Eugene Pride.”
Those who attend can expect to see support from groups like Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Lane County and even UO’s own Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Education & Support Services Program (LGBTESSP).
So many in the Eugene community attend this annual festival, which means it takes a lot of work for Eugene Pride to prepare.
“I’d like to stress that it’s volunteer run and we’re always looking for people to participate,” said McCallum. “While we do have some sponsors, the organization runs on volunteers. We encourage the community to step up and participate.”
Here’s what else is going on this weekend:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6:
Junction City Scandinavian Festival – 10 a.m., Downtown Junction City, free
Starting today, people of all Scandinavian heritages will celebrate with live entertainment, crafts and food. Each day celebrates a different country. The festival runs through the weekend.
Earthquake Hazard Public Forum – 7 p.m., Straub Hall (Campus), free
All the talk of the big northwest earthquake got you spooked? University geologists will be hosting a public forum on the matter to answer all of your questions, no matter how basic.
pARTy on the Plaza: Def Con 5 – 5:30 p.m., Hult Center Plaza, free
Don’t miss the chance to see this Portland-based hip-hop crew tonight as they show off the genre in many forms including B-boying, DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and more.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7:
Oregon Festival of American Music 2015 – all day, The Shedd, price varies
This year’s theme is “The Age of Jazz.” Relive the 1920s with a celebration of popular artists like Louis Armstrong and Ethel Waters, the rise of swing and so much more. See the above link for a complete list of prices and performances.
Dr. Jazz Concert – 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, free
If you want the jazz but aren’t sure if you want to spend any money, head over to this local concert instead to get that Gatsby vibe.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8:
Slightly Stoopid Concert – 6:30 p.m., Cuthbert Amphitheater, $38.50
Calling all Slightly Stoopid fans: The reggae-punk band will be in Eugene this weekend, so don’t miss out and buy your tickets at the above link.
Movie in the Park: Angels in the Outfield – 7 p.m., Washington Park, free
Watch this family favorite for free tonight at dusk. Maybe if you look close enough you’ll be able to see the angels coming to watch it too.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9:
Eugene Triathlon – all day, Fern Ridge, OR, cost varies
For all of the extreme athletes out there, today is your chance to compete against Eugene’s best in the triple-test of strength and endurance this weekend. See link above for registration and costs.
Good Work, Sister! Women Shipyard Workers of WWII, an Oral History – 2 p.m., Oregon Historical Society, free
History buffs will love this exhibit about the women of WWII in the local shipyards of Portland and Vancouver. This unique exhibit showcases the women who were skilled in formerly male trades, and how their work added to the war efforts.