As the school year winds down, the go-to small talk question is: “What are you doing this summer?”
Those of you who are leaving Eugene are probably looking forward to your summer plans and getting out of town. Yes, getting an internship is impressive and important to your future career. Yes, you may be finding yourself thinking more and more about dad’s BBQ and how great summer is in your hometown. While these are great options for three months of academic freedom, consider staying in Eugene. Here are some reasons why:
1. Weather
If you only experience Eugene from late September through June, you are missing its best weather. According to the weather.com, the average temperature in Eugene in July and August is 82 to 83 degrees. Good weather brings people out on their porches and down to the river — usually with beer.
2. The great outdoors
“The best thing about staying in Eugene over the summer is that there are a ton of outdoor and swimming activities available and are just a short drive away. My favorite spot is the rock slides,” said senior Alex Agan.
The rock slides are located on Triangle Lake, less than an hour from Eugene, and provide the fun of a water park in a natural setting. Wildwood Falls is another good bet: providing rocks of all sizes to jump off and a natural pool to relax in.
3. Whiteaker Block Party
This street fair closes off multiple streets in the Whit: Eugene’s funkiest burrow for what may just be Eugene’s coolest event. Aerial dancers perform and the houses on the street host all kinds of live music, not to mention the miles of local art, food and beer.
“The Whiteaker Block Party is a blast. It’s in the real hippie neighborhood of Eugene and it’s worth going to because of the good food and music,” said recent graduate Chris Daniels.
4. Fourth of July
There’s something unique about celebrating the Fourth in a college town. Similar to how college changes Halloween, this once family-oriented holiday loses its innocence to patriotic parties and PBR. Whether you enjoy fireworks in the middle of Ferry street or head over to Autzen Stadium, Eugene provides many options to show off your patriotism.
5. Oregon Country Fair
During the second weekend of July, a time capsule exists in Veneta: a town only 30 minutes from Eugene. Go back to the 1960s with this celebration of peace and love. At the Country Fair, you’ll find people on stilts, entire booths devoted to hemp products and at least five naked people. Live music, great food and craft booths are also offered.
6. Eugene Celebration
Being in Eugene for summer gives you an entirely new appreciation for it. Luckily, you can express your feelings for the city with the Eugene Celebration. Celebrate the city in late August with a party downtown, featuring parades, food and multiple stages of music.
“The Eugene Celebration is cool. Everyone shows up in their tie dye and body paint,” said junior Cory Ketchum, a Eugene native who used to march in the parade as a kid.
7. Classes
Even classes are more fun in the summer. Summer term offers four week, eight week and 11 week classes allowing you to actually plan class around trips. Summer classes allow you to see who else is in the Eug and form some friendships, all while attending a relatively empty campus. Plus, there are no lines for iced coffee.