We’ve made it to the end of winter term and deserve the next week off.
For the few that are staying in Eugene, don’t worry — there will be plenty to keep you busy.
The beach will be a popular destination over break, and rightfully so. What could possibly beat the Oregon Coast in the spring?
Well, there’s one thing: Witnessing nature’s largest mammal, the whale, breaching and splashing on the Oregon Coast in the spring.
Whales are migrating back north to the Arctic Ocean after a stay in Mexico’s waters and the best time to see whales make their way north is March 21-28. Florence is on the whales’ path making it a perfect location to see these gigantic creatures.
The best places to spot a whale would be Devil’s Churn Viewpoint, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves and Cape Perpetua (highest point on the Oregon coast.)
Here’s what else is going on this weekend.
EUGENE:
Mar. 19 Buku
Robert Balotsky, a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of Music Technology, combines simple melodies loaded with bass drops. Buku will be performing songs off his first album, Skippy.
199 W. 8th Ave, 9 p.m., $12-15
Mar. 21 Futuristic & Sam Lachow
These two up and coming hip-hop artists will be performing at WOW Hall. Futuristic is from Illinois and his songs combine humor, intelligence and real life experiences to produce incredible lyrics. Sam Lachow recently released his EP, 5 Good Reasons, and his music known for the use of live instruments.
291 W. 8th Ave, 9 p.m., $10-12
Mar. 21-22 Willamette Valley Arms Collectors Spring Show
Got tickets to the gun show? This is the first of two hosted by the Willamette Valley Arms Collectors Association. Go and check out some local collectors of some of the coolest and craziest guns.
796 W. 13th Ave, Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., $6
Mar. 22 McKenzie River Half Marathon
All those 5ks and all that training have led up to this Sunday. Run all throughout Springfield and get an amazing view of the McKenzie River along the way. Even if you don’t plan on running the 13.1 miles, witnessing this spectacle should be incredible.
2050 Yolanda Ave., Springfield, 9 a.m., $50
PORTLAND:
Mar. 20 Macaron Day
Jour du Macaron is a worldwide day dedicated to the French pastries that Americans like to call pretty patties. In Portland you can treat yourself to some free macarons while treating a good cause. Pastry shops will offer free macarons to anyone who donates a $2 minimum to Meals on Wheels.
404 NW. 10th Ave., $2, all day.
Mar. 21 The Decemberists
The Decemberists will be performing at Keller Auditorium after a short-term break from performing. The Grammy-nominated band will be playing songs from their album What a Terrible World, What a Wonderful World.
222 S.W. Clay St., 8 p.m., $47
Mar. 22 Mick Foley
The former WWE Superstar will be at the Helium Comedy Club to telling stories from his time with the WWE. In his one man show, Foley discusses the the difficulties of escaping the WWE’s shadow, and his special insight into subjects like politics, pornography and the quest for world peace.
1510 SE. 9th Ave., 7 p.m., $27-35
Mar 21-22 Oregon Coast Trail Spring
This two-day, 10-mile hiking trip begins at Cannon Beach. The first day’s trek will take you from Cannon Beach to a World War II bunker that has a view over Tillamook Lighthouse. The second day will begin at Tillamook Head and end at Seaside.
Cannon Beach, 9 a.m., $159
Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter: @MikeWheresIke