JUNE
Calling all craft cider connoisseurs — the last week of June belongs to you.
June 18 to the 28 marks the fourth annual Oregon Cider Week organized by the Northwest Cider Association. Here are some of the best cider-related events, including tap takeovers, tastings and cider dinners happening this week in Eugene:
Kick off this week’s festivities with the Party Downtown Botanical Cider Pairing Dinner, with special botanical cider pairings from WildCraft Cider Works. Monday, June 22, 6:30-9 p.m. Reservations only, $45.
One of the best cider companies from Portland (the best, in my opinion) will be visiting Eugene’s Bierstein on Thursday evening. Check out Reverend Nat’s Cider Tasting for a tasting of various craft cider creations. More details to come on Bierstein’s website. Thursday, June 25, 5-8 p.m., 1591 Willamette St.
In honor of Oregon Cider Week, WildCraft Cider Works releases four new creations this Friday at the Bierstein: Botanical Wild Rose, Farmhouse Batch 004, Imperial Hard Cider, and Hard Cider. WildCraft Cider Works Four-Bottle Release will be available for tasting on tap, as well as in 500 ml bottles for purchase. Friday, June 26, 5-8 p.m., 1591 Willamette St.
Keep an eye out for more events from other cider companies and taphouses throughout the week. The array of cider drinking options should be plenty to keep Eugene interesting through the end of June.
Follow Andrea Harvey on Twitter @andrearharvey
 
JULY
It’s been 24 years since Kurt Cobain shouted, “I feel stupid and contagious” in a dusty gymnasium full of anarchist cheerleaders in Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video. The early ‘90s neurotic rock pathogen is still alive, and Shellac (formed in 1992 by Steve Albini) is a prominent carrier. The alt-rock three-piece will be coming to Eugene’s W.O.W. Hall (291 W 8th Ave.) on July 10. Doors open at 8 p.m; the show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.
The ‘90s vibes will echo through Eugene this July with mopey boys Dashboard Confessional, the semi-charmed sounds of Third Eye Blind (both of which play with Ex-Cops on July 23 at the Cuthbert Amphitheatre), the masterful Built To Spill (July 21 at W.O.W. Hall) and Shellac all stopping in town.
Also in July: Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.) will host a series of jam sessions. The first, Sam Bonds Irish Jam. Irish sea shanties, drinking songs and jigs are played during the acoustic session from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The Sam Bonds Bluegrass Jam invites musicians – brand new or seasoned vets – to bring their string instruments to the venue every Tuesday at 9 p.m. The jam session, which sways in style from bluegrass to rockabilly to blues, will be entirely unplugged. Both events are free.
With such a wild and eclectic bevy of music culture on display this July, and throughout summer, the question isn’t whether or not to stay in Eugene. It’s a matter of which show to attend.
Follow Emerson Malone on Twitter @allmalone
 
AUGUST
If the very idea of walking among a crowd of sweaty concert-goers, psyched-out Eugenians or corn-dog wielding fair folk makes your heart race with excitement, you’re in the right place this summer. The season is rife with outdoor events that resonate with nearly everyone: from the standard community festivals to bizarre outings in the wilds of Oregon.
The Oregon Country Fair takes place in July. Barring that, here’s a sample of what to expect a little later in the summer:
Eugene’s trendiest neighborhood is throwing its ninth annual block party this year. The Whiteaker Block Party, Aug. 1, is a completely volunteer-run event that features music as well as food and crafts from local vendors. In the past, the event has featured a spoken word stage in addition to a main platform dedicated to musical acts directly across the street from Ninkasi Brewing.
You may have to drive a ways for this one, but if you’re looking for a huge gathering of country music lovers in rural Oregon, the Willamette Country Music Festival, is as good as it gets. Running Aug. 14-16, the three-day event is hosted in Brownsville, a 30-minute drive up Interstate 5.
Rascall Flatts closes the first night of the show at 9 p.m. Luke Bryan follows the next evening and The Band Perry finishes the show at 8 p.m. on Sunday. A three-day pass will run you $125 with individual tickets going for $50.
Eugene and the surrounding area are flourishing with festivals and parties. Keep your eye out for more this summer.
Follow Eder Campuzano on Twitter @edercampuzano
 
SEPTEMBER
College football season in Eugene is nothing short of a spectacle: traveling with fellow fans over the bridge and through the woods to Autzen Stadium, tailgating in the parking lot, screaming and standing for three-plus hours during the game — these are the things that make football season remarkable.
The first game of football season has a particular distinction.
The buzzing atmosphere is apparent from the moment you spot the giant yellow “O” that drapes Autzen’s south side. The feeling is familiar; yet it’s a fresh start. A new season means a clean slate, and it serves as a reminder of how much we missed football.
While many students won’t be able to make it to Eugene for the season opener, you’ll be there to celebrate the beginning of football season. Those staying in Eugene through the summer have the privilege of seeing this year’s first game, played against Eastern Washington on Sept. 5.
The Ducks’ season opener, regardless of the opponent, is one of the first indications that the end of summer is fast approaching.
Seize the warm weather while it’s here, because 70-degree football games are few and far between in Eugene. And fall and a new school year loom in the not-so-distant future. Plus, with a 5 p.m. kickoff, you’re bound to see one of those beautiful Autzen sunsets.
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @will_denner