The illustrious bar scene calls to those lucky enough to be 21, but fortunately for the remainder of the student body, the alternative nighttime attractions are no less alluring. A number of restaurants, concert halls and theaters in the Eugene area offer late-night entertainment and do so in classic collegiate style – inexpensive and local.
Favorite destinations for minors include the Gateway Century 12 Theaters in Springfield, where $1.50 admits viewers to slightly overdue new flicks; the WOW Hall and McDonald Theatre: concert halls featuring innovative new bands; and the Bijou Theatre, with its colorful array of films. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts features musicals, concerts and numerous other events within Eugene , and is only a block away from the 5th Street Market with its daily offerings of fresh produce and local merchants.
Rachel Quinajon, a freshman living in the residence halls, said she attends the WOW Hall to see new bands play and really enjoys the music and atmosphere.
“The other night I went to see ‘People Under the Stairs’ and it was great,” she said.
The WOW Hall, which according to the venue’s web site has been “Fighting to save rock & roll since 1975,” books local and touring groups, hosting a multitude of new and old talent.
The McDonald Theatre, located at 1010 Willamette St. in downtown Eugene, shows film screenings, hosts speakers, and showcases diverse touring acts.
Tickets for both venues are conveniently available for purchase from the University Ticket Office.
The Bijou Art Cinemas, at 492 E. 13th Ave., shows movies not commonly found in national theaters including independent flicks and cult classics that are just too good to watch on a 13-inch television screen.
Sarah Veitch, 20, said the theater is a fun place to go on weekends and she likes the fact that it is located close to campus.
“Last year I went and saw ‘This is Spinal Tap,’” she said. “It was hilarious, I love that movie.”
Veitch said having a vehicle has increased her options for weekend entertainment.
“I’ve gone with groups to Florence and we had bonfires on the beach until two in the morning,” she said.
Not all students have the luxury of personal transportation, and this fact weighs heavily on their weekend escapades. Many choose to entertain themselves at local house parties or fraternity and sorority events, where admittance is usually free.
“Because I’m a freshman, I try to meet up with older kids who own houses to get out of the dorms,” Quinajon said. “Plus they have cars, so usually I can get a ride to where I want to go.”
Getting involved on campus with community and University events opens up numerous possibilities for an active social life outside the repetitive daily routine.
Campus life at the University offers many interesting and entertaining events, from new exhibits at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, to poetry readings and jazz performances at The Buzz Coffeehouse in the EMU. Dance classes are available through the School of Music and Dance, and performances, from ballet to belly dancing, are free and open to the public. The UO Hawaii Club holds a luau every year to promote Hawaiian culture on campus, and discounts on tickets are always offered to University students to enjoy a fun and festive evening.