Summer is hanging on by the skin of its teeth in Eugene during September. Most folks are cashing in on the sunny days before the inevitable rains begin.
This month features some sport, some culture, some festivals and Eugene’s own Celebration.
Sports
Baseball
The Eugene Emeralds wind up their season with two home games on September 4-5. It hasn’t been a great season for the Em’s, finishing last in their division, however it is a great evening out and the end-of-inning entertainment is usually pretty funny even if the home team is getting whipped. Tickets are $4.50.
Football
Oregon is college football mad and Eugene, home of the University of Oregon Ducks, is gearing up for a promising season. Last year the team did very well, prompting a $500,000 a year contract for the coach and some snazzy new uniforms for the players. Their new helmets even change colour with varying light.
Based on their first game, however, this would be the only reason to watch them, going down to Michigan State. The games at Autzen Stadium are usually very crowded with an amazing atmosphere and well worth a look even if you don’t like/understand American football. Home games in September are on the 11th, 18th and 25th and tickets cost approx $20.
Volleyball
The Nike Invitational sees Oregon play three other college teams at McArthur Court on September 10-11. Games are cheap at $5 and worth checking out if your are into volleyball.
Culture
Bolshoi Ballet
The world-renowned dancing troupe from the famous Russian school is making two appearances at the Hult Center on September 7th and 8th. Shows start at 8pm and tickets cost from $15 to $75.
Riverdance
If tights and tutu’s aren’t your bag, maybe you’d prefer short skirts and Irish music. I don’t know of anyone that has not seen the show or even if it will ever stop running, but if you have not had enough of it you can check it out at the Hult Center Between September 21-26. Tickets are amazingly expensive at $25-52.50.
Festivals
Oktoberfest
Without asking the obvious question of why this festival is being held in September, you can enjoy food, live music and beer, of course. The festival, in it’s 15th year will be from 11-11pm on September 10-12 at 1760 Echo Hollow Rd.
Asian Kite Festival
Sunday, September 12 from 2-6pm at Amazon Park. Pray for wind or this will be a fizzer. The Eugene Waka Daiko Drummers will open the event with a performance to generate wind. Pity it ain’t Chicago.
Covering three days from September 17-19, this event is in its 16th year. Being touted in the “Spirit of Harmony”, this year’s celebration will take place on 8 performance stages throughout downtown. Inbetween there will be food stalls, markets, street performers and an extensive KidZone area. Check out the website for all the performers and their locations.
All sorts of events will take place during the celebration. From skateboarding demonstrations, pet parades, VW car shows (love those hippie mobiles) to home composting demos, lacrosse tournaments and Saturday market. The main event will be a parade on Saturday morning through downtown. The usual marching bands, clowns and floats will be there, but undoubtedly the highlight will be the human-powered 60 foot slug that will wandering along the 2½ mile route.
17th Annual Asian Moon Festival
September 25th from 6:30pm at Washington Park. This festival will include many Asian traditions such as shadow puppets, a dragon parade and moon cakes. The evening will conclude with some full moon gazing with telescopes provided by the Eugene Astronomical Society. No doubt it will be no match for the festival in Hong Kong, but we’ll do our best and have a good time doing it.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
