Top Things to Do This Summer

Published: July 30, 2022

Summertime in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is a glorious time of year. From Oregon's sun-streaked beaches to the cool Cascades, nature invites you outside. The weather ranges from hot and balmy to comfortably cool. Daylight stretches out, starting early with rosy hues in the east and concluding with vibrant after-dinner sunsets over the ocean.

Summer Road Trips

There is so much to see across the region. Whether you rent an RV, drive your own car or take public transit, exploring is full of surprises and delights! Plan ahead, bring supplies with you and enjoy the journey.

Road Trips

Adventure Checklist

Don't leave home without checking this handy list of local tips for outdoor adventures!… More ›

Mountain Retreats

Get away from it all with immersion in the beautiful old growth forests of the Cascades. Along the banks of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers rediscover the joy of nature while fishing, rafting or picnicking. Hike to a waterfall, mountain bike a single-track trail, ride horses or an ATV through a remote pasture. Paddle across a mountain lake or look for wildflowers, mushrooms or birds.

McKenzie River

Raft the crystal clear river, fish for steelhead or soak in the hot springs.… More ›

Greenwaters Park Oakridge by Melanie Griffin

Oakridge - Westfir

Charge world class mountain biking trails, hunt for mushrooms or ski the slopes.… More ›

Docks on a lake with the sun rising over the mountains in the distance.

Lowell

Get out on the water at one of three magnificent lakes.… More ›

Cool Off on the Coast

Everybody loves to head to the coast for a reset. From thrilling adventures on the sand dunes to exploring Historic Old Town Florence to serene walks on an empty beach, the much-needed experience is there for you. With so much to do on the Oregon Coast, you'll want to extend your stay or come back several times.

Heceta Head Lighthouse by Melanie Griffin

Florence

A historic riverfront town bustling with restaurants and shops.… More ›

Dune Buggies on the Oregon Coast by Taylor Higgins

Dunes City

Your portal to Oregon's massive sand dunes.… More ›

Summer Water Adventures

Sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and wakeboarding adventures are within fifteen minutes of the Eugene - Springfield metro area. Kayak across Waldo Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the world. Pools and water parks also offer refreshing destinations on warm days. For the adventure seeker, whitewater rafting offers thrills.

Splash Around Safely - Tips for Water Fun

Playing in the water can be the best part of summer — and Oregon's got plenty of the wet stuff!… More ›

Local Food, Farm Tours, U-Picks & Markets

Tour an alpaca farm or stay overnight on a working farm and lend a hand feeding livestock or weeding a garden. Fill a basket with strawberries, blueberries or peaches at a "u-pick" farm or just stroll the flowery paths of rhododendron and rose gardens. From lavender to hazelnuts, agricultural destinations are humming with activity.

Live Music & Entertainment

Entertainment is back! From the Hult Center for the Performing Arts to our region's standout community theatre, find plenty of shows and music on stage. Listen to live music at the wineries, pubs, coffeehouses, markets and festivals all summer long. Movies and Shakespeare are back in the parks and world class sports are in our stadiums.

Bourbon Street Fest at PublicHouse

PublicHouse announces their Inaugural Bourbon Street Fest! This event will feature seven days of New Orleans-style food specials, Bourbon… More ›

St. Olaf Choir in Concert

The St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, will perform at First United Methodist Church during its 2023 Winter Tour. For more than a… More ›

The Jazz Kings: Isn't It Romantic

Lynnea Barry and The Jazz Kings present an evening from the extraordinary songbook of Richard Rodges and Lorenz Hart at The Shedd, from… More ›

UO Symphony Orchestra: Prokofiev Symphony No. 5

As the tides of World War II shifted in favor toward the Allied Powers, Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony was described by the Russian composer as… More ›

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Charles Schulz’s endearing “Peanuts” comic strip comes to life in this musical depiction of an average day in the life of Charlie Brown.… More ›

The Wolves: A Play from University Theatre

Directed by Tricia Rodley, this play shows a team of high school girls in an indoor soccer field somewhere in suburban America. Playwright… More ›

Eugene Ballet's "Petrushka"

The world premiere of Suzanne Haag’s Petrushka is a futuristic and contemporary twist to this classical ballet. Follow Petrushka, an… More ›

Eugene Caldera Songwriters' Benefit Concert for Egan Warming Centers

Eugene Caldera Songwriters will get an early start on Valentine’s Day with its annual benefit concert for Egan Warming Centers on the night… More ›

Halie Loren Quartet Live at The Jazz Station

Halie Loren, an award-winning jazz singer/songwriter, celebrates romantic tunes in this performance, from standard jazz to classic pop to… More ›

Alternative String Quartet Performance - Oregon Bach Collegium

Featuring music for two guitars, violin and cello, the Alternative String Quartet introduces us to lesser known early Classical repertoire… More ›

Author: Taj Barnhart Morgan

Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.

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