Okay, so maybe certain college publications are guilty of devoting their “nightlife” issues to a guide to the campus bars, the Whiteaker bars, or the south Eugene bars or the downtown Barmuda. If you’re not yet drinking age, these manuals can be as useless as they are mocking.
Fret not, children – though you may feel pressured by your onerous age, there is a glimmer of hope for you in this otherwise adult-populated world. Below you’ll find some of the best destinations to spend your weekend, for all ages.
The Jazz Station (recommendation from Alex Ruby)
The Jazz Station (124 W. Broadway) is the hippest place to be on any given Friday or Saturday night. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this downtown Eugene institution is a one-of-a-kind musical performance space. Anyone is welcome to this factory of funk, from five-year-olds experiencing live jazz for the first time to veterans of the craft scouting out new cats on the circuit.
Although there is an admission fee, club members and students are offered a discount. The Jazz Station is operated by the Willamette Jazz Society, whose mission is to facilitate the growth of jazz music by incorporating more young musicians into their performances. The non-profit organization uses The Jazz Station as a place for fledgling jazz artists to get a foot in the door and hone their craft as musicians.
Every Sunday, it hosts an all-ages jazz jam session in an effort to inspire young artists to pick up their instruments and play in front of a live audience.
This Friday, Oct. 2, The Jazz Station will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its “First Friday Art Walk,” featuring the work of Antonio Ochoa, Jessica Zapata, Claudia Sanchez, Marisela Figueroa, Xolotl Polo and Juan Antonio Siller with live music performed by the Rempel Orsinger Duo.
Upcoming shows: Tony Glausi (Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., $7-$10), Pearl Django (Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15)
Emerald Lanes (recommendation from Craig Wright)
Whether you’re looking to finally conquer the perfect 300 game or simply avoid rolling 20 consecutive gutter balls, Emerald Lanes (140 Oakway Rd) is the perfect place to bowl. (It’s also one of the only places left to bowl in Eugene since Southtowne Lanes on Willamette Street burned down in August.) Since 1959, Emerald Lanes has been the home to competitive and friendly bowling competition, and serves as a great alley to find a league in which to compete or serve as a place to eat greasy fries and roll some strikes.
Don’t let the age of the business fool you. The interior boasts modern lanes and a full service pro shop, along with a restaurant designed to serve families. A two-game outing will equate to roughly $10 without food. It is a short bus ride from campus, just off Coburg Road.
Skate World (recommendation from Shelby Chapman)
As a college student in your late teens or early 20s, you probably never had the opportunity to experience the disco era like your parents did. That can change with a night out at the local roller rink. Skate World (located in Springfield at 3188 Gateway Loop) is open to all ages at various hours throughout the week. The venue is anchored by a large roller rink, skate rentals and a DJ appropriately accompanied by a disco ball. Grab your tube socks, tank tops and high-waisted shorts and get ready to experience a blast from the past, as the place has maintained the essence of a 1980s roller disco to the fullest extent.
Grab some friends and take the EmX into Springfield (free with your UO student ID). Of course, dress up and take plenty of pictures for the perfect Throwback Thursday Instagram photo.
Be sure to check out special celebratory occasions, such as the upcoming nocturnal event “Halloween All-Night Skate” on Oct. 30 from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, but you can expect to pay less than $6 for a night of retro fun.
Get Air (recommendation from Taylor Dalton)
Remember the feeling of awe and wonder you received the first time you went to a friend’s house with a trampoline? In order to get in touch with your inner child, go to Get Air Trampoline Park (4211 W. 11th Ave.). With thousands of square feet of trampolines, a bouncy dodge ball court, bouncy basketball, foam pits and more, it won’t be a dull night out.
Practice your flips and acrobatics or race your friends on the slackline. On Friday nights, Get Air, which stays open until midnight, is decked out with neon lights and Top 40 hits blasting across the speakers. Eleven dollars will buy you 60 minutes of trampoline fun; every hour after that is $9. Gather a group of friends on the weekend and jump, then stop by Yogurt Extreme on your way home for a post-jump snack.
ALL-AGES VENUES (list compiled by Daniel Bromfield)
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Much of Eugene’s music scene is concentrated in the bars, but plenty of options still exist for minors looking to see their favorite touring bands or discover new local acts. All venues are downtown except the Boreal and Wandering Goat, both located in the nearby Whiteaker district.
The Boreal: The punk and metal-oriented Boreal hosts local and touring bands.
Upcoming shows: Nü-klē-ər Blast Suntan (Oct. 10, 7 p.m., $5), The Urinals (Oct. 15, 7 p.m., $8).
Cozmic Pizza: Come for the music, stay for the pizza. Cozmic hosts touring bands and bigger local acts.
Upcoming shows: Spirit Family Reunion (Oct. 15, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12); Erin McKeown + Natalia Zuckerman (Nov. 5, 8 p.m., $15-$18
McDonald Theater: The 759-capacity McDonald is a stepping stone between the W.O.W. and arena venues.
Upcoming shows: Purity Ring (Oct. 4, 7 p.m., $25), Big Gigantic (Oct. 8, 7:30, $22)
The W.O.W. Hall: Eugene’s best-known venue hosts touring artists of all genres, though hip-hop is prevalent.
Upcoming shows: The Underachievers (Oct. 3, 9 p.m., $18-$20), Con Bro Chill (Oct. 17, $12-$15)
Follow Alex Ruby on Twitter: @arubyrubrub
Follow Craig Wright on Twitter: @wgwcraig
Follow Shelby Chapman on Twitter @ShelbyEm15
Follow Taylor Dalton on Twitter: @taymdalton
Follow Daniel Bromfield on Twitter: @bromf3