With its two theaters and nonstop schedule, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, One Eugene Center, at Seventh Avenue and Willamette Street (tel. 541/682-5746 or 682-5000 for tickets; www.hultcenter.org), is the heart and soul of this city's performing-arts scene. The center's huge glass gables are unmistakable, and every year this sparkling temple of the arts puts together a first-rate schedule of performances by the Eugene Symphony, the Eugene Ballet Company, the Eugene Opera, and other local and regional companies, as well as visiting companies and performers. During the summer, the center hosts the Oregon Bach Festival. Also be sure to see what the Shedd Institute for the Arts, 868 High St. (tel. 541/687-6526 or 541/434-7000 for tickets; www.theshedd.org), has scheduled at its Jaqua Concert Hall. Summer concerts with the likes of Jackson Browne and Crosby, Stills, and Nash are also held at the Cuthbert Amphitheater (tel. 541/762-8099; www.thecuthbert.com) in Alton Baker Park.

To find out what's happening, pick up a copy of the free Eugene Weekly, which is available at restaurants and shops around town.

Brewpubs -- You'll find plenty of microbreweries in Eugene. These include the High Street Brewery & Cafe, 1243 High St. (tel. 541/345-4905; www.mcmenamins.com), in an old house near downtown; the East 19th Street Cafe, 1485 E. 19th Ave. (tel. 541/342-4025; www.mcmenamins.com), adjacent to the university campus; Steelhead Brewing Co., 199 E. Fifth Ave. (tel. 541/686-2739; www.steelheadbrewery.com); and Eugene City Brewery, 844 Olive St. (tel. 541/345-4155; www.rogue.com), the most conveniently located pub if you're staying downtown. This last pub is operated by Rogue Brewing in Newport and offers Eugene's widest selection of house brews.

Eugene's top two rock concert venues are WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave. (tel. 541/687-2746; www.wowhall.org), the former Woodmen of the World Hall, and McDonald Theatre, 1010 Willamette St. (tel. 541/345-4442; www.mcdonaldtheatre.com), a historic downtown theater owned by the family of the late Ken Kesey, a longtime resident of the area.


Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.