Story by Melissa Haskin
Photo courtesy of Flickr
Each year we are faced with the same options for New Year’s Eve: house parties, dinners out, and the ever-reliable bar with the customary glass of champagne and a midnight kiss. This year I challenge you to step outside your usual tradition and do something remarkable, memorable. After all, it’s going to be the end of the world, right? Here are some epic ways to spend your New Year’s Eve in Eugene:
1. Go for a midnight run.
No, I’m not kidding. Grab your iPod and head to the Valley River Inn parking lot for a 10k (6.2 mi.) or 5k (3.1 mi.) run, depending on your mood. The First Run starts at 11:59 p.m. (or you can run it the next morning) and goes along the river path. It costs $20, $25 if you register the day of the run. Bonus is that you get to wear a glow stick while you run or walk. You can register here or in person on race day and don’t forget to drag a friend along, it’s much more fun that way.
2. Check out the dance tribe at Cozmic Pizza.
The Sugar Beets will be playing at Cozmic Pizza New Year’s Eve. They’re an “eclectic blend of rock, folk, Celtic, blues, bluegrass, and even Motown sounds” from Eugene. After The Sugar Beets, the Infusia Dance Tribe will be ringing in the New Year. They are a group of women who blend several styles of dance together from jazz to ballet. Tickets are $11 advance, $15 at the door and you can check out The Sugar Beets music here.
3. Go to an opera.
It’s just one of those things you have to do before you die. There will be a 10:30 p.m. performance of Carmen at the Hult Center put on by the Eugene Opera. The event page describes it as “A gypsy seductress, a love-struck soldier, a famous toreador, and some of the most famous music ever sung – it’s grand opera for everyone!” After the showing there will be a gala with light dining, wine and a champagne toast, and the music of Le Bop Hot! It looks like tickets are about $45. You can get them here or by calling (541) 344-7751
4. Roller Skating!
Yes, that’s right, we’re going back to the ’90s and I won’t tell anyone if you decide to dress like it too. Actually, I’ll just take photos. There’s a skating rink out in Springfield and they’ll be open until 1 a.m. Let you’re inner child out and have some fun, and don’t forget the cotton candy! Click here for more information.
5. A Night In.
Have someone special? Instead of spending an evening out, take the money you would have spent and buy a nice bottle of bubbly from a local shop like Authentica Wines on Park Street or Marché Provisions in the 5th Street Market. You deserve a break after the other holidays so grab some take out or make something easy and don’t forget a Redbox movie. The cheap factor will balance the expensive champagne.
Happy New Year!