Oh Eugene, you’re not happy unless you’re complaining about the heat, the rain, too little to do downtown, too many bars downtown … and the fact that it costs money to go to the Eugene Celebration, Aug. 23-25. Pony up, kids, and get ready for three days of what makes Eugene what it is: SLUG queens roaming the streets, anarchists dancing to local music while the mayor grooves nearby, good eats and good fun.

When it comes to the arts, the Celebration packs it in; special events running through the weekend include MECCA’s Object Afterlife Art Challenge exhibit, the Mayor’s Art Show, Salon du Peuple (Salon of the People) and the American Institute of Architects of Southwestern Oregon Annual People’s Choice Awards.

And when you’re not checking out the arts and music, you can wander through the Community Causeway, Sustainability Village and the Marketplace to shop and learn about Oregon’s nonprofits and good ideas.

Finally, let’s not forget the Celebration Parade (1 0 am Aug. 24), that annual march around town, which is a peculiar mixture of kids, fun and politics made up of both registered entries and some folks that show up on the fly. This year the Pet Stroll, aka the Pet Paw-rade (10 am Aug. 25), is featuring a “sliming of the animals” by a variety of SLUG queens, both old and new.

For maps, listing, tickets and more, go to eugenecelebration.com. $15 adv., all three days, $18 door, $8 Sunday only.