River Rhythms

If you love live music, downtown Albany is the place to be on Thursday nights in July and August. Every summertime Thursday night for 30 years, the city of Albany has sponsored free concerts in Monteith Riverpark. With food vendors, art activities for children, and a beautiful riverfront setting, River Rhythms concerts have a vibrant vibe that’s part musical event, part community-wide party.

Named Oregon’s best festival of its size in 2014, the River Rhythms concert series draws in acts with a wide variety of musical styles. From the Dixie Chicks to Herman’s Hermits to The Young Dubliners, the concerts have one thing in common each week: an upbeat feel and a relaxed summertime atmosphere.

Concerts are held in Monteith Riverpark in downtown Albany, near First & Calapooia and just steps away from Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum. Parking onsite is limited, but a free shuttle (via Albany’s historic trolley) can take visitors from a number of stops around Albany to the concert site.

Concerts are all free, but food is available for purchase from vendors. The Kids Art Area is open from 5:30-7 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m.

Plan to get there early, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a picnic before the show; the blanket seating area in front of the stage opens at 5:30 p.m., and it fills up fast. Lawn chairs are allowed behind the blanket seating.

For more information about River Rhythms concerts, call the city of Albany Parks and Recreation Department at 541-917-7777.