Do April showers really bring spring flowers? If you visit anywhere in the Willamette Valley, they certainly do! And not only do fragrant bouquets color our springtime, but there’s plenty of other fresh things to see and do in Albany and Linn County.
We’ve listed some of the more notable events and places to visit below.
April 5th First Friday in Downtown Albany Make sure to pop downtown after work and experience the fun. Many restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions host extended hours and specials during the evening. Here’s a few we think you might enjoy:
- First Friday at the Albany Regional Museum Two local artists will exhibit their work—let Linda D. Ellsworth’s oils and acrylics and Cecelia Peters’ stoneware tiles spice up your history lesson. Special museum First Friday hours are 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and refreshments are provided. Admission is free to both the art reception and museum, but your donations help keep the museum open for all. https://www.facebook.com/albanyregionalmuseum/
- First Friday at The Natty Dresser Come join the crew at Albany’s premier men’s clothing store for “Date Night” and enjoy sparkling wine, in-store specials, and a chance for you and your sweetie to win door prizes. The party at The Natty Dresser runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/TheNattyDresser/
- First Friday at 1st Hand Seconds Extended store hours run between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. The store promises that it will be an “extra crazy evening of fun.” There’s also a special sale this night only. https://www.facebook.com/1stHandSeconds/
- First Friday at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum Drop by the carousel from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for unlimited rides, just $5.00 per person. Children under three are always free. Other fun activities at the carousel will take place as well. https://www.facebook.com/AlbanyHistoricCarousel/
- First Friday at Gallery Calapooia Part of the founding “mothers and fathers” of Albany’s First Friday, Gallery Calapooia will be open from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a ‘meet the artists reception’ featuring jewelry by Linda J Herd and Karen Miller’s Katazome fabric and paper. There’s usually some sweet and savory nibbles and live music to enjoy while you chat with the artists. https://www.gallerycalapooia.com
First Friday at Sniffany’s Pet Boutique This awesome shop features quality and healthy pet foods, a knowledgeable staff, bling pet collars and glam fur-baby accessories, unique toys, local treats, and professional pet photography photo shoots. Sniffany’s is open until 8:00 p.m. for First Friday festivities. https://www.facebook.com/sniffanyspetboutique/
- First Friday at Sweet Red Bistro “Sweeteasy” Join Sweet Red for their late night Sweeteasy! Stop by for a 1920s inspired roarin’ good time. Happy Hour menu, food and drinks, and wearing 20’s style (think Great Gatsby) costumes encouraged. The fun party atmosphere gets started at 9:00 p.m. and runs until just before midnight. https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Red-Bistro-255972211110762/
- First Friday live performances Maybe not a formal First Friday activity, but there are two different live theatrical performances taking place on April 5th (and other dates in April as well):
- “Too Good to Say Goodbye” at the Albany Civic Theater Performance at 7:30 p.m. Redmon Hunter, a best-selling author of pulp fiction, has created an unusual world for himself. His talent lies in his ability to make his characters come to life for his readers; they’re so real, in fact, that they literally take up residence in his home while he’s working on a novel. Tickets at: http://www.albanycivic.org
- “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Russell Tripp Performance Center Performance at 7:30 p.m. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical” and winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Tickets at: https://www.linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/russell-tripp-performance-center/
April 6th Indoor Farmers’ Market at The Warehouse Kitchen This delightful little Saturday market sells freshly baked sourdough and other breads, cookies, pastries, honey, jams, locally raised grass-fed meats, and fresh-off-the-farm produce. The idea is to “grow” business for our local farms and ranches during the cold season, before the outdoor market opens its season.
April 10th History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum Join the museum for another fun and informative History Bites presentation starting at noon, and learn about the community effort to save the Cumberland Church. This historic church will be be relocated from its current site and then restored, creating a community resource center. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this program. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum’s programs and exhibitions. https://www.armuseum.com
April 13th – 14th RaSani Health Fair at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The fair focuses on alternative holistic healthcare practitioners and their methods. Lots of opportunities for mini-treatments, readings, demonstrations, and shopping from vendors with holistic-minded supplies and gifts. Admission $5 per adult per day. https://rasanifair.com
April 13th – 14th Pacific NW Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is back at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. The Pacific Northwest’s largest animal expo features over 100 vendor booths, and plenty of scaled, shelled, feathered, winged, and finned creature displays. Food, beer, wine, and spirits will be onsite as well. Make a day or weekend out of it for the whole family. Admission is $10.00 for adults, children 6 through 10 $5.00, and children 5 and under get free admission. https://www.facebook.com/PACNWRS/
April 13th – 14th The Oregon Paint Horse Show at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center is sponsored by Purina and the Oregon Paint Horse Club. “The Painted ’N’ Sterling Spring Show” runs for two days, and will include trials, a trainer’s challenge, demonstrations, vendors, and plenty of beautiful horses! http://www.oregonpainthorseclub.com/ophc-shows.html
April 17th Poet Laureate Kim Stafford Presents Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford will conduct a workshop and a reading at Linn Benton Community College. Stafford will read his works at noon, in the Russell Tripp Performance Center. The workshop starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Calapooia Center Boardroom. Both events are free and open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/events/1407464726063382/
April 20th Grand Opening – 2019 Season of the Albany Farmers’ Market The Albany Farmers’ Market is thought to be one of the oldest continuously operating open-air farmers’ markets in Oregon. Buy freshly harvested salad greens and other veggies, colorful flower bouquets, berries, bread, jams, pies, pastries, veggie starts, flower bulbs, and hot coffee. You never know what kind of delicious treat, demonstration or entertainment you’ll find at the corner of 4th and Ellsworth downtown. Open Saturdays through November, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
April 20th Lamb and Fleece Sale at Iron Water Ranch The ranch is holding their first ever, annual open ranch event, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be lambs, yearlings, and fleeces available for sale. The sheep for sale will be great show and breeding stock, pets, or 4-H projects. Come meet the friendly owners and their lively flock. http://www.ironwater.com
April 21st Easter Egg Hunt at Cumberland Community Center You’re invited to an egg hunt at 3:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Eggs will be filled with prizes and goodies from local businesses and ‘Save our Cumberland’ supporters. Guest of honor and mascot “Eggie” will be on the grounds and hopping for photos with you. https://www.albanycumberland.org/
April 22nd – 28th Downtown Restaurant Week Albany’s Restaurant Week returns Monday, April 22nd, and runs through Sunday, April 28th. From breakfast to dinner, dozens of tasty options will be available. A list of participating restaurants and specials will be listed below closer to the dates on the Albany Downtown Association website. https://albanydowntown.com/ada-event/downtown-albany-restaurant-week/
April 25th Brownsville Farmers’ 2019 Market Season – Grand Opening Another chance to sample the best from local farms and ranches, this open-air market is located in Historic Brownsville. In addition to shopping for ingredients, you can visit the Linn County Museum, hunt for treasure in unique shops, dine in yummy restaurants, and tour historic Moyer House all in one trip. https://www.facebook.com/cfathursdaymarket/
April 26th – 28th Albany’s 46th Annual Spring Home Show Held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, you’ll discover fresh ideas for the backyard and indoors alike at this great home expo. A partial list of what you’ll find include: remodeling ideas and supplies, home interior and garden designs, artwork, garden sculpture, custom kitchens, and even a gigantic plant sale. Free admission and parking. https://www.wvpevents.com/433/
April 27th Linn County Flea Market It’s baaaack! This huge indoor flea market is held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in the Santiam Building, and features everything from junk to antiques. Come early, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and find treasure before the other guy—early admission is $6. Regular admission at 9:00 a.m. is $2, and children 12 and under are free. http://www.linncountyfleamarket.com
View this post on Instagram
April 27th Procession of the Species People of all ages and walks of life, the young, old, tall or short or fast walkers, slow crawlers, the furry, the feathered and the fanciful are invited to participate in the annual “Procession of the Species,” a favorite rite of spring in Albany. Earth Day information booths will open at the Albany Farmers Market at 9:00 a.m. with activities, face painting, giveaways, and Claudia the giant Chinook salmon.
At 9:45, all creatures should gather in front of the Linn County Courthouse on Fourth Avenue, where the parade begins at 10 a.m.
Procession of the Species is a celebration of nature that brings Albany residents and people from outlying communities together to honor and respect each other and the natural world. Participants are encouraged to dance, flutter and prance their way into spring using music, art, and their creativity to celebrate our environment. https://www.cityofalbany.net
I would like to encourage people to visit the Linn County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden located on the north side of the Linn Expo Center- 3700 Knox Butte Road (behind the hotels). From mid April – October you can see what is growing, get tips on how to garden, and just enjoy this beautiful garden. For additional information gardening and questions about gardening contact the Linn County Extension Office at 541-967-3871.