In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, Albany’s 2019 month-long party kicks off on May 1st with a variety of events spanning across four weeks. Here are most of the fun things to do, and more will be added as we receive word.
*Note: events are free, unless marked with a $ sign.
May 1st through the 31st
Albany’s Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour Sponsored by the Natty Dresser, entry forms available at the Albany Downtown Association, 126 SW Ferry St, Albany. Return entries to the ADA by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st to be entered to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced June 1st. For more information contact the Albany Downtown Association 541-928-2469.
Albany Farmers’ Market is the oldest outdoor farmers’ market in Oregon. Open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs, meats and more. The market is located at 4th and Ellsworth in the City Hall parking lot.
Historic Albany Display at City Hall and the Albany Downtown Public Library Presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission, City Hall’s and Historic Carnegie Library’s display cases will be filled with Albany history artifacts and images. Viewing is available during regular business hours. City Hall: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 333 Broadalbin SW; Historic Downtown Carnegie Library: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 302 Ferry Street SW.
May 3rd through the 25th
Albany Civic Theater (ACT) is one of the oldest, best-known community theaters in Oregon. ACT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit community theater that takes pride in producing a year-round season of top-quality comedies, dramas and musicals chosen to appeal to a wide range of audience tastes, and to provide exciting creative opportunities for local actors, technicians and theater lovers. In May, ACT presents “The Addams Family” musical. The theater is located at 111 First Avenue W. Tel: 541- 928-4603. albanycivic.org. ($)
May 3rd
The Albany Regional Museum First Friday. 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The museum will be open late the first Friday of each month to help visitors appreciate the cultural history of our city. ARM is located at 136 Lyon Street S.
Albany Wine Walk in Historic Downtown Albany 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with over 20 wineries participating. Enjoy tasting along with the ambiance and atmosphere of beautiful Historic Downtown Albany. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club. Tickets for sale at the Albany Visitors Association ($)
The Gallery Calapooia First Friday Reception 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Gallery Calapooia is located in the historic Flinn Block Building, an 1887 French Second Empire style on 1st Avenue. The 19th century building has a beautiful cast iron façade and a spacious interior with old brick walls, making it a wonderful setting to view fine art. The gallery is located at 222 W. 1st Ave. Come meet the artists and enjoy live music and refreshments.
May 4th
Historic Garage Tour From 2:00 – 3:30, meet other architectural history buffs under the big tree at SE 5th and Jefferson. There will be a walking tour of several historic outbuildings, and the exterior of seven other historic structures. You’ll see a barn, garages, conversions, and even a former outhouse.
May 4th and 5th
Carriage Me Back. Be transported to another time at this annual Brownsville, Linn County event, where the history and hijinks of Linn County are reenacted from a different historical time every year. This year, the carriage will travel back to 1888. Visitors can ride the horse-drawn carriage through Historic Brownsville and see costumed actors performing historical skits. This is a fun day for the whole family to spend in the quaint town of Brownsville. You must register your spot. Telephone 541-466-3390 or visit linnparks.com or the Linn County Parks Facebook page. ($ to ride carriage, walking free)
May 8th
The Albany Regional Museum – History Bites. This ongoing series is being offered the second Wednesday of each month at noon. This month, learn about the history of the Albany Streetcar. Serving light refreshments and you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. See it for yourself at 136 Lyon Street S.
Preservation Awards Presentation at the City Council meeting The awards start at 7:15 pm, at Albany City Hall Council Chambers, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Please contact Laura LaRoque 541-917-7640 for more information.
May 11th
Monteith House Museum Pre-Season Cleanup 9:00 a.m. – noon, 518 2nd Ave SW. The Monteith Society will lead volunteers in cleanup and light maintenance of Albany’s oldest home and living history museum. Following the cleanup is the annual Open House, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Teens welcome to help out and then enjoy the refreshments at the open house.
Masonic Cemetery Cleanup 9:00 a.m. – noon. Volunteers should bring gloves, kneepads (if needed), and other cleaning implements. Snacks will be provided. Volunteer work by the Friends of the Albany Masonic Cemetery is made possible by a grant from the Oregon Heritage Cemetery Grant Program. Meet at 700 Broadway Street SW (west end of 6th and 7th Ave SW).
Albany Tweed Ride Don your best tweed cycling attire for a leisurely ride through Albany’s three National Historic Districts. Meet at 10:00 a.m. in front of The Natty Dresser, 425 1st Ave W. After touring the exterior of several historic homes and buildings, the ride ends at the Deluxe Brewing Company’s Vintage Bicycle Show. Plan to have lunch and a beer with your tweedy friends. The ride and show are free, showing antique bikes requires registration and a $5 registration per bike. Beer and food purchase also cost $.
Monteith Historical Society’s Historic Home Tour Committee at the Albany Farmers’ Market. Pick up great preservation information AND great fresh produce, flowers, eggs and more. City Hall Parking Lot.
Albany Regional Museum Presents the Albany Streetcar History Tour with three time slots to join this informative tour: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bill Maddy, Albany Regional Museum Docent, will conduct a narrated ride on historic Albany streetcar routes. Guests are also invited to step inside the museum and view the expanded train station display. The 1870 arrival of the first railroad to Albany is a special story and instrumental in the growth of the town. Streetcar seating is limited and reservations are required. Please call to reserve your ticket to board. 541-967-7122. Costs $ at time of reservation.
6th Annual Albany Vintage Bicycle Show presented by Deluxe Brewing Co. 1:00 p.m. – 5: 00 pm. at the Deluxe and Sinister tasting room, 635 NE Water Ave. View a collection of interesting, rare, and memorable vintage bicycles and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award. All ages welcome in the main brewery area. Tasting room open to 21+ only. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and there will be a local food truck on site. Free Admission, food and libations cost $.
May 15th
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser. Information at 541-248-3561.
May 16th
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave. 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser. Information 541- 248-3561.
May 18th and May 19th
Gingles Cemetery Cleanup, North Albany. Inga Williams, Benton County Planning, is hosting a cleanup at Gingles Cemetery May 18th and 19th, from 9am to 4pm. An owner of a nearby farm (8765 NW Springhill Drive) is allowing participants to park by their barn. A shuttle will then drop participants off near the cemetery entrance. Interested persons should register with SOLV online. Questions? Contact Inga at 541-766-6027.
May 17th through May 19th
Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair The oldest fair of its kind in Oregon includes sheep shows, fiber arts, crafts and Northwest Champion Sheep Dog Trials. The event is held at the Scio Fairgrounds, 38764 N Ash St, Scio, OR. lambfair.com
May 18th
City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents the Albany Unseen Guided Walking Tour confirm info (which buildings) and final date. Space is limited, reservations required. Contact Laura LaRoque 541-917-7640.
May 30th through June 2nd
This year is the 110th Annual Lebanon Strawberry Festival. This remarkable event has something for everyone, from a Saturday night fireworks display and the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake, to a parade and entertainment. Located at Cheadle Lake Park, 37919 Weirich Dr, Lebanon, OR. lebanonstrawberryfestival.com
