We like to think of February in Albany, Oregon, as a time to establish new traditions and fall in love with the lush Willamette Valley all over again.
AVA pulled out a curated list of events (something for everyone in the family) from our regular calendar to help you create your own itinerary for a February visit. You might find so much to do that spending the night at one of our local lodging properties just makes sense—go ahead and link to our “Sweet Dreams” page and find the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. (And check back here soon for any specials our hoteliers maybe running.)
The Highlights
Jan. 31 and Feb. 1st Have you pieced together your Albany road trip yet? Hope you remembered to stitch the Willamette Valley Quilt Show in. So don’t hem and haw, see you on January 31st and February 1st at the Linn County Expo Center. (Ooooph—these puns!) Learn more about the show on our blog.
Feb. 1st The Vintage Roost’s Valentine Shop opens Feb. 1st and is filled to the brim with handmade gifts, antiques and vintage charm, chocolates and delicious baked goods, and much MUCH more. For information call 541-990-4191. The show continues Feb. 7th and 8th. The charming Roost is located at 935 NW Scenic Drive in Albany. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Feb. 1st Get to crackin’! It’s time for the Greater Albany Rotary Club Crab Fest on Saturday, noon to 7 pm. This annual festival features fresh Dungeness crab, pulled pork, clam chowder, live music and great wine and beer from Calapooia Brewing,140 Hill St SE in Albany. Raffle prizes awarded throughout the day. For information and tickets visit the event website.
Feb. 1st and 2nd The Mountain Top Mud Bogs open up for a splattering good time at the “2020 Winter Wheeling” event. New challenges and courses have been created at this Scio-area open-wheeling mud bog. More info on the organizer Facebook page.
Feb. 6th Have fun in style with your BFF at Albany Antique Mall’s 10th Annual Ladies Night Out. Enjoy tasty chocolate, good company and great deals (special sales offered by most dealers). For information visit the event organizer website.
Feb. 7th – First Friday in Downtown Albany
The theme for this month’s downtown Albany First Friday is chocolate and romance. We’ve listed only a couple of places to get started, but visit the event organizer’s Facebook page to get the full lowdown about participating shops and restaurants, and their extended hours of operation.
Feb. 7th First Friday at Gallery Calapooia on First Avenue in Downtown Albany runs from 5:30 to 8 pm. Come see the “Big Show of Little Art” and check out what local students and artists from around the region have created with pieces all the same diminutive size of 8” by 8”.
- Feb. 7th It’s First Friday at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum. From 5:30 to 8 pm get unlimited rides for $5, plus fun and games for kids of all ages. For more info visit the carousel’s Facebook page.
- Feb. 7th Another First Friday event at Urban Ag Supply, from 6 to 8 pm. Dive head first into chocolate tea! Well, not literally, but at least steep in the delights of Oregon company Inspired Leaf and sample Toffee Chocolate Hazelnut, White Chocolate Orange and Salted Dark Chocolate. For more info visit Urban Ag Supply online.
- Feb. 7th Fancy chocolate? And a stroll? Time for the “Chocolate Walk” at The Natty Dresser on First Friday, from 6 to 8 pm. Visit the organizer Facebook page for more details.
Feb. 8th It’s a sweetheart of a day when you run for a great cause at the 6th Annual Sweetheart Run. This event will be a chip-timed run with family activities designed to demonstrate community participation in support of Parks and Recreation programs. It all takes place starting at 10 a.m. at Sankey Park’s Historic Weddle Covered Bridge in Sweet Home. Registration and event info on the organizer’s website.
Feb. 8th and Feb. 15th The much beloved “scatterbrained” scarecrow from Oz has a story to tell all his own, so save the date for a family-oriented performance of “A Scarecrow in Oz” at the Russell Tripp Center. Children will love this short play that takes place at 2 p.m. on both performance dates. Tickets and other info online.
Feb. 9th is Oscar Night at the Pix Theater in downtown Albany. Come dressed to the nines and get ready to root for your favorite stars at this FREE live broadcast on the big screen. Doors open 4 p.m. See you there!
Feb. 9th Time to plan your most romantic day ever, at the Albany Bridal Show from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Albany Golf and Events Center. This annual event (its 20th anniversary!) is sponsored by Merrime Bridal & Soirée and The Natty Dresser. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.
Feb. 12th Ever wonder what life was like for women and children during the Civil War era? Plan on attending another fascinating Albany Regional Museum’s History Bites presentation at noon, and peek into the past through 1860s garments. This is a free event, although donations are gratefully accepted by the non-profit museum. You can check out the rest of the exhibits while you’re there!
Feb. 14th – 16th “Racking” your brains about how to enjoy the cold weather? Grab your “deer” pals and head over to the Willamette Sportsman’s Show at the Linn County Expo Center. Check out all the info, including discounted admission opportunities and hours on the organizer website. (Ooooh—not again with those bad puns!)
Feb. 14th Romance is in the air and on the train—the Santiam Excursion Trains that is. Make it a sweet evening and dine aboard with fabulous food from Honeybrine Catering. This is a 21-and-over evening. Make your reservations online.
Feb. 14th and 15th Take your valentine to tea and steep your day in romance. The IVY Tearoom in historic downtown Albany is serving up a romantic tea at noon. Seating is limited so make those reservations now: 541-928-7330.
Feb. 21 – 23rd Come check out the fun at the upcoming Linn County Kennel Club Dog Show and fall in love with pups! This three day event includes activities for the kids, canine agility trials and the much-adored puppy competition. So mark your calendars for Feb 21 – 23 at the Linn County Expo Center. More info on the club’s website.
