Get into the spirit with Halloween events

Get into the spirit of Halloween in and around Albany with several events planned for this fall with haunted corn mazes, trick or treat activities and other fun, or just enjoy getting out on crisp days to stroll through several farmers’ markets during the month of October.

COVID-19 restrictions may remain in effect for some sites and events, so call ahead when possible, check the Calendar of Events at the Albany Visitors Association website, albanyvisitors.com, or call the AVA at 541-928-0911. Keep an eye on the AVA Calendar of Events for changes and any new events or activities.

Here are a few fun activities you and your family won’t want to miss:

The Albany Downtown Association/Movies at Monteith is sponsoring a Downtown Halloween Scavenger Hunt, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 30. A fun activity for the whole family, be on the lookout for Halloween images displayed on windows throughout downtown for a chance to win a movie night prize basket to the Pix Theater! Entry forms/coloring sheets will be available for download here or at the ADA website. Forms can also be picked up at the ADA office, 126 Ferry St. SW. Then, head out on your hunt! When you are done, head down to the ADA and drop it off before midnight on Oct. 30. Happy hunting! As an added bonus, kids can dress up and have their photo taken while at the ADA (and score a piece of candy in the process!) to enter the Facebook Costume Contest. Office hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a special time of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. NOTE: Some businesses downtown are offering candy to their customers, but the ADA is not sponsoring a Downtown Trick or Treat.

For more information, visit www.albanydowntown.com or call Albany Downtown Association at (541) 928-2469.

The Trolley of Terror will not be stalking the streets of Albany this year. Instead, the Monteith Historical Society is holding the Monteith Historical Ghost Walk on Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30. Experience the most “spirited” tales told by lanternlight. Cost is $5 per person, and children in strollers will be admitted free. Four tours leave every 15 minutes each night beginning at 7 p.m. from the Monteith House, 518 2^nd Ave. W., and are limited to 15 people each. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. Brave souls can register online at monteithhouse.org, or by calling 541-220-0421. Tours take about 45 minutes.

Get those costumes ready and decorate your vehicle! Join Albany Parks & Recreation for a Trick-or-Treat Cruise-Thru, presented by Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union. Trick-or-treat from the safety of your car at Timber-Linn Memorial Park, 900 Price Rd. SE. Every child attending must be registered by Oct. 15. A registration receipt will be required to be admitted into the park. You can sign up online at https://www.cityofalbany.net or by calling 541-917-7777.

Here is a list of more places to visit and events to take in during the Halloween season:

Farms and fun

Davis Family Farm: Take hayrides to the pumpkin patch and enjoy cider and donuts throughout October. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 4380 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis. For cost and other details call 541-752-0697.

Midway Farms: Enjoy fresh apple cider and other delicious fare at this dedicated gluten-free family farm at 6980 NW Highway 20 between Albany and Corvallis. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bose Family Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: The name says it all! Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. 35765 Cyrus Road NE, Albany.

The Melon Shack: The Day Corn Maze, beginning Sept. 24 and ongoing daily 10 a.m. top 6 p.m. through Oct. 31, is a highlight, plus pumpkins and fresh donuts! NE Garden Ave. at NE Highway 20, Corvallis. For info go to their Facebook page or call 541-243-4152.

Kenagy Family Farm: Kenagy farm has pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, decorative corn and corn stalks, and all of the proceeds go to charity! Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to dusk and Sunday 11 a.m. to dusk. 541-979-1490.

Don’t forget about your Albany Farmers’ Market to find your perfect already picked pumpkin with a large variety to carve, cook, or bake it in a pie, along with all the other tasty harvest treats our valley has to offer. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Also available are:
Corvallis Farmers Market: open 9 am-1 pm, NW First Street and NW Jackson Avenue
Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through October. Corner of Main and Grant streets.
Sweet Home Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m.

Thompson’s Mills cider pressings: Come and help press the apples on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then take home some delicious, fresh cider. Cost is a $5 contribution per half-gallon. And while you are there, take a tour of the last operating water-powered mill in Oregon. The mill, 32655 Boston Mill Drive, 2 miles east of Shedd, is open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except major holidays) for guided or self-guided tours. Masks are required. If you can’t make to the pressing but still want to enjoy some cider, call 541-654-2052 to reserve a jug.

Monteith Living History Saturdays: 1 to 3 p.m., all Saturdays in October at the Monteith House, 518 2nd Ave. SW. Step into 1850 at the Historic Monteith House with exciting activities like, woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, making butter and many other family friendly activities! To register in advance, or for more information, call 541-220-0421. A suggested donation of $8 covers the cost of materials.

Festivals

Fall Fiber Fest at Iron Water Ranch: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct 23-24, at Iron Water Ranch, 35179 Riverside Dr., Albany. Multiple vendors will offer a variety of fibers to stock up on for the coming cooler weather.  Raw wool, roving and locks, yarn and felted pieces will all be available. A little something for everyone.

More spooky fun

Tennessee Thunder Railroad: Saturdays and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. in October, 37672 KGAL Drive, Lebanon. Cost is $7 adults, $6 kids 2-12, and under 2 admitted free. Masks are required. Admission also gets you access to the pumpkin patch, fall themed photo backdrops and 4 acres to roam. For information, 458-223-0258.

2021 BOOzy Express: 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30. Get into the Halloween “spirit” with this 21-and-over event. Dress up in your favorite costume and rock the night away on this 2-hour ride and enjoy heavy appetizers, music and a full bar! COVID guidelines apply on board the train. 

Haunted House at Morningstar Grange: 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30; and 7-10 p.m. on Oct. 17, 24, 31. Cost is $5 per person, cash or card, and proceeds will benefit the Grange and local charities. Masks are required. The Grange is located at 38794 Morningstar Grange Rd., Albany. For information, call 541-666-0410.

ACT Production of “Dracula”: Bram Stoker’s famous novel comes to life at Albany Civic Theater, 111 1st Ave. SW; evening performances 7:30 p.m., matinees 2:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 23, 24(m), 28, 29, 30. Admission $14, (discount $11). Get tickets online at http://www.albanycivic.org/or 45 minutes before curtain.

Trunk or Treat: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29, Albany Boys & Girls Club, 1215 Hill St. SE. Save the date for this fun event! Volunteers handing out candy from the trunks of their vehicles will be located in the Teen Center/Indoor Soccer field parking lot at the Club. Dress up and get ready to see some decked-out trunks.