Music, Movies & Balloons: Lots to do mid-summer in Albany!

As mid-summer approaches in the Willamette Valley, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in and around Albany. The warm weather is perfect for outdoor events, from movies and concerts to the Northwest Art & Air festival and any number of biking, hiking, camping and canoeing adventures.

Below, find a few of the activities to look forward to during late July and throughout August in Linn County:

July 29-31: Oregon Jamboree

Oliver J. Anderson

Bringing some of Nashville’s biggest stars to Sweet Home, Oregon for over 20 years, the Oregon Jamboree is an exciting chance to see some fantastic country music shows while mingling with other fans in the beautiful Sankey Park venue. Headliners for this year’s festival include Old Dominion, Trace Adkins, and Miranda Lambert. This not-to-be-missed musical event boasts two stages and 25 shows over three days.

The Jamboree offers a full festival atmosphere in the main venue and a more intimate concert experience on the second stage in Sankey Park. In addition to featured headline entertainment, this event hosts RV and tent camping, merchandise vendors, food booths, beer and wine gardens and a variety of other attractions. For ticket and other information, go here.

July 7- August 11: River Rhythms

Get ready to rock out at River Rhythms this year with guests like Blue Oyster Cult, Sheena Easton, Ruthie Foster and others! Head over to Monteith Riverpark on any of the five concert dates, where food vendors begin serving at 5 p.m., followed by music at 7. 

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 the full schedule, visit the City of Albany website.

There is a suggested donation of $1 to help cover costs, and you can participate in “Rock Out Against Hunger” this year, an effort to help those in need. Bring non-perishable and unopened cans and boxes of food to any of the River Rhythms concerts and put them in the donation barrels located at the front of the park. Collections will be accepted 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 5-Aug. 12 at the Parks & Recreation counter in City Hall.

July 11- August 1: Summer Sounds

Formerly known as “Mondays at Monteith,” Summer Sounds takes place every Monday for four consecutive weeks at Monteith Riverpark. Starting July 11 with a performance from The Bylines, the concert festivities will extend until Aug. 1. This year, the concert lineup consists of a range of genres, from jazz to country, so there’s something for everyone.

Sip your own wine or beer, purchase soft drinks and food from the vendor court, and take a stroll along the riverfront with your sweetheart. The free concerts are from 7 to 9 pm, but the vendor court will open at 5:30 pm.

For the full schedule, visit the City of Albany website.

July 22 – August 12: Movies at Monteith

Outdoor movies in the park have become today’s version of the drive-in movie experience of the past – only better. Enjoy Movies at Monteith on Friday evenings in late July and early August at Monteith Riverpark in Downtown Albany. This year, movie dates are on July 22 & 29 and Aug. 5 & 12. Grab your blankets and chairs and head to the park for food and fun starting at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (around 9 to 9:25 pm).

August 14: Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour

Get your spokes a’ twirling! The Annual Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour is a premier one-day cycling event sponsored by the Mid Valley Bicycle Club designed for all levels of biking interest and expertise. Explore the rural roads and, depending on which of the route options you choose, you’ll cross up to five historic covered bridges in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Rides vary from 23, 44, 68, 85, or 101 miles on quiet country roads and through several well-preserved historic covered bridges. The tour starts and finishes at the Linn County Expo Center. Go here for more information. Note: The Shimanek Bridge will be closed for repairs through October.

Bill Pintard

August 15-19: Paddle Oregon

This year’s trip will wind along 85 miles of river, beginning at Marshall Island Access in Junction City and ending at Keizer Rapids Park. The tour will camp at Kenagy Family Farm in Albany on Aug. 17! For more information and to view the full itinerary, visit the Paddle Oregon website.

August 19-27: Albany Civic Theater Presents “Frozen Jr.”

Albany Civic Theater Presents Disney’s “Frozen Jr.,” which will be on stage from Aug. 19-27, with 6 total showings including 2 matinees. The Disney classic about the powerful bond of sisterhood comes to life on stage this year with a cast of young and talented actors. Visit the ACT website for ticket info.

August 20: Carnival at The Carousel

Join the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum as they celebrate their five-year anniversary with a carousel fundraiser: Carnival at the Carousel. Just as the nostalgia of the carousel lights the faces of those who visit, we hope that the nostalgia of a vintage carnival will do the same. Come see carnival games of the past, old-fashioned carnival characters, carnival snacks, face painting, balloon art, and more! For more information go here.

August 26-28: ATI Northwest Art & Air Festival

The ATI Northwest Art & Air Festival is packed full of exciting and unique events for all ages to enjoy. Hosted at Timber-Linn Memorial Park, this festival boasts rows of local arts and crafts vendors, extravagant hot air balloons, concerts, food and more.

Each morning of the three-day event kicks off with a “morning balloon liftoff,” where you can watch colorful hot air balloons take off into the sunrise beginning at 6:45 a.m., weather permitting.

If you’re not much of a morning person, fret not, because there are other opportunities to see hot air balloons and participate in events. Attend the “Night Glow” at dusk on the evening of Aug. 26 to watch a spectacular show of hot air balloons illuminate the night sky. Children and adults alike will enjoy the show. Photographers, this is a great opportunity to take some incredible shots, so bring your tripods!

You can even sign up to ride a hot air balloon while watching the gorgeous view of the Willamette Valley right under your feet. Reserve your spot online, and be ready to take off into the sunrise. You’ll never forget the incredible sights as you mingle with other balloons in the sky over Albany.

The festival isn’t just about balloons, though. It’s also home to the “Art of Cars” show, featuring classic Studebakers, Corvairs, Corvettes and more. If you have a classic car and are eager to show it off, bring it to the festival’s Art of Cars show on Saturday, Aug. 27. The show begins at 9 a.m. and gates open for registration at 8 a.m. Registration is $20. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

Catch a concert or two in the evenings with performances from artists like Billy Currington, who will be onstage August 27.

For more information about the Art and Air Festival, go here.

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