In and Around Albany in August

Forget the “mid-summer doldrums.” There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do during August in and around Albany!

From outdoor movies and concerts to festivals and any number of biking, hiking, camping and canoeing activities, you and your family can fill your days and nights with adventure.

The gem on this summer list is the Northwest Art & Air Festival, which runs Aug. 25-27 at Timber-Linn Memorial Park, with hot air balloons, art vendors, food vendors, a car show, concerts, a family zone with activities for the kids and a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups. The event is free, but parking is $10.

Here’s a few more activities to look forward to during August in Linn County. 

August 2 and August 9: Fun in the Park
This summer, visit a different neighborhood park for games and fun for kids of all ages! The program is sponsored by Albany Parks & Recreation and Takena Kiwanis of Albany. All are invited to find a bench or bring a blanket and enjoy some sun and time in our beautiful parks before heading home to work on a cool take-home craft kit. Up next is Doug Killin Park, 4990 Deer Run Ave. SW, on Wednesday, Aug. 2, then Swanson Park, 712 Jackson St. SE, on Wednesday, Aug. 9. Find out more at cityofalbany.net.

Aug. 3 and Aug. 10: River Rhythms 

Due to construction at Monteith Riverpark, the concert series has been temporarily moved to Timber-Linn Memorial Park. Enjoy the country a capella group Home Free on Aug. 3, then get ready to rock to the sounds of Foghat on Aug. 10. Food vendors begin serving at 5 p.m., followed by music at 7. For the full schedule, visit the City of Albany website at riverrhythms.org. 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 also will be accepted 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 12 at the Parks & Recreation counter in City Hall.

Aug. 4-6: Oregon Jamboree

The Oregon Jamboree is an exciting chance to see some fantastic musical acts while mingling with other fans in the beautiful Sankey Park venue. Headliners for this year’s festival include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum. 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 to oregonjamboree.com.

Aug. 11: Movie by Moonlight

The results are in. And the winner is… The Princess Bride! Albany Downtown Association’s Promotion Committee will screen 1987 classic on Friday, August 11 in Downtown Albany. The movie was selected in a vote to celebrate the 20th season of downtown movies. With Monteith Riverpark under construction, just one movie will be shown this season. For a bit of nostalgia, the movie will be shown on the wall behind the Albany Eagles Lodge, where Movies by Moonlight was held for 11 years before moving to the park. The movie will start at dusk, around 8:55 pm. This year’s movie concessions include Pix Popcorn, ice cream novelties, candy, and sodas. Bring a receipt from a Downtown business for a chance to win a DVD of the movie or another prize. More information at albanydowntown.com.

August 13: 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 and 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 25 to over 100 miles on quiet country roads and through several well-preserved historic covered bridges. For more information or to register, visit mvbc.com. 

August 17-20: Paddle Oregon 

This year’s trip will wind along 60-plus miles of river, beginning at Peoria Park and ending at Keizer Rapids Park. The tour will camp near Albany on Aug. 18! For more information and to view the full itinerary, visit paddleoregon.org.

August 18-26: Albany Civic Theater Presents “My Son Pinoccio Jr.”

Enjoy the classic tale of toymaker Geppetto’s little wooden puppet, this time from Geppetto’s perspective. The new musical features the classic songs, “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings,” along with new tunes by Oscar winner and Grammy Award winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz. Evening shows will run August 18, 19, 25 and 26, with matinees Aug. 19 and 26. Visit the ACT website for ticket info at albanycivic.org.

August 19: Carnival at the Carousel

Step right up for fun as the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum celebrates its sixth anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 19 with this joyful and nostalgic fundraiser! There will be old-fashioned carnival games, crazy characters, face painting, balloon art, and more! This is fun for the whole family. For more information, visit the Carousel website at albanycarousel.com.