A September to Remember

The weather has chilled, the leaves are changing and kids are back to school, but we don’t have to be sad that summer is nearly over. In Albany, the weather has cooled down, but the skies are mostly blue and there are plenty of events in town to chase away the back-to-school blues. 

September 9 

Antiques in the Streets & Classic Car Show is a yearly event in Albany that you won’t want to miss. There will be over 50 street vendors selling unique treasures, and the Albany Antique Mall will have their sidewalk sale. When you finish shopping, tour over 100 amazing cars. Have lunch at one of downtown Albany’s fabulous restaurants or go organic and visit the Albany Farmers’ Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everything is within walking distance! The event takes place all day in Downtown Albany.

The annual .3K Albany Beer “Run” (yup, that’s 0.3K) starts at noon at Calapooia Brewery and ends at Deluxe Brewing. The beer garden opens at 11 a.m. Dedicated to the below-average athlete and weekend warrior in all of us, the “run” features a delicious Calapooia and Deluxe beer before and after, and there’s even a carb-loading station and other refreshments available. Register at omroadrace.org.

Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site is fun for the whole family. It is scheduled for three Saturdays this fall – September 23, October 14 and 28. The site is open free to the public from dawn to dusk every day, with cider pressing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on these dates. Fresh cider is available (limit one gallon per family) for your donation to Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society. There will be storytelling for the younger ones and mill-themed gifts are available. Docents will be on hand for Mill tours – pack a lunch and make a day of it! Call the Mill for additional information at 541-491-3611.

September 13

For History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum this month, there will be a Book Signing and Discussion with Jim Lindsay. Jim Lindsay, Corvallis resident and author of “The Sniper,” will be discussing his latest book and signing copies for attendees. History Bites starts at noon and is a free event. To explore the new exhibits, you will need to pay for museum admission, which is $5 for adults and teens, $3 for seniors, and free for members, children under 13, and active military/veterans. Light refreshments will be available.

September 23 

The Willamette Valley Symphony performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Performing Arts Center, with a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. This concert will feature Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “The New World Symphony,” and other pieces. They are continuing their Youth Passport Program, so all youth under 18 get in free, and one adult ticket is free with each youth. They are also introducing the Arts for All Program, where people can buy a $5 ticket if they present their Oregon Trail Card. Regular tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors. See willamettevalleysymphony.org.

September 29, 30 and October 1

The Heart of the Valley Fall Home and Garden Show is held at the Linn County Expo Center and has over 70 vendors with products and services for your home and garden needs. Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. 

September 30 and October 1

Also at Linn County Expo Center, the RaSani Fair features independent holistic products and healthcare practitioners. They will hold a raffle benefiting Family Tree Relief Nursery, a nonprofit organization focusing on helping grow happy, healthy and strong families in Linn County. Admission is $5 per person per day. Tickets sold only at the door. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-to 5 p.m.