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Albany Visitors Association
122 Ferry St SW
Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
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Fall Events in November
Enjoy Albany this November where fall is in full swing. Leaves are falling, fog fills the air, and the starts to nip at our noses. Bundle up for the big Veterans Day Parade and honor our local veterans. Warm up with a glass of seasonal wine at Springhill Cellars’ Federweisser Festival. Get your blood pumping by participating in the Gobbler’s Revenge Road Race. There’s plenty to be thankful for in November.
Linn County Veterans Day Parade
Join us in Albany for the largest event of this kind west of the Mississippi. Thousands of spectators line the streets of Albany to honor those who served. We invite you to be a spectator at this wonderful salute to our nation’s heroes.
To find the parade schedule and route, other events taking place, and a contact page if you have further questions, go to LinnCountyVeteransDayParade.org.
After the parade, have lunch or coffee downtown and look for military uniforms that will be on display November 7-13. Find updated information at AlbanyDowntown.com.
Oregon Mid-Valley Road Race Gobbler’s Revenge
The 15th Annual Oregon Mid-Valley Road Race is set to kick off on Thanksgiving morning 2023! Food, music, awards, and prizes await those who are not afraid of “The Gobbler’s Revenge.” Events include a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2.5 mile Walk, and Kid’s Dash. All runs start and finish at North Albany Middle School Track. The run takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, from 7 a.m. to noon. Kid’s Dash starts at 9 a.m. Register at omRoadRace.org or see their Facebook page to find current information about the event.
Springhill Cellars’ Federweisser Festival
Try Springhill Cellars’ delicious cider-like semi-sweet cloudy Pinot Gris Federweisser along with a delicious Zwiebelkuchen (an onion, egg, bacon, swiss cheese, and sour-cream pie) while enjoying traditional oom-pah-pah music during the day. Join the fun November 24-26. Hours vary each day, so check their Facebook page for updates or call 541-974-0917.
Plan ahead to enjoy the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned holiday celebration in Historic Downtown Albany. The Christmas Parlour Tour is an “insider’s” peek into the past. Step inside some of our most intriguing historic homes and travel back through several eras including Art Deco and Victorian. The Tour takes place on Sunday, December 10, from 2-7 p.m. Tickets will be available at MonteithHouse.org starting in November. Call Albany Visitors Association if you have questions at (541) 928-0911 or email info@albanyvisitors.com.
Get ready for Spooky Season!
October in Albany has everything from scary fun to family-friendly events. Choose the perfect pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze or press apples for some tangy cider. The crisp weather and colorful leaves invite us to get out and enjoy our beautiful city.
Trolley of Terror is back!
Get ready for a hauntingly good time at the Monteith House, where history meets Halloween: Trolley Tours will be held at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28; Put on your walking shoes and journey through the eerie and mysterious history of downtown Albany on Ghost Walking Tours, which take place on Oct. 13 and 14, also at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.; Expect spine-tingling tales and ghostly encounters at the VIP Experience Ghost Hunts on Oct. 21 and 28 from 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Purchase tickets at MonteithHouse.com, or call 541-220-0421.
Here are some other great October events to put on your list. Be sure to visit the AVA website to get more details on them as well:
1st Friday in Historic Downtown Albany
The theme for Oct. 6 is Fall Kickoff! Join downtown businesses for extended hours, food, drinks, promotions, sales and music. Be sure to stop by the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum where October’s theme is Halloween. So, get your costume ready and have some scary good fun for the whole family!
The Natty Dresser is holding a ladies trunk show with Pendleton Woolens. This will be a one-night-only opportunity to order from the Pendleton Women’s line. Plus, they will also have Pikolinos’ Shoe there offering ladies styles for special order.
Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills
Oct. 14 and 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to help crush and press the apples and watch as golden cider flows from the press. Fresh cider is available for your donation to Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society. They will have storytelling for the younger ones and mill-themed gifts are available. Docents are on hand for mill tours – pack a lunch and make a day of it! Telephone the Mill for additional information at 541-491-3611.
Downtown Halloween Character Hunt
Get an early start on Halloween by joining this fun activity for the whole family, put on by the Albany Downtown Association. The hunt begins Saturday, Oct. 14. Entries turned in by Sunday, Oct. 30, will be entered in a drawing to win a Movie Night Prize Basket featuring tickets to The Pix Theatre, theater candy, popcorn and more.
Trick or Treat Cruise Thru
Dress up and get in on the fun 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, at Timber-Linn Memorial Park. REGISTRATION is required for this event and is due by Oct. 13. Cost is $5 per child for ages 1-12. There will be candy and goodies to collect along the way and some spooktacular decorations. The event is sponsored by Albany Parks & Recreation.
Downtown Trick-or-Treating & Costume Contest
Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Albany with this FREE family-friendly event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Just look for the orange and black balloons marking participating Albany Downtown Association member businesses. There’s a costume contest for the whole family as well. Enter by stopping by the photo station at the 1st Avenue Parklet near Ferry Street. Winners will be selected on Facebook.
Albany Farmers’ Market
It’s still open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November. Pick up fresh and local produce, baked goods, meat, flowers and more!
Pumpkin patches and seasonal produce
For seasonal produce, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other treats, here are some local farms you will enjoy:
Blunck Family Produce and Willow will have their pumpkin patch again this year. 4228 Springhill Dr. NW, 541-497-4533.
Bose Family Farm features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides and harvest decor. 35765 Cyrus Rd. NE.
Grandpa’s Fresh Market carries pumpkins, melons, gourds, straw bales, cornstalk bundles and has hayrides on the weekends. 36483 Hwy 226, 541-928-8778.
Kenagy Family Farm has pumpkins, gourds, decorative corn, winter squash and corn stalks. 1650 North Nebergall Loop NE, 541-979-1490.
Midway Farms doesn’t have a pumpkin patch, but they do have pumpkins, winter squash and fresh-pressed apple cider. All of the farm’s products are gluten-free, and they have pumpkin bread and apple cake. 6980 Hwy. 20 NW, 541-740-6141.
The Thriller Month of October in Albany
20 things to do in and about town
October 5th – First Friday at Gallery Calapooia From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gallery Calapooia will hold an artists’ reception for Susan Bourdet (watercolors) and Pat Spark (hand-dyed felt imagery). Come enjoy the evening with refreshments and old and new friends in Downtown Albany. The gallery is located at 222 W 1st.
October 6th – Albany Fire Dept. Treasure Hunt Save the date for a day of family fun at the Albany Fire Department Treasure Hunt. The fun begins on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 1:00 p.m. Get in on engine rides, station tours, firefighter challenges, snacks and treats. Visit the AFD Facebook page for more info at Albany Fire Department.
October 6th and 7th – RaSani Body, Mind, and Spirit Fair Tranquil sounds, fragrances and moments are coming via practitioners of the healing and meditative arts at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more info, visit the RaSani Fair Fall Expo Facebook page.
October 10th – History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum Come take a break on Wednesday the 10th at noon at the free monthly History Bites presentation. This month author Jeff Davis, military historian and paranormal researcher will discuss “Haunted Oregon.” Jeff will have copies of his books Ghosts, Critters, and Sacred Places of Washington and Oregon, and A Haunted Tour Guide to the Pacific Northwest available for purchase. Although History Bites is free, donations are greatly appreciated. Refreshments will be served. The museum located at 136 SE Lyon St. If you would like more information on Jeff Davis, visit http://www.ghostsandcritters.com/aboutjeffdavis.html
October 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 18th, 19th, 20th – “Once Upon A Mattress” Check out the new fall community theater production at the Albany Civic Theater This classic musical is an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” Set in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain, a mute king Sexitmus suffers from a curse. Head over to ACT’s website for the full performance schedule and ticket information at http://www.albanycivic.org
October 12th – All Ages Pumpkin Decorating From noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Albany Art Studio. Cider, decorations, and gourds—OH MY! The studio provides the decorations and pumpkins. If you have a special gourd, feel free to bring it along, but don’t worry if you don’t have one, pumpkins will be available for purchase. This event is free (except for pumpkin purchases). Register online at: https://www.albanyartstudio.com/events/pumpkin-decorating
October 13th – Annual Oregon Mennonite Festival Come see the absolutely drop-dead gorgeous quilt display at this annual festival that benefits the World Relief Fund. Starting at 7:30 a.m., feast on a delicious egg casserole or baked goods. After you shop at the vendor fair featuring books, fair trade gifts, quilt supplies and more, enjoy a taco salad, pulled pork sandwich, sausage dogs and soups for lunch. The fair is held this year at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. For more information, visit the event website .
October 13th and 27th – Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills Ready for sweet apple cider? Come squeeze your own on a historic press for a small donation. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site brings back their popular fall event from last year. The two Saturday hours run from noon until the apples run out, so come early. Take a short drive from Albany to Shedd, 32655 Boston Mill Dr. For more information, telephone 541-491-3611.
October 18th, 19th, 20th – Oktoberfest at Three Sheets Brewery The brewery and pub will be outfitted in festival decor and boast a new food menu special for this event. There will be raffle drawings with prizes, and for every beer you buy, you’l be entered into the drawing. If you wear lederhosen or dirndl to the festival, you’ll receive an extra raffle ticket and $1 off your first beer. Hours: Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Three Sheets is located at 136 SW 1st Ave in Downtown Albany. For more information telephone 541-791-7311.
October 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, 28th, 30th, 31st – Morningstar Grange Haunted House The grange is hosting a fun and spooky fundraiser for the Jefferson Fire Department Christmas Basket Program and the Albany Gleaners. Admission is $5 per person or five cans of non-perishable food. The Haunted House hours are: Oct 19th and 20th: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Oct 21st: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Oct 26th and 27th: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Oct 28th and 30th: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; October 31st: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visit the event Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/hauntedhouseatmorningstargrange/
SOLD OUT!!! Trolley of Terror Albany’s most popular Halloween activity is fast approaching sold out status! The dates noted are the only nights with time slots still available for the family to enjoy a fun-filled trip on the decorated trolley through historic downtown. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. Pre-paying is the only way to make sure you are added to the tours. Please call our office to reserve your spot now or stop in to see us at 110 3rd Ave SE; we are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SOLD OUT!!! October 20th and 29th – VIP Ghost Hunt The tickets to this VIP event benefit the non-profit Monteith House Museum. Only 10 brave ghost-busters will be admitted (to the reportedly haunted house) for the nearly three-hour hunt each Saturday, from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.—featuring professional paranormal researchers with recording equipment. Tickets to the exclusive hunt are $50 each. Come join this spooky adult only event—tickets are sold entirely online with our new secure ticketing plug-in.
October 20th – Boo Boogie Bash and Rodeo Get ready to party! Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, Mexican dancing horses, and mutton busting will all take place at this Halloween-themed rodeo event. Join the party after at Larry’s Lounge. Advance tickets: $13.00/$15.00 at the door. Kids 5 and under FREE. All held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. For more information: http://www.wildwesteventsinc.com
October 26th and 27th – The Annual Mid-Valley Brewfest is back again, and bigger and better than ever! The new venue at Two Rivers Market in Downtown Albany will feature live bands, food trucks, plus all the locally made micro-brews, ales, hard ciders, wine, mead, and spirits you can imagine. Admission is $20, adults only. The tickets entitle you to 5 drinks of your choice and a great 2018 Brewfest mug. Ticket sales day of event only (no pre-sales). For more info visit the event website at https://midvalleybrewfest.com
PLEASE NOTE EVENT CHANGES – DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATION – October 26th – 28th, and 31st – Coffin Park Cemetery Haunted Attraction This event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the 26th and 27th; the 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and on the 31st, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It’s guaranteed to thrill the entire family. Costumed actors, refreshments, and a gently spooky atmosphere will “haunt” the space. A suggested donation is a can of food that will be given to FISH of Albany. The attraction is located at 2942 Mount Vernon St SE in Albany.
October 27th – Annual Albany Downtown Trick or Treat Come visit your favorite downtown businesses in disguise! Bring the family and the little “ghouls and boos” for treats and a few surprises. The free event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is organized by the Albany Downtown Association. For more information telephone 541-928-2469.
October 27th and 28th – The Pacific Northwest Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is the largest such shown the PNW. Visit with creature vendors and the critters themselves at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. Admission is $10 adults, $5 kids (6 to 10), and free for tiny tots 5 and under. Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information and a full list of participating vendors visit the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PACNWRS/
October 31st – The Haunted Carousel Get ready to be spooked at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum on Halloween Eve from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gather your trick or treats through the ‘Wizard of Oz’ maze. Admission is $5.00 and includes 2 ride tokens. Appropriate for all ages. The carousel is located at 503 1st Ave SW in Downtown Albany. Telephone 541-497-2934 for more information.
October 31st – Trick or Treat at the Heritage Mall Looking for another safe place to take the littles for trick or treat? Head on over to the Heritage Shopping Mall at 1895 14th Ave SW from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit the mall website for more information: https://www.heritagemall.com
Putting the “howl” in Halloween
Looking for some absolutely “killer” local fun for Halloween? Want to entertain the “monsters” in the family? Well here’s list of featured events that are gonna blow your striped witch socks right off!
Listen to the audio file and get in the mood!
Albany’s Monteith House Museum and the Albany Visitors Association are planning a devilish good time for all ages. Their first event is one that kids and grandkids will enjoy: the “Trolley of Terror!” Our bright red vintage trolley will be decked out in spooky halloween decorations and will run hourly local tours throughout downtown. It’s going to be nothing but onboard fun, plus a candle-lit tour of historic Monteith House.
The Trolley of Terror starts on Friday, October 20th, with hourly tours at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m. The trolley fun continues on Saturday Oct 21st, then again on October 27th and 28th. Seating is limited, so reservations and pre-payment are highly advised. Telephone AVA at 541-928-0911 for your tickets or stop by our office on Third Ave SE and Lyon. Tickets are $5 for children under 12, and $10 for adults. Special group rates are available.
The VIP Ghost Hunt Tour is strictly for adults. Spend the evening at the Monteith House Museum with a small group of dedicated ghost-hunters. Learn how to use paranormal activity equipment and participate in an investigative tour of the house. Each tour runs from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., and is limited to 10 people. The VIP tour will run on Saturday, October 14th, Saturday, October 21st, and Friday, October 27th. This is a “not to be missed” tour, requiring reservations. Tickets are $50.
Both events’ ticket sales will help maintain the non-profit Monteith House Museum.
What to do around the town and nearby
Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon and 8K Feeling a bit pumpkin-shaped from summer goodies? Well this event should help keep you ship-shape for Halloween treats. The marathon takes place on Saturday, October 21st at Cheadle Lake in Lebanon. Telephone 541-848-3978.
Boo Boogie Bash Rough Stock Rodeo How about getting your cowgirl or cowboy boots on and heading out to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center? On Saturday, October 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. you can boogie with the best of the rough riders. Pre-admission tickets are $13 buckaroos or $15 at the door. Small ghouls and boys under 5 are free with accompanying adult. Check the event website at www.wildwesteventsinc.com or telephone 541-895-5335 for more information.
Albany Downtown Trick or Treat and Costume Contest On Saturday, October 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. you can bring the entire family down for a safe and fun way to celebrate. Downtown stores will open for trolls, witches, ghosts, goblins (and Captain America too!) or any child ready for a treat. Sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association, check www.albanydowntown.com for more information or telephone 541-928-2469.
Zombie Zoup Run On Saturday, October 28th, Sweet Home is getting their sweet treat on with an exciting run for everyone. The event starts at 10:00 a.m at the Jim Riggs Community Center. For more information and registration, visit the event website at www.zombiezouprun.weebly.com or telephone 541-367-5128.
Heritage Mall Trick or Treat at the Mall If the zombies in the family haven’t found a party yet, Heritage Mall is hosting a Halloween Day/Night trick or treat event from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st. Check out their website at www.heritagemall.com or telephone 541-967-8238 for more information.
From all of us at AVA, have a safe and Happy Halloween!
What to do in Oregon in 2017
Get ready for an Oregon year to be remembered! Many travelers will visit Oregon for the very first time—particularly in late August when a Total Solar Eclipse will occur on the 21st. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is prime TSE viewing territory, and many locales along the eclipse route will feature special viewing activities, food, celebration, and drink, including Albany.
The new 2017 Oregon Events Calendar, published by Pamplin Media Group, can help you plan your vacation—whether you hail from New York or Newberg. The Albany Visitors Association will have a supply of the publication at their office soon, but until we do, check out the digital edition.
In addition to the eclipse, Oregon is home to numerous annual music festivals, cycling and paddling relays, brew smackdowns, winery and culinary tours, and other venues to taste and experience our state in an entirely new way throughout the year. So come on, join us this year in Albany, Oregon.
*For print copies, please contact AVA at 541-9288-0911. Copies can be mailed, or you can stop by the office at 3rd and Lyon Streets in Downtown Albany, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Ghost touring in historic Albany
Looking for a fun and spooky historical experience? Choose from two options this October: a ride on the Trolley of Terror followed by a candlelit ghost tour of the Monteith House Museum; or a VIP ghost-hunting experience at the Monteith House. Both are sponsored by the Monteith Historical Society.
Trolley of Terror and candlelit ghost tour: The Monteith House is the oldest building in Albany, and was built in 1849. Through the years, ghost stories have been shared about this building, but very few people have had a chance to hear the stories from the inside of its walls, and even fewer have had a chance to seek out the spirits that dwell within. Take a ride on the Trolley of Terror followed by a candlelit ghost tour to hear the ghost stories of downtown Albany and those of the Monteith House that have chilled its inhabitants to the bone.
Ghost hunting: A separate tour — a VIP ghost hunt experience — will take place on Friday, October 30, from 9 p.m. to midnight. The VIP experience is limited to 10 people. VIPs will be joined by experienced paranormal investigators and learn how to use various pieces of ghost hunting equipment. VIPs will then get to help conduct a paranormal investigation of the Monteith House.
Details: The Trolley of Terror will take place on October 23, 24, and 30. Tours on October 23 and 24 will begin at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tours on October 30 will begin at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the VIP experience beginning at 9 p.m. and running until midnight.
Tickets: The cost of the Trolley of Terror and candlelit ghost tour is $10 per adult and $5 per child. The VIP experience is $25 per person. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. Call the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911 to reserve your seats today.
Photo: “Halloween Faces” by Kathy Hawthorne
