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Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
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6 things you didn’t know you could do at the NW Art and Air Festival
As one of Albany’s largest and most unique events, the ATI Northwest Art and Air Festival boasts countless activities for all ages to enjoy. From the famous hot air balloons, to the rows of arts and crafts vendors, the festival packs Timber-Linn Park full of fun from corner to corner.
If you’ve never attended this spectacular event, you probably haven’t heard of all the things you can do there. We’ve compiled a list to show you why the Art and Air Festival is a can’t miss experience.
1) Concerts
With two stages featuring daily performances, the NW Art and Air concerts fill the festival with great music from incredible artists, including Bret Michaels, Kathy Boyd and Phoenix Rising, and many many more. All concerts are free with festival admission.
2) Night Glow
Watch a spectacular display of lights as hot air balloons are illuminated in a series of patterns lighting up 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! Night Glow begins at dusk on Friday, August 26th.
3) Young Eagle Flights
This is a great opportunity for your kids to ride in a perfectly maintained vintage airplane, and it’s free! Registration begins at 9 am Saturday and Sunday, and spots are limited. For a downloadable registration form (required) and more info, please make sure that you link to the registration information web page. Get there early to ensure that your child gets to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience.
Kids aren’t the only ones able to take flight at the NW Art and Air Festival. Adults can signup for rides from Infinite Air Center, a bi-plane, and even a helicopter. Registration will be available at the show, and will require a fee.
5) Car Show
If you have a classic car and are eager to show it off, bring it to the festival’s Art of Cars show on Sunday, August 28th. The show begins at 9 am. and gates open for registration at 8:00 a.m. Registration is $20. Awards will be presented at 3:00 p.m.
You probably already knew that the Art and Air Festival is a great place to get close to hot air balloons, but did you know you can sign up to ride them? 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.
There is so much to do at the Northwest Art and Air Festival, so clear your calendars for August 26th through August 28th, and enjoy the fun! More information about the Art and Air Festival is available here.
Photos by Stephanie Low (top) and Cathy Web (bottom).
An evening cemetery tour
Masonic Cemetery Albany, Oregon
On Wednesday, July 27th, at 7:00 p.m., the Albany Regional Museum and St. John’s Masonic Lodge #17 will host a memorable evening tour of a historic pioneer cemetery—the Albany Masonic Cemetery.
Featured headstones include nine prominent Albany pioneers—the Wheeler, Ross, Hale, Hudson, Meade, Althouse, and Parker families. Hear their stories and learn about their contributions to our city.
Admission is free, however parking is extremely limited. You are welcome to board the trolley at Two Rivers Market downtown at 6:30 p.m., where continuous free rides will ferry tour participants until dusk.
For more information, telephone 541-967-7122.
2016 Guided Historic Home Trolley Tour
Albany’s Annual Summer Tour of Historic Homes 2016 will be a guided exterior trolley tour as part of the VIP experience at the Monteith House Museum.
In lieu of the interior tour for Summer 2016, the Monteith Historical Society will host a VIP tour which includes a narrated Trolley Tour (trolley tours leave on the hour from 11am-4pm), refreshments, and Monteith House Museum tour on Saturday, July 30, 2016. The trolley tour will highlight Albany homes, families and their history.
Tickets are available for sale the Albany Visitors Association and reservations are recommended. The tour will be limited to 168 people total (28 people per tour). Ticket price is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Saturday, July 30, 2016 the Monteith House will be open for VIP tours only.
Tour committee members are also working on the Annual Christmas Parlour Tour which will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Albany’s Annual Interior Tours were created by a group of friends and neighbors to share the past through the architecture of historic dwellings. They are coordinated by Albany’s Historical Interior Tour Committee and sponsored by the Monteith Historical Society. Proceeds are dedicated to the Monteith Historical Society which is charged with preserving and sharing Albany’s Monteith House Museum.
For more information on the July 30th VIP Tour, Historic Home Tours or the Monteith House Museum please contact the Albany Visitors Association, (541) 928-0911.
Celebrate 4th of July in the mid-valley
Fun, Fireworks and Food in Albany and Beyond
Time to unfurl your flags and wave your sparklers — Independence Day is almost here, and mid-valley communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate America’s birthday. Read all about the fun events and fireworks displays in the area and start planning your holiday now.
Albany
Lumberjack Breakfast, 6-11 a.m., July 1-3. Be a part of an Albany tradition when you head to Timber-Linn Park for an all-you-can eat breakfast. Sponsored by the East Albany Lions Club, the Lumberjack Breakfast is a fundraiser for the Lions Club’s charities. The breakfast is in Timber-Linn Park, 900 Price Rd. SE, and cost for the breakfast is $7 adults, $4 children.
Brownsville
Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m. July 4: Support the Brownsville Fire Department at their annual pancake breakfast in Pioneer Park. $8 for adults and $5 for kids will buy you an all-you-can-eat breakfast–the antics of the firefighters serving your breakfast are free of charge.
Barbecue Beer Garden and Live Music, 3-7 p.m. July 4: Continue the celebration with delicious barbecue and live music at by the Main St. band.
Fireworks in the Park, just after dark, July 4: As night falls, spread out a blanket in Pioneer Park and watch the free fireworks show above the banks of the Calapooia River.
Corvallis
Red, White and Blue Riverfront Festival, All day, July 3-4: Celebrate our nation’s birthday in downtown Corvallis with live music, kids’ activities, craft booths, food vendors, and Oregon wine and microbrews.
Firecracker 5000, Join in on the Firecracker 5000, a 5K run/walk to celebrate the 4th of July. Wear red, white and blue to show your patriotic spirit! The Firecracker 5000 happens Monday at 9am and the race starts at the corner of Jackson Avenue and First Street. It’s $10 to join in. Learn more and sign up bgccorvallis.org/
Harrisburg
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, All day, July 4: Fourth of July is the biggest celebration of the year in Harrisburg. Events include face-painting, a chicken barbecue, craft and food vendors, a bounce house for kids, and live music.
Parade, 11 a.m. July 4: This year’s parade theme is “Past & Present.” No registration or entry form is needed to join the parade. Visitors can sit back and enjoy the patriotic spectacle.
Fireworks, after dusk, July 4: Head to Riverfront Park at dusk and enjoy a fireworks show on the banks of the Willamette River.
Lebanon
Star-Spangled Celebration, 6-10:30 p.m., July 4: Held on the grounds of Lebanon’s Cheadle Lake Park, the Star-Spangled Celebration features food, games, live dance music and more. Entry fee is $10 per carload of visitors, or $3 for walk-ins.
Fire in the Sky fireworks show, 10-10:30 p.m., July 4: The “Fire in the Sky” fireworks show caps off the evening at 10 p.m. and is included with admission.
Do you know of a Fourth of July event we didn’t mention? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Healthy Living Fair and Gorgeous Gardens to Visit this June
Summer is finally here and the sunshine is upon us. It’s a great time of year to get outdoors to enjoy the bounty and beauty of Oregon.
Mother Earth News Fair comes to Albany
There’ll be a whole lot of sustainable goodness packed into one weekend when the Mother Earth News Fair brings national experts on self-sufficiency to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center June 4-5, 2016, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Interested in organic gardening and farming? They’ve got workshops on everything from suburban farmsteads to backyard bees and chickens.
Love cooking? You can learn to make your own cheese, butter and jams.
Are craft beer and spirits your thing? Take a class on home brewing, distilling, and fermenting.
Got kids? Attend hands-on classes with experts who can show them how to grow garden, churn butter, make bath salts, and more.
Even more workshops include talks on the tiny house movement, making your own biodiesel, poultry-processing, herbal remedies, foraging, and more.
Great Gardens to Explore
Linn County Master Gardeners’ June Garden Tour
Saturday, June 18, 2016 is this year’s date for “Through the Garden Gate” – Linn County Master Gardeners’ Annual June Garden Tour, featuring six unique gardens showcasing local gardens at their best. Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the suggested donation for tickets is $15.
This year’s array of gardens feature everything from outdoor wedding-worthy expanses, to small scale gardens packed with surprises, as well as edible and permaculture techniques sure to please every palate.
All the gardens will have Master Gardeners present, as well as garden owners, to answer your gardening questions. Bring a camera and notepad to document ideas you will want to take home for your own garden.Come with questions, get ideas, and enjoy the beauty of this year’s gardens.
Photo: A scene from the 2013 Garden Tour. Content help from Lynn Welp, a master gardener and former garden columnist for the Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times.
2016 Brownsville Garden Tour
Explore the garden path less taken and celebrate Brownsville gardens and those who create them. The tour, on Saturday June 25th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. includes five local gardens, a community garden, Kirk Walnut trees, a Moyer Wisteria tree and a Brownsville walking tour map.
$15 per person. Tickets on sale at the Brownsville Senior Center, 345 N. Main
Proceeds benefit the Brownsville Garden Club and the Calapooia Food Alliance.
Other events and happenings in June:
Lebanon Strawberry Festival
Located at Cheadle Lake in Lebanon, this event includes parades, fireworks, entertainment, food and the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake!
2nd Annual Lamb & Wool Fair Auction
Don’t miss this annual fundraising event that hopes to ensure the continuation of the Linn Co. Lamb & Wool Fair in Scio, Oregon. Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance at the Linn Co. Lamb & Wool Fair at www.lambfair.com. There will be a BBQ Dinner catered by GameTime Sports Bar & Grill beginning 5 p.m. and a silent auction.
Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in Albany
Have you ever wanted to learn the stories behind the fancy tombstones in Albany’s historic graveyards? Want to attend a Centennial celebration and time capsule event? Do you simply love everything vintage, antique or retro? You’re in luck this May–it’s National Historic Preservation Month, and Albany is celebrating in a big way.
Check out these fun history-focused events during May:
Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour, May 1- May 23
Sponsored by the Natty Dresser. Return entries to the ADA by 5:00pm Monday, May 23 to be entered to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced at Preservation Awards Presentation May 25th at the City Council meeting, 7:15 p.m., at the Albany City Hall. For more information contact the Albany Downtown Association. (541) 928-2469.
Albany Wine Walk & Upstairs Loft Tour in Historic Downtown Albany, May 6, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Over 20 wineries participating. There is a fee for the Wine Walk. Loft Tour is sponsored by the Albany Landmarks Commission and is free.
National Train Day at Albany Station, May 7th. Hop on Albany’s vintage trolley with Bill Maddy and Albany railroad historians for a narrated ride on historic Albany railways, The Albany Regional Museum & Albany Visitors Association will have info on train travel today & years gone by. (541) 928-0911. Free with concessions available for sale.
Monteith House Museum Pre-Season Clean-up & Open House, May 14th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Monteith Society will lead volunteers in some clean up and light maintenance
of Albany’s oldest home. Open House. (541) 928-0911.
Albany’s Railway History Stop in to see the expanded train station, May 1-31. The train coming to Albany is a special story and how it began the growth of the town. Special Narrated Historic Rail Tours will be given During National Train Day on May 7th, 2016 at 136 Lyon Street S. armuseum.com. (541) 967-7122. Free.
The Albany Regional Museum presents History Bites, May 11th, 12:00, p.m. The Brown bag lunch series continues with Albany’s Historic Preservation Efforts by Landmarks Commission member Bill Ryals. Ryals will be presenting a program about the legacy of Albany architect Charles Burggraf in the design of many Albany and Oregon school buildings. Albany’s Central School, one of Burggraf’s designs, will announce their building’s Centennial celebrations and time capsule event. Bring your own lunch. Beverages and light snacks provided. 136 Lyon Street S. (541) 967-7122. Free.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave, May 11th, 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave) to learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser (541) 979-9108. Free – donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.
Linn County Historical Society Presents: Jane Kirkpatrick in Albany, May 15, 2:00 p.m. Jane Kirkpatrick will bring to life “The Eliza Spalding Stories” at the Lakeside Center of the Mennonite Village at 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany. Learn of the Spalding connection to Brownsville and much more. You are welcome to attend and invite others. All programs sponsored by the Linn County Historical Society are free and open to the public. Her book is titled The Memory Weaver. (541) 926-4680.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave, May 18, 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser. Free. Donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.
Central School Centennial Celebration, May 19, 6-9 p.m. Travel back in time with Central Elementary. Enjoy an ice cream social put on by the PTA starting at 6 p.m. The fifth grade classes will present a May Pole dance and program at 7pm, followed by a sing-along medley of old songs from the 1900’s. Tour the 100-year-old building and discover the contents of the school’s time capsule, which will be on display, along with the results of a coloring contest sponsored by the Albany Landmarks Commission. 336 9th Ave. SW
Monteith District Walking Tour, May 21, 11 a.m. Explore Albany’s architectural history on this 45-minute walking tour. Meet at Albany Farmers’ Market info booth (4th Ave SW & Ellsworth). You’ll learn about preservation history, how buildings in the historic district are evaluated, and a bit about the Landmarks Commission. (541) 791-0176 or email. Free.
Albany Masonic Cemetery Memorial Weekend Recognition, May 29-30, 2016
Self-guided cemetery walking tour. 700 Broadway Street SW, Information will be on hand regarding the grant, work and tours. Questions? Contact jkgrif@comcast.net 541-967-1941.
Preservation Awards Presentation at the City Council meeting, May 25, 7:15pm, Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW, (541) 791-0176 or email. Free.
Other Events this May:
May 14th
Downtown Art and Jazz Festival presented by the Albany Downtown Association, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come Downtown Albany to hear the sounds of Jazz in the air and view art created by local artists from elementary to professional. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. www.albanydowntown.com or (541) 928-2469
3rd Annual Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap, 1 p.m. – 5.p.m. Presented by Deluxe Brewing Co. All ages welcome in the main brewery area. Tasting room open to 21+. Free Admission. Register online. albanybikeshow@gmail.com 635 NE Water Ave.
Just outside of Albany…
Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8
Carriage Me Back to 1929, Brownsville, OR
A somewhat historic, always enjoyable (and hysterical) community drama of life in 1929 in the history of Brownsville. Dressed in period costumes, local actors take on the personalities of well-known historical characters. Visitors ride in an open horse-drawn wagon carriage from the Linn County Historical Museum (101 Park Ave, Brownsville) to the 1881 Moyer House, enjoying re-enactments along the way. Presented by Linn County Museum Friends & Moyer House, reservations highly recommended (541) 466-3390, historicbrownsville.com. Sat. 10am- 12:30pm & 1pm-3:30pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm,
Preservation Opportunities Year-round
Tour Albany Timeline:
http://www.cityofalbany.net/timeline/
Tour Historic Districts
Seems Like Old Times, a self-guided walking/driving tour will guide you through three districts on the National Register of Historic Places with over 700 buildings, historic churches and museums.
Available online and at the Albany Visitors Association. (541) 928-0911, albanyvisitors.com. Free.
Albany Regional Museum
Open Tuesday through Friday: 11am to 4 pm. Saturday: 10am-2pm. A fun collection of Albany memorabilia, photos and artifacts make the museum a must see. 136 Lyon S, Albany. (541) 967-7122, armuseum.com.
Donations encouraged, free for members.
Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum
Open Monday through Saturday: 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays till 9pm. 503 First West, Albany. (541) 791-3340, albanycarousel.com. Free
Antique & Collectable Shopping
Enjoy shopping antique & collectible shops in Historic Downtown Albany, albanydowntown.com
Covered Bridge Tour
Step back in time as you travel through the covered bridges of Linn County. Pick up a self-guided driving tour at the Albany Visitors Association.
Downtown Movie Night
Enjoy a movie in the atmosphere of the restored Pix Theater, one of the finest examples of commercial Queen Anne Architecture in the city of Albany. Open 7 days a week.
Pix Theater, albanypix.com, 321 2nd SW, (541) 967-SHOW. $.
Albany Civic Theater
Located in the Historic Regina Frager Auditorium. 111 West 1st Ave. PO Box 82, Albany, (541) 928-4603, albanycivic.org. $
Linn County Genealogical Society
An extensive assortment of historical and genealogical holdings are available for members and the general public in the Albany Public Library. 2450 14th Ave, Albany. (541) 791-1618, lgsoregon.org. Free.
The Linn County Historical Museum
Open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
It is well worth several visits. It is housed in the relocated railroad depot and railroad cars at
101 Park Avenue in Brownsville. $
For information contact the Albany Visitors Association
www.albanyvisitors.com
6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Pioneer Park Easter Egg Hunt
- 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 26th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Team INSPIRE, Albany Parks & Recreation and the Albany Downtown Association are partnering to bring the 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Monteith Park. On-site registration for children ages 0-12 will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the egg hunt beginning at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $5 per participant for the egg hunt.
For $10, you will also get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and have lunch (hot dog, a side, and a drink). For more information about the event contact Ashley Custis or call 541-990-2194.
There will also be an old-fashioned egg roll for kids 3-12 beginning at 10:45 a.m. It’s amazing what fun you can have with a wooden egg, a paint stick, and duct tape! The top winner in each age group (3-5, 6-9, 10-12) will receive a ribbon and a prize. All participants will get a filled plastic egg. All money raised from the event goes to the American Cancer Society through Albany Relay For Life Team INSPIRE who is pairing up with the Albany Gems Dance Team to raise the funds.
Questions or thoughts about this extravaganza of springtime family events? Leave us a comment, or call the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911.
March 2016 springtime events in Albany, Oregon
Springtime in Oregon can be tricky. Sunshine tempts you one minute, showers soak you the next. No matter what the weather is, true Oregonians celebrate the imminent return of the sun pretty much non-stop in March, April and May. Read on to find our top picks for spring and Easter events in and around Albany, Oregon:
- Meet the Easter Bunny
If you have a kiddo in your life who would love to get a picture taken with a friendly, fuzzy bunny, visit the Easter Bunny at Heritage Mall between March 12th-13th and 17th-26th 2016, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- March Kids Club at Heritage Mall, March 19th at 11 a.m.
Nothing says spring like the combination of kids + baskets + their favorite furry friend. Join in on the fun at the Easter Bunny for Breakfast.
- 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 26th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Team INSPIRE, Albany Parks & Recreation and the Albany Downtown Association are partnering to bring the 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Monteith Park. On-site registration for children ages 0-12 will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the egg hunt beginning at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $5 per participant for the egg hunt.
For $10, you will also get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and have lunch (hot dog, a side, and a drink). For more information about the event contact Ashley Custis or call 541-990-2194.
There will also be an old-fashioned egg roll for kids 3-12 beginning at 10:45 a.m. It’s amazing what fun you can have with a wooden egg, a paint stick, and duct tape! The top winner in each age group (3-5, 6-9, 10-12) will receive a ribbon and a prize. All participants will get a filled plastic egg. All money raised from the event goes to the American Cancer Society through Albany Relay For Life Team INSPIRE who is pairing up with the Albany Gems Dance Team to raise the funds.
Don’t wait until Easter to enjoy spring activities in and around Albany. Check out these offerings fit for the whole family.
- Family Night at the Albany Regional Museum, Wednesday, March 23rd, 4 – 7 p.m.
Fun for the entire family! See an illusionist, join in on the Easter egg hunt, play dress up and have your picture taken. There will also be crafts, a virtual train ride and you can play I SPY. Plus don’t miss the movie. “Night at the Museum” will be shown. For members and non-members alike.
Admission and refreshments are FREE!! For more information call 541.967.7122.
- I Run for Kids 5K/10 Mile
I Run for Kids is an annual fundraiser for the Albany Public Schools Foundation classroom grants program. Each year, teachers apply for grants for innovative projects in their classrooms. Funded projects have ranged from electronics, robotics, music instruments, as well as materials for art, school gardens, theatrical performances, and more.
$35-$45 Race Entry. For more information or to register for the race visit www.albanypsf.org or call 541-979-2773.
- Silver Falls State Park “Owl Prowl”
Practice your “Hoo-hooting” and enjoy an evening of feathered fun at Silver Falls Old Ranch. There will be fun hands-on owl activities and a dusk hike where you can try your luck at calling owls in the forest surrounding the Old Ranch. The event is free, but the usual $5 day-use parking fee applies. Visit their blog for more information or call (503) 874-0201
- Linn County Flea Market, Saturday, March 5 at the Linn County Fairgrounds
Don’t miss Linn County largest Flea Market. Early admission from 7:30-9am, $6.00 or regular admission from 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., $2.00. 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, Oregon (541) 619-5708.
- Northwest Race Car Show, March 19-20 at the Heritage Mall
View race cars displayed throughout the mall all weekend long.
- Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo, March 11-12, 2016 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn from 200 Fly Tyers, see 50 exhibitors and observe casting demos. Plus, attend free daily fly fishing classes. Linn County Expo Center. $10.00 general admission.
If you’re planning a trip to Albany this spring or have family coming in to town for Easter, check out our listings of hotels, motels, and B&Bs! Some are offering special rates for Easter. Call the Albany Visitors Association staff at 541-928-0911, or e-mail info@albanyvisitors.com, and we’ll help you plan a spring trip to Albany, Oregon.
New Year’s Eve 2015 and New Year’s Day 2016 in Albany
It’s time to welcome 2016! Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a cowboy party, a decadent multi-course meal, or something in between, you’ll find a fun celebration in Albany, Oregon this New Year’s Eve.
Don’t forget to make your plans for a place to stay after the party. Take a cab to one of Albany’s comfortable hotels for a safe and relaxing end to your evening. Best Western Prairie Plus Inn, Comfort Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all offering discounts and special rates during the holiday season.
Keep reading for details on New Year’s Eve in Albany, and some ideas for what to do the first day of 2016 as well.
Albany 2015 New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Years Cocktail Celebration | 7 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Enjoy live music, creative cocktails, appetizers and a dessert bar. The New Year’s Eve Cocktail Celebration is held at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street, and proceeds help support the club. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event. 21 and over only. Info: 541-905-4713
Hoof N Holler Bull Riding and Cowboy Party | 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with bull riding and a cowboy party at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on, Dec. 31 2015. Gates open at 6 p.m., bull riding starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Info: 503-589-2999 or www.hoofnholler.com
New Year’s Eve Casino & Cocktails at Boulder Falls Inn | 8 p.m., Dec. 31, 2015. Dance the night away at the new Boulder Falls Inn in Lebanon. Enjoy live music from Fate 55, dancing, casino games, spectacular raffle prizes, specialty cocktails, plus mouthwatering appetizers and desserts. Tickets: Boulder Falls Inn New Year’s Eve
Cellar Cat New Year’s Eve | 1 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Special bar menu beginning at 1 p.m., New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-midnight, with or without wine pairings; live music from 9-midnight. Info: 541-704-0304 or www.cellarcat.com
Frankie’s Restaurant New Years Eve | Dec. 31, 2015. Multi-course dinner, fine wine, and cocktails. Call for reservations: 541-248-3671. www.frankies-oregon.com
Vault 244 Bistro | Lounge New Year’s Eve | 4 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Four-course dinner featuring tapas, salad, entree and dessert, including sparkling Spanish cava or sparkling French cider. Info: 541-791-9511 or www.vault244.com
Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant New Year’s Eve Buffet | Dec. 31, 2015. Experience Novak’s authentic Hungarian recipes at their New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza; reservations strongly encouraged. Call: 541-967-9488 or www.novakshungarian.com
Sweet Red Bistro Masquerade Banquet | Dec. 31, 2015. Ring in the New Year with a multi-course masquerade banquet at Sweet Red Bistro. Call: (541)704-0510
The Day After: New Year’s Day options in Albany
Sybaris Hangover Brunch | 11 a.m. Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year by enjoying a unique take on the ultimate hangover foods. Info: 541-928-8157 or sybarisbistro.com/
New Years Day at Frankie’s | 3 p.m.-close, Jan. 1, 2016. Come watch college ball games on the big screen at Frankie’s Restaurant. 541-248-3671, www.frankies-oregon.com.
First Day Hikes | Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year off like a true Oregonian: with a hike. Oregon State Parks is offering free guided First Day Hikes at 28 parks on Jan. 1, 2016, including seven different locations in the Willamette Valley. Click for details: First Day Hikes
We’ll add to this list as we learn of more! If you know of a public New Year’s dinner, event, or party to add to our guide, send details to info@albanyvisitors.com.
Photo: Vault 244 by W Design
Holiday Events & Christmas Dinners | Dec. 21-26, 2015
For families with kids at home, it’s officially Christmas vacation! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the final few days before December 25, here are details of holiday events this week in Albany. PLUS: looking for delicious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners in Albany? Keep reading for details!
Here are our top picks for the fourth week of the holiday season, Dec. 21-26, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.
Calapooia Brewing Holiday Ale Sale | Dec. 18-24, 2015. Calapooia Brewing’s annual Holiday Ale Sale is going on now–pick up a full case of 22-ounce bottles for $20/case, incuding their popular holiday seasonal, Kringle Krack. Details: Calapooia Brewing
Sweet Red Winter Solstice Dinner Party | 4:48 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 2015. Celebrate the darkest day of the year with a flambe-themed dinner party. Cocktails start at sunset, 4:48 p.m. Details: Sweet Red Bistro
Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015. Visit Heritage Mall and sit with Santa while his helper reads a holiday story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Details: Storytime with Santa
Visits with Santa | daily, until 6 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. If the little ones in your life haven’t had a chance to meet Santa Claus yet this year, he’ll be at Heritage Mall every day until Christmas Eve for visit and photos. Details: Heritage Mall
Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long | 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. Gather at the beautiful, historic Whitespires Church (510 SW 5th Ave.) in downtown Albany to sing all your favorite Christmas carols. Details: Christmas Sing-a-Long
Christmas Meals in Albany
Christmas Eve Dinner at Frankie’s | Dec. 24, 2015. Frankie’s is open and taking reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner. The regular menu will be available, plus the chef is preparing Anderson Valley Rack of Lamb and Roasted Duck. Reservations recommended. Details: Frankie’s Restaurant
Christmas Day Dinner at Cellar Cat | 4-8 p.m., Dec. 25, 2015. Cellar Cat will be open Christmas Day, and offering a special menu that can be enjoyed a la carte or in a four course prix fixe. Optional wine pairings are also available. Reservations recommended. Details: Cellar Cat
Christmas Day Dinner at Elmer’s Restaurant | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 25, 2015. Elmer’s is open Christmas Day and will be serving a ham dinner, turkey dinner, or combination ham and turkey plate. Prime Rib dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. No reservations. Details: Elmer’s Restaurant
Still to come: stay tuned later this week for details of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Albany, Oregon!
