If you thought Albany and Linn County slowed down to a crawl once school started, think again! We figured you’d like to know about several September events coming your way—and we’ve highlighted a few below. We add to this list throughout the month, so check back regularly and you might discover a few more that you just can’t miss.

Sept 6th – First Friday Downtown Albany

Get in on extended hours fun at your favorite Albany shops, restaurants, galleries and more. It’s time for First Friday in September, and here’s a few of the highlights:

• Natty Dresser’s 5th Birthday Bash Come by the store and share a piece of birthday cake, a little sparkling wine, and live music by Lonna Capaci. You can start planning your own white-tie “Downton Abbey” movie attire—Oscar and his staff can help you with a haute haberdashery special.
• Family Night at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum For $5 per person admission, you’ll receive unlimited rides between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Children 3 and under, free.
• Fall arrives at Urban Ag Supply Catch the local growing vibes at this hip garden store. Lots of cool house plants, planters, seeds, fertilizer, and locally made artisan gifts.
• Artist Reception at Gallery Calapooia Come meet the artists of the month: Melissa Babcock Saylor will display new paper collage works and Dennis Johanson’s will exhibit his pottery. There’ll be refreshments and music until 8:00 p.m.
• “Sweeteasy” Sweet Red Bistro presents their 1920s version of a speakeasy-themed party. This event starts later (9:00 p.m.) and runs until 11:45 p.m. Dressing in flapper mode encouraged. There will be NO prohibition, wink wink.

Sept 7th Antiques In the Streets Come early and stay late. Find your perfect vintage lamp, dining chairs, or that one of a kind piece of antique jewelry and much much more. Dealers will be dealing from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the Classic Car Show will please the hotrod fans in the family. Food and music too.

Sept 7th Albany Farmers’ Market Fall is nearly here and so is comfort food. Stock up on farm-fresh onions, peppers, garlic, herbs, squash, and other fall crops. Grab a coffee to go and munch a cookie or a pastry while you peruse the booths. Be sure to bring your reusable shopping bags and help our Oregon farmlands stay “green!”

Sept 7th Albany Beer Run Hmmmm. Maybe we should say walk instead of “run?” But whatever you choose to call it or however you manage to participate, the Calapooia Brewing Company is providing both fun and the run (and the beer). The $25 admission fee gets you in the door from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Corvallis Lions Club will donate profits to Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon. This event is also dog-friendly for well-behaved canines on leashes. If you pre-register, you get a commemorative t-shirt and auto decal. For preregistration visit the event website.

Sept 10th Farm-to-Table Dinner at Midway Farms Join Midway Farms and eat a delicious 100% gluten free farm-to-table dinner. Castor is preparing the dinner from produce grown at Midway Farms. Seasonal cocktails and wine will be available. Come celebrate the bounty for $40/per person (buffet style dinner). Cocktails and wine are additional purchase. Tickets/RSVP required through Eventbrite. 

Sept 11th History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum Our favorite noon time presentation is back at the museum. This month it’s all about “Theaters of Oregon.” Darrell Jabin toured and researched dozens of Oregon theaters to produce an entertaining presentation covering the unique architecture and history of Oregon Theaters. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this program and a suggested donation of $2 for adults $1 for children is encouraged to support ARM’s programs.  For more information telephone 541-967-7122 or visit armuseum.com

Sept 14th – 15th NW Buckskin Club Horse Show Come watch these fabulously colored horses trot their stuff at the Linn County Expo Center. Competitions, vendors, food. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

Sept 14th Second Annual Millersburg Celebration Come see what Millersburg is all about. This is great event brings several communities together for a fun day in the park including live entertainment featuring Jackson Michelson, a Kids Fun Zone, car show, half-marathon run/walk, beer and wine garden, vendors, food trucks and business expo.  This event is free. For information visit the event website.

Sept 15th Farm-to-Table Dinner and Auction This fund-raising dinner and silent auction will help the Albany Regional Museum continue to provide education, and historical archives and exhibits to visitors and the community. Sybaris Bistro will be preparing the multi-course menu. For reservations (required) and ticketing, visit the event website.

Sept 15th Albany Latino Festival This free event includes cultural performances, children’s activities, delicious food, a fun run, and a community resource fair, including a legal clinic. Hosted by Linn-Benton Hispanic Advisory Committee. The festival is held at Monteith Riverpark, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sept 18th Albany Business Extravaganza Come see us on Sept 18th at the Albany Business Extravaganza. We will enter your name into hourly drawings for free rides to the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum at our booth. Check out what other businesses are up to and sample their wares.  From retail to wholesale, discover and make new connections. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Linn County Expo Center. Sponsored by the Albany Chamber of Commerce.

Sept 20th The Greater Albany Rotary Club and the Albany Downtown Association cordially invite you to the 8th Annual Craft Brew Smackdown. Breweries, cider houses, distilleries and wineries will serve attendees their very finest local brews at various downtown businesses. Get your pass online and receive an extra two drink tickets. Tickets are $20 for an event tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets; you will be able to buy additional tickets along the route. Purchase your tickets online and you will receive two extra tasting tickets.

Sept 20th (and other dates Sept – Oct) “Mama Mia” at the Albany Civic Theater This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. Get your tickets at albanycivic.org

Sept 21st (and Oct 26th) Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills You know fall is on the way when it’s time for apple cider! Come press your own at historic Thompson’s Mills from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the 21st, or save the date for Oct 26th if you can’t make it in September. Thompson’s Mills is a State of Oregon Heritage Site and admission is free; donations accepted per gallon of cider. For more info visit Thompson’s Mills State Heritage website.

Sept 24th Sweet Home Farmers’ Market 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Another great opportunity to buy fresh from the people that grow the ingredients you love to cook with.

Sept 26th Lebanon Farmers’ Market 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A second opportunity this week to discover what’s fresh and healthy at the local farm and ranch.

Sept 26th Brownsville Farmers’ Market 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It really is possible to take an afternoon to explore the countryside and shop local for a true farm-to-table dinner. Start in Lebanon, then make the short drive to Historic Brownsville. After you finish shopping, grab a coffee and a pastry or a glass of wine in downtown Brownsville. Any way you do it, it’s sure to be delicious.

Sept 28th Family Dinner Series – End of Summer Bounty – 6 p.m. at The Warehouse, 315 Lyon St. Celebrate the end of the farm-to-table dinner series and enjoy  locally grown and produced appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts and beer and wine. Participating producers include Wahl Family Farm, Deluxe Brewery, Camron Ridge Farmstead, and Camas Country Mill. There’s bound to be some magic when The Warehouse chefs are at work. Complete dinner is $45 per person. By reservation only: 541-704-0076.

SNEAK PREVIEW – OCTOBER MAIN EVENT

Back by popular demand, the Monteith Society is once again hosting a fun and spooky historical experience this October: a candlelit tour of the Monteith House Museum and ride on the Trolley of Terror; sponsored by the Monteith Historical Society. Why visit a haunted house when you can take in a haunted tour of a whole town?! Climb aboard the Trolley of Terror and hear stories from Albany’s past as you ride through the Historic District’s haunted places. Albany’s oldest building, the Monteith House, was built in 1849. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the inside story on Albany’s historic haunted homes and businesses. Tours begin at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on October 18th,19th, 25th and 26th. 

Ticketing and reservation info – This event sells out every year almost a month ahead! Read more on the Trolley of Terror ticket info blog.

Even more events for you to enjoy

*Make sure to visit our monthly events calendar for even more September/October fun.

Albany is joining in on First Friday activities. On September 7th, make it an afternoon and evening out in historic downtown. Our restaurants and brew pubs will be hopping, serving a variety of specialties from cheese platters to Hungarian food—plus local spirits, wines, and beer. Walk along the Willamette River and meander back to the Commercial District for a bit of art-gazing and shopping. Many downtown businesses will participate in First Friday extended shopping hours. So don’t be a stranger, make a great start to your September.

September 7th Come paint rocks with local artists and the Linn County Rocks Facebook group. Start your First Friday out in the afternoon at the Albany Historic Carousel Rock Painting Party. This is a free, all-ages event, taking place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Take a ride or two on the carousel and enjoy the day. Make it a date and plan on dinner at one of our great downtown eateries. 

September 7th Start your First Friday night out by experiencing the exhibits and history of our city at the Albany Regional Museum. Extended hours on First Fridays run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Museum admission is free to all. The museum is located at 136 SE Lyon St.

September 7th Why not check the vintage clothing and antique shops or the Albany Antique Mall for a funky felt fedora or a beaded flapper dress, and then head over to the First Friday “Speak Easy Party” at the Natty Dresser from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s a prohibition era inspired party with live music by Lonna Capaci and cocktail samples by Vivacity Spirits (all legal for those 21 and over of course). Use the password “moonshine” for a special treat (while supplies last). The shop will show new fall fashions as well. Natty Dresser is located at 425 W 1st Ave.

September 7th Celebrate Gallery Calapooia’s 5th Anniversary (an artist’s collective and gallery) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday. Enjoy wine, munchies, live music, and the work of gallery members. The cooperative will be filled to the rafters with fiber art, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, prints, photography and ceramics. This is a free event. Gallery Calapooia is located at 222 W 1st Ave in downtown Albany.

September 7th Thinking about your fall garden or some great presents for earthy friends on holidays? How about stopping in at Albany’s local garden and urban agriculture store for their first First Friday event. The shop will be open for extended hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Urban Ag Supply is located across the street from Little Wuestens (where you can nab great desserts, coffee and German food) and the Albany Antique Mall, at 124 SW Ellsworth St.

More great September events 

Following close on the heels of First Friday, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From antique shows and remodeling expos to beer races and live theatrical performances, we’ve got a little bit of everything to fill up your calendar.

September 8th Come on downtown to a free and fun annual event, Antiques in the Streets and Classic Car Show. The show starts on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for all early-bird treasure hunters and winds down at 3:00 p.m. There will be food carts, live music, and booth after booth of cool vintage finds. Antique and classic cars will be on display for automative buffs.

September 8th As we move firmly into harvest season, the Albany Farmers’ Market is going to be filled with prime ingredients for salsa, soups, and other baking or canning projects. Bins of heirloom tomatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, squash, and fresh greens are brought in from nearby farms. Honey, cheese, baked goods, jams, and coffee from local producers wait to tempt you. So stop by the market between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the corner of Ellsworth and Fourth Ave.

September 8th Love craft brews? Wanna get some exercise too? Well save the date for the Albany Beer Run, coming up on Saturday September 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The 0.3K (no excuses couch taters) run starts at Calapooia Brewing Company and ends at Deluxe Brewing. $25 preregistration, $30 day of event, telephone 541-497-1512 for more information.

September 14th through 16th Plan on heading out to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center at 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, for Blackberry Junction, a shabby chic and up-cycled lover’s dream-show. The show starts with a buyer’s special pre-sale on Thursday, Sept 13th at 4:00 p.m., with regular starting hours over Friday and the weekend. Check all hours and other information on the show’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Blackberry-Junction-131375245675/

September 22nd The annual Craft Brew Smackdown takes place on Saturday, Sep 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in downtown Albany. This is your opportunity to sample beverages from 24 breweries, cider houses and distilleries, who will offer tastings at downtown businesses. For $20 you get 10 tasting tickets, a pint glass, a map of the locations and a beer passport for your chance to win a prize. Additional tickets are available at the tasting locations, five tickets for $5. This fundraiser is organized and sponsored by the Greater Albany Rotary Club and the Albany Downtown Association. For more information, contact Jessica Pankratz at 541-740-1466.

September 28th and 29th: Check out the new fall production at the Albany Civic Theater, Once Upon a Mattress. This is a musical comedy written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” The performance is set in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain and a mute king Sexitmus who suffers from a curse. The musical runs through October 20th, so head over to ACT’s website for the full performance schedule and ticket information http://www.albanycivic.org/shows/once-upon-a-mattress/

Rose remodel by Powell Construction

September 28th through 30th Albany’s premier fall remodeling and fix-it event bursts at the seams with home improvement ideas and tips from local experts. If you are considering hiring a pro or even doing the work yourself, the Albany Home Show is a must visit for you and your family. The event is held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. Get thousands of home decorating and improvement ideas at the largest ‘hub’ of building and remodeling resources in the area. For more information, email info@wvpevents.com

Make sure to check our full events calendar on the Albany Visitors Association website at albanyvisitors.com. There are many more family oriented activities to enjoy during September. Stop by and see us for a free visitors guide and a copy of “Seems Like Old Times,” a publication that highlights self-guided tours though our three national historic districts. Or, if you like to read info on the fly, check out the free “Albany Explorer App” on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You’ll find restaurants, hotels, interactive maps, digital postcards and ways you can qualify to win special “explorer” swag.