Looking for fun this March? Below, we’ve highlighted events all across Linn County that will appeal to family members of all ages. In fact, there’s so many activities we have to split our monthly blog into two parts. So enjoy “Part 1” and come back in another week or so for the second half. For even more fun, check out our full online calendar.

March 6th The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is hosting “A Wee Bit o’ Fun” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join the critters for rides, make-and-take activities, Leprechaun Bingo and $5 dinner specials. Rides are unlimited with pot-o-gold raffles every ride – all for the $5 admission fee.

March 6 Ever heard the phrase, “Now cut that out?” Well, two local artisans, Melissa Babcock Saylor and Linda Herd, will share their “cut-it-out!” pieces at Gallery Calapooia for a First Friday reception on March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Saylor specializes in paper collage works and Herd in hand-sawn jewelry. Their show will remain up for the month of March in case you miss the reception.

March 7 from 2 to 5 p.m., It’s time for the “Beards and Brews Festival.” Celebrate luxurious facial hair and quaff delicious frothy beverages at Calapooia Brewing Co.’s annual fundraiser. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

March 7 from 4 to 9 p.m., get your brews on at the “3rd Annual Albany Taps & Caps,” presented by 3 Sheets Brewery & Taproom, The Growler Garage & Tap House, No Rails Ale House, Deluxe Brewing, Calapooia Brewing Company, and the Albany Downtown Association. This is a fundraiser benefiting Furniture Share. For tickets and information call the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469 or visit ADA’s website.

March 7 From 5:30 to 8 p.m., join your friends for a fun evening supporting children’s literacy at “Library Uncorked!” Taste wine, beer and cider from the Pacific Northwest and bid on cool items in the silent auction. Ticket holders receive a unique event glass, five tasting tickets, an opportunity to win a grand prize drawing, delicious hors d’oeuvres and music by the Bush Pilots. Tickets are available at both the main library and the Carnegie, at the Friends Bookstore or purchase online.

March 10 At noon in the Lebanon Public Library, historian Tony Farque will tell the story of the Santiam Wagon Road. Sponsored by the Lebanon Museum and the library, the program is open to all and free of charge. Audience members are welcome to bring a lunch and eat while they listen. The library is located at 55 Academy St. in Lebanon.

March 11 from noon to 1p.m. If you haven’t attended a History Bites presentation at the Albany Regional Museum, what are you waiting for? Conveniently scheduled once per month during the lunch hour, these free presentations almost always entertain and educate on life in our community over the last few centuries. Previous topics have included the history of nutria and how they infamously populated the Willamette Valley, and Civil War Era clothing for women and children. Topics to be announced, so stay tuned, we’ll let you know as soon as we hear from the museum! (The photo is from last month’s presentation and presenter Linda Steffen.) 

Save the Dates for the marvelously nutty play “Squirrel Lake” at the Albany Civic Theater. Through a series of unfortunate misunderstandings, things go terribly and hysterically wrong for a family gathering for a reading of a will. Performances at 7:30: March 6, 7, 12, 13, 14. Performance at 2:30 on March 8. For tickets and more info view ACT’s website.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED! March 13 and 14 ((((The “Fly Tyers & Fly Fishing Expo”))))

March 13 — LBCC CONCERT CANCELED.

March 14 Take to the calm waters of Cheadle Lake in Lebanon, Oregon. from 9 to 11 a.m., Bring your kayak, canoe, or other non-motorized watercraft and join “Build Lebanon Trails,” as they follow the water trail on the lake. Learn about the history and the development of this crown jewel of the Lebanon trail system plan. *Please note: in order to participate, you must sign a waiver and use all required safety gear as listed by the organizers. Read about requirements and registration at the organizer website.

March 14 — IRUN FOR KIDS POSTPONED:  The “17th Annual iRun for Kids” race will be rescheduled. Telephone 541-979-2773 for more information.

March 14 — 1st ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED:  Due to actions combating the coronavirus, this event will be rescheduled, according to the Albany Fire Department Facebook page.

March 14 and 15 Will you see a little red corvette at the mall? Come find out during the annual “Corvette Show” at Heritage Mall in Albany. This event is free and sponsored by the Beaver State Corvette Club Members. For more info visit the mall’s Facebook events page.

March 20, 21, 22 — HORSE FAIR CANCELED: Due to the governor’s ban on events of 250 people or larger to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Annual NW Horse Fair & Expo at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany has been canceled. Organizers of the event say the fair will be back next year, March 26-28, 2021. For more information, visit the event website.

March 30 — POSTPONED.  “History Sips” with the Albany Regional Museum at Deluxe Brewing and Sinister Distillery, 635 NE Water Ave in Albany, from 7 to 8 p.m. The topic is “The History of Women in Brewing.” Admission to the presentation is free (spirited and brewed libations available for purchase). Donations gratefully accepted and go towards the operation of ARM.

On Saturday, July 27, 2019, the Annual Summer Historic Interior Home Tour offers an opportunity to peek inside some of the city’s finest historic buildings and houses on the National Historic Register. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., homeowners and hosts will be available to answer questions about the history of the dwelling, restoration efforts, historic house maintenance, and other details about Albany’s four historic districts. The tour is self-guided; you can visit the homes in any order by walking, personal vehicle, or horse-drawn wagon and vintage trolley, both of which are included in the $15 price of admission (well-behaved children aged 12 and under are free). For more information telephone Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911.

Tickets

Online tickets are available below. Please bring your email confirmation with you the day of the tour to our office, and breeze past the lines! Tickets will also be available at the Albany Visitors Association office the day of the tour.

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, Albany’s 2019 month-long party kicks off on May 1st with a variety of events spanning across four weeks. Here are most of the fun things to do, and more will be added as we receive word.

*Note: events are free, unless marked with a $ sign.

May 1st through the 31st

Albany’s Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour Sponsored by the Natty Dresser, entry forms available at the Albany Downtown Association, 126 SW Ferry St, Albany. Return entries to the ADA by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st to be entered to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced June 1st. For more information contact the Albany Downtown Association 541-928-2469.

Albany Farmers’ Market is the oldest outdoor farmers’ market in Oregon. Open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs, meats and more. The market is located at 4th and Ellsworth in the City Hall parking lot.

Historic Albany Display at City Hall and the Albany Downtown Public Library Presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission, City Hall’s and Historic Carnegie Library’s display cases will be filled with Albany history artifacts and images. Viewing is available during regular business hours. City Hall: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 333 Broadalbin SW; Historic Downtown Carnegie Library: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 302 Ferry Street SW.

May 3rd through the 25th 

Albany Civic Theater (ACT) is one of the oldest, best-known community theaters in Oregon. ACT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit community theater that takes pride in producing a year-round season of top-quality comedies, dramas and musicals chosen to appeal to a wide range of audience tastes, and to provide exciting creative opportunities for local actors, technicians and theater lovers. In May, ACT presents “The Addams Family” musical. The theater is located at 111 First Avenue W. Tel: 541- 928-4603. albanycivic.org. ($)

May 3rd

The Albany Regional Museum First Friday. 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The museum will be open late the first Friday of each month to help visitors appreciate the cultural history of our city. ARM is located at 136 Lyon Street S.

Albany Wine Walk in Historic Downtown Albany 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with over 20 wineries participating. Enjoy tasting along with the ambiance and atmosphere of beautiful Historic Downtown Albany. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club. Tickets for sale at the Albany Visitors Association ($)

The Gallery Calapooia First Friday Reception 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Gallery Calapooia  is located in the historic Flinn Block Building, an 1887 French Second Empire style on 1st Avenue. The 19th century building has a beautiful cast iron façade and a spacious interior with old brick walls, making it a wonderful setting to view fine art. The gallery is located at 222 W. 1st Ave. Come meet the artists and enjoy live music and refreshments.

May 4th

Historic Garage Tour From 2:00 – 3:30, meet other architectural history buffs under the big tree at SE 5th and Jefferson. There will be a walking tour of several historic outbuildings, and the exterior of seven other historic structures. You’ll see a barn, garages, conversions, and even a former outhouse.

May 4th and 5th

Carriage Me Back. Be transported to another time at this annual Brownsville, Linn County event, where the history and hijinks of Linn County are reenacted from a different historical time every year. This year, the carriage will travel back to 1888. Visitors can ride the horse-drawn carriage through Historic Brownsville and see costumed actors performing historical skits. This is a fun day for the whole family to spend in the quaint town of Brownsville. You must register your spot. Telephone 541-466-3390 or visit linnparks.com or the Linn County Parks Facebook page. ($ to ride carriage, walking free)

May 8th 

The Albany Regional Museum – History Bites. This ongoing series is being offered the second Wednesday of each month at noon. This month, learn about the history of the Albany Streetcar. Serving light refreshments and you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.  See it for yourself at 136 Lyon Street S.

Preservation Awards Presentation at the City Council meeting The awards start at 7:15 pm, at Albany City Hall Council Chambers, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Please contact Laura LaRoque 541-917-7640 for more information.

May 11th

Monteith House Museum Pre-Season Cleanup 9:00 a.m. – noon, 518 2nd Ave SW. The Monteith Society will lead volunteers in cleanup and light maintenance of Albany’s oldest home and living history museum. Following the cleanup is the annual Open House, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Teens welcome to help out and then enjoy the refreshments at the open house.

Masonic Cemetery Cleanup 9:00 a.m. – noon. Volunteers should bring gloves, kneepads (if needed), and other cleaning implements. Snacks will be provided. Volunteer work by the Friends of the Albany Masonic Cemetery is made possible by a grant from the Oregon Heritage Cemetery Grant Program. Meet at 700 Broadway Street SW (west end of 6th and 7th Ave SW).

Albany Tweed Ride Don your best tweed cycling attire for a leisurely ride through Albany’s three National Historic Districts. Meet at 10:00 a.m. in front of The Natty Dresser, 425 1st Ave W. After touring the exterior of several historic homes and buildings, the ride ends at the Deluxe Brewing Company’s Vintage Bicycle Show. Plan to have lunch and a beer with your tweedy friends. The ride and show are free, showing antique bikes requires registration and a $5 registration per bike. Beer and food purchase also cost $.

Monteith Historical Society’s Historic Home Tour Committee at the Albany Farmers’ Market. Pick up great preservation information AND great fresh produce, flowers, eggs and more. City Hall Parking Lot.

Albany Regional Museum Presents the Albany Streetcar History Tour with three time slots to join this informative tour: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bill Maddy, Albany Regional Museum Docent, will conduct a narrated ride on historic Albany streetcar routes. Guests are also invited to step inside the museum and view the expanded train station display. The 1870 arrival of the first railroad to Albany is a special story and instrumental in the growth of the town. Streetcar seating is limited and reservations are required. Please call to reserve your ticket to board. 541-967-7122. Costs $ at time of reservation.

6th Annual Albany Vintage Bicycle Show presented by Deluxe Brewing Co. 1:00 p.m. – 5: 00 pm. at the Deluxe and Sinister tasting room, 635 NE Water Ave. View a collection of interesting, rare, and memorable vintage bicycles and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award. All ages welcome in the main brewery area. Tasting room open to 21+ only. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and there will be a local food truck on site. Free Admission, food and libations cost $.

May 15th

Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser. Information at 541-248-3561.

May 16th

Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave. 7:30 p.m.  Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture & history. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser. Information 541- 248-3561.

May 18th and May 19th

Gingles Cemetery Cleanup, North Albany. Inga Williams, Benton County Planning, is hosting a cleanup at Gingles Cemetery May 18th and 19th, from 9am to 4pm.  An owner of a nearby farm (8765 NW Springhill Drive) is allowing participants to park by their barn.  A shuttle will then drop participants off near the cemetery entrance. Interested persons should register with SOLV online.  Questions? Contact Inga at 541-766-6027.

May 17th through May 19th 

Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair The oldest fair of its kind in Oregon includes sheep shows, fiber arts, crafts and Northwest Champion Sheep Dog Trials. The event is held at the Scio Fairgrounds, 38764 N Ash St, Scio, OR. lambfair.com 

May 18th

City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents the Albany Unseen Guided Walking Tour confirm info (which  buildings) and final date. Space is limited, reservations required. Contact Laura LaRoque 541-917-7640.

May 30th through June 2nd

This year is the 110^th Annual Lebanon Strawberry Festival. This remarkable event has something for everyone, from a Saturday night fireworks display and the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake, to a parade and entertainment. Located at Cheadle Lake Park, 37919 Weirich Dr, Lebanon, OR. lebanonstrawberryfestival.com

Do April showers really bring spring flowers? If you visit anywhere in the Willamette Valley, they certainly do! And not only do fragrant bouquets color our springtime, but there’s plenty of other fresh things to see and do in Albany and Linn County.

We’ve listed some of the more notable events and places to visit below.

April 5th First Friday in Downtown Albany Make sure to pop downtown after work and experience the fun. Many restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions host extended hours and specials during the evening. Here’s a few we think you might enjoy:

• First Friday at the Albany Regional Museum Two local artists will exhibit their work—let Linda D. Ellsworth’s oils and acrylics and Cecelia Peters’ stoneware tiles spice up your history lesson. Special museum First Friday hours are 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and refreshments are provided. Admission is free to both the art reception and museum, but your donations help keep the museum open for all. https://www.facebook.com/albanyregionalmuseum/

• First Friday at The Natty Dresser  Come join the crew at Albany’s premier men’s clothing store for “Date Night” and enjoy sparkling wine, in-store specials, and a chance for you and your sweetie to win door prizes. The party at The Natty Dresser runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/TheNattyDresser/

• First Friday at 1st Hand Seconds Extended store hours run between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. The store promises that it will be an “extra crazy evening of fun.” There’s also a special sale this night only. https://www.facebook.com/1stHandSeconds/

• First Friday at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum Drop by the carousel from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for unlimited rides, just $5.00 per person. Children under three are always free. Other fun activities at the carousel will take place as well.  https://www.facebook.com/AlbanyHistoricCarousel/

• First Friday at Gallery Calapooia Part of the founding “mothers and fathers” of Albany’s First Friday, Gallery Calapooia will be open from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a ‘meet the artists reception’ featuring jewelry by Linda J Herd and Karen Miller’s Katazome fabric and paper. There’s usually some sweet and savory nibbles and live music to enjoy while you chat with the artists. https://www.gallerycalapooia.com

• First Friday at Sniffany’s Pet Boutique This awesome shop features quality and healthy pet foods, a knowledgeable staff, bling pet collars and glam fur-baby accessories, unique toys, local treats, and professional pet photography photo shoots. Sniffany’s is open until 8:00 p.m. for First Friday festivities. https://www.facebook.com/sniffanyspetboutique/

• First Friday at Sweet Red Bistro “Sweeteasy” Join Sweet Red for their late night Sweeteasy! Stop by for a 1920s inspired roarin’ good time. Happy Hour menu, food and drinks, and wearing 20’s style (think Great Gatsby) costumes encouraged. The fun party atmosphere gets started at 9:00 p.m. and runs until just before midnight. https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Red-Bistro-255972211110762/

• First Friday live performances Maybe not a formal First Friday activity, but there are two different live theatrical performances taking place on April 5th (and other dates in April as well):
• “Too Good to Say Goodbye” at the Albany Civic Theater Performance at 7:30 p.m. Redmon Hunter, a best-selling author of pulp fiction, has created an unusual world for himself. His talent lies in his ability to make his characters come to life for his readers; they’re so real, in fact, that they literally take up residence in his home while he’s working on a novel. Tickets at: http://www.albanycivic.org
• “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Russell Tripp Performance Center Performance at 7:30 p.m. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical” and winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Tickets at: https://www.linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/russell-tripp-performance-center/

April 6th Indoor Farmers’ Market at The Warehouse Kitchen This delightful little Saturday market sells freshly baked sourdough and other breads, cookies, pastries, honey, jams, locally raised grass-fed meats, and fresh-off-the-farm produce. The idea is to “grow” business for our local farms and ranches during the cold season, before the outdoor market opens its season.

April 10th History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum Join the museum for another fun and informative History Bites presentation starting at noon, and learn about the community effort to save the Cumberland Church. This historic church will be be relocated from its current site and then restored, creating a community resource center. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this program. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum’s programs and exhibitions. https://www.armuseum.com

April 13th – 14th RaSani Health Fair at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The fair focuses on alternative holistic healthcare practitioners and their methods. Lots of opportunities for mini-treatments, readings, demonstrations, and shopping from vendors with holistic-minded supplies and gifts. Admission $5 per adult per day. https://rasanifair.com

April 13th – 14th Pacific NW Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is back at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. The Pacific Northwest’s largest animal expo features over 100 vendor booths, and plenty of scaled, shelled, feathered, winged, and finned creature displays. Food, beer, wine, and spirits will be onsite as well. Make a day or weekend out of it for the whole family. Admission is $10.00 for adults, children 6 through 10 $5.00, and children 5 and under get free admission. https://www.facebook.com/PACNWRS/

April 13th – 14th The Oregon Paint Horse Show at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center is sponsored by Purina and the Oregon Paint Horse Club. “The Painted ’N’ Sterling Spring Show” runs for two days, and will include trials, a trainer’s challenge, demonstrations, vendors, and plenty of beautiful horses! http://www.oregonpainthorseclub.com/ophc-shows.html

April 17th Poet Laureate Kim Stafford Presents Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford will conduct a workshop and a reading at Linn Benton Community College. Stafford will read his works at noon, in the Russell Tripp Performance Center. The workshop starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Calapooia Center Boardroom. Both events are free and open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/events/1407464726063382/

April 20th Grand Opening – 2019 Season of the Albany Farmers’ Market The Albany Farmers’ Market is thought to be one of the oldest continuously operating open-air farmers’ markets in Oregon. Buy freshly harvested salad greens and other veggies, colorful flower bouquets, berries, bread, jams, pies, pastries, veggie starts, flower bulbs, and hot coffee. You never know what kind of delicious treat, demonstration or entertainment you’ll find at the corner of 4th and Ellsworth downtown. Open Saturdays through November, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

April 20th Lamb and Fleece Sale at Iron Water Ranch The ranch is holding their first ever, annual open ranch event, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be lambs, yearlings, and fleeces available for sale. The sheep for sale will be great show and breeding stock, pets, or 4-H projects. Come meet the friendly owners and their lively flock. http://www.ironwater.com

April 21st Easter Egg Hunt at Cumberland Community Center You’re invited to an egg hunt at 3:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Eggs will be filled with prizes and goodies from local businesses and ‘Save our Cumberland’ supporters. Guest of honor and mascot  “Eggie” will be on the grounds and hopping for photos with you. https://www.albanycumberland.org/

April 22nd – 28th Downtown Restaurant Week Albany’s Restaurant Week returns Monday, April 22nd, and runs through Sunday, April 28th. From breakfast to dinner, dozens of tasty options will be available. A list of participating restaurants and specials will be listed below closer to the dates on the Albany Downtown Association website. https://albanydowntown.com/ada-event/downtown-albany-restaurant-week/

April 25th Brownsville Farmers’ 2019 Market Season – Grand Opening Another chance to sample the best from local farms and ranches, this open-air market is located in Historic Brownsville. In addition to shopping for ingredients, you can visit the Linn County Museum, hunt for treasure in unique shops, dine in yummy restaurants, and tour historic Moyer House all in one trip. https://www.facebook.com/cfathursdaymarket/

April 26th – 28th Albany’s 46th Annual Spring Home Show Held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, you’ll discover fresh ideas for the backyard and indoors alike at this great home expo. A partial list of what you’ll find include: remodeling ideas and supplies, home interior and garden designs, artwork, garden sculpture, custom kitchens, and even a gigantic plant sale. Free admission and parking. https://www.wvpevents.com/433/

April 27th Linn County Flea Market It’s baaaack! This huge indoor flea market is held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in the Santiam Building, and features everything from junk to antiques. Come early, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and find treasure before the other guy—early admission is $6. Regular admission at 9:00 a.m. is $2, and children 12 and under are free. http://www.linncountyfleamarket.com

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April 27th Procession of the Species People of all ages and walks of life, the young, old, tall or short or fast walkers, slow crawlers, the furry, the feathered and the fanciful are invited to participate in the annual “Procession of the Species,” a favorite rite of spring in Albany. Earth Day information booths will open at the Albany Farmers Market at 9:00 a.m. with activities, face painting, giveaways, and Claudia the giant Chinook salmon. 

At 9:45, all creatures should gather in front of the Linn County Courthouse on Fourth Avenue, where the parade begins at 10 a.m.

Procession of the Species is a celebration of nature that brings Albany residents and people from outlying communities together to honor and respect each other and the natural world. Participants are encouraged to dance, flutter and prance their way into spring using music, art, and their creativity to celebrate our environment. https://www.cityofalbany.net