Downtown Albany is getting ready for a day of games, laughter, and community fun as the Historic Carousel & Museum hosts its 9th annual Carnival at the Carousel on Saturday, August 15. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the popular annual event brings a classic carnival atmosphere right to 1st Avenue. Families can enjoy skill games, fun prizes, treats, and plenty of rides on Albany’s iconic hand-carved carousel animals. Affordable Fun for the Whole Family Designed to give local families a budget-friendly day out, individual game tickets are just $0.50 each, with most game booths costing only 1 to 2 tickets to play. For maximum savings, the Carousel is offering Family Fun Packs available for pre-purchase online or directly in the gift…

Make the most of the weekend with live music, creative gatherings, community celebrations, scenic cycling, worship, and more around Albany. Makers’ Meetup: Paper Lanterns The Chapter House invites local makers to put down their screens and get creative during its bi-monthly Makers’ Meetup. This week’s project features paper lanterns designed to light up the night before the school year begins. Children ages 10 and under may attend free with the purchase of one adult ticket. Date: August 7, 2026Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Location: The Chapter House // 250 Broadalbin St. SW, Ste. 104, Albany, OR 97321Cost: $10 (view ticket information) Learn More Sassafras! at The Barn The Barn at Hickory Station welcomes Sassafras! for an evening of live roots fo…

As summer winds down and local families prepare for the upcoming school year, the Albany Public Schools Foundation (APSF) is inviting the community to take part in a crucial annual tradition: Peely’s Back-to-School Supply Drive. Running throughout the entire month of August, the drive collects essential classroom and learning materials to restock the shelves of Peely’s Teacher Supply House—a dedicated resource center providing free classroom supplies directly to local educators in the Greater Albany Public School District. How the Program Helps Albany Classrooms Named after the Foundation’s official apple mascot, Peely, the supply house helps alleviate out-of-pocket costs for local teachers, ensuring that students across Albany classrooms h…

Albany is kicking off August with local food, games, movies, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Explore six events happening around the community this weekend! Board Game Night The Chapter House is teaming up with Albany’s Grassroots Games for a relaxed evening of board games, community connection, and friendly fun. No registration is required, and guests can purchase drinks and snacks during the event. Donations are welcome. Date: July 31, 2026Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Location: The Chapter House // 250 Broadalbin St. SW, Ste. 104, Albany, OR 97321Cost: FREE Learn More Movies on the Move: How to Train Your Dragon Albany Parks & Recreation invites families and neighbors to enjoy a summer movie night under the s…

Mid-summer in Albany is filled with great community traditions, bringing neighbors together for free evening entertainment in our city parks. From Thursday night concerts along the Willamette River to outdoor family movie nights under the stars, here is what’s happening on the outdoor event calendar over the next few weeks. River Rhythms at Monteith Riverpark Albany’s premier outdoor concert series continues every Thursday evening at Monteith Riverpark. Food vendors begin serving at 5:00 p.m., and music kicks off around 7:00 p.m. Admission is completely free, though a small $1 donation per person is encouraged to keep the tradition going. Here is a look at what’s on deck for the rest of the season: July 30: Boy Band Review This week’s featu…

Make the most of the weekend with local events featuring history, culture, skating, community fundraising, and family-friendly fun around Albany. Activity Day at the Museum: Marbles Spend a summer afternoon learning how to play the classic game of marbles at Albany Regional Museum. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend, and the museum will provide everything needed for a match along with helpful guidance for beginners. Date: July 24, 2026Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMLocation: Albany Regional Museum // 136 Lyon St. SW, Albany, OR 97321Cost: $5 Learn More Native American Cultural Encampment Experience Native American culture during this welcoming weekend gathering at Waterloo County Park in Lebanon. Guests can enjoy flute mus…

A significant piece of Albany history has been brought back to life, and it comes with a side of world-class dining. After a highly anticipated, multi-year renovation project, Sybaris Bistro has officially opened the doors to its permanent home inside the historic Oregon Electric Railway depot. Located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Lyon Street, the beautifully restored 1912 terminal represents a massive triumph for local historic preservation and an exciting new chapter for downtown food lovers. Restoring a Landmark Owners Chef Matt and Janel Bennett purchased the former railroad station in May 2022. Partnering with local contractor Pyburn & Sons, they took on the monumental task of reviving the century-old terminal, working meticul…

From live music and local markets to classic cars and family-friendly fun, Albany has a full weekend of community events to explore. Linn County Fair 2026 The Linn County Fair brings three days of concerts, carnival rides, FamilyLand activities, 4-H and FFA shows, exhibits, competitions, and local vendors to Albany. Nightly concerts begin at 8:30 PM, with Frankie Ballard performing Thursday, Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery on Friday, and The Band Perry closing out the fair on Saturday. Date: July 16–18, 2026Time: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMLocation: Linn County Expo Center // 3700 Knox Butte Rd. E, Albany, OR 97322Cost: Fair admission required; concerts are included with admission (view ticket information) Learn More Summertime Lawn Sa…

Summer is in full swing, and one of Albany's biggest events is pulling into town. The Linn County Fair officially opens this Thursday, July 16th, bringing three packed days of carnival rides, 4-H/FFA livestock shows, family entertainment, and massive evening concerts to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. Whether you go every year for the food or you are looking for a fun day out with the kids, this year's lineup has something happening from the moment the gates open until the carnival lights turn off. Daily Fair Hours & Deadlines Plan your days around these official daily operations to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action: Fair Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. daily (Closes at 11:00 p.m.) FamilyLand Adventures: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p…

Whether you're shopping local, enjoying live entertainment, or supporting community causes, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the weekend in Albany. Have a wonderful weekend! Albany Toy Run's Christmas in July Support a great cause while enjoying an evening of live music and community fun at the Albany Toy Run's Christmas in July, hosted by Deluxe Brewing and Sinister Distilling. This family-friendly fundraiser welcomes motorcycle riders, classic car enthusiasts, and the public for a toy and monetary donation drive benefiting local children. The event also features a raffle fundraiser, outdoor live music—including a performance by Billy Lanham—and plenty of opportunities to give back. Guests are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped…

Get ready for giant bubbles, lawn games, and easy summer mornings. Albany Parks & Recreation is launching its six-week "Fun in the Park" event this Wednesday, July 8th, bringing a pop-up playground of crafts and activities directly to neighborhood parks. The drop-in events run every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon through mid-August. Because the whole crew packs up and heads to a new location each week, it’s a perfect excuse for families to explore different neighborhoods, discover cool new playgrounds, and keep the kids busy with outdoor activities. What’s Happening Every Wednesday? Parents and caregivers can show up whenever it works for their morning routine. The park sites will feature a rotating mix of kid-friendly setups: Outdoo…

Celebrate Independence Day weekend with fireworks, live music, local art, and community gatherings happening in Albany and nearby. Here's what's on the calendar for July 3–5! Declaration of Independence Reading Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Linn County Courthouse, held as part of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration. Community members are invited to gather for this free event and reflect on the historic document that helped shape the United States. Those interested in exploring its lasting impact can also register for the companion discussion, "250 Years Later: The Declaration of Independence in 2026," presented by Braver Angels Mid-Willamett…

Whether you're replacing an aging furnace, upgrading to a heat pump, or scheduling seasonal maintenance, choosing the right HVAC contractor can make a significant difference in your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Albany homeowners face a mix of damp winters, increasingly warm summer days, and wildfire smoke events that place additional demands on heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. A contractor who understands these local conditions can help recommend equipment that's appropriate for both your home and the Willamette Valley climate. To help you narrow your options, we researched contractors serving Albany and evaluated factors such as local presence, services offered, reputation, and publicly available business informat…

A fantastic opportunity is opening up this week for local event coordinators, entrepreneurs, and community groups looking to bring fresh ideas to life in Albany. Starting Wednesday, July 1st, the City of Albany is officially accepting applications for its annual Collaborative Tourism Promotion (CTP) Grant program, offering a total funding pool of $50,000 to jumpstart creative local initiatives. Managed by the city’s Tourism Advisory Committee, the program is specifically designed to support new events, unique marketing campaigns, and "placemaking" installations that draw visitors into town, boost the local economy, and highlight Albany as a vibrant destination. What Types of Projects Qualify? The grant program targets a wide range of creati…

Last verified: June 2026. Trail conditions, seasonal closures, hours, and park policies can change. Always check the official park website before your visit. Albany is one of the best home bases in the Willamette Valley for families who love the outdoors. Within an hour of downtown, you can explore cascading waterfalls, peaceful wildlife refuges, shaded forests, wetlands filled with birds, and scenic hilltop viewpoints. Whether you're introducing toddlers to hiking, planning a weekend adventure with teenagers, or looking for an easy nature walk grandparents can enjoy, there's a trail nearby that fits your family's interests and abilities. Unlike many hiking guides that simply list trails, this guide is designed to help you plan an entire da…

Summer is in full swing in Albany! From community traditions and live entertainment to local fundraisers and family fun, there's plenty happening around town this weekend. Heritage Day Mennonite Village invites the Albany community to its annual Heritage Day celebration, a family-friendly event featuring more than 40 artisan and local vendors, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, and classic lawn games. Held at the Mennonite Village Pavilion, this longtime tradition offers a welcoming opportunity to explore the campus, connect with local makers, and enjoy a fun-filled morning with neighbors and friends. Date: June 26, 2026Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMLocation: Mennonite Village Pavilion // 2525 47th St. SE, Albany, OR 97…

Summer fun has officially returned to Waverly Lake! Albany Parks & Recreation has launched its seasonal paddle boat and kayak rentals, giving local families a classic way to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. This season comes with an extra layer of local personality. After inviting residents to submit creative name ideas, the city held a community-wide vote to officially name the four new iconic duckling-shaped paddle boats. The verdict is in, and the new fleet consists of names suggested by the public, voted on by the public, and paddled by the public: Duck Norris Quackers Ducky McDuckface Capt. Quack Sparrow Rental Options and Summer Pricing The rental operation runs from June 20th through September 6th, offering affordable…

From shopping local and exploring beautiful gardens to enjoying live entertainment and wellness experiences, Albany has a great lineup of events to enjoy this weekend. Deluxe Hopped Up Friday Nights Spend a summer Friday evening at Deluxe Brewing's weekly Hopped Up Cruise-In. Car enthusiasts are invited to bring their classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles, or favorite rides to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere. Guests can sip on Deluxe Brewing craft beers, Sinister Distilling cocktails, local cider and wine, and craft sodas while enjoying food from the on-site food cart. With indoor and outdoor seating, plus a family and pet-friendly environment, it's a fun way to start the weekend in Albany. Date: …

Summer is the perfect season to shake up your routine, try something new, and connect with your neighbors. For local residents looking to learn, explore, or get active, Albany Parks & Recreation's "Activate!" seasonal recreation guide serves as the ultimate community hub for local engagement. The program serves as a one-stop shop for active living right here in town, providing recreation programs, events, and trips for community members of all ages. Here is a look at the types of opportunities available to help residents learn, connect, and explore: 1. Community Trips & Tours For those looking to explore beyond city limits without the hassle of planning or driving, Albany Parks & Recreation coordinates curated group trips and to…

Make plans to get out, explore Albany, and support local organizations, artists, and businesses at these exciting community events happening this weekend. Enchanted Through Times Legacy Ballet invites the community to experience Enchanted Through Times, its 2026 June recital showcasing dancers ages 3 through adult. Audiences will enjoy a variety of performances featuring ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tap, all brought to life through an enchanting production celebrating dance across generations. Reserved seating is available, making this a wonderful opportunity to support local performers and enjoy an afternoon or evening of live entertainment. Date: June 12 - 13, 2026Time: June 12 at 7:00 PM; June 13 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PMLo…

As summer gets rolling, local families are eagerly looking forward to sunny days spent at the pool. To keep the community informed, Albany Parks & Recreation recently shared an important update regarding the seasonal opening of the beloved COOL! Pool at Swanson Park. To ensure the facility is safe, beautiful, and ready for crowds, the city’s Facilities Maintenance team has been hard at work all spring completing a massive list of repairs and restorations. Major Upgrades Happening Behind the Scenes Maintaining a 20-year-old facility is a huge task, and crews have been tackling a variety of essential projects, including: Patching cracks and holes in the plaster Replacing tiles along the pool's edges Installing a brand-new boiler Replacing…

Spend the weekend connecting with the Albany community through a variety of local events. Whether you're attending a performance, exploring a new business, or joining a creative activity, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend. The Restoration Rooms Grand Opening The Restoration Rooms is celebrating its grand opening and inviting the Albany community to stop by for an afternoon of connection and celebration. Guests can meet the owners, tour the new facility, enjoy special discounts, and enter to win prizes. The event begins with a brief opening ceremony at 3:00 PM, followed by an open-house experience where visitors can explore the space and learn more about the services it brings to the community. Date: June 5, 2026…