Albany, Oregon, is a city steeped in history, offering a variety of museums and historic sites that showcase its fascinating past. From pioneer-era landmarks to interactive exhibits, these must-visit locations provide a unique glimpse into the city’s heritage. Let’s explore some of Albany’s most notable historical attractions. Albany Regional Museum Located in a beautifully restored 1887 Italianate building, the Albany Regional Museum invites visitors to explore Albany’s history through engaging exhibits, photographs, and artifacts. The museum regularly hosts educational programs and events, making it a vital part of the community. Whether you’re learning about early industry or enjoying a temporary exhibit, this museum is …

Albany has exciting things happening this weekend! From holiday bazaars to photo ops with Santa, there's something for everyone to enjoy. NACC Christmas Bazaar 2024 Kick off the holiday season with North Albany Community Church’s annual Christmas Bazaar, featuring over 95 vendors with unique treasures, a raffle, a bake sale, and a coffee bar! Friday night is Ladies Night, with free appetizers, non-alcoholic drinks, and exclusive raffle prizes. Saturday offers free admission, with breakfast, lunch, and festive shopping available throughout the day. Date: November 15, 2024 (Ladies Night), and November 16, 2024Time: Friday, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pmLocation: North Albany Community Church …

Navigating the real estate market in Albany, Oregon, is easier with experienced, trusted professionals by your side. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, these top local agents and real estate teams offer personalized service, deep market knowledge, and a commitment to helping clients reach their goals. Let’s take a look at some of Albany’s leading real estate professionals who are here to make your real estate journey smooth and successful. Lisa Lang, Real Estate Superhero Alliance With over 17 years of experience, Lisa Lang leads the Real Estate Superhero Alliance team at Premiere Property Group, LLC. Known for her dedication to providing personalized, client-focused service, Lisa helps buyers and sellers navi…

Willamette Valley Bank’s Albany branch hosted a spirited Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters event on Halloween, creating a perfect setting for the bank to connect with local business leaders and celebrate their strong community ties. The event highlighted the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to local banking, summed up in their tagline, “Where Local Means Everything.” Branch Manager Crystal Tyndall opened the event, welcoming everyone with heartfelt appreciation. “Thank you so much for coming out to join us today and dressing up,” she said, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. As Crystal introduced her team, she emphasized how each member’s role contributes to a unique banking experience built on local re…

Looking for festive and meaningful activities in Albany this weekend? From craft fairs to a wreath auction and Veterans Day celebrations, enjoy these events happening November 8-10, 2024! YMCA Holiday Craft Fair Celebrate the season at the 2nd annual YMCA Holiday Craft Fair! Hosted by Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, this festive event features unique holiday gifts from local artisans and a FREE raffle with prizes from participating vendors. Held in the spacious central gym, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy the holiday spirit while supporting small businesses. Vendor spots are available for $50, with optional tables and electricity for an additional fee. Join in and make this event a memorable community gathering! Date: Novem…

Albany, Oregon, is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries and pubs offering a variety of unique brews and welcoming atmospheres. Whether you’re a fan of traditional lagers, adventurous IPAs, or simply a cozy place to enjoy a pint with friends, Albany has something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the top spots in town to grab a drink, savor some great food, and enjoy the company of fellow beer lovers. Calapooia Brewing Calapooia Brewing is a beloved local brewery in Albany that’s known for its relaxed vibe and inventive brews. Their standout beers include the signature Calapooia Chili Beer, which packs a subtle spicy kick, and the smooth Riverdog Irish Red. With frequent live music events and a friendly …

Kick off November in Albany with a weekend of community events! From holiday markets and creative workshops to live music and local art, there's something for everyone to enjoy as we welcome the new month. Albany Arts Commission November Exhibit Explore the November exhibit at Albany City Hall, featuring artists Brynn Carter, Carol Prologo, Helen Telgarsky, and Savannah West. Their work will be showcased throughout the month during regular business hours. Join the Albany Arts Commission for an opening reception with light refreshments on Friday, November 1. Date: November 1, 2024Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Albany City Hall // 333 Broadalbin St SW, Albany, OR 97321Cost: FREE Learn More Holiday Market at Menn…

ServPro has become a well-known name for disaster restoration across the country, but for the local franchise owners and team members serving Benton and Linn Counties in Oregon, (and SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties) being part of the community means much more than just cleaning up after a fire or flood. As they continue expanding to serve Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Polk, Salem, and other surrounding areas, SERVPRO's mission remains rooted in providing compassionate and professional restoration services for people facing some of the hardest days of their lives. Recently, local team members Corey Perrigan, Kevin Fandrem, and Jennifer Benavidez shared at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters event about …

If you’re still scrambling for the perfect Halloween costume or some last-minute decorations, Albany, OR has you covered! With a range of stores offering everything from ready-made costumes to DIY options, here are some top local spots to check out. Spirit Halloween For a complete Halloween experience, Spirit Halloween is Albany’s premier stop for costumes and spooky accessories. This seasonal store offers costumes for all ages, from classic ghouls to characters from the latest movies. Spirit Halloween also stocks a wide range of decorations, from animatronics to themed lighting, perfect for setting the mood at home. Whether you need a full costume or just a few accessories, Spirit Halloween is a reliable one-stop shop for Hallow…

Looking for something fun to do in Albany this weekend? From Halloween festivities to family-friendly events, here are some great local activities happening from October 25 to 27. Trunk or Treat Join the Boys & Girls Club of Albany for their Trunk or Treat event! Open to club members and the Albany community, this fun Halloween event will feature decorated cars, candy, and plenty of spooky fun. The event will run while supplies last. Date: October 25, 2024Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PMLocation: BGCA Teen Center Parking Lot // 1215 Hill Street, Albany, ORCost: FREE Learn More No Tricks, Just Treats! Enjoy a fun evening of trick-or-treating and a silent auction at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. This family-friendl…

Akida Ramsey, owner of Akida Clips in Albany, Oregon, has a story that’s both inspiring and full of heart. From a childhood marked by frequent moves and adversity to becoming a business owner, Akida has faced life's challenges head-on. Today, his barbershop isn’t just a place for haircuts—it's a space for connection, community, and faith, reflecting Akida’s journey from tough beginnings to meaningful success. Overcoming Early Challenges: From Foster Care to Sweet Home, Oregon Born in New York, Akida spent his earliest years in foster care while his biological mother underwent medical treatment. At just five years old, Akida moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to live with his single mom and two sisters. His mom worked tough jobs, …

As the weather cools down, it's the perfect time to explore some of the best indoor entertainment options Albany, Oregon, has to offer. Whether you're looking for a cozy movie night or an exciting adventure, there are plenty of ways to have fun indoors. From escape rooms to theaters and more, here are some top spots to enjoy when the weather isn’t cooperating. Pix Theatre The historic Pix Theatre in downtown Albany offers a charming, retro vibe that’s perfect for a cozy movie night. Known for its affordable tickets and intimate setting, the Pix shows both new releases and classic films. Grab some popcorn, your favorite candy, and settle in for a relaxed evening at this local gem. Albany Civic Theater For those…

The Albany Fire Department (AFD) is not just about fighting fires; it’s a community-focused organization that goes above and beyond to keep residents safe and informed. We recently had the opportunity to hear from Fire Chief Chris LaBelle and Deputy Fire Marshal-Risk Reduction/PIO Sandy Roberts and take a tour of Station 11. It was a great opportuny to learn how the department is committed to more than emergency response—they’re dedicated to prevention, education, and fostering relationships that make the city a safer place to live. The Albany Fire Department operates out of five stations across Albany and Millersburg, providing fire response services within the city limits, and the immediate surrounding areas are served throu…

Want to make this holiday season unforgettable? Join the magic-makers behind one of the most beloved local traditions—Christmas Storybook Land—as they prepare for their 48th year of spreading joy and wonder. Christmas Storybook Land has been a holiday treasure in our community for nearly five decades. Each year, families and friends step into a world of Christmas wonder, where familiar storybook scenes come to life among twinkling lights, festive displays, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Behind this enchanting experience are the dedicated volunteers who bring the magic to life, year after year. This October, the Christmas Storybook Land team is inviting the community to get involved by attending their Volunteer Information N…

Looking for fun ways to spend your weekend in Albany? From festive fall gatherings to lively car meets and community celebrations, this weekend's events offer something for everyone. Whether you're exploring craft beverages at a harvest party or trick-or-treating with the family, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the local community and enjoy the season. Harvest Festival & Quilt Show Join Faith Lutheran Church for their annual Harvest Festival and Quilt Show, featuring beautiful quilts and seasonal fall festivities. It's a great way to celebrate the season with family and friends.Date: October 18-19, 2024Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PMLocation: Faith Lutheran Church // 930 Queen Ave SW, Albany, OR 97321Cost: FREE …

The Albany Public Schools Foundation has long been a pillar of support for local educators and students, working tirelessly to provide resources that empower the Greater Albany Public School District. While the Foundation is separate from the district itself, its initiatives directly impact teachers and students in meaningful ways. One of their most exciting efforts is Peely’s Teacher Supply House, a free resource designed to meet the essential classroom needs of teachers—without the financial burden falling on them. "Many people are surprised to know that over 90% of teachers spend their own money on supplies for their classroom," said Andrea Recek, Director of Programs at Albany Public Schools Foundation. "The IRS allows teach…

For Ryan Shelton, moving around the country as a child gave him a wide view of life in the U.S. From California to Tennessee and North Carolina, each place left a lasting impression. But when he settled in Oregon, it became the place he and his wife would call home. Now, as part of Selectemp Employment Services in Albany, Ryan is bringing his passion for customer service and relationship-building to a role that helps local businesses and job seekers alike. Ryan Shelton, Selectemp Employment Services Ryan didn’t start his career in staffing; he spent several years in the automotive industry, working at local car dealerships. That experience shaped his approach to business, especially when it came to customer service. "The automot…

Supporting eco-friendly businesses is a great way to promote sustainability while shopping locally. In Albany, Oregon, you’ll find several shops committed to offering environmentally conscious products. Let’s take a look at five local businesses that are leading the way in sustainable and eco-friendly shopping: Albany Farmers' Market The Albany Farmers' Market is a seasonal hub for fresh, locally sourced produce and handmade goods. Operating from April to November, the market emphasizes sustainable shopping with organic and farm-direct products. With a variety of vendors and a commitment to food equity programs, it’s a great place to support local farmers and enjoy eco-friendly shopping. Natural Sprinkles Co. Na…

Looking for something to do in Albany this weekend? From live comedy and farmers' markets to family-friendly festivals and ghostly tours, there’s something for everyone. Check out the exciting events below! Live Professional Comedy at The Garage Enjoy a night of laughs with live professional comedy at The Garage! Happening every Thursday at 6:30 PM, this event has no cover charge, though a $20 donation is suggested to support the performers.Date: October 10, 2024Time: 6:30 PMLocation: The Garage // 229 SW 3rd Ave, Albany, OR 97321Cost: FREE ($20 suggested donation)Learn More Friday Morning Veteran's Breakfast Join fellow veterans for a morning of coffee, delicious food, and camaraderie at Elmer's Restaurant. …

The United Way of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties has always been a vital connector for local nonprofits and community members in need. This dedication was recently celebrated during a ribbon-cutting event hosted by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce at United Way’s new office, a space that symbolizes their ongoing growth and mission to support communities across three counties. After two years of planning, United Way finally moved into their new office, which represents more than just a change in location—it marks their commitment to expanding services. "This office is going to let us do a lot of things we couldn't do before. We're going to grow, expand, and have room to continue our mission," said Kevin Manske, President and C…

Fall is in the air, and Albany, Oregon, has festive activities for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patches or fun trunk-or-treat events, check out these local spots happening this week: Bose Family Farm Harvest Festival Bose Family Farm’s festival includes a 4-acre corn maze designed as a hot air balloon, offering challenges for all ages. Visitors can pick pumpkins right from the patch and take a scenic hayride. Food trucks provide seasonal treats, making this a one-stop fall celebration perfect for families. Learn More Downtown Halloween Character Hunt Explore downtown Albany with the Halloween Character Hunt! Families can pick up a game card and find hidden Halloween characters in lo…

The Heart of the Valley Home Show returned to Albany this weekend, offering a much-anticipated gathering of home and garden experts, crafters, and curious residents from across the Willamette Valley. Held from October 4-6, 2024, at the Linn County Expo Center, the show brought together a range of local vendors, showcasing the latest trends in home improvement, sustainable living, and backyard design. For Kelly Tynon, co-owner of Oregon Hearth & Home, organizing the event is about much more than just logistics—it's about building a community. After her and Richard Simons took over the show about two years ago, they have been working hard to create strong relationships with their vendors as well as attract locals who want to con…