May is National Preservation Month, a time to celebrate our love for history with exciting events that are happening in and around town. We have curated a list of some of our favorite events to help you get started. However, you can find many more on our calendar and in our National Preservation Month brochure. Flinn Block by Oliver J. Anderson Have fun exploring Albany hunting architectural treasure during the Hidden History Scavenger Hunt taking place through May 30. Forms are available at The Natty Dresser, Albany Visitors Association and Albany Downtown Association. You can also pri ..read more

Get Outside Reflecting at Talking Water by Dan Bateman We have sunny weather and pleasant temperatures in April, and it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. You’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation activities in the city and the surrounding area. Stroll through Talking Water Gardens, take in the sights and sounds of wildlife and check out native wetland plants. Many of the trails are wheelchair-accessible and provide elevated and water-level viewpoints with different opportunities for observation. You will find hiking and biking in and around Albany, and just up Hwy 20, there’s mo ..read more

Join us in Albany during March when the daffodils bloom, the sun is peeking through the clouds and Spring Break is just around the corner.  The Event Calendar at AlbanyVisitors.com is a great place to see what’s going on in the days ahead, but here are a few suggestions to get you started: Photo by Melissa Hudson Albany Civic Theater presents “Eclipsed,” an award-winning play set in Ireland in the 1960s. The play tells the story of unwed Irish mothers forced to work in laundries by the Irish Catholic Church. Performances March 1-3 and 7-9, 2024. Visit AlbanyCivic.com for tickets and sho ..read more

The purpose of this contest is to find images suitable for use in our marketing of Albany, Linn County and the Willamette Valley. Photo Contest Information & Rules for Entering Winner CHAMPION 2023, Albany Clock Tower by Brenda Autry FEE There is an entry fee of $2 for each photo submitted. Photograph Subject  We ask that your work be original, not previously submitted to this or any other contest, be taken in 2022, 2023 or 2024 and specifically feature Albany and surrounding Linn County.  To see examples of the kinds of images we use most, scroll through our Instagram, Faceboo ..read more

You’re gonna love your visit to Albany in February! It’s Valentine’s month, and we have some ideas to help you plan a special day with your sweetheart and fill your calendar all month. Here are some more ideas to get you started:  Vintage Roost Valentine’s by Debbie Williams 1st Friday Downtown Chocolate Walk on February 2 in Historic Downtown Albany. Get some treats and take advantage of sale prices on a gift for your special someone. See AlbanyDowntownAssociation.com or call 541-928-2469.  “The Miracle on First Avenue” Book Signing at Albany Historic Carousel & Museu ..read more

Wintertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in and around Albany, from viewing 100’s of species of birds, to hiking past raging waterfalls, to hitting the mountains for some fun in the snow: Whatever your choice, Hub City is a great place to start. Covered Bridges There are eight covered bridges in the Linn County, five of them clustered around the town of Scio and several more to the east of Lebanon. Read our article about covered bridges to get a map of the route to drive or bike through picturesque country and travel through these historic landmarks. Winter Adventures Around Oregon Rec ..read more

Make a plan to get outside, enjoy the sun a little, and get some Vitamin D in and around Albany! Let your inner adventurer free and enjoy some activities that will get your blood pumping.  EXPLORE For a quick but scenic hike while you’re in town, wander the trails of Albany’s Talking Water Gardens. The manufactured wetland sports 2 miles of paths through a habitat filled with wildlife. On the north side of the river, walk or run the Takena Landing Trail, where you’ll enjoy peaceful views of the Willamette River on this 3.6-mile loop. Its companion, the Dave Clark Trail, follows along the ..read more

Pull yourself out of the winter slump in Albany! Attend one of the events taking place in January at the Linn County Expo Center. Skip having to cook by enjoying a night out. Browse for all things old at a downtown antique store and grab lunch while you’re there. Here are some ideas to get you out and brighten your mood.  Weekend Events East Albany Lions Club Sportsman & Gun Show This event features sporting and hunting supplies, knives, military collectibles, ammo, reloading, new and used guns, antique guns and lots more. All proceeds go to Lions Sight and Hearing, local charities an ..read more

In Albany, holiday cheer is never in short supply. Drive through the dazzling displays from the Nighttime Magic Holiday Lights Contest with a map from the Albany Visitors Association. Visit Christmas Storybook Land, an Albany tradition for 47 years! Don’t miss the Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, two times the fun of a regular parade.  Breakfast with Santa at the Carousel Support the carousel and have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets include a delicious breakfast, a Christmas carol concert, a Christmas craft, a professional phot ..read more

Many thanks to our sponsors, Burcham’s Metals and HospitalityVision. What the contest is all about Albany residents are encouraged to enter the 36th Annual Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest for the best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes for everyone to enjoy and vote for their favorite. The winners will gain bragging rights for the year and receive some great prizes, including a variety of gift certificates from local stores. Judging this year will again be open to the community. Pictures of entries will be posted on the AVA Facebook page and Instagram, and addr ..read more