Alicen Arsenault | 08/01/2025 | News

End of Summer in Albany:
Events You Don’t Want to Miss

August is one of the best times to explore Albany, Oregon. From hot air balloon launches and summer concerts to carnivals, craft beer tastings, and cycling events, there's no shortage of things to do. Whether you're a visitor or a local, these family-friendly Albany events make the most of summer’s final stretch.

The final two Fun in the Park events happen from 10 a.m. to noon on August 6 at Meadow Ridge Park and August 13 at Monteith Riverpark. These free, all-ages events bring games, crafts, and summer fun to a different Albany neighborhood each week. Bring a blanket or find a bench and enjoy time outdoors before heading home with a take-home craft kit.

The River Rhythms summer concert series continues with Collin Raye performing on August 7. Known for his chart-topping country hits, Raye brings his signature sound to the Monteith Riverpark stage. The series concludes with a performance by Don McLean on August 14. The legendary singer-songwriter will close out the season with a set of his most recognized songs. Concerts are free, with a suggested $1 donation per person. Bring blankets or low-back chairs. Food vendors will be on-site. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Monteith Riverpark.

The 11th annual Craft Brew Smackdown returns to Downtown Albany from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, August 8. Sample from more than 20 breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries offering tastings inside participating small businesses along 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues. Tickets are $20 and include 10 tasting tickets, an event glass, a map, and a passport for a prize drawing. Additional tasting tickets will be available at Loafers Station, The Garage, and the Bridge Parking Lot Pop-up Canopy at 1st Ave. and Ellsworth St. You must be 21 or older to participate. Purchase tickets through Albany Downtown Association or call 541-928-2469.

The 46th annual Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour rolls out on Sunday, August 10. This one‑day event offers five scenic route options—23, 44, 68, 85, or 100 miles, through Linn County’s backroads. This event has been a beloved tradition, offering cyclists a variety of route options, convenient rest stops, mouthwatering food, and reliable SAG support to accommodate cyclists of all levels. View routes and register at on the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club website.

The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum’s 8th Annual Carnival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. This family-friendly celebration includes carousel rides, old-fashioned game booths, carnival characters, food vendors, face painting, photo booths, and a cakewalk. Game tickets are 25 cents each, with most games costing just two tickets. Buy a Family Fun Pack, which includes 60 carnival tickets and four carousel ride tokens, for $18 on the Carousel sale page through August 15 or $20 the day of the carnival. Admission is free.

The Carnival also marks the finale of the 2025 Albany Summer Passport Program. Grand prize winners will be announced at the event. If you missed the Passport this year, visit our events page or call 541-928-0911 in June 2026 to join the fun next year. Prize winners who cannot attend the carnival can pick up their prizes at the Albany Visitors Association.

The Albany Scottish Festival returns to Timber Linn Memorial Park on August 16–17 bringing two days of family-friendly fun. Festival hours are 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine. Attendees can enjoy artisan vendors, delicious food and drink, live music, a 21+ area, and thrilling Highland games. New this year are medieval combat demonstrations, and perhaps even a few Highland coos wandering the grounds. Admission and parking are free, and donations are welcome at the gate and throughout the event to help keep the festival accessible and growing year after year.

The Northwest Art & Air Festival returns Friday to Sunday, August 22 to 24, at Timber Linn Memorial Park. This free community festival features early‑morning hot‑air balloon launches starting around 6:15 a.m. weather permitting, art and food vendor booths, a family zone, a car show, beer, wine, and cider garden, and live music on the Festival Stage each day, capped by KC and The Sunshine Band on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Saturday. A Night Glow light display will illuminate the balloons Friday evening at dusk weather permitting. Parking is $10 per day, with donations appreciated.

The very last Oregon Jamboree will take place Friday to Sunday, August 1 to 3, in Sweet Home. This three-day country music and camping festival features performances on two stages, including headliners Jordan Davis, Clay Walker, and Shane Smith and the Saints. The event includes food and drink vendors, merchandise booths, RV and tent camping, and family-friendly activities in a scenic, park-like setting near the Weddle Covered Bridge.

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122 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965 | 541-928-0911
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