New Year, New Adventures
Kick off the new year with excitement and adventure in Albany! Celebrate with lively New Year’s Eve festivities and explore one-of-a-kind events at the Linn County Expo Center. Enjoy thought-provoking history talks, captivating community theater performances, and a variety of vibrant activities happening all month long. January has something special for everyone—here are a few highlights to add warmth and joy to your winter days!
The East Albany Lions Club’s annual Sportsman and Gun Show is 9 am-5 pm on Saturday, January 11, and 9 am-3 pm on Sunday, January 12 at the Linn County Expo Center. Explore a variety of sporting and hunting gear, including guns, knives, ammunition, and collectibles. Admission is $10 per day, free for children under 12, and $8 for active military. Parking is free. Proceeds support Lions Sight and Hearing programs and local charities. See EastAlbanyLionsClub.org for information.
The Winter Rod and Speed Show returns to the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on January 17–18. This event is a must-see for car enthusiasts, featuring over 100 vehicles, including hot rods, muscle cars, bikes, low riders, custom trucks, and race cars from across the Northwest. Enjoy live music on Friday night and bring a donation to support the food drive benefiting local charities. For more information, visit CapitolDragster.com.
Get ready to dance at the Oregon Mid-Winter Square Dance Festival, happening January 24–26 at the Linn County Fairgrounds. Celebrating its 65th year, this event brings together square dancers, round dancers, and cloggers for a weekend of lively music and fun. This year's theme, "Dancing Around the World," invites participants to dress in cultural dance attire. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy featured callers and cuers while connecting with the dance community. For more information, visit MidwinterFestival.org.
Albany Civic Theater Presents “Charley's Aunt,” a classic comedy about mistaken identity and hilarious misunderstandings. Performances run January 10–25 at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on January 19 at 2:30 pm. For tickets and details, visit AlbanyCivic.org.
History Bites, hosted by the Albany Regional Museum, will take place at 136 SE Lyon St from 12 pm to 1 pm on January 8. Don Lyon of the Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society will discuss the history and significance of Oregon's oldest water-powered grist mill and its role in regional agriculture. Admission is free. Viewing the exhibits has an admission fee. Light refreshments will be served.
