Frights and Festivities:
October in Albany, Oregon

October brings crisp air, changing leaves, and plenty of ways to celebrate the season in Albany. Press fresh apples at Thompson’s Mills, browse wool and handmade goods at the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival, and catch a cult-favorite horror musical on stage at Albany Civic Theater. Families can head downtown for trick-or-treating and a costume contest, then visit local farms for pumpkins, cider, and harvest décor.

Thompson’s Mills Cider Pressing takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, October 11 and 25. Visitors can help press apples, sample cider, and purchase a half-gallon for $5. The historic site invites families to picnic, explore, and take guided tours. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, 32655 Boston Mill Dr., Shedd, 541-491-3611.

The Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival returns October 17 through 19 at the Linn County Expo Center This annual celebration features livestock shows, workshops, and a bustling marketplace of yarn, tools, and handmade goods. The marketplace is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free; workshop fees vary.

Albany Civic Theater presents Evil Dead the Musical, an outrageous horror-comedy filled with demons, chainsaws, and campy songs. Performances run October 24, 25, 30, and 31 (midnight), and November 1 (cc), 2 (m, cc), 6, 7, and 8. The show includes gore, strong language, and mature themes.  Matinee performances are marked (m), and closed captioning (cc) is available through Cue Captions, part of ACT’s new accessibility features, and it is Accessibility Verified through Wheel the World.

Kick off the Halloween fun with Albany's Magical Pursuit, put on by Albany Downtown Association. Beginning Friday, October 17, search for the iconic Harry Potter items in downtown windows. Return your entry form through October 30 for a chance to win a Movie Night Prize Basket with Pix movie tickets and snacks. Find the entry forms on the Albany Downtown Association's website or in their office at 126 Ferry St. SW. 

Downtown Albany will be filled with Halloween fun during the Trick-or-Treat & Costume Contest on Saturday, October 25. Families can visit participating businesses from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for orange and black balloons marking Albany Downtown Association members. 

Albany Farmers’ Market is open 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays through November 27. Pick up fresh and local produce, baked goods, meat, flowers and more!

Blunck Family Produce and Willow will have their pumpkin patch again this year. 4228 Springhill Dr NW, 541-497-4533.

Bose Family Farm features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides and harvest decor. Their Harvest Festival will be open September 26-November 1. 35765 Cyrus Rd NE.

Grandpa’s Fresh Market carries pumpkins, melons, gourds, straw bales, cornstalk bundles and hayrides on the weekends. 36483 Hwy 226, 541-928-8778.

Kenagy Family Farm has pumpkins, gourds, decorative corn, winter squash and corn stalks. 1650 North Nebergall Loop NE, 541-979-1490.

Midway Farms has fresh cider, apples, hazelnuts, pumpkins and Concord grapes. All of the farm’s products are gluten-free, and they have lots of baked goods and some chocolate-covered hazelnuts. They don’t have a pumpkin patch, but you are welcome to wander the beautiful grounds. 6980 Hwy 20 NW, 541-740-6141.

River Rising Family Farm offers a festive fall experience with homegrown decorative pumpkins, a u-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and friendly Nigerian dwarf goats. Stop by for fresh popcorn and cold sodas while you explore. 39129 Groshong Rd. NE.