Fall Into Frights and Festivities:
October in Albany, Oregon

Albany knows how to embrace the spirit of October. Haunted tours wind through historic streets, a carriage ride reveals the city’s shadowy past, and a campy cult musical spills blood — and laughter — on stage. Families can join in with trick-or-treating, cider pressing, and a Halloween character hunt downtown. Whether you’re after fright or fun, Albany has it this season.

The Monteith Historical Society presents the annual Trolley of Terror on Friday and Saturday, October 3, 4, 17, and 18. This 1 hour 15-minute guided tour begins aboard a vintage trolley with chilling stories tied to Albany’s haunted past. Guests pass more than 15 sites before entering the Monteith House, Albany’s oldest and most haunted landmark, for a candlelit tour. Tours depart at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. Proceeds support Monteith House. 

Midway Farms hosts its third annual Psychic Bar Party from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. Guests can choose their own drink or have bartenders read their aura to craft the perfect beverage. The evening features food, vendors, psychics, tarot readers, and live performances. Entry is free, with cash encouraged for tipping and purchases.

Historian and Natty Dresser owner Oscar Hult will present Embalming in the American Civil War as part of the History Bites series at the Albany Regional Museum. The talk is free to attend, though admission is required to view exhibits. Light refreshments will be provided. The event takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8.

Albany’s haunted history comes alive during the Ghost Walks on Friday, October 10, at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m., and Saturday, October 11, at 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. A costumed guide will share eerie tales while leading participants through the Monteith Historic District and downtown. The tour ends inside the Monteith House by candlelight. Comfortable shoes recommended.

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 Halloween fun early with the Downtown Halloween Character Hunt put on by Albany Downtown Association. Beginning Friday, October 17, search for Halloween movie character posters in downtown windows. Return your entry form through October 31 for a chance to win a Movie Night Prize Basket with Pix movie tickets and snacks. 

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. 

Carriage of Shadows offers a haunted hayride through Albany’s historic streets on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, with departures at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. Guests pass more than 15 haunted sites before stopping inside the Monteith House for chilling tales by candlelight. Proceeds benefit the Monteith Historical Society.

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.