More Than Pumpkin Spice:
Have a Sweet September in Albany

Looking for something new to do in Albany this September? From the quirky to the classic, this month’s events include a 0.3K beer “run,” vintage car displays, mushroom-themed workshops, and more. Here’s what’s happening around town.

Explore historic downtown Albany during the Antiques in the Streets Sidewalk Sale & Classic Car Show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 6. Hosted by the Albany Antique Mall, the event spans 1st through 4th Avenue and features more than 50 vendors and over 100 classic and custom cars. Visitors can shop, view vintage vehicles, and enjoy lunch at nearby restaurants or the Albany Farmers Market. Proceeds support the Albany Firefighter Community Assistance Fund. 

The Corvallis Lions Club hosts the annual Albany Beer “Run” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6. This 0.3K fundraising event begins at Calapooia Brewing with a beer garden and starts at 12 p.m., concluding at Deluxe Brewing. Designed for the below-average athlete, the event includes a midway donut station and two complimentary craft beers—one at each brewery. Registration is $30 in advance, with proceeds benefiting Prevent A Litter (PAL), a local nonprofit promoting responsible dog guardianship. Participants receive a race medal, 0.3K sticker, and, if registered by August 22, a commemorative shirt. Day-of registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at Calapooia Brewing. Food, non-alcoholic drinks, and leashed pets are welcome. Begins at Calapooia Brewing and ends at Deluxe Brewing.

From 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, the History Bites series features Sybaris Bistro owner Matt Bennett, who will present on the history of the restaurant, its upcoming move into a historic building, and the renovation process. The event is free to attend and includes light refreshments. Held at Albany Regional Museum, the talk is free, but exhibit admission at the museum is fee-based but free for members.

Festival Latino, presented by the Linn-Benton Hispanic Advisory Committee, brings a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture to Monteith Riverpark on from 12 to 5 p.m September 14. The event features live music, cultural dance performances, art and history exhibits, children’s activities, food vendors, and a community resource fair. Splash pad access will also be available for families to enjoy. Musical highlights include A Cara O Cruz Band, blending traditional cumbia with modern influences, and Ballet Folklórico De Nuestros Ancestros, showcasing regional dances from across Mexico. If you can't make the event, watch the livestream.

Thompson’s Mills Cider Pressing takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, August 30, September 20, and October 11 and 25. Held at Oregon’s last remaining water-powered mill, this family-friendly event lets visitors help press fresh apples and sample the cider they’ve made. Half-gallon jugs of cider are available for $5. Visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds, enjoy a picnic, and take a guided tour. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, 32655 Boston Mill Dr., Shedd, 541-491-3611.

The 2nd Annual Albany Mushroom Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 21 at Timber-Linn Memorial Park. This free, family-friendly celebration features mushroom-inspired food, a fungi-themed market, educational talks, hands-on workshops, and live music on the High Note Stage, sponsored by High Quality. Musical acts include Jobe Woosley, Tuesday String Band, Kickstar, and Singchronicity. Free and paid workshops run throughout the day, covering topics like mushroom dyeing, huitlacoche, foraging, cooking, and more. Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy a day of food, community, and fungi.