Pack your bags and get ready for an excitement-filled Memorial Day weekend in Corvallis! With a lineup of events that promise fun, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable moments, the city in the heart of Willamette Valley is your destination. From honoring our heroes to exploring the intersection of music, art, and technology to hanging out with goats, every corner of this charming city is bursting with activity. So, gather your friends and loved ones, and dive into the lineup of events awaiting you:
Benton County Veterans Memorial at National Guard Armory
Begin your weekend by paying tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. The Benton County Veterans Memorial is a solemn reminder of their service and dedication. Open 24/7, it invites visitors to reflect and honor those who gave their all. Alternatively, end your weekend at the 27th annual Memorial Celebration, a tribute to the 120 military veterans from Benton County who gave their lives for our country.
OSU’s Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx): "Sonic Booms" Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the evolution of music at the "Sonic Booms" exhibition. Discover how science and technology have shaped musical genres over the past 150 years. With interactive displays and historical artifacts, this exhibition promises an engaging experience for all ages.
Start an art walk at the beginning of Madison Ave at 1st Street to see the various outdoor pieces in “Art Alley” and end up at The Arts Center, where you’ll discover two exhibits to explore. Confluence II features the final projects from 2024 Oregon State University Art and Science Fellows and the artists of EASA (Early Assessment & Support Alliance), where the artworks shed light on mental health awareness in a visually stunning display.
Old World Center’s Weekend Events
Pull up a chair, order a meal from the Old World Deli and an Oregon Trail beer made on-premise, and sit back and enjoy the shows. Friday night features the bands Thunderchud playing power-pop and Broken String, a local Corvallis band playing Rock n Roll hits. For Saturday, Haus of Dharma presents “Rare Candy Toxic, A Pokemon Drag Show! Dedicated to Poison Type Trainers & Pokemon'' (for ages 18+) starting at 7:30 pm. Test your word skills at Sunday’s Poetry Night.
Tom Foe “Strummer” Album Release
Step into the heart of the Corvallis music scene and experience the magic of local musician, Tom Foe, releasing his new album, “Strummer.” He, along with other local players Dust Congress, Ohawas, and Matt Someone will be playing at PreAtomic Records.
Original Goat Yoga & Happy Hours
Experience the unique blend of yoga and animal therapy with Original Goat Yoga. Disconnect from stress as you interact with adorable goats in a picturesque farm setting. Whether it's Fun Friday Goat Yoga or Memorial Day Goat Happy Hour, these 90-minute sessions promise relaxation and joy for the whole family. Since the Happy Hour does not include beverages, they encourage you to bring your own so your entire family can drink what makes them happy.
Experience the thrill of the silver screen at the independent Dark Side Cinema! Catch an award-nominated horror/drama new release, "I Saw the TV Glow," about two teens bonding over a supernatural TV show that mysteriously gets canceled, or check out 2023’s Japanese drama (with subtitles) "Evil Does Not Exist." It's an entertainment extravaganza for movie buffs!
Stock up on fresh produce and engage with the local community at the Corvallis Farmers Market. On this particular Saturday, engage with the OSU Master Food Preservers, who will be on-site to answer all your food preservation queries and offer safe recipes for your fresh produce. And for all the green thumbs out there, join the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers for "Let's Talk Plants." Bring your gardening questions, problems, or even samples for on-the-spot sustainable gardening advice.
Corvallis Public Library: Robotics Day & More!
Experience the fun of robotics and STEM activities as local teams demonstrate their robots and projects. You may even find the opportunity to drive a robot yourself! From interactive demonstrations to exciting activities, there's something for all ages. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the wonders of technology in a creative and engaging environment!
Prepare to be captivated by the edgy new work in Ten Tiny Dances® Broadway! Local choreographers embrace the challenge of crafting compelling routines for a stage measuring just 4’ X 4’ and 1.5’ high. Experience a variety of dance styles, from ballet, tap, Chinese and Indian classical, modern dance, and contact improv -each compressed to their essence. While in the Majestic’s lobby, you’ll be treated to the Tiny Art Show coordinated by AliceAnn Eberman.
AARP (Adults Awkwardly Recreating Prom) Adult Prom
Relive the magic of prom night at 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s annual Adults Awkwardly Recreating Prom with the theme of Pacific Northwest. Dance under twinkling lights and boughs of evergreen in their Tap Room. Sip on delicious ciders while reminiscing about the past and creating new lifetime memories. Shuttle Stops Available: Ross Parking Lot, Downward Dog, 2 Towns Tap Room.
Memorial Day Weekend Open House: Airlie Winery
Pair a picnic with lively music and the flavors of local wines at Airlie Winery’s Open House. Each day features a different band, from Rock/Pop covering the 50s to the 90s, jazzy harmonies to a trio offering original tunes. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, or buy food (bring cash) and wines at Airlie. Airlie is also a dog-friendly winery!
Pack your blanket or a lawn chair and a picnic and head to Lumos Winery to enjoy some live music by their 100+ year barn-turned-tasting room. Saturday’s tunes will be a wide-ranging musical adventure from the 70s to today. Memorial Day’s sonic treats will be of the “invasive bluegrass band,” Cheatgrass.
Discover the best of Philomath's agricultural bounty at the Farmers Market's opening weekend. From fresh fruits to handmade crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Please note that road construction is taking place due to the Philomath Downtown Safety & Streetscape Improvements project, so there may be a short detour.
Conundrum House’s Game Room Open House
Discover hundreds of tabletop games, puzzles, mysteries, and card games during Conundrum House's monthly, no-fee “Game Room Open House.” This vast library of games is perfect if you want to take a break from the outdoors or have some family bonding time playing games, whether for an hour or all afternoon!
Celebrate the bonds women build in this series of short vignettes featuring rituals marking life transitions by styling one another’s hair. At The Root premieres local actor/singer/songwriter Lo Steele's work, which features choral singing and audience participation. Rated PG.
Laugh your heart out with the whole family at Common Fields' monthly comedy show hosted by Freeway Farrel. Enjoy an evening line-up of 3-4 comedians offering clean humor and entertainment that's suitable for all ages. The cover fee goes to paying the comedians.
Tyee Wine Cellars' Memorial Day Concert & Picnic
Dance the afternoon away to the music of local favorite bands on the acres of Tyee’s beautiful, scenic family farm and nature preserve. If all that dancing makes you thirsty or hungry and you didn’t bring snacks, Tyee Estate wines, local beers, BBQ by Nick’s Soul Food, and refreshing desserts by Go Giddy Pops will be available.
* Please note that event details are subject to change. Be sure to check the respective websites for the latest information and any necessary reservations. Keep updated with other happenings on our Events Page!
Photo and article by Stacey Newman Weldon. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
