The weekend is closing in fast. But what to do? Sure, we’re getting into lawn-mowing season but you still need to have a little fun.
So, here we go with a rundown of events and activities for the weekend — defined here as 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Friday, April 26
With not a lot of events going on Friday night in Philomath, it might be a great time to sample a local restaurant. Here’s a rundown of your evening dining options (in no particular order and apologies if I missed a spot):
>> El Cruzero, located in the Mobil station building on the South 19th side, closes at 8 p.m.
>> Vinwood Taphouse stays open an hour later on Friday nights (and Saturday nights) with its closing time of 10 p.m.
>> Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant is located in the same block and also closes at 10 p.m. Fridays.
>> Eats & Treats has always been a popular spot among locals but don’t diddle-daddle, they close at 8.
>> Figaro’s Pizza is another evening option with a closing time of 9 p.m. Not a bad spot for wings in addition to pizza.
>> Dirt Road Brewing has more than beer, including some very popular artisan-style pizzas. This establishment stays open until 9 p.m.
>> The Dizzy Hen is open three evenings a week, including Fridays from 5:30-8:30 p.m., with a very tasty-looking dinner menu.
>> Gathering Together Farm’s restaurant has reopened for the season with the hours of 5 to 8:30 p.m. This restaurant publishes a unique menu each week on its website.
>> On the far west end, The Woodsman stays open until 9 p.m. Great local place for Thai food but also has other choices on the menu.
>> If you need a frozen treat, Dairy Queen stays open until 9 p.m.
>> Subway will make a sandwich for you if you get there before closing time at 10 p.m.
>> In the same lot, The Human Bean has great options for hot and cold beverages along with some snacks. They’re open until 9 p.m.
>> If you need a run to the Golden Arches, McDonald’s closes at 11 p.m.
>> And if you just need a drink after hours (or before after hours), the Meet’n Place Tavern is open until 2:30 a.m.
* * * * *
Maxtivity’s Graphic Activism class with Louisa Hamachek runs from 7-9 p.m. The class focuses on using your artistic voice for social change. The cost is $30. Call 541-714-3443 for information.
Saturday, April 27
The Marys River Grange Plant Sale and Seed Swap, an annual fundraiser that benefits Philomath Community Services and Marys River Grange No. 685, begins at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to run until 2 p.m.
Vegetables, herbs, house plants, gardening supplies, native plants and seeds (free and for trade), flowers and more are typically available. All prices are by donation.
Organizers said baby goats from Windy Hill Farm will also be at the event for a limited time.
In addition, grange member Mark Files will be on site to sharpen knives and most special gardening tools. He can also offer advice on how to do it yourself.
For those who haven’t been to this historic building, it’s located at 24707 Grange Hall Road.
* * * * *
The OSU Extension Service’s second “Seed to Supper in the Garden” class “for new gardeners on a tight budget” runs from 10 a.m.-noon out at Lupe’s Community Garden at Philomath Community Services. This is the second of two sessions. Follow this link for more information.
* * * * *
For track and field fans, make a run (OK, you can drive) to Junction City for an interesting meet. Unlike most other invites, every athlete participating scores, so brace yourself for some big numbers in the final team standings. The field events start at 10 a.m. and the running events at 1 p.m. The complete PHS roster will not compete with some athletes participating in an elite meet on Friday.
* * * * *
Over in Corvallis at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library (645 NW Monroe Ave.), the Mid-Willamette Woodworkers Guild’s Exhibition of Fine Woodworking will run from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. This event features works from guild members and also some top pieces from high school students.
* * * * *
If you love oysters, here’s an event that might interest you. It’s the second annual Oyster Fest at Common Fields (545 SW Third St.) in partnership with Local Ocean and Flying Fish. There will be multiple oyster stations set up serving freshly shucked oysters, live music, an oyster-shucking competition and more. ($20 admission includes branded glass and four tokens plus a “speed-dating card”; $4 for additional tokens).
Sunday, April 28
The 10th annual Corvallis Tweed Ride will begin at 10 a.m. at Second and Washington in the downtown area. The easy 12-mile route will feature a scenic tour of notable trees in Corvallis. Vintage attire is encouraged. Pack a luncheon basket because the group will pause for a picnic. An afterparty is planned for Treebeerd’s Taphouse.
