A lot of folks will have a long weekend with Memorial Day coming up on Monday — a time to reflect and honor those who died while serving our country in the military. A few weekends ago, Philomath hosted an event at Mount Union Cemetery.
Beyond this special day’s meaning, it’s also a time to relax over a three-day weekend (and for Philomath students, it’ll be a four-day weekend with the kids also not in class on Friday).
Here’s a rundown of Philomath events and activities along with a few others close to us for May 24-27.
Friday, May 24
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, May 25
The Philomath Community Library will host a special reading of “The Sea Hides a Seahorse” with author Sara T. Behrman at 10:30 a.m. Grass Roots Books & Music will be on site selling books for anyone interested in buying a copy. In addition to the reading, there will be crafts and songs at the event, which will run until 11:30. Organizers said the event is perfect for ages 4-8. The library is located at 1050 Applegate St.
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Art enthusiasts may want to check out a current exhibit at Philomath Museum called “Bringing the World Together: Paintings, Prints & Panels” by Betty LaDuke. This artist’s current exhibitions focus on social justice from multiple perspectives with colorful, elaborate totems and turtles carrying messages of resilience. This retrospective art exhibit includes paintings, prints and panels created between 1972 and 2023. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
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Live music at Lumos Wine Co. continues at its Philomath-area tasting room with a performance from 2-4 p.m. by “Enjoy the Ride,” a Corvallis-based band that plays a wide range of tunes from the past 50 years. Organizers recommend that folks bring a picnic (limited food available for purchase) and lawn chairs. Lumos Wine Co. is located at 24000 Cardwell Hill Drive.
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The third and final day of the Class 4A/3A/2A/1A State Tennis Championships will be staged at the OSU Tennis Complex with the action beginning at 8 a.m. Philomath qualified three singles players for this year’s tournament — Andrew Leonard for the boys and Bailey Bell and Adele Beckstead for the girls. The morning begins with the consolation semifinals, then goes to the championship bracket semifinals, the consolation finals and the third-place matches. The championship matches will wrap it up and will not start before noon.
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As part of Historic Preservation Month here in Benton County, Willamette Grange Hall over on Greenberry Road and Highway 99W will host guided tours at 12:15, 1:15 and 2:15 p.m. Jay Sexton, a Philomath resident who is currently the Oregon State Grange president, will serve as the tour guide. Admission is free.
Sunday, May 26
The fifth annual Philomath Farmers’ Market will make its debut for the season with several vendors on site from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in front of Philomath Community Library. This event has progressed from year-to-year ever since its debut as a pilot project back in 2020. The market will run for 22 weeks here in 2024.
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The Music in the Park concert series welcomes Chipindura Marimba from 6-8 p.m. at Philomath City Park. The organization, Ancient Ways, has ensembles that perform contemporary and traditional songs, including original pieces developed in a Zimbabwean style.
Monday, May 25
Lumos Wine Co. will host a concert on Memorial Day from 2-4 p.m. with a performance by Cheatgrass. Described as an “invasive bluegrass band,” the Corvallis-based group features Jim Ellenson on mandolin, Gordon Grant on banjo and Paul Regan on guitar. Organizers recommend that folks bring a picnic (limited food available for purchase) and lawn chairs. Lumos Wine Co. is located at 24000 Cardwell Hill Drive.
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Another nearby winery, Tyee Wine Cellars on Greenberry Road, will host a Memorial Day concert and picnic from noon-5 p.m. Taking the stage will be The Space Neighbors and Cool Jones. Nick’s: Soul Food and Go Giddy Pops will both be on site. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Food, wine and beer are sold separately. Those planning to attend are welcome to bring their own picnic but no outside alcohol is allowed. Also, no dogs on concert days. Tyee is located at 26335 Greenberry Road.