Farmers’ markets, goat yoga and live arts are just a few activities for families to do outside of Oregon State University’s commencement during the weekend of June 15.
According to Christina Rehklau, executive director of Visit Corvallis, one such item is being offered by a new business, Engage Corvallis, which is offering walking tours around the city during commencement weekend.
These tours include “A Sip of History” and “Biographies and Beer,” both of which will end in a fermented beverage.
“I’ve been on those tours. They’re really interesting, as (the tour guide) goes deep into some of the back history of Corvallis,” Rehklau said. “It’s a fun tour, as you get to learn some different sides of Corvallis that maybe you didn’t know existed.”
Another such occasion could be enjoying goats, yoga and wine at Original Goat Yoga, an organization currently selling tickets for various goat yoga events during commencement weekend, offering a chance for visitors to cuddle with goats while participating in animal-assisted therapy, according to the organization’s website.
No pets are allowed at the events and only children over 8 years old can attend Goat Yoga, but all are welcome at Goat Happy Hour.
“With Goat Yoga, if you are looking to relax, it is in a very peaceful setting down there in the Bell Fountain area,” Rehklau said. “You’re not necessarily doing yoga. You can actually just go out there and hang out with some farm animals and I don’t know what it is about farm animals, but everybody always seems to love them. They always seem to be a hit with families.”
Visitors can find more opportunities for wine-tasting at the Benton-Lane Winery, which will offer live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during their Sunnymount Sessions on June 14, which will require reservations.
Fullerton Wine will offer people the experience of making their own wine with a reservation and the Heart of Willamette Wine Passport will allow visitors to taste wine at numerous locations within 30 miles of Corvallis.
“It’s just a fun time to be in Corvallis, just as its sense of celebration with everyone’s hard work,” Rehklau said. “A great time to come a little early or stay a little later to enjoy all the festivities.
The Arts Center is celebrating the work of emerging artists Camila Godoy Valdés and Marie McMahon in the 2024 Artist Accelerator Exhibition, which is planned to last from June 4 through June 29.
Further downtown, the Whiteside Theatre will be hosting funky soul-pop played by six-piece band Side Hustle at 7 p.m. on June 14.
Additionally, the Majestic Theatre will host a live performance of aerial arts with a Gods and Goddesses theme on June 15, and tickets are currently being sold.
OSU will put on display the advancements in science and technology that drove the development of music over the last 150 years in an ongoing exhibition called “Sonic Booms,” curated by University Director of Popular Music Bob Santelli at the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts.
Near PRAx, at Goss Stadium, the seven-time defending West Coast League champion Corvallis Knights will be playing against the Port Angeles Lefties on June 14.
Visiting families can enjoy three new restaurants that have opened in downtown Corvallis: the Lucca Taverna, Bodhi Bistro and Thai Home Kitchen.
Additionally, many restaurants in and around Corvallis will offer outdoor dining.
“Restaurants that have outdoor dining are going to be really popular as when you get into those June months,” Rehklau said. “It’s wonderful to dine outside.”
Terra Bella Farm is a brand-new establishment offering farm-themed items at their Bumble Boutique, along with farm tours and other experiences for reservation, according to Rehklau.
South from Corvallis in Monroe, Oregon, lies Lilliputopia, a small farm specializing in organic dry-farmed vegetables and fruit.
The Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets will be open in Corvallis from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to Rebecca Landis, market director for the Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets, vendors will be offering hundreds of products, including berries and salads for families interested in making salads for a picnic. Within the markets, a solar cooking demo will be provided by Slow Cook Solar.
Landis added there will also be a number of new vendors this year. A few vendors will also be available to buy from earlier than 9 a.m., although the markets will also be open in Philomath on Sundays.
“Unlike many other markets I’m aware of, we allow sales before 9 a.m. … Anything families buy at the farmers’ market will have to wait until gatherings after commencement,” Landis said, referring to the university’s policy disallowing food from outside vendors during commencement.
