Albany Holiday Parade 2026, March With the Linn Benton NAACP
Walk With the Branch in the Downtown Twice Around Parade.
Meet at 4:00 PM at Carpet One, 416 Pacific Blvd SW in Albany. Parade starts at 5:00 PM sharp, rain or shine. Free.
The Albany Holiday Parade 2026 is Saturday, December 5, and the Linn Benton NAACP Branch 1118 has been invited to march in the Downtown Twice Around Holiday Parade. Members, families and friends will meet at 4:00 PM, ride a free trolley to the staging area and walk behind the branch banner through Historic Downtown Albany when the parade starts at 5:00 PM. The goal is 25 marchers, and walkers and strollers are welcome.
The Branch Takes Its Place in an Albany Tradition
The Downtown Twice Around Parade is one of Albany’s favorite holiday traditions. Produced by the Albany Downtown Association, it loops through the historic district twice, with community groups, schools, businesses, the Albany Trolley and Santa riding on the city’s antique fire truck. This year the Linn Benton NAACP was invited to join, and branch president John Phillips IV has asked members to bundle up and walk together.
Marching as a branch is a simple, joyful way to show up in the community. Families along the route will see the NAACP banner, children will get stickers and candy handed out by the marchers, and neighbors who have never met the branch will get a first look at the people behind its work.
Email Sherrie Day to join the branch in the Albany Holiday Parade 2026. On parade day, text 541-286-1181 for the exact meetup spot.
Parade Day Plan
Marchers meet at 4:00 PM in the Carpet One parking lot at 416 Pacific Boulevard SW and take a free trolley to the staging area. The parade begins at 5:00 PM sharp. The traditional route starts near Broadalbin Street and 1st Avenue, heads west on 1st past the Albany Carousel, turns onto Calapooia to 2nd Avenue, runs east on 2nd back to Broadalbin and north to 1st Avenue to go around a second time. Organizers note the route may shift slightly.
What to Expect at the Albany Holiday Parade 2026
- March behind the bannerWalk together as the Linn Benton NAACP through Historic Downtown Albany.
- Stickers and candyThe branch provides treats to hand out. Items may not be thrown.
- All ages welcomeWalkers and strollers are welcome. Wear branch or holiday-themed clothing.
- Twice around downtownHoliday lights, music and crowds on both loops of the route.
- After partyHot cider and treats for marchers back at The Hub, the branch office.
The parade runs rain or shine. Wear warm layers, rain gear and comfortable shoes, and add lights or reflective items if you have them.
Why Showing Up Matters
Being visible in community traditions is part of how a branch grows. A parade puts the NAACP in front of crowds of neighbors in a setting that is warm and welcoming, and it reminds young people that civil rights work includes celebration, not just protest and policy. The Albany Holiday Parade 2026 is also a chance for members who rarely make it to meetings to spend an evening with the branch.
After the parade, everyone who walks is invited back to The Hub, 3111 Santiam Highway SE, Suite H, for hot cider and treats. It is a good place to meet the branch’s new officers, who will be elected in November, and to hear about plans for the new year.
About the Linn Benton NAACP
The Linn Benton NAACP Branch 1118 serves Linn and Benton counties and works on housing, health, voting and youth programs. NAACP AOWSAC shares this event so Oregonians across the region can take part. Find more events across Alaska, Oregon and Washington on the NAACP AOWSAC events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Albany Holiday Parade 2026
When and where do marchers meet?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Carpet One parking lot, 416 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany. A free trolley takes marchers to the staging area. The parade starts at 5:00 PM sharp.
How do I sign up to march with the branch?
Email Sherrie Day at [email protected] by December 1. On parade day you can text her at 541-286-1181 for the exact location.
Can children and strollers come?
Yes. Walkers and strollers are welcome. Suggested attire is branch or holiday themed.
What if it rains?
The parade runs rain or shine, so dress for Oregon weather.
Is there anything after the parade?
Yes. Marchers are invited to The Hub, 3111 Santiam Hwy SE, Suite H, for hot cider and treats.
Additional Resources
- Downtown Twice Around Parade, Visit Albany
- Albany Downtown Association
- Linn Benton NAACP Branch 1118
- NAACP National
Presented by the Linn Benton NAACP Branch 1118 and shared by the NAACP AOWSAC State Area Conference