Corvallis is more than a college town—it’s a vibrant, music-loving community where melodies drift from parks, pubs, wineries, and stages. Whether you're into symphonies or swing dancing, chamber music or beer tap-house jams, this city strikes the perfect chord for music lovers of all stripes. This guide covers everything from classical concerts and outdoor summer shows to local festivals, live-music wineries, and record stores—your all-access pass to the rich, eclectic soundscape of Corvallis.
From foot-tapping brass bands to funk-filled festivals, Corvallis makes the most of its sunny days and cool summer nights.
American Dream Pizza (Downtown)
Corvallis’ legendary alley dance party returns every August with live music, DJs, and street vibes behind this iconic downtown pizzeria. Come for the rooftop beer garden, stay for the moves.
Chintimini Park Summer Concerts
Hosted at the Corvallis Community Center, these laid-back concerts feature local musicians playing everything from folk to blues in a charming neighborhood setting.
Corvallis Community Band
A beloved hometown tradition, a fixture since the 1920s, this high quality group of volunteers plays band instruments. It performs Tuesday evenings in Central Park, featuring a wide variety of music including show tunes, marches, and classical pops for all ages.
Hilltop Big Band
Serving up jazz and swing since 1988, this big band ensemble delivers toe-tapping performances of Duke Ellington to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band at the Central Park Gazebo and intimate gigs at Old World Deli.
Majestic in the Park
Presented by The Majestic Theatre held at Starker Arts Park, this summer series brings the arts outdoors, showcasing such classics as Shakespeare in the Park or Broadway in the Park featuring popular show tunes.
(Photo: Hilltop Big Band at Old World Deli, courtesy the Hilltop Big Band.)
Philomath Music in the Park
Just west of Corvallis, Philomath’s City Park (299 S 23rd St, Philomath) hosts free concerts with rotating local acts every second Wednesday and fourth Sunday in summer. Grab chairs and the family and share the joy.
SAGE Summer Concert Series
Held Thursday evenings in July and August at Starker Arts Park, this pay-what-you-can series supports the Corvallis Environmental Center's education programs. Bring the kids and boogie barefoot as you enjoy mixed genres in a lush outdoor setting. Food carts and children's activities make it a fun and easy night out for the whole family.
Larger-than-life events where music takes center stage—often alongside food, art, and community fun.
Corvallis Celtic Festival (July)
Tyee Winery transforms into a hub of fiddlers, flutists, food, and crafts. Enjoy traditional Irish sessions, Ceili dancing, and free concerts. Check website for other dates, locations & and events.
Benton County Fair & Rodeo (August)
This week-long celebration includes nightly concerts by regional and rising stars. Have a band? Sign up for the Battle of the Bands contest!
Corvallis Fall Festival (September)
Over 175 artisan booths, a Saturday night street dance, and multiple music stages make this downtown event a must for lovers of the arts and rhythm.
Funk in the Forest (September)
This grassroots music fest fills Avery Park with danceable beats, local food, and funky community vibes every September.
(Photo: Taylor Dane at the Benton County Fair, by Reed Lane Photography.)
2 Towns Ciderhouse Harvest Party (Fall)
Held at the 2 Towns Ciderhouse Headquarters, 5123 SW Hout Street, this fall favorite features tastings of award-winning ciders, tours, tethered hot air balloon rides, food trucks, and lively music that fills the air.
Corvallis Spirits Festival (November)
An all-inclusive day of live music and tastings of Oregon’s best craft distilleries of almost every genre. Held at 4 Spirits Distillery in south Corvallis, it's the warm, wintry contrast to summer’s open-air jams.
Wine, cider, and craft brews pair perfectly with live tunes at these laid-back venues.
2 Towns Ciderhouse
Bold cider, bold vibes. Zip up, sip up, and dance at seasonal events like Prom Y2K or the cozy Onesie Party.
Airlie Winery
This women-owned vineyard near Monmouth offers “Sounds of Summer Sundays,” pairing sweeping views, wine and cheese with local favorites like DTW Lite and Wild Hog in the Woods.
Block 15 Brewing Co.
The Southtown Tap Room’s free Wednesday “Summer Music Series” features rotating bands, a kid-friendly and dog-friendly outdoor play area, BBQ, soft-serve ice cream, and your favorite house-brewed pints.
Cardwell Hill Cellars
Picnic and sip estate Burgundy varietals while listening to live musicians play jazz, blues, or classical guitar during Friday night concerts, while enjoying the Coast Range foothills vistas.
Lumos Wine Co.
Located on a historic dude ranch, Lumos offers organic wines and a variety of musicians to enjoy on lazy summer afternoons on their tasting deck or under the oaks.
Sky High Brewing
Live rooftop sets, DJ dance parties in the summer, and for beer fests, on-site crafted brews and expansive sunset views make this one of the most atmospheric places to catch a groove.
(Photo: Lumos Wine Co., Philomath, Oregon.)
Tyee Wine Cellars
Rock your start to summer with Tyee’s annual Memorial Day Picnic when a popular local band takes to the stage by their historic barn. Wander the trails through hazelnut orchards and cathedral oak trees. Enjoy their estate wine with a picnic you brought or bought from the on-site food truck.
From food truck pods to historic theaters, Corvallis’ music scene hums in some wonderfully unexpected places. This friendly-sized town offers an eclectic mix of venues that champion local talent and create welcoming spaces for music lovers of all stripes:
Bombs Away Café
Located near the Oregon State University campus, Bombs Away has built a reputation as a launchpad for emerging bands and touring acts. The vibe is quirky, the menu eclectic, and the stage often filled with genre-defying performances.
Common Fields
Corvallis’ community taproom and food truck pod becomes a lively outdoor music venue every Wednesday in summer. With local food trucks, craft beer, and a rotating lineup of events — including live music, drag, comedy, and trivia — it’s a family- and dog-friendly spot to kick back and enjoy the local scene.
Corvallis Folklore Society
A digital hub for community-centered events including contra dances, open mics, and folk concerts. Their calendar is packed with participatory performances highlighting the city’s grassroots musical spirit.
Corvallis Music Collective (CorvMC)
Their new space at 6775 Philomath Blvd offers local musicians a place to perform or practice until they’re stage ready! Check their Instagram for show times. Whether you're a musician or a fan, CorvMC is helping build a stronger, more connected music community in Corvallis.
(Photo: Common Fields, by Avery Hadley.)
Interzone
Since 1998, this beloved hangout near campus has been known for its vegetarian/vegan fare, organic coffee, and eclectic charm. While primarily a daytime café, it occasionally transforms into a cozy music venue in the evenings, hosting punk shows, acoustic sets, or jazz performances. The crowd is loyal, the vibe is welcoming, and the annual summer Block Party is a must.
The LaSells Stewart Center
The OSU campus features the acoustically excellent Austin Auditorium and other spaces that regularly host 100s of events, including classical concerts, student ensembles, and community music events — all in a polished, professional setting.
Experience Corvallis’ refined side with world-class performances blending local talent and international artistry.
Chamber Music Corvallis
Intimate, exceptional performances featuring top-tier small ensembles from around the world. A partnership with PRAx brings concert-hall caliber sound to every seat.
Chintimini Chamber Music Festival
This June festival features world-class musicians with roots in the Willamette Valley, performing over four themed weekends at the First Congregational Church. With children’s concerts, donor receptions, and events throughout the year, Chintimini brings classical music to the community in fresh, inspiring ways.
Corvallis-OSU Piano International
From classical to jazz to world music, this innovative series showcases the piano in all its brilliance. Highlights include the acclaimed Steinway Piano Series, intimate Piano in the Vineyard performances, and inspiring events throughout the year—making Corvallis a must for music lovers planning a cultural escape.
Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra
A cornerstone of the Willamette Valley music scene since 1906, this dynamic 110-member ensemble blends university and community talent in powerful performances of classical masterworks. As Oregon’s longest continually operating orchestra, it presents four major concerts each season—each one an unforgettable experience.
Willamette Valley Symphony
This volunteer-driven orchestra of 50–60 musicians from all around the Willamette Valley offers powerful performances in a cozy, close-up setting. Concerts are held at Ashbrook Independent School in Corvallis, where the clear, resonant acoustics make every note shine. With five concerts each October–June season, the symphony is an excellent way for visitors to enjoy classical music in an intimate, community-focused venue.
The Majestic Theatre
When built in 1913, The Majestic Theatre attracted well-known entertainers and vaudeville shows. These days, it's a community-run space that supports a variety of live music performances alongside theater productions and cultural programming.
Old World Center
Old World Deli and Oregon Trail Brewery is a laid-back deli by day and an essential stop for local live music by night. Its relaxed atmosphere is ideal for catching jazz combos, folk duos, and indie rock sets — even better when paired with a sandwich and a pint.
The Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx)
OSU’s newest (opened in April 2024) is a cutting-edge technology arts center with multiple performance spaces. From a 490-seat concert hall, built to be ‘acoustically among the best in the west,’ to a flexible black box theater, PRAx offers everything from world class performances to immersive sound installations — making it a must-visit for contemporary and classic music lovers.
(Photo: PRAx, courtesy of PRAx.)
Whiteside Theatre
Built in 1922 as a movie palace showing “talkies,” this historic theatre now hosts live music, film screenings, and community events. With standout acoustics and vintage charm, it’s a favorite among performers and audiences alike.
Dig deep into Corvallis’ musical soul with analog treasures and local expertise.
Happy Trails Records
Step into a time capsule of sound at this beloved downtown Corvallis staple since 1974, packed with new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and oddball collectibles—and is still grooving with that classic '70s record store feel. Meet the passionate guides who can help you discover new artists based on the music you already love. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your vinyl journey, you’ll find good vibes, great music, and a deep well of local knowledge.
PreAtomic Records
A bright, airy shop for crate-diggers and vintage lovers alike, PreAtomic Records is your go-to for rare vinyl, hi-fi gear, and musical surprises. They curate an ever-changing mix of jazz, folk, rock, and eclectic finds—with listening stations and a record cleaner so you can try before you buy. It’s a local hub for audiophiles and casual fans alike.
(Photo: Happy Trails Records, Corvallis.)
Bullfrog Music
For over 15 years this cozy, no-frills shop has offered high-quality acoustic and electric guitars, amps, and accessories—carefully selected by owners Xion and Jim. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Bullfrog is known for expert advice, repairs, and personal service. If you’re searching for your next favorite six-string, this is the first stop to make.
The Fingerboard Extension
Since 1978, The Fingerboard Extension has been a go-to for guitars, ukuleles, drums, and quirky finds you won’t spot anywhere else. This friendly, full-service shop is known for great gear, honest repairs, and a staff that knows their stuff. Whether you're just passing through or looking to plug into the Corvallis music scene, it’s the perfect place to explore, ask questions, and maybe leave with something special.
Troubadour Music Center
A Corvallis institution since 1970, Troubadour Music Center is the city’s oldest music store and a beloved hub for musicians. Run by the founder’s son, the shop specializes in new and used stringed instruments, repairs, and restoration work—crafted with the kind of care you don’t see every day. Stop in, and you might catch the luthiers at work behind the counter or stumble into the “Local Folk!” open mic night, held on the first Thursday of each month. Whether you’re browsing, buying, or just curious, Troubadour is a must-visit for music lovers downtown.
Corvallis isn’t just a place to hear music—it’s a place to feel it. From orchestras to open-air concerts and funky festivals to dusty vinyl bins, the scene here is as welcoming as it is diverse. Pack your picnic blanket, polish your dancing shoes, and come experience the sonic soul in the heart of the Willamette Valley.
Ready to join the rhythm of Corvallis? Head over to the Visit Corvallis Events section online to find up-to-date listings of live shows, festivals, and community music gatherings. Your next favorite artist might be just around the corner.
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