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Eric Gold

a twilight street filled with people browsing tents with items on display a twilight street filled with people browsing tents with items on display
i
The monthly First Thursday art walk in the Pearl District
Culture / Arts

Monthly Art Walks in Portland

Monthly events offer a street-level view of local artists and galleries.

Updated Nov. 10, 2022 1 min read

Eric Gold

Portland’s art scene has so much going on, it merits at least three regular celebrations, held in different creative neighborhoods around town.

First Thursday

First Thursday, in the Pearl District and downtown, has been going strong since 1986. On the first Thursday of each month, galleries and businesses, including the Pacific Northwest College of Art debut new exhibitions, stay open late and throw a soiree, complete with free wine and snacks and great people-watching. Of course, it’s also serious business for local galleries like the Elizabeth Leach Gallery, one of the celebration’s pioneers.

Last Thursday

During Northeast Alberta Street’s Last Thursday, the art openings at spaces like the Guardino Gallery set the scene for a boisterous street fair that attracts independent artists and performers, from local bands to troupes of acrobats. Held year-round, the event is biggest from May through September, when the street is closed to traffic during the festivities.

First Friday

First Friday, hosted by Central Eastside galleries, studios and alternative art spaces, brings visitors up close with working artists in this burgeoning district. As its name implies, this art walk happens year-round on the first Friday of each month.

Arts, Events, Summer

More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.

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Neighborhood Highlights

Look Around
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Pearl District

The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries on loading docks with cobblestone streets, which hint at this former warehouse district’s past.

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Alberta Arts District

Lined with street art, galleries, restaurants and bars, this Northeast Portland neighborhood is best known for its colorful monthly street fair.

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Central Eastside

Criss-crossed with train tracks and lined with old industrial factories, some of Portland's favorite restaurants, microbreweries, boutiques and events call the Central Eastside home.

Visual Arts in Portland

View paintings, sculptures and other visual art in a wide range of galleries, public spaces and unexpected venues.

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