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Peruse artwork by dozens of local artists at the First Thursday art walk in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District.

Credit: Ashley Anderson

Monthly Art Walks in Portland

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

Updated Jan. 9, 2024 2 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

Going strong since 1986, First Thursday is a beloved celebration of the arts centered in the Pearl District (adjoining neighborhoods like downtown and Northwest Portland/Nob Hill get in on the fun too). 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 food, drinks and great people-watching. Of course, it’s also serious business for local galleries like the Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Blackfish Gallery, Waterstone Gallery, Russo Lee Gallery and Blue Sky, among others.

During the warmer months, a section of Northwest 13th Avenue closes to traffic, allowing the party to spill into the streets. Artists, art enthusiasts, musicians and vendors lend a festive atmosphere, with thousands of people coming out for the occasion. Outdoors or indoors, rain or shine, this classic Portland event is always worth checking out.

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Credit: Ashley Anderson

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Last Thursday

During Northeast Alberta Street’s Last Thursday, art openings 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 June through August, when the street is closed to traffic during the festivities.

The focus of Last Thursday is the art, of course, putting galleries like Guardino Gallery, Alberta Street Gallery and Antler Gallery at the heart of the action. Extended hours and fun events are also held at studios and makerspaces, including Mimosa Studios and Flight 64. And it doesn’t stop there — venues, bars and other local businesses participate too. Make your way to Northeast Alberta Street and start exploring.

Neighborhood Highlights

Learn more about the lively neighborhoods where these art walks are held.

Look Around

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.

Alberta Arts District

Spend the day exploring Alberta Street’s eclectic shops, numerous art galleries, lively bars and seemingly never-ending food options.

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.

First Friday

First Friday— centered in the Central Eastside and hosted by galleries, studios and alternative art spaces — brings visitors up close with working artists in this burgeoning district. As its name implies, the art walk happens year-round on the first Friday of each month. An eclectic blend of more than 20 businesses, collectives and other hosts participate — like ADX (Art Design Xchange), One Grand Gallery and Clinton Street Coffeehouse — and a street exhibition is held during the warmer months.