Search Alberta Arts District
Stroll Alberta's main street to discover local art, live music and a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Alberta Street is bursting with things to do any day of the year. Having a hard time narrowing down where to go? Use this guide to plan a perfect day filled with food, drink and local culture in Northeast Portland’s Alberta Arts District.
Learn More About Alberta Street
Where are the best places to eat on Alberta Street?
What are some quintessentially Portland things to do on Alberta?
– Eat a Grilled Cheese Sandwich inside a school bus at The Grilled Cheese Grill
– Stay in a tiny house at Caravan, the tiny house hotel
– Look for Mike Bennett’s yard zoo
– Browse tiny (and regular-sized) survival and camping tools at Cord
– See a show at The Alberta Rose Theater or Alberta Street Pub
What’s the history of Alberta Street?
Where to Stay on Alberta
Need a place to sleep? Alberta has a creative alternative to the run-of-the-mill hotel: Caravan, the world’s first tiny house hotel. Each cabin includes a kitchen, bathroom, dining area and loft bed — all in less than 200 square feet (18.5 sq m).
Live Events on Alberta
Know Before You Go
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oregon’s governor has limited large events based on the current risk level.
Some events may be cancelled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.
When summertime arrives, Alberta welcomes back its iconic monthly street fair, Last Thursday. The neighborhood’s response to “First Thursday” (an elegant arts walk in Northwest Portland’s upscale Pearl District neighborhood). During Last Thursday, more than 150 local vendors, artists and musicians line Alberta Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic.
Anchoring the neighborhood’s east end, the Alberta Rose Theatre offers up live music, comedy nights, art house films and other events year-round, meaning there’s never a bad time to stop in.
Alberta Street Pub hosts live music almost every day of the week with multiple acts throughout the day during weekends. The massive outdoor patio is a great place to hang out with friends, family or simply soak it all in.
Where to Eat and Drink on Alberta
Wake up with a cup of direct trade coffee at hip local roaster Case Study Coffee, which serves seasonal java in an inviting café filled with warm wood beams, leafy potted plants and ample natural light.
Case Study shares a patio with one of Portland’s most popular (and most dog-friendly) brunch destinations, Tin Shed. Chow down on the “Everything Nice,” a sampler platter piled with potato cakes, sausage, French toast and scrambled eggs or a hearty breakfast bowl.
When lunchtime rolls around, kick back with a mason jar of boozy peach lemonade at the Bye and Bye, a vegan restaurant and watering hole where locals chow down on bowls of brown rice, Brussels sprouts and barbecue tofu on a sun-dappled patio.
Don’t let the name fool you, the Bollywood Theater doesn’t charge admission. Feast on Indian small plates of street food such as lamb samosas, pork vindaloo, or fried sweet and sour cauliflower while you watch a Bollywood movie projected on the wall.
Alberta Sipping Spots
Get a taste of Alberta at these recommended watering holes.
Alberta Street Art and Murals
Murals and galleries line Alberta Street. In addition to dedicated gallery spaces like Alberta Street Gallery, Antler and Guardino, you’ll find local art for sale at Ampersand, Tin Shed, and other businesses on Alberta’s main street. At Flight 64 you can see art by local printmakers, or attend a workshop.
Alberta Main Street recently collaborated with local Black artists and storytellers to teach visitors about the neighborhood’s history. Look for Black Heritage Markers on the sidewalk between 11th Avenue and 24th Avenue.
Alberta Street Shopping
Feeling inspired? Stop by Collage to fulfill your creative urge. The well-stocked art supply store has everything you need for drawing, painting, jewelry-making, stamping, mixed-media or card-making.
Close Knit sells yarn, knitting and crochet supplies and offers online classes for beginning and intermediate sweater makers. Browse their extensive yard selection online before you visit, or ask their friendly staff for recommendations.
At Grasshopper you’ll find organic, American-made children’s clothing and non-toxic toys. For casual but beautiful locally-made fashion, pop next door to Tumbleweed for a selection of dresses and accessories by indie designers.
Fashion for Any Body
More to Explore
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