Pearl District
The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries.
In the Pearl, loading docks and cobblestone streets hint at this former warehouse district’s past, while stylish bars and gleaming lofts point toward the future. Read on for our favorite things to do and see in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District.
Where to Stay in the Pearl
A stay amid the condos and galleries of the Pearl District puts you in the heart of the city, with easy access to shopping, dining and cultural offerings, along with proximity to downtown, Old Town Chinatown and Northwest Portland.
Pearl District Bars and Breweries
From the Brewery Blocks sample some beers and bars in this chic neighborhood.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Pearl District
Start your morning or midday with a sip of espresso from Barista or La Perlita. If you’re looking for less caffeine find your way to Tea Bar and peruse their selection of tea lattes. For a quick bite, French-style bakery Nuvrei serves up beautiful pastries, or if you’re looking for a sunny lunch spot with outdoor seating, Lovejoy Bakers, offers a wide array of freshly baked bread and creative sandwiches.
Step into fine-dining spot Andina and enjoy live Latin-inspired music at adjoining Bar Mestizo before dining on cebiche, tamales, empanadas and other Novo-Andean tapas dishes at this celebrated Peruvian restaurant. Other Pearl favorites include Khao San serving authentic Thai food served in a Thai street setting. Pizza and Italian dishes made of fresh Northwest ingredients are on the menu at Piattino. Break Bread serves up Portland-style subs on local bread. Get your fill of sustainably sourced fish at Yama Sushi and Sake Bar. And for dessert, try Cool Moon Ice Cream.
Art Galleries in the Pearl District
This neighborhood is home to a huge arts community and First Thursday, a bustling monthly art walk.
Things To Do in the Pearl District
The Pearl District was once the art mecca of Portland, though you can find incredible artists and makers all over Portland these days, the Pearl still boasts some of the best galleries and a time-old tradition, First Thursday, when the galleries open their doors after hours and local artists flock to the streets to showcase their work.
For an urban area in the central city, the Pearl District offers more parks and green spaces than you might expect. Tanner Springs Park is a full city block of wetlands, walkways, stairs and sitting areas, providing a glimpse of the neighborhood’s pre-industrial roots. Jamison Square, two blocks to the south, features a fountain that creates a wading pool during the warmer months; The Fields Park, one block north of Tanner Springs Park, is a green space where you can get in some quality time with your friends, family or dog — or just lie back and soak up some rays.
Portland Center Stage at the Armory brings classic and contemporary theater in a beautifully transformed former armory, featuring a large stage and a smaller black box stage on the lower level. True to its origins, Portland Center Stage started as a mostly classical theater company, now commissioning its own plays from leading national playwrights and bringing the best new work to town from around the country.
Find Powell’s City of Books and Oblation Paper & Press, among blocks of big brand stores for all your shopping needs, from sports and outdoor wear to shoes, dresses and jeans.
Pearl District Events
Enjoy Portland's Pearl District at these upcoming events.
Froelick Gallery: Japanese Artists Exhibition
Froelick Gallery is proud to welcome back Seiichi Hiroshima with a solo exhibition. Seiichi Hiroshima is a master printmaker, Moon & Dog Press co-owner, and print artist living and working in Tokyo, Japan. Hiroshima primarily uses the color mezzotint process, an extremely difficult technique he has perfected. He scratches plates with a rocker and then burnishes…
Froelick Gallery: V. Maldonado "ojo de aguila"
Froelick Gallery is pleased to present V. Maldonado’s recent body of work titled ojo de aguila (eagle's eye). Their unique aerial perspective and commitment to creative healing are at the core of V. Maldonado’s studio practice. The artist has journeyed through deep reflections and past experiences, often looking back in order to run toward the future. What…
The History of Empires
This exuberant dance theater work by acclaimed NY theater company Witness Relocation investigates the rise and fall of empires — historical, contemporary, urban, political, and even in personal domains. Performed and co-choreographed by Marcus McGregor, marking his return to performance after a 15-year hiatus, following a distinguished career as a dancer with Dance Theater of Harlem and…
Encore: A Festival of Staged Readings
Artists Repertory Theatre is coming home. Join one of the decades with ART Encore: A Festival of Staged Readings each night. The journey begins with a Replay: An 80s Flashback, a trip through ART’s origin story with some founding artists. Then, journey through each of the subsequent decades, starting with the gripping Keely & Du (1994/95 Season), Speech &…
Head Games Trivia Night
Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams of up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. General knowledge trivia combines movie clips, sound effects, pictures and popular music to give players a one of a kind 2-hour experience. The pace is relaxed so there is plenty of…
Exhibition and Reception for Designing Women
The two-person exhibition featuring new works by Melanie Flood and Matt Morris will be on view. ILY2 works with a multi-generational group of emerging, mid-career, and underrepresented artists in a program with a feminist focus.
Fonograf Editions Fundraiser w/ Eileen Myles, and more
Please join Fonograf Editions for a very special night of readings, music, libations, raffle prizes, and support for this small, non-profit literary press/record label. The line-up of artists and writers joining includes: Eileen Myles (virtual), Brandon Shimoda (virtual), Dao Strom, Neal Morgan , Emilly Prado, Connect on Instagram @fonografeditions, Twitter @fonograf_ed, Started in 2016, Fonograf Editions has always focused…
Kaliente Drag Brunch
Kharisma brings the heat with Kaliente, the newest Drag Brunch at your Stag PDX. Start your month with a bit of spice every 1st Sunday, with a show that has that extra kick that only Kharisma and her special guest performers can bring. Enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch options served from the buffet with mimosas available -…
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Starting in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration on the first Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors and dealers, the celebration has grown to a monthly event of over ten thousand people, including art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be seen. Art galleries in…
Cuentos De Triunfo
Cuentos De Triunfo is a day of boundless inspiration. This event is crafted to ignite the souls of the community. Delve into the riveting tales of resilience and triumph spun by diverse Latino Hispanic speakers, each a testament to the power of the human spirit. From navigating personal challenges to achieving extraordinary feats, these speakers…
a seagull
a seagull is a love letter and an elegy, the building of a play, the striking of a set, the putting on and taking off of roles and hats and moments. There will be dead birds and beating hearts. This project builds on ten years of PETE working on new translations of Chekhov plays. Drawing…
Portland Criterium Cycle Race
The Portland Criterium will return to the Portland North Park Blocks in August. This exciting form of bicycle racing will thrill racers and spectators alike as the race speeds around the streets over 30 mph. Bring the entire family to join a fun afternoon of racing and car-free events featuring some of the best athletes…
Portland Bazaar
The beloved Portland Bazaar is launching a NEW event happening April 13th and 14th. Known for its elevated holiday shopping experience in November and December, this spring shopping experience is flower market meets maker market. Free, open to the public and family-friendly. This market will also take place in Northwest Portland from 11 – 4…
Central City Guide
The walkable central city includes the Pearl District, Northwest/Nob Hill and downtown.
Downtown and Central City Shopping
Downtown Portland boasts a wide array of shopping options, from major national and international retailers to locally owned boutiques and specialty shops.
Central City Activities
Walk to a wide range of entertainment in central city and downtown Portland including theaters, museums and parks that play host to festivals and farmers' markets.
Downtown Restaurants
Downtown Portland restaurants run the gamut — you'll find everything from budget lunch options at a multitude of food carts to delicious fine dining at acclaimed dinner spots in central city.
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