SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ART, HISTORY, AND COMMUNITY. IT’S ALL HERE IN THE PEARL! #AROUNDTHEPEARL

Get ready to dive into the exciting events happening in our wonderful community with Around the Pearl as your ultimate guide!

Welcome to Around the Pearl!

We shine a spotlight on everything happening in the Pearl District—from exciting events and art shows to new businesses and local stories that reflect the growth and spirit of our neighborhood. Our goal is to keep you connected to the people, places, and happenings that make the Pearl such a vibrant, evolving part of the city. Whether it's discovering hidden gems, celebrating local culture, or staying in the loop with what's next, Around the Pearl is your insider guide.

  • First Thursday Street Gallery – Local artists take over the historic 13th Ave with open-air booths and live art from April to October

  • First Thursday Gallery Walk – A monthly evening stroll through the district’s top galleries, with openings and artist meet-and-greets. (year round)

  • Portland Center Stage Events – World-class theater productions, talkbacks, and special performances at The Armory.

  • Art in the Pearl – An annual Labor Day weekend fine arts and crafts festival held in the North Park Blocks.

Stay informed by checking out Around the Pearl News and subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates!

Upcoming Events

  • Life of Riley, Birthday , 19

    Life of Riley Turns 19!

    Come celebrate Life of Riley’s 19th birthday in true party style on August 1st! Expect live music, raffles, limited edition merch, and specialty cocktails—all topped off with all-day happy hour deals.

    🍻 Rock out, raise a glass, and toast to 19 years of good times!

    Link for more info

  • The Low Brow: WHOA NOW – DJ Night Round 2

    What: DJ Night featuring local artists

    When: August 2nd

    Where: Low Brow Lounge

    Cover: $5 after 8 PM

    Additional: Donations appreciated to support performers

    This is just the beginning—WHOA NOW will be happening more often, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement and support Portland’s creative community!

    More info

  • First Thursday, street gallery

    First Thursday Street Gallery

    When: August 7th, 2025

    Time: 5 PM–9 PM

    📍 Location: First Thursday Street Gallery on NW 13th Ave (between Hoyt & Kearney)

    ✨ What to Expect:

    Gallery receptions with art openings, food & drinks, and opportunities to meet artists

    Outdoor “Street Gallery” featuring around 100 local artists—ceramics, paintings, mixed media, and more

    Live music, pop-up vendors, and street performers creating a festive atmosphere

    More info here

  • First Thursday Gallery Walk, PADA

    First Thursday Gallery Walk

    August 7th, 2025

    First Thursday is Portland’s iconic monthly art walk, started 30 years ago by PADA’s founding members. Galleries in the Pearl District and beyond host exhibition openings and receptions, keeping the tradition alive while welcoming new voices into the art community.

    More info

  • Pet Art with Susi Davis

    Create one-of-a-kind artwork with your furry friend.

    Date: First Thursday – August 7, 2025
    Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Location: Susi Davis Studio, 239 NW 13th St., Portland, OR
    Hosted by: Pet Portrait Artist Susi Davis
    Contact:Susiwatercolors@gmail.com
    Website: Susibdaviswatercolors.com

  • Art in the Pearl

    Art in the Pearl 2025

    Art In The Pearl®, Portland Oregon’s annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, occurs every year on Labor Day weekend. The 29th annual festival will occur Labor Day Weekend, 2025 in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks -August 30, August 31, and September 1, 2025.

    Hours:
    10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday (August 30 and August 31, 2025)
    10am-4pm, Monday (September 1, 2025)

    The Festival is FREE and requires NO TICKETS for entry.

    More info here

  • Deschutes Brewery Guided Flight with Brewer

    What: A monthly craft-beer tasting event at Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House, featuring flights guided by brewery staff.

    When: September 4th, October 2nd and November 6th

    Where: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR (21+, free parking) 

    Why Attend: Perfect for beer lovers and novices alike—learn about brewing, enjoy curated flights, and have the flight fee waived with a to-go beer purchase ($25+)

    Tickets here

  • 📚 Bill McKibben at Powell’s City of Books

    Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

    Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (PDT)

    Location: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside St., Portland, OR

    Details: Climate activist and author Bill McKibben will celebrate his new book Here Comes the Sun, exploring the rise of solar and wind energy as a path out of climate change.

    Tickets: Includes admission and a hardcover copy of the book. Ticketed event with refund available up to 7 days in advance

    More info here

  • Powell's City of Books, Pearl District, Around the Pearl

    Powell's City of Books Events

    Powell’s downtown location continues to host acclaimed authors this season.

    Visit https://www.powells.com/events for full event details and RSVPs.

  • Puppies and Yoga Portland

    Every Saturday and Sunday, recharge with the perfect combo of gentle yoga and playful puppy energy. Spots fill fast—sign up today for your weekly dose of joy! @puppiesyogaportland

    Location: 13 NW 13th St

    Website

  • The Studio Northwest: Ongoing Acting and Workshop Classes, Around the Pearl, Portland, Creative workshop

    The Studio Northwest: Ongoing Acting and Workshop Classes

    New Students Welcome Anytime!Our acting classes & workshops will guide you on your perfect audition, on-camera acting techniques, character development, scene study & More!

    Website

    Science Study- Acting for TV & Film | February 5th, 2025- January 28th, 2026 | Wednesday’s | 6:30pm

    Essential Acting: For the Beginner & Returning Students | February 10th, 2025- January 26th, 2026 | Mondays at 6:45pM

  • Fields Bar and Grill: Knowledge is Power, Around the Pearl, Pearl, sports bar, free, games, community, group activity, 21+

    Fields Bar and Grill: Trivia Night

    Knowledge is Power at The Fields!

    Date: Tuesday nights

    Time: 7 pm

    Location: Fields Bar & Grill 139 NW 11th Ave, Pearl District Portland, OR 

    Details: assemble your dream team of up to 8 people, enjoy our excellent drinks and food, and compete for exciting prizes. Challenge accepted?

    Webiste: thefieldspdx.com

Pearl District Galleries

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🎉 Event of the Week: WHOA NOW – DJ Night at Low Brow Lounge 🎧 Celebrate Portland’s creative pulse with a night of local DJ sets, good vibes, and community energy. 🗓 August 2 📍 Low Brow Lounge 💵 $5 cover after 8 PM 💖 Donations enco
☀️ Summer in the Pearl is heating up! From street galleries and live DJs to dance showcases and art festivals — there’s something happening every week in the neighborhood 🎉 🗓️ Mark your calendars and follow Around the Pearl for your ul
🎭 Event of the Week: JAW Weekend Kickoff at The Armory 🎶 Start your weekend with a burst of energy! Head to The Armory on Friday, July 25 at 6:30 PM for an electrifying hour of street, club, and urban dance performances by some of Portland’s
🎨 Event of the Week: Lee Kelly Opening Reception Join us for the opening of Cor-Ten Revisited, a new exhibition highlighting Lee Kelly’s iconic use of weathered Cor-Ten steel. Featuring sculptures and collages influenced by his travels to Jap
Event of the week: Jazz in the Pearl returns with a free live performance by The Norman Sylvester Band featuring Lenanne Miller. 📍 Jamison Square Park 📅 Friday, July 11 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Bring a lawn chair or grab a spot on the fountain
☀️Picnic in the Pearl is this week’s can’t-miss community event—featuring local vendors, live music, and laid-back summer vibes. Come out, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a perfect day in the district. 🗓 July 3rd 🕒 2:00pm-9:00
🔥 PORTLAND NACHO WEEK IS HERE! 🔥 Grab your napkins and get ready — $10 specialty nachos are taking over the Pearl! 🌮 Hit these 5 Pearl District hot spots from June 23–29: @riverpigsaloon @carlitasttw @brixtavern @papichulostacos @back
Juneteenth Cookout with Free Art Supplies, Music & Screen Printing All Ages • Community Welcome In celebration of Juneteenth—a time to honor and uplift Black liberation efforts past, present, and future—the community is invited

Connect with your community!

Submit your event by contacting us by email or DM @aroundthepearl.pdx

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