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 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.

Here are just a few of the things to watch in the Pearl:

First Thursday Gallery Walk: Since the 1980s, First Thursday has grown from a small neighborhood gathering into one of Portland’s most beloved cultural traditions. Each month, visitors come to the Pearl District for gallery openings, artist talks, and an evening buzzing with creative energy.
Whether you’re a collector, a wine enthusiast, or just curious, First Thursday has something for everyone. Stroll through inspiring exhibits, meet the artists, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that makes the Pearl a hub of creativity.
Special thanks to the Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) for supporting and connecting our gallery community.
See why First Thursday has been at the heart of Portland’s art scene for nearly 40 years!
First Thursday Street Gallery: From April through October, historic NW 13th Avenue transforms into an open-air showcase featuring local artists, makers, and craftspeople. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop, and connect under the evening sky.
Portland Center Stage Events: World-class theater productions, talkbacks, and special performances at The Armory.
Powell’s Books: The world’s largest bookstore is in the Pearl! Stay tuned for book signings, panels, and other events!

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

Upcoming Events

PDNA Pearl Party 2025

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: NW 13th Ave between Flanders & Hoyt
Details:
NW 13th Avenue will transform into the ultimate neighborhood celebration with food, drinks, live music, football, raffles, and opportunities to connect with local businesses.
Hosted by: Pearl District Neighborhood Association
🔗 Learn more:pearlistrict.org
Portland Center Stage: Immigrant Story Live

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM
Location: PCS Main Stage
Details:
An evening of powerful storytelling, joyful mariachi music, and traditional dance that highlights the voices of young migrants and their impact on American life.
Admission: Free and open to the public
Presented by: Hacienda CDC and the City of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life Immigrant & Refugee Program
Learn more at pcs.org
Battle Creek Cellars: Trivia Night

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Location: Battle Creek Cellars, 820 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Details:
Spend the evening at Battle Creek Cellars answering trivia questions across three categories, with 10 questions each plus special Battle Creek–themed bonus rounds and tie-breakers. Teams of up to six can compete for a gift card prize—just remember, no phones allowed during play.
Admission: Reservation required
📚 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
Mono Space: CONTROL Film Screening

Director: Anton Corbijn
Date/Time: September 18th, 7:00 PM
Location: Mono Space
Admission: Free | No RSVP Required | Donations Welcome
Details:
Mono Space launches its media series with Control (2007), the acclaimed directorial debut of Anton Corbijn. The film tells the story of Ian Curtis of Joy Division, presented with immersive sound through the OJAS system.
Learn More
Portland Center Stage at The Armory

Primary Trust
Sep. 28 – Oct. 26, 2025
2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
By Eboni Booth/Directed by Chip Miller
“Primary Trust is a story about the transformative nature of small acts of kindness, the importance of community, and the courage it takes to embrace change.”-PCS
Dates/Times/Tickets
Visiting Artist Lecture: Laura Camila Medina

Hosted by Pacific Northwest College of Art
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM PDT
Location: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Mediatheque, 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
Details:
PNCA welcomes artist Laura Camila Medina for a lecture on her work and practice. Medina’s art explores memory, identity, and belonging through painting, sculpture, video collage, and new media. Her process draws from Colombian and U.S. cultural influences, magical realism, and transnational narratives to create powerful visual landscapes of memory and imagination.
Admission: Free and open to the public
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
MONO Space

Mono Space hosts a monthly Saturday program for curious listeners and readers alike. Guests are welcomed into the gallery to experience our sound system, gift shop, record archive, and library from 11am to 5pm. Each Gallery Hours is centered around a thematic soundtrack drawn from our collection, punctuated by special sets with guest selectors.
Website
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

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: 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

First Thursday Gallery Walk: A Pearl District Tradition

J. Pepin Gallery

Lynda Sprecher - Where Art Meets Heat | through Oct 12
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8pm
Website
Blackfish Gallery

Robert Shepard - Complete. Empty. | through Sept 27
Paul Missal - Revisited | through Sept 27
Anastasiya Gutnik - The Listening Grove | through Sept 27
Noah Alexander Isaac Stein - Synthetic Accretion | through Sept 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Sept 14, 2-4pm
Website
Blue Sky Gallery

Osamu James Nakagawa - Kai 廻: Following the Cycle of Life | through Sept 27
Nadia Sablin - Years Like Water | through Sept 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-9pm
Website
Gallery 114

Nancy Helmsworth, Lisa Conway & Julie Johnson - Riparian Reflections | through Sept 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Sept 6, 3-4:30pm
Meet & Greet Wrap-up Reception | Sept 27, 3:30-5pm
Website
Elizabeth Leach Gallery

Dance Apron -Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos)
Sep 4 - Oct 11, 2025
Read more on the Elizabeth Leach Gallery website
The Froelick Gallery

Holly Osborne - Garden Party
Exhibition| July 16th - September 13th, 2025
First Thursday Reception | August 7, 5-8pm.
Exhibition Talk | Saturday, August 9, 11am.
Website
Laura Vincent Design & Gallery

Erika Warhus - Restless Nature | through Sept 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8pm
A Dialogue with Erika Warhus | Sept 13, 11am-12pm
Website
Waterstone Gallery

Andrea Lopez - Evolving | through Sept 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Sept 21, 11am-12pm
Website
The Black Gallery

Group Show - Graffiti As Resistance | through Sept 27th
Website