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!
A promotional image for the 'Around the Pearl December Arts and Events Guide' featuring a collage of photos of holiday decorations and cityscapes. It includes Christmas trees, a decorated entrance, a bar, a Christmas display with a tree and Santa figure, and a phone showing a local cityscape with text about art, history, and community in the Pearl district.

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.

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

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✨ What’s Happening in the Pearl

First Thursday Gallery Walk
 Since the ’80s, this beloved Pearl tradition has turned the neighborhood into a buzzing arts playground. Wander through gallery openings, sip some wine, meet the makers, and soak up the creative spark that’s kept First Thursday glowing for nearly 40 years.
Big thanks to PADA, our local galleries and artists for keeping our arts community connected!

First Thursday Street Gallery
 April–October, NW 13th Avenue becomes an open-air art fair filled with local artists, makers, and handcrafted treasures. Stroll, shop, mingle—summer evenings don’t get better than this.

Portland Center Stage
Catch top-tier theater, lively talkbacks, and special performances at The Armory. Drama, comedy, magic—they’ve got it all.

Powell’s Books
Yes, the world’s largest bookstore is right here. Keep an eye out for signings, panels, and book-loving gatherings.!

Outdoor cafe with red umbrellas, people sitting on chairs, brick building walls, and signs for a coffee shop and other businesses in an urban setting.

Upcoming Events

  • Photo with Grinch at River Pig Saloon

    Location: River Pig Saloon (529 NW 13th Ave, Portland)

    Date: Saturday, December 13th

    Schedule & Pricing:

    Pets: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Cost: $10)

    People: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Cost: $5)

    To Reserve Pet Time Slot: Email portland@riverpigsaloon.com

  • Gallery 114 35th Anniversary Party

    Join the celebration on Saturday, December 13th from 1–3 PM for Gallery 114’s 35th Anniversary!

    The special exhibition, 35 Trips Around the Sun, features artwork from the gallery’s full community of member artists. Established in 1990, Gallery 114 has long been a cornerstone of Portland’s art scene. A special anniversary raffle will be held during the celebration to mark the milestone!

  • Coffeeton Takes Portland at Matte Cafe

    Theme: "Shots de Espresso y Perreo Intenso" (DJs, Perreo & Coffee)

    Date: Sunday, December 21st

    Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Location: Matta Café (1425 NW Flanders St, Portland, Oregon)

  • Cover of a play titled 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by Lauren Gunderson. Features four women, two at the top and two at the bottom, with a black and purple background.

    PCS: Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

    Dates: November 16 – December 21, 2025
    Location: Portland Center Stage at The Armory

    Experience a heartwarming adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women. Follow the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, and growing up during the Civil War era.

    A beautifully staged production perfect for the holiday season.

    More info and tickets: pcs.org/louisa-may-alcotts-little-women

  • Text on a semi-transparent overlay announces 'Tools & Horses presents the Jazz Sundays Series, November 9, November 23, December 7, December 21, 6:00-8:00 PM,' set against a warm, dimly lit bar interior with hanging lamps and wooden furniture.

    Fools and Horses Jazz Sundays

    November 23rd, December 7th, December 21st

    Live music on The Fools stage is truly something special, and we are excited to continue bringing you Jazz Sundays bi monthly through the end of the year

    Let’s get cozy and enjoy some live music together Portland 🫶 No cover. Limited reservations available the link

    Reservations

  • Portland Center Stage: A Brown Branch Christmas: 5th Annual Big Band Show

    Description: Celebrate this holiday season with a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians, featuring directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III. They will perform swinging sounds steeped in the holiday spirit, guiding traditional scores with a modern twist. Featured guests include LaRhonda Steele and Davasate Phelps.

    Dates & Times:

    Monday, December 15, 2025: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

    Tuesday, December 16, 2025: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

    Location: The Armory: U.S. Bank Main Stage (Portland Center Stage at The Armory, 128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209).

    Tickets: $40* (Arts for All pricing is available through the Box Office at 503-445-3700).

  • River Pig event inthe Pearl District featured on Around the Pearl People in Christmas costumes at a holiday party, sitting in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with event details overlaid.

    River Pig Xmas Party

    When: 13th December, starting at 9:00 PM and running late!

    Where: River Pig Saloon (implied)

    Music: A Live DJ will be spinning tracks all night to keep the party moving.

    Drinks: Enjoy Holiday Drink Specials throughout the evening.

    Cover: Forget expensive tickets—there is No Cover charge for entry!

    Attire: Festive Attire is Recommended! Whether you choose to be Naughty (sexy Santa) or Nice (ugly sweater), make sure you dress to impress (or distress!).

    More info here

  • Close-up of pink and red flowers with a blurred and abstract background, featuring vibrant colors and soft focus.

    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, 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.

  • A white sandwich board sign on the sidewalk advertising Puppies & Yoga in Portland on the 2nd floor, with handwritten notes and a marker inside two clipboards at the bottom.

    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

First Thursday Gallery Walk: A Pearl District Tradition

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🎁 Holiday gifting made easy in the Pearl District! Looking for the perfect gift? Explore local galleries, shops, and creative experiences that make holiday shopping meaningful and fun. Check out the Gallery List on Around the Pearl to start explorin
🎨 Event of the Week: Holiday Party! Escape the December chill and join us for the annual Elizabeth Leach Gallery Holiday Party! This is your chance to enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while celebrating art and the season. The party also serves
🎨 Discover Portland’s Pearl District holiday magic! Our latest blog — the “December Art & Events Guide” — lays out the best small‑business sales, gallery events, and community happenings around town this season. Fro
✨ EVENT OF THE WEEK! ✨ Live Falconry in the Pearl District! Don't miss the NWCC Community Crow Abatement Showcase this Wednesday at Jamison Square! Come see a fascinating live falconry demonstration and learn how raptors help keep our neighborhood
✨ EVENT OF THE WEEK! ✨ Pearl District Holiday Tree Lighting & Small Biz Saturday! Double the fun this Saturday in Jamison Square! Start your holiday season by shopping local and supporting small businesses, then stay to witness the magic of the
The Pearl District community is invited to attend this week's Monthly Business Networking Coffee Hour, an essential gathering for local professionals. This month's event is being hosted by Brix Tavern, a popular neighborhood staple known for its liv
🎨 Discover the pulse of art in the heart of the Pearl District! Our latest blog post dives into November’s First Thursday Gallery Walk, featuring standout exhibitions, local artists, and the creative energy that fills the streets. Plus, explor
🍹✨ Event of the Week: Crafts & Cocktails ✨🎨 Shop unique handmade goods and sip on cocktails at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, hosted by Urban Art Network! Explore a curated lineup of vendors selling one-of-a-kind crafts while enjoying a fun, fes
Happy Halloween! 🎃 The Pearl District is buzzing tonight with scary good times. Check out our directory at Around the Pearl to find the best bars, restaurants, and shops celebrating for all your evening fun! ➡️ Link in our bio #AroundThePearl #Pear
🎉Event of the Week: Ghosted & Toasted at @riverpigsaloon 🎃 Halloween weekend is about to get spooky in the Pearl!: Join River Pig Saloon for Ghosted & Toasted , a night of music, dancing, and wicked good fun. Enjoy cocktail specials, Jell-O