May in the Pearl District
Art, Tacos, & Sunshine: What’s Happening in the Pearl
With the sun finally making a regular appearance and summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to get out and explore the Pearl District.
Our latest guide covers everything you need to know about this month’s highlights, from the First Thursday Artist Gallery Walk and PNCA Art Exhibitions to the Ales and Arts Market and Tacos N’ Tequila. Grab a cold drink, soak up the warmth, and dive into the creative energy of the neighborhood!
The Pearl District is Portland's most walkable, vibrant neighborhood, and this spring, it's better than ever. See all upcoming events on our Around the Pearl events page.
First Thursday Street Gallery is Back!
Date | May 7th, 2026
Time | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location | Historic NW 13th Ave from Hoyt to Kearney St.
Event Overview | Running April through October, this beloved Pearl District tradition takes overNW 13th Avenue between NW Hoyt and NW Kearney on the first Thursday of each month.
City blocks close off to make room for an evening of creativity, community, and discovery; featuring original, handcrafted work by local artists and makers. Stop by any time from 5 to 9 p.m. and see what's new.
First Thursday in the Pearl District: A Portland Arts Tradition Since the 1980s
Since the mid-1980s, First Thursday in the Pearl District has grown from a small neighborhood art gathering into one of Portland’s most beloved cultural traditions. Today, First Thursday Portland is a vibrant, year-round monthly art walk that draws thousands of visitors to the Pearl District for gallery openings, artist talks, and evenings filled with creative energy.
A special thank-you to the Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) for helping keep Portland’s gallery community connected and supporting the ongoing success of First Thursday in the Pearl District.
Blue Sky Gallery
Known as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Blue Sky Gallery has been a cornerstone of Portland’s art community since its founding, and it’s now celebrating its 50th year. This non-profit exhibition space is dedicated to showcasing contemporary photography and fostering meaningful dialogue between artists and audiences.
May Exhibits:
Group Show - Blue Sky 2005 - 2015: The Fourth Decade | through May 30
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-9pm
Location | 122 Northwest 8th Ave. Portland, OR, 97209 (map)
Gallery Hours | Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00–5:00 pm
Instagram | @blueskygallerypdx
Blackfish Gallery
Nestled in the heart of the Pearl District, Blackfish Gallery has earned a reputation for showcasing bold, thought-provoking contemporary art. Featuring both local and international artists, Blackfish is dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, making it one of Portland’s most enduring and influential galleries.
May Exhibits:
Invitational - MANY BRIDGES AANHPI | through May 30
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-8pm
Artist Talks | May 17, 2-5pm
Tea Ceremony & Artist Talk - MCAA Mashiko Ceramic Artists | May 20, 2pm (at Portland Japanese Garden)
Demonstration Workshop - MCAA ceramic artists | May 22, 10am-4pm (at Mt. Hood Community College, Ceramics Studio)
Closing Reception & Masumi Timson Koto Performance | May 24, 3-5pm (at Blackfish Gallery)
Find more Blackfish events here!
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm
(*Please check the gallery website for current hours of operation)
Location | 938 NW Everett St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram |@blackfish_gallery
Elizabeth Leach Gallery
For over four decades, the Elizabeth Leach Gallery has been a pillar of Portland’s art community, representing both regional and international artists. Showcasing a wide range of media: from painting and sculpture to photography and multimedia, the gallery is celebrated for its commitment to excellence and engaging exhibitions.
May Exhibits:
The Poet's Lips | Derek Franklin May 6 - 30, 2026
Gallery Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm (and by appointment)
Location | 417 NW 9th Ave. Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @elizabethleachgallery
Gallery 114
As one of the oldest artist-owned and artist-run collectives on the West Coast, Gallery 114 is a vibrant hub for contemporary art in Portland’s Pearl District. Located in the 1100 Building, the gallery is dedicated to fostering creativity and community through curated exhibitions and community-focused events.
Gallery 114 is a platform for artistic exploration: offering emerging and established artists a space to share their voices while enriching Portland’s cultural landscape.
May Exhibits:
Phil Harris - Boundless Duration | through May 3
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-8pm
Artist Q&A | May 23, 10:30am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Location | 1100 Building | 1100 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @gallery114
J. Pepin Art Gallery
The J. Pepin Art Gallery offers a captivating showcase of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations highlighting the creative vision of local artists during the summer months. The gallery stands apart for its mission: to reframe the perception of mental illness as one of mental health. Each exhibition is not only a presentation of artistic talent but also a deeply personal dialogue. Alongside their work, artists share their journeys with mental health, sparking important conversations and reducing stigma through creativity.
May Exhibits:
Group Show - With Gratitude | through May 23
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-8pm
Please note the new hours or by appointment | Monday - Wednesday: CLOSED, Thursday - Saturday: 12 - 5 pm, Sunday: 12 - 4 pm
Location | Maytag Building | 532 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @jpepinartgallery
Laura Vincent Design & Gallery
Founded in 2018, Laura Vincent Design & Gallery has quickly established itself as a thoughtful and dynamic space in Portland’s Pearl District. The gallery defines its artistic program through the work of contemporary artists: artists whose perspectives resonate deeply with today’s cultural landscape. Laura Vincent Design & Gallery presents curated shows featuring regional, national, and international artwork. With each exhibition, the gallery continues its mission to foster creativity, spark dialogue, and connect audiences with meaningful contemporary art.
May Exhibits:
James Florschutz - Sounds of Memory | through June 13
Robin Kerr - With the Windows Wide Open | through June 13
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-8pm
A Dialogue with James Florschutz & Robin Kerr | May 23, 11am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, and by appointment.
Location | 824 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @lvdesignandgallery
NORTH POLE STUDIO
North Pole Studio supports careers in the arts, and exists to increase opportunities for artists with autism and intellectual / developmental disabilities to thrive as active members of the arts community. North Pole fosters self-determination and facilitate meaningful connections through total engagement in the arts.
May Exhibits:
James Enos | 2026 Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial: The Price of the Ticket |through July 5 (at Oregon Contemporary)
Annie Rose Macer, Dan Tran, & Davis Wohlford | Wild Classified| through Dec 31 (The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton, OR)
Gallery Hours | Monday - Friday | 10am - 3pm, Saturday | 10am - 12pm, *please visit website to confirm current hours of operation
Location | 1039 Building |514 NW 11th Ave Suite 203, Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @northpolepdx
Waterstone Gallery
For more than 30 years, Waterstone Gallery has been a cornerstone of Portland’s Pearl District arts scene. As a contemporary gallery that is both artist-owned and artist-operated, Waterstone offers a unique perspective—providing a space where artists themselves shape the exhibitions and curatorial vision.
The gallery is dedicated to showcasing dynamic, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted works of visual art, with a strong focus on Oregon artists. By championing local voices and fostering creativity, Waterstone Gallery continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Portland and beyond.
April Exhibits:
Susan Harrington - Resilience Is Our Nature | through May 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 7, 5-8pm
PADA TALKS - How Art Shapes Design and Everyday Life | May 15, 6-7:30pm
Artist Talk - Susan Harrington | May 17, 11am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 am–5:30 pm, Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location | 124 NW 9th Ave. Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @waterstonegallery
PNCA | Don’t Be Clever, Be True: Late Works by David Eckard
Curator: Daniel Duford
Dates: May 7 – June 27, 2026
Event Highlights
Opening Reception: May 7, 5–8 PM
Curator Tours: May 7 & June 4, 5:30–6:30 PM
Exhibition Reception: June 4, 5–8 PM
Public Lecture: June 11, 6:00 PM
About the Exhibition
A memorial exhibition at the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) honoring David Eckard, an artist and educator who served as PNCA’s Sculpture Department Head from 2000–2025.
Location: 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR
Tacos N’ Tequila
This event is a celebration of authentic tacos and tequila hosted by the Urban Restaurant Group
Date & Time: Thursday, May 7th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Location: Venue 13, 1355 NW Everett St. #120, Portland, OR.
Admission: $35 for General Admission (21+ only), which includes entry, tequila tastings, and 2 taco tickets.
Features: Live music, taco samples from local spots like Brix Tavern and Carlita’s, and tastings from brands like Hornitos and 1800.
Cause: Ticket sales benefit Youth Villages Oregon.
Ales & Arts Market
Deschutes Brewery Portland Pub is excited to host the Ales & Arts Spring Market, featuring a variety of goods by local artists!
Event Details
Date: May 7th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
Address: 210 NW 11th Ave
Call to Artists: Are you an artist? Check the link below for more information and to sign up!
Welcome to Around the Pearl
We've launched Around the Pearl to showcase the vibrant culture and exciting events that define the Pearl District! From unique art experiences to hidden gems, we're here to connect our readers with all the amazing happenings in our vibrant corner of the city. Whether you're looking to explore the dynamic art scene or connect with community, this is your go-to guide.
Have an Event? Get the word out!
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