July First Thursday Gallery Guide
Discover what’s going on Around the Pearl this July!
July in Portland is pure magic—and nowhere shines brighter than the Pearl District. With its perfect blend of art, food, music, and green spaces, the Pearl is made for summer wandering. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s easy to fall in love with the district’s walkability—from the historic charm of NW 13th Avenue to the fresh beauty of its urban parks.
This month, the Pearl truly comes alive: smooth sounds drift from Jazz in the Pearl in Jamison Square, sun-soaked fun takes center stage at Picnic in the Pearl, and the First Thursday Gallery Walk transforms the Pearl into a vibrant destination for art lovers. With special Pride events and community gatherings throughout July, there’s always something inspiring around the next corner.
Don’t miss a moment—come explore the Pearl District!
First Thursday Gallery Walk
Blue Sky Gallery
Blue Sky Gallery, also known as The Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, is a non-profit exhibition space for contemporary photography in Portland, Oregon. The gallery is dedicated to public education and began by showing local artists before slowly expanding to national and international artists. Blue Sky’s mission is to inspire and build community between contemporary photographic artists and our audiences through exhibitions, publications, and dialogue.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday - Saturday, 12:00-5:00 pm
Location | 122 Northwest 8th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
Group Show (curated by Michelle Dunn Marsh) - Seeing Being Seen: A Personal History of Photography
Exhibition | July 3rd - August 2nd, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 3, 5-9pm
Conversation with Michelle Dunn Marsh & Adrain Chesser | July 5, 2-3pm
Image | Michelle Dunn Marsh, Miami
The Black Gallery PDX
The Black Gallery is where art and activism meet.
Through workshops, exhibitions, and events, it fosters connection, dialogue, and community. By breaking traditional gallery norms, it creates space for people to gather, relax, and engage. The gallery serves as both an art project and a catalyst for social change and celebration.
Gallery Hours | Appointments are free and open to the public
Available Days: Thursday - Sunday
Available Times: 12pm - 5pm
Location | 916 NW Flanders ST, Portland, OR
An exhibition curated by Donovan Scribes, closing reception on July 5th, from 5pm to 7pm
Additional information is available on their website.
Blackfish Gallery
Located in the Pearl District, Blackfish is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions featuring contemporary art by both local and international artists. Committed to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, Blackfish Gallery remains a cornerstone of Portland's thriving arts scene.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Sunday | 11am–5pm
*please visit the website to confirm current hours of operation
Location | 938 NW Everett St. Portland, OR 97209
Recent Oregon Art Graduates - Recent Graduate Shows
Exhibition | July 3rd - August 3rd, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 3, 5-8pm
Image | Claudia Juarez
Elizabeth Leach Gallery
The Elizabeth Leach Gallery features regional and international artists across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia. It remains a vital cultural hub dedicated to outstanding artistry and engaging exhibitions and an essential destination for art enthusiasts in Portland.
Gallery Hours | Tuesday through Saturday: 10:30 am–5:30 pm and by appointment
Location | 417 NW 9th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Jinie Park - Exotic Animal
Exhibition | June 5th - July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Jinie Park
Pat Boas - Scripts
Exhibition | June 5th - July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Pat Boas
Lee Kelly - Cor-Ten Revisited
Exhibition | July 17 - August 28, 2025
First Thursday | July 17, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Lee Kelly
Joe Park - You Are The Space Between
Exhibition | July 17 - August 30, 2025
First Thursday | August 7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Joe Park
The Froelick Gallery
Froelick Gallery exhibits and represents a diverse roster of contemporary artists, each with strong and independent voices. Their artists live in the Pacific Northwest, throughout the US, and in Tokyo. In October 1995, the gallery opened in Downtown Portland and relocated in 2007 to the historic DeSoto Building between Old Town and the Pearl District.
Gallery Hours | Open for walk-in visits and by appointment Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
Location | 714 NW Davis Street, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
Lauren Mantecón - Flash of Beauty
Exhibition | June 4th- July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 2025, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | June 4th, 2025, 5-7pm
Image | Lauren Mantecón
Stanzaz and - Terrell James
Exhibition | June 4th- July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 2025, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | June 4th, 2025, 5-7pm
Image | Terrell James
Holly Osborne - Garden Party
Exhibition | July 16th - September 13th, 2025
First Thursday Reception | August 7, 5-8pm.
Exhibition Talk | Saturday, August 9, 11am.
Image | Holly Osborne
Gallery 114
Gallery 114, one of the oldest artist-owned and artist-run collectives on the West Coast, is a vibrant hub for contemporary art in Portland's bustling Pearl District. Located in the 1100 Building, it serves as a prominent venue for curated exhibitions and community-focused events, enriching the cultural landscape and providing a dynamic platform for artistic exploration and engagement.
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Location | 1100 Building, 1100 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Group Show - Collective Visions
Exhibition | July 3rd- August 2nd, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 3, 5-8pm
Meet the Artists | July 20, 12-2pm
Image | Nancy Helmsworth
J. Pepin Art Gallery
The J. Pepin Art Gallery offers a captivating showcase of artworks during the summer months. Known for its eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations, the gallery highlights the creative vision of local artists. J. Pepin Art Gallery reframes the perception of mental illness as one of mental health. Along with their work, the artists share their own journeys with mental health, creating a much-needed dialog.
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 Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Chuck Sites - Foundation
Laura Vincent Design & Gallery
Established in 2018, Laura Vincent Design & Gallery defines its artistic program through the work of represented contemporary artists with soulful and discerning voices. Exhibition-based, the gallery hosts shows of regional, national, and international artwork.
Gallery Hours | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, and by appointment.
Location | 824 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209
Mike Vos - Fragile, Tenuous Worlds | Jim Bressi - New Paintings
Mike Vos - Fragile, Tenuous Worlds | through July 31
Jim Bressi - New Paintings | through July 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 3rd, 5-8pm
Image | Mike Voss
Waterstone Gallery
Waterstone Gallery is a contemporary artist-owned and operated gallery in Portland’s Pearl District, home to a vibrant arts scene. The gallery has been operating for over 30 years and presents dynamic, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted visual art by Oregon artists.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 am–5:30 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location | 124 NW 9th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
Lisa Ellis - Unexpected Focus
Exhibition | July 3rd - August 2nd, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 3, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | July 13, 11am-12:30pm
Image | Lisa Ellis
More to Explore in the Pearl!
Picnic in the Pearl: All Day Street Gallery
A First Thursday Street Gallery Celebration!
Don’t miss Picnic in the Pearl—Urban Art Network’s 2nd annual celebration of local art, music, and summer fun. The Pearl District's iconic NW 13th Avenue comes alive with this vibrant community event. Enjoy live music, shop handmade goods from local vendors, and experience the creative energy that makes Portland unique.
🗓 July 3rd
🕒 2:00 pm-9:00 pm
📍 NW 13th Everett to Lovejoy
Jazz in the Pearl: Community Concerts
Jazz in the Pearl: A Soulful Summer Evening with The Norman Sylvester Band
Jazz in the Pearl returns this summer with a free live performance from none other than The Norman Sylvester Band, featuring the soulful vocals of Lenanne Miller. This exciting event is part of Portland’s Summer Free for All series and promises an evening of incredible talent, vibrant energy, and laid-back fun under the open sky.
📅 Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 11th
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Jamison Square Park, Pearl District
Admission: Absolutely FREE!
First Thursday at 10 Barrel Portland
Kick off July with rooftop vibes, a live DJ, and a brand new summer menu!
📅 Wednesday, July 3 at 6 PM
📍10 Barrel Brewing Co. – Portland
Don’t miss the weekly burger special and good times on the rooftop.
🌈 Celebrate – Pride in the Pearl!
Screen Door Drag Dinner
Celebration of Portland Pride with Bolivia Carmichaels
Tuesday, July 15 | 6–8:30 PM
Screen Door Pearl District is hosting a special Drag Dinner featuring the iconic @boliviacarmichaels, a longtime advocate and performer in Portland’s queer community.
Ten percent of dinner proceeds and all Pride t-shirt sales will support @newaves4youth’s SMYRC program, which provides essential resources for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Celebrate Pride, enjoy a show, and support a great cause. Walk-ins welcome or reserve through the link
Pop Tarts & Pride
July 17–23 | $40 per flight | Half off for club members
In celebration of Portland’s Pride Month, guests can enjoy a playful tasting flight featuring four iconic Pop-Tart flavors paired with four vibrant wines. Fruity, bright, and bold—this unique pairing is a toast to the season.
A portion of each flight will be donated to the Human Rights Campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights nationwide.
Erath’s Wine & Wigs Drag Brunch
July 19th, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Guests are invited to sip, sup, and sashay at Erath’s Wine & Wigs Drag Brunch, hosted by the incomparable Diana Fire. This lively event features dazzling performances from a lineup of talented drag queens and kings.
Each ticket includes a gourmet breakfast sandwich, seasonal melon, and a glass of wine. Additional wine pours will be available for purchase. It's a vibrant morning of entertainment, great food, and community celebration.
Perfect for a group outing or a fun solo experience—everyone is welcome.
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.
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