July in the Pearl District
July in the Pearl: Soccer, Art and Markets
July in the Pearl District kicks off with an absolute jolt of energy. The excitement starts right away with an electric World Cup Watch Party on Wednesday, July 1st, on the sun-soaked rooftop at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. The very next day, the neighborhood doubles down on the excitement by hosting two massive events on Thursday, July 2nd: the expansive Picnic in the Pearl street festival fills NW 13th Avenue with food and games, while the iconic First Thursday Gallery Walk brings its signature evening showcase of local art and creativity to the district. Later in the month enjoy the inaugural Portland Arts Week featuring exhibits across town. Locals can find their zen with outdoor Yoga in the Park or spend leisurely weekends browsing fresh, local flavors at the bustling Pearl Farmers Market, making the neighborhood the ultimate destination to soak up the best of summer.
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.
40 Year Anniversary
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Portland’s iconic First Thursday gallery walk openings! What began in 1986 as a small, collaborative effort to boost the local art scene has grown into a beloved, city-wide tradition that connects artists, galleries, and art lovers all year round.
The Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) is celebrating four decades of cultivating our city's vibrant, inclusive arts ecosystem. From opening receptions and artist talks to the annual PADA Pop-Up, there is always something inspiring to discover.
👉 Join the celebration and view the digital Portland Art Guide at padaoregon.org.
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.
July Exhibits:
Group Show - Blue Sky 2015 - 2025: The Fifth Decade | through Aug 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 2, 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.
July Exhibits:
Merridawn Duckler - BOOKS & CLOTHES | through Aug 1
Libby Wadsworth - Intimate Strangers | through Aug 1
Anastasiya Gutnik - Spectral Ascent | through Aug 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 2, 5-8pm
Cat Walk & Artist Talk | July 12, 3-5pm
Art + Sports Panel | July 15, 6pm
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.
July Exhibits:
Lets Play Group Exhibition | July 2 - Aug 29, 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.
July Exhibits:
Group Show - Finding the Thread | through Aug 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 2, 5-8:30pm
Artist Meet & Greet | July 25, 1-3pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Location | 1100 Building | 1100 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @gallery114
July Exhibits:
Renata Santamarina - celtae arboreum | July 2nd- August 1st
Reception: July 2 | 5-8pm
Artist talk: July 3rd | 2pm
Gallery Hours | Open Wednesday to Saturday: 11am-5pm
EXCEPT first Wed (closed) and first Thurs (open 5-8pm)
Location | 809 NW Flanders St, Portland OR 97209
Instagram | @imperfecta.xyz
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.
July Exhibits:
Lias Golightly - Play On | through Aug 1
Marilyn Joyce - Distilled Terrains | through Aug 1
First Thursday Reception | July 2, 5-8pm
Gallery Walk - Portland Arts Week: Art + Sports | July 9, 5-7pm
A Dialogue with the Artists | July 18, 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.
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.
July Exhibits:
Oregon Potters Association - Transformations | through Aug 2
Group Show with Franklin High School Basketball Team, Portland Arts Week: SPORTS + ART - Courts to Courage: Portraits of Women Who Changed the Game| through Aug 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | July 2, 5-8pm
Opening Reception - Courts to Courage | July 9, 5-8pm
Artist Panel Discussion - Transformations | July 19, 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
World Cup Watch Party at 10 Barrel
Join soccer fans at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. for an electric World Cup knockout round watch party as the USA takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Catch every minute of the action with full sound in an unbeatable game-day atmosphere.
When: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Where: 10 Barrel Brewing Co. (Portland Pub & Rooftop)
The Experience: Dual-level viewing available across both the main pub and the rooftop.
Specials: Exclusive matchday food and drink specials, featuring cold pints of 10 Barrel's signature Pub Beer.
Picnic in the Pearl
Picnic in the Pearl is a free, family-friendly community event organized by the Urban Art Network on Thursday, July 2, 2026 (2:00 PM – 9:00 PM) along seven blocks of NW 13th Avenue in Portland's Pearl District.
Serving as an expanded, holiday-weekend kickoff version of the monthly First Thursday Street Gallery, the event features:
250+ Local Art Vendors: Showcasing and selling unique, handcrafted art and designs.
Food & Dining: A wide selection of food trucks, local restaurant pop-ups, and an open picnic area.
Entertainment: Live music from local performers and interactive picnic games for families.
Portland Arts Week: Arts X Sports
Portland Arts Week launches its inaugural summit across the city’s Cultural Corridor, exploring the exciting intersection of creative culture and athletic innovation during the World Cup season.
When: July 9 – 12, 2026
Where: Various downtown locations (Portland Art Museum, PICA, Tomorrow Theater, and local galleries).
Theme: Art & Sports. A celebration examining how athletics and culture shape community and identity.
Key Highlights:
The Symposium: Panels and dialogues featuring national thought leaders, artists, and athletes.
Gallery Walks: Themed local art exhibitions capturing the emotion of athletic competition.
Film & Performances: Special sports-centric movie screenings and discussions at the Tomorrow Theater.
Pearl District Culinary Farmers Market
Big news for the neighborhood! This Sunday, June 7th, the brand new Pearl District Culinary Farmers Market is officially launching, and we can’t wait to support it!
This isn't your average market. It’s a curated Chef’s Market highlighting the awesome connection between Oregon farms and Portland’s top kitchens. We’re talking peak-season berries from Pablo Munoz Farm, artisan breads from Fokattia, local sips, and features from neighborhood icons like Andina and Arden. Plus, live music from Tahira Memory! 🎶
This is a huge part of the Re-Ignite The Pearl initiative. Our local farmers, chefs, and makers are showing up for us—so let’s show up for them and pack the street!
Grab your market bags, bring your friends, and come hungry.
🗓️ Sunday, July 5th, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 NW 13th Ave (between Everett & Glisan)
🎟️ FREE entry
Yoga in the Park
The first Re-Ignite the Pearl event was a major success. The neighborhood lawn was packed with over a hundred people moving together and stretching toward the city skyline, exceeding all turnout expectations.
A special shoutout goes to the volunteers. From handling check-ins to managing setup behind the scenes, the event wouldn’t have happened without their hard work. Thank you to everyone who unrolled a mat or lent a helping hand to bring this community initiative to life.
The next event is scheduled for July 25th. Mark your calendars, and see everyone back on the lawn!
Battle Creek Summer Sips and Sounds
Battle Creek Cellars is staying open late to transform the courtyard between the tasting room and Heartline into a lively summer block party.
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Battle Creek Cellars (820 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR)
The Vibe: An outdoor summer evening filled with lawn games, live music, and great company. DJ Vic will be spinning records and tunes throughout the night.
Drinks: A special summer bar featuring wine by the glass, refreshing sangria, sorbet brut floats, wine slushies, beer, and hard seltzers.
Food: Nolia (@noliapdx) will be on-site all night serving up authentic South Louisiana Cajun and Creole comfort food.
BSC Quarterly Happy Hour at Spin the Bottle
Looking to connect with local businesses and neighbors in the Pearl District? The Pearl District Neighborhood Association's Business Support Committee is kicking off its "First of Many" networking events, and you're invited!
Event Details
When: July 8th | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Where: Spin the Bottle (1112 NW Marshall St. Portland, OR 97209)
What: Wine, music, appetizers, and great conversation.
Parking: Street parking is available for this event.
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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