November is here, and sure, it’s known for cozy sweaters and turkey dinners, but in the Pearl, we’re starting things off with a different kind of thrill!
First Thursday lands on November 5th, packed with gallery openings and art events. There’s so much happening that we’re serving it up in a few bite-sized pieces, so stay tuned to Around the Pearl, our newsletter, and our socials for more treats all month long.
Grab your scarf and let’s dive in!
November First Thursday Events
Crafts & Cocktails: a special 2-night holiday edition of First Thursday inside McMenamins' iconic Crystal Ballroom.
First Thursday is heading INDOORS for the holidays!
Join Urban Art Network for Crafts & Cocktails, a special two-night holiday edition of First Thursday inside McMenamins' iconic Crystal Ballroom!
When | Thursday, November 5th and 6th, 2026, 4–10 pm both nights
Where | McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Cost | Free
Wine + Vinyl: First Thursday All-Day Happy Hour with Spin the Bottle
More than just a bottle shop, Spin the Bottle is a neighborhood destination for wine and music lovers in the heart of the Pearl. They source the rare, the fun, and the unexpected so you can enjoy a glass in the shop or take your favorite bottles home. Stop by for the curated lineup, stay for the music, and experience a laid-back atmosphere with maximum soul.
Enjoy First Thursday in Portland's Pearl District with great music and all-day Happy Hour. $10 glass pours from open to close!
When | Thursday, October 1, 2026, 5:30–8 pm
Where | Spin the Bottle PDX, 1112 NW Marshall St, Portland, OR,
Cost | $10 a glass, 21+ only
First Thursday Gallery Walk
‘Shine out the Clearer’ at Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery
Join Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery Friday, November 6th from 5 to 8 pm for a celebration of Josh Peters’ solo show, Shine Out the Clearer. They’ll have hors d’oeuvres, drinks, DJ on vinyl and the artist in attendance.
When | Friday, November 6th
Where | Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery 1604 NW 15th Ave, Portland, OR, United States, Oregon 97209
Cost | Free!
Angennette Escobar & Monica Mitchell - Quiet Migrations | through Nov 28
Carlos Molina & Allison Hmura - Places Between Us | through Nov 28
Benjamin Mefford - Expectant | through Nov 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Nov 5, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Nov 15, 1-3pm
Gallery Hours | Wednesday through Saturday, 12-5pm
Location | 122 NW 8th Ave., Portland, OR
Instagram | @blueskygallerypdx
Angennette Escobar & Monica Mitchell - Quiet Migrations | through Nov 28
Carlos Molina & Allison Hmura - Places Between Us | through Nov 28
Benjamin Mefford - Expectant | through Nov 28
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
Contemporary Textiles, group show with Anna Von Mertens, MK Guth, Elizabeth Hohimer, Ellen Lesperance, Mary Ann Peters, and Vo Vo | Sept 30 through Oct 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 1, 5:30-7:30pm
Gallery Hours | Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30am-5:30pm, and by appointment
Location | 417 NW 9th Ave., Portland, OR
Instagram | @elizabethleachgallery
Olivia Johnson | Tapestry/Therapy | through Nov 29
Group Show | New Work from Barbara Weiss, Michael Spence, and Jon Gottshall | through Nov 29
First Thursday Opening Reception | Nov 5, 5-8pm
Tapestry/Therapy | Exhibition Walkthrough | Nov 17, 11am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday, 12-5pm
Location | 1100 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR (1100 Building)
Instagram | @gallery114
THE UNVEILING
The Unveiling is a solo exhibition by GMS artist Faera J. Valore. Featuring mixed-media pieces, The Unveiling explores the concepts of multifaceted exploration of self, realms both seen and unseen, Trans Euphoria/Dysphoria, and liminality.
November 5 - December 20, 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:30-7:30PM
INNER PLANES
There is an invisible web holding all that surrounds us. We all have the opportunity and choice to perceive it or not. Call it universe, Spirit, love… It connects us to every person, creature, plant, mushroom, moment, breath, and cloud. The work in Zenyatta’s first solo exhibition, Inner Planes, features decades of visionary collages and sculptures created in tandem with the unseen. Most of the artwork in this exhibition has never been shown. Synchronicity and happenstance inform the work, and if you ask Zenyatta, it’s as if the pieces created themselves.
November 5 - December 20, 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:30-7:30PM
Gallery Hours
Saturdays & Sundays 12-4pm or by appt
1335 NW Kearney St.
Portland, OR 97209
rockin’ around, imperfecta & friends | Nov 5 through Dec 26
ordinary magic, Diane Archer | Nov 5 through Nov 28
the misfit toy show 2026, Davis Wolford | Nov 5 through Nov 28
Opening Reception | Nov 5, 5-8pm
Artist Talk with Diane Archer | Nov 7, 3pm
Puppet Show with Davis Wolford | Nov 13, 4pm
Gallery Hours | Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm, except the first Wednesday (closed) and the first Thursday (open 5-8pm only)
Location | 809 NW Flanders St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @imperfecta.xyz
Instagram | @imperfecta.xyz
Bethany Rowland - Testament | through Nov 25
Nicholas Stelter - Kiln-Fired Glass Vessels | through Nov 25
A Dialogue with the Artists | Nov 21, 11am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-5:30pm, and by appointment
Location | 824 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @lvdesignandgallery
Maroon Portals, Autumn Breon
Maroon Portals Event | Oct 2, 5-7pm
Gallery Hours | By free appointment, Thursday through Sunday, 12-5pm (email info@theblackgallerypdx.com to book)
Location | 916 NW Flanders St., Portland, OR
Instagram | @theblackgallerypdx
Robert Gamblin - Meditations on a Coastal Landscape | through Nov 29
First Thursday Opening Reception | Nov 5, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Nov 15, 11am-12pm
Gallery Hours | Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-5:30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Location | 124 NW 9th Ave., Portland, OR
Instagram | @waterstonegallery
November Events
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 4th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting returns to Jamison Square on Saturday, November 28, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together for an unforgettable celebration of the season!
Presented through the generous sponsorship of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association and Hoyt Street Yards Community Association, this beloved celebration has quickly become one of the Pearl’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
More than 600 people joined us last year, and this year promises to be even bigger and more festive. With live music, entertainment, and perhaps even a touch of snow. Jamison Square will come alive with the wonder and warmth of the season.
The evening will culminate in the spectacular lighting of the holiday tree!
Free and open to the public.
When | Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026
Where | Jamison Square Park, 810 NW 11th Avenue
The Moon Market Returns!
Moon Market returns to Everett West!
Just in time for the holiday season, we’re excited to welcome Moon Market back on Sunday, November 22!
Spend the day discovering local makers, shopping unique gifts, enjoying music, and supporting small businesses, all in one place.
Interested in vending? Applications are now open at pdxmoonmarket.com. Stay tuned for more details and vendor announcements!
We can’t wait to bring the community together again!
When | November 22 | 11 AM–4 PM
Where | Everett West, 914 NW Everett Street
Cost | Free entry!
Theatre
Portland Center Stage: Little Shop of Horrors
It’s back—and hungrier than ever. We’re bringing Little Shop of Horrors back to our stage with a brand-new production of the cult-favorite musical packed with doo-wop hits, outrageous comedy, and one very dangerous plant. When shy florist Seymour discovers a mysterious new species that promises fame, fortune, and romance, his struggling flower shop suddenly starts to bloom—but the plant has a monstrous appetite. Featuring the unforgettable score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Just remember: don’t feed the plants.
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman
Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Chip Miller
Date | November 15 – December 24, 2026
Location | Portland Center Stage at the Armory, 128 NW Eleventh Ave, Pearl District , Portland
Community Engagement
Annual Pearl District Board Meeting
The monthly Pearl District Board meeting for November is also the Annual meeting, with the election of new board members and officers. This is a great opportunity for community members to engage, share ideas, and stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with your neighbors and contribute to the future of our beloved district. You can join us in person or via Zoom! Agenda and Zoom links will be posted.
When | Thursday, November 12 at 5:30pm
Where | In-person at PNCA Hammer Board Room 511 NW Broadway or on Zoom. Link will be posted on socials.
Business Support Monthly Coffee
Hear from artist, art historian, and designer William George over coffee at the next BSC monthly networking coffee!
Thanks so much to Light and Home for hosting, Break Roasters for the coffee, and Kennedy Restoration for the food!
When | Wednesday, November 18th, 8:00-9:00am
Where | Light and Home, 347 NW 9th Ave, Portland OR 97209
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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We're here to promote the Pearl District and highlight the events that make it a great place to live, work, and play.
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