October First Thursday Gallery Guide
Explore October First Thursday in the Pearl District: Galleries, Art & Live Music
It’s October in the Pearl District, and First Thursday is tomorrow! Don’t miss must-see events like Hallowed, featuring new work by Pippa Arend and Leah Kohlenberg, as well as guest artist, Maude May. It’s also the 50-year anniversary of Pearl District favorite, the Blue Sky Gallery, and the final Urban Art Network First Thursday Street Gallery of the year. This First Thursday in the Pearl is not one to miss!
First Thursday Gallery Walk: A Pearl District Tradition
Since the mid-1980s, First Thursday in the Pearl District has blossomed from a small neighborhood art gathering into one of Portland’s most beloved cultural traditions. Today, it’s a vibrant, year-round monthly celebration that draws thousands of visitors to the district for gallery openings, artist talks, and an evening filled with creative energy.
A special thank-you goes out to the Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) for helping us stay connected with our city’s extraordinary gallery community.
Come experience why First Thursday has been at the heart of Portland’s art scene for nearly four decades.
Blue Sky Gallery: A Hub for Contemporary Photography
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.
What began as a platform for local photographers half a century ago has grown into an internationally recognized gallery, presenting innovative work from artists across the globe. Blue Sky’s mission is clear: to inspire, educate, and connect people through the power of photography.
📍 Location | 122 Northwest 8th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
🕒 Gallery Hours | Wednesday – Saturday, 12:00–5:00 pm
Instagram | @blueskygallerypdx
Come experience exhibitions that challenge, inspire, and bring the world into focus—right here in the Pearl.
Exhibition | October 2nd - November 1st
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Image © The First Ten Years
Blue Sky 50th Anniversary Rooftop Celebration
Celebrate 50 years of Blue Sky Gallery with an with exclusive celebration. There will be beer, wine, mocktails & birthday cake, live band performance by Coo Era and DJ vibes, and toasts from Blue Sky founders and city leaders.
Location | Garden Terrace Rooftop, DeSoto Building,
720 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209
Time | Sun, Oct 5, 6-9pm
General Admission: $50 per person
VIP Experience: $100 per person
VIP experience begins promptly at 5:30 PM with a champagne toast. It includes a private gallery tour and a special commemorative gift bag featuring Blue Sky books and other goodies.
Blackfish Gallery: A Cornerstone of Portland’s Art Scene
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.
For decades, Blackfish has been a space where creativity thrives and community gathers, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Portland’s vibrant arts scene.
Location|938 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm
(*Please check the gallery website for current hours of operation.)
Step inside and experience exhibitions that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the power of contemporary art.
Exhibition | October 2nd- November 1st
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 12, 2-4pm
Image © Kanetaka Ikeda, The World of Cosmic Tree #11
Elizabeth Leach Gallery: A Vital Cultural Hub in the Pearl
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 mediums—from painting and sculpture to photography and multimedia—the gallery is celebrated for its commitment to excellence and engaging exhibitions.
More than just a gallery, Elizabeth Leach is a cultural destination, offering art lovers a chance to experience thought-provoking works that shape conversations and enrich Portland’s creative landscape.
Location | 417 NW 9th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm (and by appointment)
Discover why Elizabeth Leach Gallery remains an essential stop for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by contemporary art.
Exhibition | September 4th - October 11th, 2025
First Thursday | September 4th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Sara Siestreem
The Froelick Gallery: Diverse Contemporary Voices
Since opening in 1995, Froelick Gallery has been a vital force in Portland’s contemporary art scene. Representing a diverse roster of artists with strong, independent voices, the gallery showcases work from the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and as far as Tokyo.
Originally located in downtown Portland, Froelick relocated in 2007 to the historic DeSoto Building, bridging Old Town and the Pearl District. Today, it remains a destination for those seeking compelling, thought-provoking exhibitions and meaningful engagement with contemporary art.
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
Discover the voices shaping contemporary art—at the Froelick Gallery.
30th Anniversary Exhibit: 1995 - 2025: Group Exhibit
Exhibition | September 18th- November 1st, 2025
Image | Kevin Kadar, Bandiagara Escarpment I, 2025
Gallery 114: An Artist-Run Collective in the Pearl
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.
More than just a gallery, 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.
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Location | 1100 Building, 1100 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Experience a collective that continues to push boundaries and celebrate the power of collaboration in contemporary art.
Exhibition | October 2nd - November 1st, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 11, 12-1:30pm
Embroidery Workshop | Oct 11, 2-5pm
Image | Jon Gottshall
J. Pepin Art Gallery: Art, Mental Health, and Creative Dialogue
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. Known for its eclectic exhibitions, 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.
By blending artistry with advocacy, the J. Pepin Art Gallery provides a powerful and inspiring cultural experience in the Pearl District.
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
Exhibition | Sept 4th - Oct 12th, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 4, 5-8 PM
Image | Lynda Sprecher
Laura Vincent Design & Gallery: Soulful Contemporary Voices
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 represented contemporary artists with soulful, discerning voices—artists whose perspectives resonate deeply with today’s cultural landscape.
Exhibition-based in focus, 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.
Gallery Hours | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, and by appointment.
Location | 824 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209
Exhibition | October 2nd - November 1st, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Image | Scotty Peek
Waterstone Gallery: Artist-Owned, Artist-Driven
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.
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
Exhibition | October 2nd - November 2nd, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 5, 11am-12pm
Image | Claudia Hollister
HALLOWED at The Residency
On First Thursday, October 2, The Residency presents HALLOWED, a new exhibition featuring artists Pippa Arend and Leah Kohlenberg, with guest artist Maude May.
““Hallowed” will feature The Residency Artists, Pippa Arend and Leah Kohlenberg, as well as guest artist, Maude May.
In honor of Portland Textile Month, The Residency will weave a tale of the hollowed spirits who shine through our dreams and the hallowed grounds on which we walk. Gold and soil, cloth and the written word. “ -The Residency
📍 The Residency, 239 NW 13th Avenue, 13th Street Lofts, #211
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM | Snacks & wine provided
Admission is free!
More to Explore in the Pearl!
First Thursday Street Gallery: Last of 2025!
Urban Art Network First Thursday
Don’t miss your last opportunity to join the community of makers and artists on historic NW 13th Avenue this First Thursday! Tomorrow is the final Street Gallery of the year!
🌟 First Thursday
📆 October 2nd, 2025
⏰ 5 - 9 PM
📍 NW 13th & Irving | Pearl District, PDX
Stroll the iconic Pearl District Street Gallery and explore stunning works from talented local artists and crafts. Trust us: you won’t want to miss it! See you there!
Portland Center Stage: First Thursday
October First Thursday with Mariachi Portland
Portland Center Stage invites the community to celebrate October’s First Thursday with an evening of music, art, and connection at The Armory. Guests will enjoy a live performance by Mariachi Portland, view the current art exhibition by See King, and sip complimentary beer provided by Deschutes Brewery. Free and open to the public, the event highlights the vibrant cultural spirit of the Pearl District.
Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 7 PM
Admission: Free
👉 Check the Portland Center Stage calendar for showtimes and ticket availability.
Wing Week 2025
Portland’s Wing Week 2025 runs September 29–October 5, featuring special wing dishes at local bars and restaurants. In the Pearl District, participants offer creative flavors and $10 wings, giving residents and visitors a tasty way to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene.
Date: September 29th - October 5th, 2025
In the Pearl:
10 Barrel Brewing (Pearl District)
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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