September Art and Events Guide
September in the Pearl? We're All In.
The season's shifting, the rain's rolling in, and the Pearl District is absolutely humming with activity. First Thursday kicks off this month (Sept 3), Labor Day's this weekend (Sept 5–7), and honestly? Our event calendar is stuffed. We've got some stellar highlights lined up, but that's just the beginning—there's so much more happening all month long.
Stick with Around the Pearl to stay in the loop, and grab our full September Arts & Events Guide for the complete rundown. You're not going to want to miss what's happening in your neighborhood.
Brushstrokes and Bites: A Fundraiser for NORTH POLE STUDIOS
Brushstrokes & Bites, a special community fundraiser hosted by Urban Restaurant Group at Venue 13.
100% of your $35 ticket purchase benefits North Pole Studio. Walk-ins day of are welcome, so bring a friend, come hungry and come support North Pole Studio!
Your $35 ticket includes themed bites from five local restaurants: Metropolitan Tavern, Taylor Street Tavern, Brix Tavern, Honorable Mention, and The Palm Court at The Benson- plus unlimited wine, all while supporting North Pole Studio.
Tickets | www.eventbrite.com/e/brushstrokes-bites-tickets
Time | 6 pm-9pm
Date | Thursday September 3, 2026
Location | Venue 13, 1355 NW Everett St Ste 120
Instagram | @northpolepdx, urpdx
Learn more | North Pole Studio
Celebrating 30 Years of Creativity
The 30th Art in the Pearl is this Labor Day! Don't miss one of the region's largest gatherings of artists and makers!
Date | Labor Day Weekend: September 5-7th
Hours | Sat/Sunday 10am-5pm and Monday 10am-4pm
Location | The Northwest Park blocks of Portland, Oregon, between W Davis and NW Flanders at NW 8th Avenue.
Instagram | @artinthepearl
Learn more | Artinthepearl.com
ART + DESIGN ON 9TH
Join us on Thursday, September 10 from 5 - 8 pm for an evening to sip, stroll, and experience Portland's creative scene in the Pearl District.
Explore participating vineyards and partnered showrooms and galleries.
Date | September 10, 20265
Time | 5pm - 8pm
Location | Pearl District, Portland
Evesham Wood and Haden Fig Winery at Adams and Ollman
Stoller at Ann Sacks
Copious Cellars at Black Gallery
Meliora Wine Company at Blackfish Gallery
Elk Cove at Elizabeth Leach Gallery
Rain Dance Vineyards at Hive
Patricia Green Cellars at The Joinery
Rex Hill at Laura Vincent Design & Gallery
Portland Wine Co. at SMG Collective
Kandu Ranch Wines at Waterstone Gallery
Sokol Blosser Winery at Visual Comfort
Finite Cellars at Light + Home
Dominio IV Wines at Pedini NW
Questions | contact art@elizabethleach.com
Inspired by the spirit of Bacchanalia, PNCA will create an abundant still-life tableau with live models for you to paint from, in celebration of creativity and the shared experience of making art together in community.
Current students, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends of PNCA are invited to come create and connect with the PNCA community.
What to bring | We'll have easels, drawing horses, tables, and shared materials available, including paper, charcoal, acrylic paints, and watercolors. Feel free to bring your favorite art supplies or preferred materials to work with- whether that's your own canvas, sketchbook, markers, paints, brushes, or other drawing and painting tools. (Please no oil paints. Due to studio safety requirements.)
RSVP Eventbrite| pnca-paints-at-first-thursday-tickets
Date | Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time | 5-7 pm
Location | PNCA Lemelson Studio: 511 Northwest Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @ccac_pnca, @p_n_c_a
PNCA Community Events and First Thursday pnca.willamette.edu/culture/community
Join the Business Support Committee for a morning of networking over coffee, where business connections are made and friendships are forged - don't miss out!
Date | Wednesday, September 16
Time | 8:00-9:00am
Location | Venue courtesy of the Joinery
102 Northwest 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209
Instagram | @pearldistrict.pdx
The 2026 Pearl Party will be Saturday, September 19th!
Support your community and all the organizations that make the Pearl so special with local food and drink, vendors, and live music.
This is free, family-friendly with live music spinning all afternoon, local food and drinks fueling the good vibes, artisan vendors and that special neighborhood energy that only happens when the community gathers.
Date | September 19th, 2026
Time | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location | NW 13th Ave (between Hoyt & Irving)
FREE entry
Live Music
Local Food and Drink
Learn more | 2026-pearl-party
Over 20 Years of Bringing Creativity to the Community
Since 2000, a devoted team of Artist Coordinators at Urban Art Network have presented a street art gallery on the historic 13th Avenue in the Pearl District on First Thursdays. For one vibrant evening each month from April through October, artists at all stages of their careers, self-represent and sell their work.
The Street Gallery is open to the public, rain or shine, every First Thursday
Date | Thursday, September 3, 2026
Hours | 5pm -9pm
Location | NW 13th between Flanders & Lovejoy
Instagram @urbanartnetwork, @mypeoplesmarket
First Thursday Gallery Walk
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, art lovers and the curious every month on First Thursday, all year round.
PADA 40 Year Anniversary!
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the the Pearl District’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 PADA 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.
Exhibits and Events
riel Sturchio - Signal | through Sept 26
Raymond Thompson Jr. - It's hard to stop rebels that time travel | through Sept 26
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 3, 5-9pm
In-Person Artist Talk - riel Sturchio | Sept 5, 2-3pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Raymond Thompson Jr. | Sept 5, 3:30-4:30pm
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.
Exhibits and Events
Clint Brown - A LIFE OF DRAWING | through Sept 26
Don Bailey - People I’ve Known | through Sept 26
Jerry Svoboda - Natural Forces | through Sept 26
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 3, 5-8pm
Artist Talk - Don Bailey | Sept 16, 6-8pm
Artist Talk - Clint Brown | Sept 19, 2-4pm
Closing Reception featuring live music from The Greebles | Sept 25, 7-9pm
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.
Exhibits and Events
Lee Kelly - Early Works
Barbara Sternberger - With What We Have
Opening First Thursday| September 3, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
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
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.
Exhibits and Events
David Cohen - Relics Recent Paintings | through Sept 26
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 3, 5-8:30pm
Artist Reception & Exhibition Walk Through | Sept 5, 1-3pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Location | 1100 Building | 1100 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
Instagram | @gallery114
Exhibits and Events
fairies - marco calvi September 3-26, 2026
creative alchemy - steve eichenberger & jacquline hurlbert
Reception | September 3 | 5-8pm
Artist talk | daria loi - September 19 | 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.
Exhibits and Events
Kirk Weller - Earth Remembered | through Sept 26
First Thursday Reception | Sept 3, 5-8pm
A Dialogue with the Artist | Sept 19, 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
The Black Gallery
The BLACK Gallery powered by Don’t Shoot Portland exists as a space where art and activism intersect.
The gallery functions as a tool for connection and community engagement. We host a variety of workshops, exhibitions, events, and educational programs, all to encourage and engage community. By centering liberation and creative expression, the Black Gallery provides opportunities for learning, understanding, and dialogue through diverse art forms. The main mission is to strengthen community using art for social change to promote self-determination and empowerment.
Exhibits and Events
Autumn Breon | Maroon Portals | through Oct 4
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 3, 5-7pm
Gallery Hours | Book an Appointment: Appointments are free and open to the public. Available Days: Thursday - Sunday. Available Times: 12pm - 5pm
Email us to book a time:
info@theblackgallerypdx.com
Location | 916 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR
Instagram | @theblackgallerypdx
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 Gallery offers a unique perspective—providing a space where artists themselves shape the exhibitions and curatorial vision.
Exhibits and Events
James Page - Ouroboros | through Sept 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Sept 3, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Sept 20, 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
More September Pearl District Events!
Portland Center Stage: PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Portland Center Stage is kicking off their 20th season in The Armory with playwright Kate Hamill’s sparkling adaptation of Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE, directed by Marissa Wolf. Here’s your first look at the cast who will bring the swoon-worthy romance and sharp wit to life in this Regency Era classic-cum-contemporary comedy!
Kushi Beauchamp as Lizzy
Setareki as Mr. Darcy
Ashlee Radney as Jane/Miss De Bourgh
Nicole Marie Green as Lydia/Lady Catherine
Treasure Lunan as Mary/Mr. Bingley
Dana Green as Mrs. Bennet
Michael O’Connell as Mr. Bennet/Charlotte Lucas
Janice Munk as Wickham/Mr. Collins/Miss Bingley
Charles Grant as Mr. Darcy (Replacement, October 21–25)
Date | September 27-October 25
Location | Portland Center Stage at the Armory
128 NW Eleventh Ave
Portland, OR 97209
503-445-3700
boxoffice@pcs.org
🫖 Get ready to spill some tea with the Bennet sisters! 🎟️ Previews begin September 27, and tickets are on sale now at pcs.org
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 fresh fruit and veggies from Pablo Munoz Farm, artisan breads, 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.
Date | Sundays though October
Time | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location | NW 13th Ave (between Everett & Glisan) Pearl District
FREE entry
Instagram | @pd_culinaryfarmersmarket
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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