If you are into fun times then First Thursday is not something you want to miss whether you are a seasoned Oregonian, a pretentious Portlander or just here for a visit. The numerous art galleries in the Pearl District open their doors so anyone can venture in and view the art for free. Many of the cool shops and salons also stay open late to welcome visitors. There's usually a complimentary glass of wine and some hors d'œuvres involved with all these visits as well. One of my favorite artists Buzz Siler recently moved his studio to NW 20th and Vaughn...a little off the beaten path but worth visiting because he's awesome. Prem Group Property Management always participates by having a party in its basement. For a $5.00 donation that goes to a local charity you get to enjoy free wine, beer, food and a DJ. Party-on Prem! And if you don't know about the parties at the stately and gorgeous US Customs Building hosted by WeWork, you've really been missing out. You have to RSVP for free entry but access to this amazing building is a privilege and did I mention open bar and a variety of food? Just don't forget to tip the folks serving you. 13th Avenue between NW Hoyt and NW Kearney are closed to vehicle traffic so you can wander from various artists booths that are set up on each side of the street. I've seen some incredibly talented artists and amazingly affordable art along this route. First Thursday is a tradition in its 31st year and just keeps getting better. 2015 - Review # 50 read more

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This is another one of the unique Portland things to do. I love checking out all the artwork in galleries in the Pearl district. I also love the opportunity to meet the artists, and discussing their artwork. I also loved the free champagne and h'ordeuvres. I didn't realize that there is a street closed off to traffic for street vendors. This was fun and interesting, though I enjoyed the street fair better during Last Thursday. But all in all, a fun way to spend a Thursday! read more

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First Thursday is a great way to nosh on free delicious wine and snacks while meeting local artists and finding a few gorgeous take away gifts once and a while. I have stumbled into countless stores that normally I wouldn't have entered just to see what their First Thursday deal/artist/event was. Rebel Jewelry does free tattoos and whole cans of PBR. Whole Foods offers a flight of different wines and occasionally $1 cupcakes. House of Lolo brings out the pink champagne. Bishop's Barbershop has a prize wheel you can spin - and who knows, maybe you'll get a free haircut next time? Porch Light has full bottles of champagne sitting in the back of the store. Anthropologie has a sampling of sparkling wine and brownie bites and lemonade. Cupcake Jones did at some point, but maybe no longer? - offer full cupcakes to First Thursday stragglers. It was easy enough to fine food and alcohol. It was a bit harder for me to find art I liked. Nate Ettington, who's work is still on display at the Anthropologie, felt sincere and warm, like yarn in winter. Rebel Jewelry had a recently released inmate's artwork on display, an though the concept seemed charitable the artwork sent a difference message, doodles of confederate flags and cheap blood. House of Lolo had no art, and were short on sizes other than 0. Cupcake Jones had an artist doing portraits of pets that people brought in. To be honest, there wasn't a lot in my price range. And most of the time, First Thursday seems like a meet-n-greet instead of an educational learn-maybe-buy. But the things I did take home, a little packet of 50 hand-made book-plates, reminds me of where I live and the things I do love about it. If you haven't tried it, I really suggest going once. Drink the free booze and behold the strange spectacle. There might even be something you like. read more

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I didn't see anything to nosh on at the galleries I went to, but I find it nice that they stay open after dark. The collections were delightful and it is great that the Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission during this time. The only thing disappointing, as a first timer, was not knowing where to go. I didn't see any specific "First Thursday" maps so I just kind of wandered the streets. There wasn't a whole lot of people, so it was a little eerie to walking by myself after dark. Maybe it gets better in the summer? read more

What started as a bunch of galleries that got together and agreed to stay open late one night a week has really grown since. It only comes once a month, in the downtown area (mostly in the Pearl). First Thursday is a great way to spend an evening. Galleries that are part of this use First Thursday hold the grand opening of new shows on First Thursday. Most offer drinks and snacks of some sort and lots of people show up making for a festive time. Besides galleries many shapes in the area now stay open late and many other businesses have artists bring in their works and stay open as well. Then bars and restraints and businesses hold events (some with cover) to ad to the mix and keep people busy longer. Finally there are areas where local artists not represented by a gallery take to the street sell their works themselves. There are now a couple areas 24 Hour Fitness in the Pearl. The other is by the new We-Work on the North Park Blocks. I always enjoy seeing all the art. Often hitting my favorite galleries in the DeSoto building but always hitting the outdoor shows when I go. read more

I originally thought First Thursday was just art galleries in the Pearl District opening their doors later and serving wine and crackers, but it's much more than that! Apparently part of NW 12th is closed down and there are vendors and tents lining both sides of the street offering all kinds of arts and crafts and jewelry. It's fun just to browse through all the unique products, even if you can't really afford any of these handmade items. It's kinda like a smaller version of the Saturday Market, or like the Renegade Craft Fair, if you've ever been to San Francisco. When I went around 8:30, there wasn't much food available, except this one hot dog stand and a pizza place (Paccini) handing out free samples. I was hoping there'd be food carts on site like Last Thursday, but I wasn't able to find any. Compared to Last Thursday, I think I'd recommend First Thursday more. Last Thursday is more for eclectic people watching and has a lot more food; First Thursday is more for actual arts & crafts and unique products, but also has some of the eclectic people, street performers, and some pretty cool bands too. If you're interested in doing a walking tour of the galleries, here's a nice map online: http://padaoregon.org/openings I loved how Nisha D. put it: "First Thursday is when art galleries around the city throw open their doors late and let the rest of us pretend we know what we're looking at." (so true!) Finally, I'd HIGHLY recommend taking the MAX or the bus in. The 15-20 min ride is well-worth the 15-20+ minutes you'll spend circling around in dense car and pedestrian traffic trying to get lucky with someone leaving so you can take their spot. Save yourself the frustration and headache by parking further away (in the free rail zone, if you want to save money!). read more

So ask yourself: are you really the type of person to go to an art gallery, and like..."shop" for art? If you are anything like me the answer is no. But I do LIKE (and appreciate) art, and local artists. I am not above drinking a glass of wine (yes, even if it is..."average"), while I view, either. Many places also have beer (and water for those who are not imbibing). My best drink of the night was Orangina! Enter First Thursday, when the galleries open their doors late, and the streets of NW fill with those who want a chance to browse, ogle, and mingle. There are street musicians and performing artists of all types (I saw a gymnast performing) and vendors, ...AND for the galleries that are closer to "Old Town" / China Town" there is DJ'd music too. Music + Drinks + Art...hmmm, did I mention first night also brings out the lovely ladies? NOW what's your reason for not going? In fact my biggest peeve about first night is that it does not stay open late enough! Some of the Galleries were already closed by 8:30PM. DO give the NW First Thursday a chance, even if you normally wouldn't read more

If you love to shop specialty items and from local vendors.. then this is the place for you. What i found interesting about most of the vendors at First Thursdays is that they all accept credit cards.. Thats highly unusual for a street fair, but it worked well. Also I found some beautiful items at this fair then went over to brix to have some wine.. So if your in the pearl area next month.. make sure you go.. its worth it! read more

Portland's First Thursday gallery walk is a time view art and watch people. From its humble beginnings, it has become an institution that crescendos every year in August, when the weather is best. This year we experienced the event with the McSordyl family and Rob and thousands of others. What is First Thursday? On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries in Portland extend their hours into the evening. For the serious galleries, this is the opening night for artists. A few galleries still offer nibbles, but that has diminished dramatically since the early days, when many galleries offered free wine and cheese and crackers. In addition to established galleries, artists have one-night stands along NW 13th Avenue (pictured above), . . . . Continue review at: http://bit.ly/qq7ToJ read more

I've been to First Thursday twice now, the last time being a couple of days ago. My opinion is that I'm just fine with attending once or twice a year - it's not good or fun enough to mark as a "must go" event every month, but there is free drinks, decent hors d'oeuvres, and interesting art work by some fairly talented local artists. read more