First Thursday is a recurring event in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon, United States.[1] The event was established in 1986.[2][3] It has been described as a monthly art gallery walk and outdoor street festival.[4][5] It is organized by the Urban Art Network.[6] Arts leader William Jamison has been credited as a co-founder.[7] The event also has live music and food vendors.[8]
Portland Monthly ranked the event number 49 in a 2025 "quintessential Portland bucket list" of 50 things to do in the city.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The First First Thursday of the Summer". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on 2025-07-24. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ "1986: First Thursday". Willamette Week. 2024-11-13. Archived from the original on 2026-02-08. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ "Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future of Portland's Pearl District". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on 2025-12-04. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
On a rainy September night in 1986, the First Thursday gallery walk began, and a loquacious, rather kitschy gallerist invented a perky new neighborhood brand, the "Pearl District."
- ^ "Top Things to Do This Weekend: June 5-8". Portland Monthly. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ "First Thursday Events to Hit Tonight, Starting With the Street Gallery". Willamette Week. 2024-04-04. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ a b "The Top 50 Things to Do in Portland". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on 2026-03-20. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ "1994: Thomas Lauderdale". Willamette Week. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ^ Dominique, Leslie (2025-04-04). "First Thursday celebrates 25 years in Portland's Pearl District". KPTV. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
