Introduction

Portland is known for its vibrant art scene, and like many cities around the world, it celebrates local art and culture on the First Thursday of each month. From late spring through early fall, the Pearl District comes alive with the Urban Art Network's street gallery, an event that's been a Portland tradition since 2000. Last month was my first time experiencing it, and it was a great night out with friends.

Pre-Game at Scotch Lodge

Before diving into the crowd, my good friend Marshall and I decided to "pre-game" at Scotch Lodge. The buzz around this place had been building, especially since it was a runner-up for a 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar. It was already on my must-visit list.

We snagged a spot at the chef's counter and started with the menus. The highlight for me was a dish of albacore crudo. The fish was delicate, fresh, and what made it truly special were the unexpected, fruity boba pearls that popped in my mouth, creating a fantastic contrast to the spicy sauce underneath. It was a dish I won't soon forget.

Oregon law requires bars open past 10 p.m. to serve food, and thankfully, Portland bars take this seriously. Scotch Lodge's menu goes way beyond the minimum, but I was there for the whiskey. I opted for a flight of Blanton's, sampling the Single Barrel, the Gold, and the Straight From the Barrel cask strength. It was a fun experiment and a perfect way to set the mood for the night. (A pro-tip? The cask strength is the way to go.)

Enjoying the Arts: First Thursday

After a bit of a struggle to find parking—which is to be expected in the Pearl District, and especially on First Thursday—I finally made it to the main event of the evening. NW 13th Avenue was packed with scores of artists in small booths, showing off their work. The energy was electric, with a young, hip vibe and the street was full of people from end to end.

To get out of the crowd for a bit we stopped in at Battle Creek Cellars for a glass of wine, great conversation and some streetside people watching.

Final Thoughts

I will definitely be headed back to First Thursday next week, and if you want to experience the heart of Portland's art and culture yourself, head to the Pearl District on the first Thursday of the month April through October. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. It's the perfect opportunity to meander down NW 13th Avenue and soak it all in. Bring comfortable shoes, a good attitude, and a couple of hours of your time. You won't regret it.