So tonight is First Thursday in the Pearl - most likely the first big one of the season. Sure - the traditional galleries still do first Thursday openings throughout the winter months, but not until the Sun comes out and folks want to wander the streets - wine glass in hand - does it really become An Event.

Although there are two sites that ‘seem official‘ for First Thursday - neither seem to be very complete, and if you’re truly just wanting to get out and enjoy the weather and the experience of roaming the Pearl and the various galleries, it might be a better idea to just free form it. Or use this more complete map that covers the entire area that highlights pubs and restaurants as well as galleries and shops.

For example, the showroom at Poster Garden on NW 14th will be open - a place you might not initially think of for a First Thursday exhibit. That’s the cool part about First Thursday’s in Portland - it doesn’t have to be all about stuffy galleries and pretension. Anyone or anyplace can be a part of it.

I had my first patio happy hour of 2008 on Tuesday, and sitting out in that sun was fantastic. It’s blue skies today - but we know that it may not last - so enjoy!

Related posts:

1. First Thursday Is Changing
2. First Thursday Evolves
3. Check Out These Two First Thursday Gallery Guides
4. Last Thursday on Alberta
5. Happy First Thursday