Portland loves to celebrate warm weather and the late evenings during the summer months, so the city hosts both First and Last Thursday. Last Thursday takes place on Alberta Avenue, but First Thursday happens in the Pearl District of NW Portland. 13th Avenue shuts down between Hoyt and Kearney, allowing vendors to set up various stands to sell and showcase various art, jewelry, housewares and other unique crafts.

Art galleries also open their doors late into the evening (usually closing between 9-10pm) to allow spectators to wander in and appreciate what they have on display. Many local shops participate as well, encouraging the crowds to come check out their wares by offering bands, snacks, and free drinks.

The crowd at First Thursday is fun and hip, yet a little less crazy than at Last Thursday (which I do still love!). People come to have a good time and appreciate the art, as well as the unexpected people that you might see (check out the parrot I met below!). First Thursday only happens during the warm weather months, so make sure to check it out soon!