All events listed occur on the first Friday of the month and are free and open to all visitors unless otherwise specified.
Funky Town | Sidestreet Arts
Join us for the vibrant opening of Funky Town, a celebration of all things weird and wonderful in Portland! This lively exhibition features the work of two talented ceramic artists – Erika Rier and Sarah Fine, whose playful, sculptural characters are sure to delight, alongside painter Joel Fleminger, whose bold and expressive works capture the soul of the city. Funky Town brings together the best of contemporary ceramics and painting, with a quirky twist that reflects the unique spirit of Portland.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR
Down to clown | JaJa PDX
JaJa’s art gallery will be full of clowns for the month of May! Come see works by talented local artists, learn some clown history, and watch performances by circus legends!
Show starts at 7pm
Performers:
Rhys Thomas
Charlie Brown
Summer Olsson
Stefano Laboni
Michael O’Niell
Emily Van Kley
JaJa the Clown
Hope you’re down to clown!
6 PM – 11 PM @ 819 SE Taylor St., Portland, OR
Into the woods | Splendorporium Gallery
Splendorporium Gallery invites you to the opening reception for Into the Woods, a journey into the folkloric forests of the imagination.
This is our annual Art4Life exhibit, showcasing the best work students in our Art4Life program have created over the course of the school year. Art4Life currently provides after school, spring break and summer arts education programs in three PPS elementary schools.
In this show, student work will be displayed side by side with that of over 25 adult professional artists.
Local painter Stephanie Taimi-Mandel is the featured artist.
Opening night is Friday, May 2nd 6-9 PM.
We will have vending by Sinister Coffee and Ice Cream,
Live Piano Music by Art4Life teacher Pablo Reese and
Oracle Card Readings by Ghost Terrestrea.
The show hangs through May 29th.
Regular gallery hours are weekdays 11-5.
Pictured: Story 4, Watercolor on Paper by Stephanie Taimi-Mandel
6 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97202
Meg Samples trio at Breathing. Room | The Lobby
The Lobby’s Breathing. Room exhibit will be in its final month, so come see it and enjoy some live music from the Meg Samples trio. More info about the band below:
Meg Samples Morrow (drums) is a drummer, percussionist, and a radio host at KMHD. She is the executive Director of Portland Jazz Composer’s Ensemble which advocates for new jazz in Portland through its performances, young composers program and record label. You can hear her on Today’s Good News with co-host Rev Shines Monday through Friday at 8 am on KMHD, and on the weekends from 2-4 PM on Blue in Green.
Mieke Bruggeman (woodwinds) is a Portland based multi-instrumentalist and educator. Three major life transitions, two trumpet players, one crummy first grade teacher and a whole mess of incredible mentors shaped Mieke’s charismatic and thoughtful approach to music.
Ryan Meagher (guitar) is a guitarist, composer, and educator known for his versatile playing that spans post-bop, Latin, and avant-garde styles. After honing his craft at San Diego State University and in New York City’s competitive music scene, Meagher relocated to Portland in 2012 where he balances teaching at multiple Northwest institutions with his role as Artistic Director of the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2871 SE Division St., Portland, OR
Oracle Obscura | Gagallery
Join us for an opening reception of Oracle Obscura: @Naomi Koumori, @Enoch Jones and @Morgan Shanafelt’s works. Featuring fine art prints, transfers and sewn objects, lampshades, bats and intricate costumes. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.
7 PM – 8 PM @ 2035 SE Belmont St., Portland OR
Camp kboo | kboo COMMUNITY radio
Welcome to summer camp — for everyone!
We’re embracing summer with open arms, and we want you to join us! Earn a merit badge by coming down to the KBOO station on Friday, May 2nd from 6-9 PM for our monthly First Friday Pop-Up Gallery event!
Enjoy local art, jam around the (metaphorical) campfire, shop local vendors, have a boozy snowcone, and maybe even a s’more!
Can’t be there in person? We’ll be broadcasting all performances live on air, and KBOO hosts Dee Jamie & Katie Zipp will be interviewing participating musicians, artists and vendors. We’ll see you ’round the campfire
6 PM – 9 PM @ 20 SE 8th Ave., Portland, OR
May the Force Be with You | FGPDX
Friday, May 2nd- join us for a truly out-of-this-world show. May the Force Be with You starts opens 6PM at FGPDX inside the Ford Building.
Big and bold pieces with a personality to match. Be there or be star dust!
Alison Dougherty’s solo show, Make Out Sessions, will be housed in the foyer of the gallery. New work on a grand scale! Let’s goooooo.
6 PM – 9 PM @ SE 11th Ave. and SE Division St., Portland, OR
First Friday at Manifestation | Manifestation PDX
Come to Manifestation to check out our warehouse studio and makerspace! DJs will be spinning sounds, artists will be sharing their wares, and this month we will have a kiln demonstration.
6 PM – 11 PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR
ARTIST OPEN STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Oh goodie! Get ready and mark your First Friday calendar for April 4th, 2025, starting at 6pm! See new art by new artists and familiar ones.
Welcome Spring with bouncey new art and MORE!!
6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR
Contact Us
We do our best to make the list as complete as possible, if you have an event or correction you would like to see listed please send show details to Info@FirstFridayPDX.org or use our easy online event submission form.