Your Guide to the Pearl District

The Pearl District, bounded by Burnside, Broadway, I-405, and the Willamette River, has just about everything you could want: urban green spaces, world-class dining, breweries galore, and an entire city block of books. And if you’re here, chances are you’re keen to explore the neighborhood on foot, so we’ve got you covered (and actually, so does KEEN).

Why You Should Visit This Week: Art In The Pearl

Portland’s largest outdoor art fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 7 under the trees in the North Park Blocks. Not to be confused with First Thursday, this once-a-year, artist-run event is a great opportunity to purchase original work from local and international talents, while learning more about their inspiration and the meaning behind each piece through conversations with the artists themselves.

Several artists demonstrate their crafts live, including handweaving, sculpting, woodcarving, calligraphy, and metalworking. Children and families are also invited to the hands-on art pavilion for instructional events from Lakewood Center For The Arts, Oregon Potters Association, Golden Road Arts, and Oregon Art Center.

Eat & Drink: A Gourmet Gem

There are seriously good eats in the Pearl. The award-winning Andina wows guests with modern Peruvian cuisine. Trattoria Gallo Nero serves up an intimate taste of Tuscany where the bruschetta and wine seem endless. There are also Janken and Via Delizia, which may serve entirely different fare — Japanese-Korean fusion and Italian, respectively — but they certainly share a love for massive, decorative indoor trees. Jojo has phenomenal fried chicken sandwiches, and we’re here for the “Mexican-forward” revival over at República.

Mixology is also a serious art in the neighborhood. Enjoy these drinks, pinkies out.

• The Best of Both Worlds cocktail at Teardrop Lounge is a quintessential summertime sip, featuring Trinidad rum, Zoiglhaus Helles lager, sweet vermouth, raspberry, mint, and lime.
• Trade whatever plans you had tonight for a sip of Oolong Old Fashioned, courtesy of the Silk Road.
• Curry Favor at Fools and Horses is an irresistible, Southeast Asian-inspired gin sour.
• Inventive coffee cocktails, like the Margarita Negra, steal the show at Secret Grove.
• Comala specializes in mezcal — why not try a flight?

Theater: Life is a Stage

Where can you watch the whole spectrum of the human experience play out in one place? Portland Center Stage at The Armory, of course. In its 20th season at the historic venue, PCS will open the curtains on classics such as “Pride & Prejudice” and “Little Shop of Horrors” alongside new works like “Covenant.” Tickets are on sale now.

Did we miss something in the Pearl District? Send us a line to share your recs.