Avoiding Last Thursday: Five Alternatives to the Monthly NE Alberta Street Party

Thursday, August 28, 2014

GoLocalPDX Arts Team

Musicians at Last Thursday

Musicians At Last Thursday: Photo credit: Lisa Norwood on Flickr. (Image cropped)

It’s a hot August night, it's Last Thursday and you’ve found yourself at loose ends.

But the thought of huffing and puffing your way down Northeast Alberta Street through the sticky crowds, and elbowing your way around stalls and strollers to the pounding beats of competing DJs doesn’t sound like the way to kick off Labor Day weekend.

Looking for alternatives? Look no further. Luckily there’s plenty to do on a Portland evening that will tick off your retail, culture and dining boxes without the craziness of the monthly Northeast street party - unless that’s what you’re after.

In which case, get thee to Northeast Alberta.

Otherwise, check out the other options below for your official last Thursday of the summer:

Related Slideshow: Slideshow: Alternatives To Last Thursday

Trying to get as far away from Last Thursday as you can? We have you covered with five different options below.

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Art

If it’s art you’re after, a late afternoon stroll around the Pearl district offers lots of galleries in the space of a few city blocks. Annie Meyer, J. Pepin, and Caplan Art Designs are three local spots to try for starters.

And if you can put off your stroll for a day or two, Art in the Pearl takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with added soundtrack to your meanderings.

Photo credit: Explore the Pearl's Art in the Pearl

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Outdoors

If you just fancy a bit of outdoors delights, there’s no place like Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden for some urban calm. The botanical garden is a city block of zen, with a tea house offering Chinese teas and treats.

Photo credit: Betony Meszaros

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Music

For those after the musical element of Last Thursday, Oregon Convention Center Plaza offers some outdoor alternatives, with the last night of Plaza Palooza tonight showcasing local pop, funk and soul band Nu Shooz.

Photo credit: Betony Meszaros

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Food

Hungry after all these outdoor shenanigans? Head to Cartopia while it still exists! This beloved food cart pod boasts a plethora of dining options that are set for relocation, so check out Whiffie's Fried Pies, Potato Champion and Perierra Creperie while they’re still all in one spot.

Photo credit: Urban Works

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All that and retail!

Want retail, food and music all together? Not far from North Alberta street, Mississippi street offers all of the above but without the Last Thursday package. From Paxton and Gate all the way past Black Wagon to Manifesto and Land, you’ll find plenty of fun retail, while a plethora of dinner options include sushi, Thai food, Lebanese and burritos all in two city blocks.

Photo credit: atlasPDX82 under CC BY-SA 3.0