Alberta Street is more than just a street it’s a beloved district of Portland known for art, festivals and fun. Explore both sides of this straight east-west roadway north of Portland. By day, you’ll find art galleries, murals and boutiques. When happy hour arrives, visit its bars and restaurants for cocktails and eclectic food choices.
With its many galleries and boutiques, the street is a big draw for tourists looking for unique artworks as mementoes of a trip to Portland. However, it’s great for everyday shopping as well. Start the morning with coffee and scrumptious homemade pie, waffles or biscuits. Walk or rent a bike at the west end of the district and head east viewing imaginative murals. Purchase art supplies, fabric, yarn and other materials to create your own art projects. Have a vegan lunch, ethnic buffet, grilled cheese or craft brewery fare for lunch.
Here you can find one-of-a-kind fashion designs, have your hair done or get a tattoo. Stay into the evening for a romantic dinner or rowdy pub crawl with old or new friends. Listen to live music at the Alberta Rose Theatre on the east end of the street.
On the last Thursday evenings of summer months the Alberta Arts District has a giant street fair, closing 15 blocks of Alberta Street to car traffic and creating a huge arts showcase. Come to purchase jewellery, woodwork, pottery, paintings, sculpture and more or simply enjoy musical performances and street food.
An even larger event happens on the second Saturday in August with the Alberta Street Fair. This family-friendly festival lasts all day and attracts 25,000 people. Bring your children to participate in the kids’ parade and kids’ activity corner. Enjoy entertainment on three stages and browse among the stalls of 300 vendors selling food, art, crafts and more.
Get to Alberta Street by heading north from central Portland on the east side of the Willamette River for several miles. Portland is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Consider renting a bike to explore the area as the locals do.
