“Third Wednesdays,” a new monthly art activities series designed to complement its signature First Friday Art Walk, is to be launched this week according to Herb Ivy, President of Creative Portland.  It will take place in the 500 Block of Congres Street and the plaza at 511 Congress Street, featuring free outdoor concerts, artist pop-ups, family-friendly activities, street performers, balloon artists, face painting and local vedors.  It will run from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Third Wednesdays will take a different approach than First Friday Art Walk by concentrating activity into two vibrant blocks along the Congress Street corridor in the heart of the Arts District rather being spread out along Congress Street.

“This is an experiment – and that’s what makes it exciting,” said Dinah Miot, Executive Director of Creative Portland. “OVer the pasd two decades, we’ve watched First Friday Art Walk growinto a beloved community tradition.  Third Wednesdays gives us an opportuity to test a more concentrated model that activates the street with live music,  arts experiences and community engagement during the middle of the week in the late afternoon and evening.

“By bringing music, art and activity back to this block, we hope to create a welcoming evironment for all ages and help re-energize an area that has strggled with vacancies and street-level challenges,” said David Jopp, owner of The Escape Room and one of the initiatives lead partners.