Troutdale First Friday Art Walk & Summer Street Fair returns with music, food and fun

More than 20 years ago, local artists joined together and fostered their creative minds to organize a Troutdale First Friday event.

Marlee Boxler, economic development coordinator for the city of Troutdale, said in 2020 she stepped in to help the event grow from its indoor venue to hitting the streets.

The Troutdale First Friday Art Walk & Summer Street Fair is making its return from 5-8 p.m. June 7, moving the year-round event’s entertainment outside for the summer months to come.

Boxler looks forward to seeing the community enjoying their beautiful, small town, and soaking up each other’s company each year.

More than 80 vendors converge on Historic Columbia River Highway, shutting it down for the evenings of June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6, offering handmade jewelry, custom woodwork designs, clothing, candles and more.

“It’s just such a blast to see everyone come down and really enjoy town,” Boxler said.

Live music is just one element that sets the summer months of fun apart from the rest of the First Friday events. On June 7, Macey Gard Band is set to bring their rock music to Mayors Square.

A selection of art galleries will welcome in those looking to treat their eyes, including ALSO Arts, Columbia River Gallery, Red Trillium Gallery in the 300 block of East Historic Columbia River Highway.

If blowing some dough is more your speed, a number of shops, boutiques and salons will be open for business during First Fridays. Celebrate Me Home offers two stories of fine home furniture, My Quilting Loft features handmade quilt crafts, Troutdale Barber Chicks specializes in men’s haircut — among many other retailers.

For more family fun, the Kid Zone, located next to Mayors Square on Dora Avenue, has games, chalk art, bubbles and more for youthful entertainment. The zone is staffed by Troutdale Recreation staff and other organizations.

And for adult fun, some dining locations including Bandits Bar & Grill, The Hoppy Brewer and Ristorante Di Pompello will be serving up boozes and brews.

Good drinks aren’t the only thing to consume, Siam Sushi has the best of both worlds with Thai food and sushi, Troutdale Burrito Shop has the Mexican food lovers covered and for the who need more than enough options, Troutdale Station Food Carts, located at 151 SW 257th Dr., has more than 20 options under one roof.

Vehicle traffic on Historic Columbia River Highway shuts down at 3 p.m. on event days causing for some difficulties parking in downtown Troutdale, with a limited number of available spots.

Sasquatch Shuttle will provide regular free shuttle services to the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center on the east edge of downtown Troutdale from the parking lots at Harvest Christian Church, the Columbia Gorge Outlets, Glenn Otto Park and Troutdale Art Center.

Shuttle services begin at 5 p.m. and arrive about every 15-20 minutes. The last shuttle run will be from the visitor center at 8:30 p.m.

Guests staying at the Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn can request a ride by calling 503-491-4000.

The event is year-round, with the exception of January, but the venue is moved indoors from September through May. It occurs at 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

“I see so many smiles and laughs and like everyone just enjoying themselves and having a great time,” Boxler said. “It’s one of those things that makes you feel so great about living in a small town and knowing your neighbor.”