This year, there are no big social events planned for MathFest on Thursday night (the traditional night of a meeting-wide social event)--Portland just has so much to offer, we thought you might like to take in the town on your own.

One of the options you might want to consider is the "First Thursday" gallery walk, sponsored by many of the fine galleries in the downtown area, and within easy trolley-and-walking distance of the convention headquarters.

Of particular interest this year may be the Portland Art Museum's special Escher exhibit, Virtual Worlds.

The Pearl District Business Association also offers the PDBA take on the "First Thursday" event, as well as a page highlighting special events throughout the District.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a visit to Powell's Books, and there are always the great brew-pubs, restaurants, and other attractions, many described on the After MathFest page of this site.