Our local merchants plan exciting, engaging in-store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits, retail trunk shows, live music, family activities, and entertainment in a special and unique way you'll only find in Downtown Boise. Stop into your favorite establishment or check out someplace new!
Events typically run from 5–9pm, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
SUPERSIZED First Thursday's are back!
What does that mean? More free activation throughout your downtown area! We'll have roving artist performing & engaging with the public for free fun during select months! Keep an eye out for the signs for where they'll pop-up next!
Interested in being a performing artist for our SUPERSIZED First Thursdays?
Submit ARTIsT Information Here
Thank You to Our 2024 First Thursday Sponsor:
Boise Chamber Gift Shop and Visit Boise Information Center
1101 W Front St • (208) 472-5215
Shop Kid-Friendly
Happy First Thursday! Receive 15% off your entire purchase from 9a-4p. Not sure what's in our gift shop? We have merchandise from our Boise Metro Chamber Members and Gift Shop Members. We have a great, cute and welcoming souvenir gift shop!
I hope to see your friendly smiles!
Ink Spa
404 S 8th St • (208)315-6664
Art Shop Activity
Walk-in First Thursdays - grab a friend and come get a tattoo, piercing or both during our Walk-In First Thursday event. Micros starting at $100, piercings $75 for nostril, ears or navel only. We also have a uniquely curated gift shop for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. Come check it out!
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Music
Radio Boise is having an "Open Station" in the basement of the Alaska Center on Main St. between 10th and 11th St where we will give guided tours, have live DJs Wendy Fox and Jason D on the air, share snacks and generally chat about the station and community radio from 5pm-8pm. It is hosted by Nichole Marie of The Rapture and Geek Goddess from the Rebel Alliance. This month we are joined by the Idaho Office for Refugees, whose mission it is to offer refuge and safety to people forced to leave their homes due to persecution of religious beliefs, political opinions, or ethnic heritage.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Practice your moves and meet our dance community! Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay and practice to music from a variety of dance styles.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too. Everyone is welcome, no experience required!
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class from 7:15pm—8pm
General Social Dancing 8pm—8:45pm
Vandal Store
821 W Idaho St • (208) 433-1889
Shop
Fire up the grills! Whether for dad or your grad or whatever you are celebrating this summer, it is best to do it Vandal style. Get a FREE bottle of Vandal sauce, while supplies last, with any purchase of any of our new Vandal BBQ tools.
We will be open 10am-8pm.
View Free Public Art at Freak Alley Gallery
Alley: 8th & 9th and Bannock & Idaho St •
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
Freak Alley Gallery is the Northwest's Largest Open-Air, Multi-artist Mural Gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise.
Allan Ansell Photography in The Alaska Center
1020 W Main St •
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
Special: Business head shots special: $85/per head; $75 for groups of 4 or more taken at same time and same location (up to 8 total). Through July 1, 2024.
After a brief hiatus, Allan R. Ansell Photography is continuing our traditional First Thursday studio demonstrations bi-monthly raffle for a complimentary in studio 11 x 14 family portrait. The portrait will include a Complimentary consultation session, photo session and the opportunity to select the image you want printed. Drop in to enter. January’s lucky winner was Mike Krum and family. We’ll also give you do a fun and quickie portrait suitable for posting on social media if you come down.
If you can’t join us Thursday evening simply email your name to allan@ansellphotography.com with the subject line “First Thursday Raffle” and your first name in the body of the text. The winner will be notified by email after the raffle closes.
Check out my web page. I will only be accepting a limited number of bookings during May. Meanwhile – ENTER THE RAFFEL AND WIN THE PRIZE and Keep safe!!
Join the BoldCircle at BoldHue!
405 S 8th St •
Art Shop Activity
FIRST and only
AT-HOME SHADE
MATCHING DEVICE
BoldHue revolutionizes the beauty industry with an approach to beauty that is completely customizable, for every unique individual. Our patented technology is one of a kind, just like you.
Follow our story, learn more, and view our viral videos on Instagram (instagram.com/boldhue) and TikTok (tiktok.com/@boldhue)
Join the BoldCircle and be the first to know when we officially launch. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive behind the scenes content and see milestones in real time while you wait for its anticipated arrival! Join for free at BoldHue.com
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
Tom Graineys
109 S 6th St • (208) 345-2505
Music
DJ Mike Moses spins all vinyl every 1st Thursday of the month at Tom Grainey’s from 9-close. Funk and soul, new and old, hip-hop samples and remixes, and more!
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Shop
Get ready to party with us at Re-POP Gifts! Join us for our monthly Birthday Celebrations, where we will be throwing a birthday party on the first Thursday of each month. If it's your birth month, you and your friend will receive a special treat - 15% off your entire purchase*. And that's not all! As an extra bonus, if it's your birth month, you will also receive a birthday treat bag filled with surprises. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate your special day with us at Re-POP Gifts LLC!
*cannot be combined with other offers, some exclusions apply
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
Thursdays just got a major upgrade at The Warehouse Food Hall with the return of live performances! Whether you're into tunes, flavors, or just good times, our live music Thursdays cater to all. Dive into a world of diverse food options, sip on crafted drinks, and let the music elevate your evening.
Weekly on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free for all ages
The Flicks
646 Fulton St • (208) 342-4288
Music
Bill Coffey and Dave Manion on the Patio June 6, 5:30-7:30
Grab your drinks and food from our Rick’s Café at The Flicks counter and head out to the patio to enjoy music by Bill and Dave. No cover charge, it is a gift to our Flicks fans.
"Impact of Exchange" Global Ties Exhibit
827 W Main St • (208) 336-8900
Art Kid-Friendly
Immerse yourself in the Impact of Exchange: Stories from U.S. Exchange Alumni, a remarkable traveling photography exhibit that intertwines public art with compelling narratives.
About the Exhibit:
"Impact of Exchange" is made possible through funding from the Office of Alumni Affairs and is executed by Global Ties U.S. in partnership with Photoville and local Community-Based Members nationwide. Featuring photographs and stories of U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni, this exhibit aims to ignite inspiration and foster future participation in exchange programs.
Engage with Global Ties Idaho:
Meet representatives from Global Ties Idaho during the event to discover opportunities for involvement in local programming. Gain insights into the impactful work they do and explore avenues for collaboration and engagement within the community.
Special Discussion with U.S. State Department:
Additionally, seize the opportunity to converse with a diplomat from the U.S. State Department who will be present to discuss employment opportunities within the department. Whether you're considering a career path or seeking insights into international affairs, this session offers valuable insights and connections.
Don't miss this enriching experience that celebrates the power of exchange and fosters cultural understanding. Mark your calendars for an evening of art, storytelling, and dialogue. The exhibit itself will run from April 22, 2024 through June 6, 2024. All are welcome. Free to attend.
For more information, contact globaltiesidahoboard@gmail.com.
Graeber & Company Salon and Spa
350 N 9th St • (208) 343-4915
Shop
Stop by for all the fun things happening this month! Raffles, surveys with a give away, gift with purchase and so much more!!
Art in The Alaska Center: New Art Series "Mountains & Aspens of Idaho" by Chi E Shenam Westin
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
An exploration of Zen Buddhists, Sutras, and Practices.
New paintings on copper & aluminum including Extreme Plein Air: The Trees of Winter.
Also showing The trees of Zion, paintings from McCall, Thorn Creek Butte, Tetons in Driggs, and Payette Lake.
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St • (208) 343-9895
Kid-Friendly Activity
The Discovery Center of Idaho will be offering exclusive after-hours access to our newest exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, between 4:30pm - 7:30pm.
Featuring one of the largest collections of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, Mummies of the World presents a one-of-a-kind collection of naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies. This compelling exhibition, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies from South America, Europe and ancient Egypt, some dating back thousands of years.
Book your tickets up to 7 days in advance at https://www.dcidaho.org. Regular admission prices apply.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Jazz Night at The Funky Taco
Once a month, on the First Thursday, The Funky Taco will have a jazz night featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quintet for the first set. We will then feature local jazz artists for the second set and close the night with a jam session featuring established, up-and-coming, and future jazz musicians.
Check the Event Calendars (https://www.deanvjennings.com/eventscalender) or the Funky Taco's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/thefunkytaco/) for upcoming Jazz Nights at The Funky Taco.
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
All day Happy Hour! Half off appetizers and $5 draft beer, $5 well cocktails, $5 select wines from 11am-11pm every first Thursday in Trillium Restaurant or Trillium Bar.
Rediscovered Books - Boise
180 N 8th St • (208) 376-4229
Art Shop
Rediscovered Books welcomes local author and poet Rebecca Evans for a book signing on First Thursday for her new book, Safe Handling. Rebecca Evans will be in store June 6th at 5 PM to talk about her book and sign copies.
This event is free and open to the public.