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 happen all throughout the day, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
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September First Thursday Partner
Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park is widely recognized as the premier cultural event in the Northwest. This open-air festival, held on the weekend following Labor Day each September, provides visitors of all ages and interests with the opportunity to meet 240 artists and purchase their works.
Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park: September 11 - 13, 2026
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Food & Beverage Activity
Karaoke baby!!! Anyone can come in and sing. Starting from 9 pm till close every 1st Thursday. (And actually we do Karaoke every Thursday not just 1st Thursday). Come in and sing your heart out...or just come in and watch and listen. Actual customer quote, "Some of the worst singing but the most fun they had every had!"
Studio Blue
212 N Ninth St •
Art
Join me, Kristen Edwards in my studio space for First Thursday to view a collection of finished works and an inside look at what’s currently in progress. My paintings are modern, contemporary, and industrial in feel, with a strong focus on texture. Originals, prints, and commissions available.
Studio Blue is located inside Boise Boba and up the stairs.
The Art Room Inc.
508 South 5th Street •
Art Food & Beverage
The Art Room features a new local artist every month. That means new art on the walls of the coffee shop, classes available to the public taught by the featured artist, and a free artist showcase every First Thursday. Join us each month in encouraging local artists and building the Art Room.
Our vision is to see a generation consumed by consumption experience revival in creation. Our mission is to serve Boise with art, coffee, and community and shine the light of Jesus.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Once a month on the first Thursday, the vibrant and eclectic space at The Funky Taco comes alive with an exciting evening of live music featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quartet. Pair their signature creative tacos and incredible plant-based fare with our unique form of jazz for a guaranteed unforgettable performance every time we take the stage.
Please check The Funky Taco's Facebook page for upcoming dates and specific event details!
Lenses & Brushes
404 S 8TH ST, L100 • 2085902612
Art Shop Food & Beverage
Clark Mazzio, a Boise-based photographer, is currently working on a self-directed project documenting Boise and the surrounding areas through film photography.
As rapid growth and new construction continue to reshape the Treasure Valley, Clark is turning his attention toward the older buildings, overlooked spaces, and remaining traces of Idaho’s past—preserving them on film while they are still here.
There is something especially fitting about documenting these places through an analog process. Clark’s photographs are created on film and will be primarily hand-printed in the darkroom, giving the project a physical permanence that reflects the history he is working to preserve.
Clark’s work will be on exhibition at Lenses & Brushes throughout the month of October.
Hemlock
500 S Capitol Blvd •
Food & Beverage Activity
Join us at the bar from 3–6 PM.
Indulge in:
Boise’s Best Burger.
Steak skewers. Oyster shooters. Gaucho meatballs.
Duck-fat potatoes. Fries. Marinated olives.
$7 drafts.
$9 select wines.
$10 classic cocktails.
Two Hemlock Happy Hour rituals to get the most of First Thursdays:
Hemlock Happy Meal
Haute Girl Dinner
Acero Boards & Bottles
801 West Main Street • 208-801-6896
Food & Beverage
All Day Happy Hour at Acero
For First Thursday, we’re extending our weekday $6 til 6 special all day long! Enjoy $6 glasses of wine and $6 beer pitchers from 11 AM–10 PM while you explore Downtown Boise.
Reserve wines excluded. First Thursday only.
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
Join us every First Thursday in Downtown Boise to experience Live Jazz performed by The Ohadi Trio inside the lobby of The Grove Hotel from 6pm-8pm!
City Hall Plaza
150 N Capitol Blvd • (208) 384-4422
Shop Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
We bring the Farmers Market to you! Every Thursday from 1 to 3:30, come and shop for all of the freshest local produce, meat, cheese, and bread at City Hall.
The Mobile Market is a partnership between City of Good and the Boise Farmers Market that strives to provide radical access to fresh, local food for all of our neighbors. We offer an entirely Choose-What-You-Pay model, which means that everyone is invited. The Mobile Market is for you!
Ron Guant Studios
•
Art Activity
Join Ron Gaunt in his studio during First Thursday!
He will be showcasing his work including his children book illustrations!
Stop by from 5-7pm on October 1st.
Boise Art Glass
1124 W Front St • (208) 345-1825
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
What's better than pumpkins? Glow-in-the-dark pumpkins!
In this 30 min class students will learn how to make glow-in-the-dark pumpkins! Your instructor will walk you through the process of making your very own spooky pumpkin just in time for Halloween. This class fills up fast so reserve your spot now!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be. This is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay to meet our dance community 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!
7:00pm—7:45pm
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class
7:45pm — 8:30pm
Social Dancing Party
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop
IN PURSUIT OF LIGHT: Solo Exhibition by Bill Garibyan
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 01 | 5-9PM
On View: September 29 - October 31
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of In Pursuit of Light, an exhibition celebrating the beauty that surrounds us and the quiet moments that invite us to pause and truly see it. Inspired by Goethe’s belief that we should experience “a beautiful picture every day,” this collection of landscapes explores light as both a physical presence and a reminder to remain open to wonder. Through changing skies, illuminated fields, distant mountains, and fleeting moments of color, the works invite viewers to step away from the worries of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.
At its heart, In Pursuit of Light is an invitation to slow down and notice the moments that awaken something within us—gratitude, stillness, and a renewed sense of wonder. Meet the artist, experience these luminous landscapes in person, and spend the evening reflecting on the beauty found in both the world around us and the moments we often overlook.
Alongside this exhibition, explore our current open-theme group show featuring local and national artists. This rotating presentation offers a dynamic mix of styles, media, and perspectives throughout the month.
While you're here, be sure to visit our curated gift shop, featuring small-format artworks, original pieces, and locally made artisanal goods perfect for unique gifts or something special for your own collection.
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
The Warehouse Food Hall is bringing live music to the heart of downtown Boise every First Thursday. Guests can enjoy performances from local artists while exploring 10+ food and drink vendors under one roof. With cold drinks, bold flavor, and no cover, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening and stay awhile.
Suite 104
280 N 8th St •
Music Food & Beverage
Suite 104 is a lively and welcoming cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Boise, serving up thoughtfully crafted cocktails, beer, and wine in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Happy Hour discounts are extended till the end of the night every First Thursday from 7–11pm! Hosted by local country music band leader Jace Kempke! Everyone 21+ is welcome, anyone can sign up to sing, and everyone is invited to come listen, drink, and enjoy!
8 Horses Lounge
199 N. 8th Street • 208-433-7800
Music Food & Beverage
Live music at 8 Horses Lounge with Vibeka Amador
Vibeka Amador is a Boise, Idaho–born Americana songwriter whose music blends indie folk, Appalachian folk, and indie pop with heartfelt, vulnerable storytelling. Raised in the foothills and high desert, she grew up absorbing music from her father’s truck radio and road trips, which sparked her lifelong passion for performance.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!